Track question(s)

[buddah]

I've been running the original track on my '03 LE with 144 Woody's studs. I'm considering going to a 1.25" Ripsaw unstudded. I ride pretty much exclusively the central U.P. and trails only with the RX-1. I still have my Viper for my "off-trail" excursions.

Comments and/or suggestions please?

(And I need them fairly quickly because I need to make a decision really quickly).

 

[LeeKo]

Buddha,

I just got on here to ask the same question. I damaged my 2003 track with 192 studs last weekend and just changed to the ripsaw. My dealer talked me out of studding it. I am going to run it next week but would be interested in any feedback.

Leeko

 

[LazyBastard]

No point in going halfway. Get a longer suspension and a longer track.

 

[NOS-PRO]

Hey Buddy Buddah!

Either the ripsaw, or like a 9330 or equivelent work great. The ripsaw is awesome, but I myself would put a minumum of 48 pics in to keep the icy corners safe, like up by Grand Marais. If you go with pics, the 1.18's work well. They are only .200 above the track lugs for icy corners, but will not bend over as much as the 1.25's, and won't tear up the track. Tom and I have 144 1.18's in the track and they are working great! See you soon, BUDDY!

 

[192 Woodys]

I had the 03 track and put on the rip saw just bucause I thought the 03 sucked. Big difference between the 2. Rip saw is MUCH better. I studded due to the conditions (ice in the corners) I get sometimes, but would recommend the ripsaw. Good track!!!

 

[buddah]

NOS,

Looking forward to it.

The one thing I forgot to mention is I'm thinking about the 1.25" Ripsaw. That necessitates the full-length custom tunnel protectors. I talked to Doc this A.M. and he said it's pretty much a full days' job to bend and install those .

Thanks for the feedback guys. Really looking forward to riding........SOON

 

[POWERHAULIC]

Ripsaws work well, but if you want to stud (I recomend it) you should use a six pitch in the 1" ht.

As LB said tho a 136" conversion at this time would be wise money spent!

 

[NOS-PRO]

Buddah - Are the protectors necessary? I didn't put them on mine, and I have a 1.25 picked track on my 03. Since I went with the 1.18's I didn't have to install protectors.

 

[welterracer]

I cant believe you have waited this long to upgrade.. The ripsaw is an awsome track...

It would be nice however to be able to spin the track when going threw corners.. like you are now..

Run 96 studs in it.. that it!

 

[ReX]

Why are you guys pushing a longer track?

I just bought an 05 RX-1 with a 121" track because I wanted the short track.

Most of the time I spend riding aggressively on groomed trails. I rarely do lake racing. My #1 requirement is maximized trail performance, especially cornering on tight, twisty trails.

IMO, a well tweaked setup a longer track won't handle as well as well tweaked short track on our trails.

 

[Gilbey]

Jim,

Just went with a 136 Ripsaw. Looks like a nice track, now just have to find the time to put it on!!@!

Delaminated my Challenger series last year, maybe that's why they discontinued it.

136ing it gives you a plusher ride on the Proaction skid. Also, the torque that this motor produces gives you a better hole shot with a longer track verses spinning in place.

Aggressive trail riding you WILL push a little more in corners verses the shorty.

Advantages on the longer far outweigh this though. I am also 80% aggressive trail.

You also do not want to go in the powder with this machine without a little longer track. You WILL get stuck in the deep stuff with the 121.

 

[buddah]

"......... You WILL get stuck in the deep stuff with the 121. "

I learned that one the hard way . Last year, next to last ride, Viper was acting up so I went for a "short ride" with one of my older buddies from near the house. Never dreamed it would turn into "boondocking". Silly me

I'm pretty much going to stay with the 121" though. No $$$ for the extension too plus I may get a Rage for boondocking.........if I can work out the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[LazyBastard]

Why are you guys pushing a longer track?

I just bought an 05 RX-1 with a 121" track because I wanted the short track.

Most of the time I spend riding aggressively on groomed trails. I rarely do lake racing. My #1 requirement is maximized trail performance, especially cornering on tight, twisty trails.

IMO, a well tweaked setup a longer track won't handle as well as well tweaked short track on our trails.

Because short track 121" was introduced for 600cc size engines. Its not enough traction for more power than that and as a result, they SHRED. I shredded two before I got smart and switched to 144". Trail handling was NOT compromised.

 

[ReX]

Because short track 121" was introduced for 600cc size engines. Its not enough traction for more power than that and as a result, they SHRED. I shredded two before I got smart and switched to 144". Trail handling was NOT compromised.

I'm surprized it shreds tracks. I've been running a 121", 1.25" lug, Camoplast 9860 on my '97 Storm for the past 3000 miles and it still looks new. It is pushing 146 hp, is clutched, weighs within 5 lbs of the 05 RX-1 and I drive it hard. I avoid spinning on rocks, etc., but that's about it.

The torque at the drive sproket is at least the same as the RX-1 during peak accelerations.

Also I find the Storm gets through deep snow ok as long as I hold the throttle pinned most of the time (with the speedometer at 70+ mph...) and don't try climbing any major hills (I have got it stuck many times though). Hopefully the RX-1 will be similar and can make it into my cottage in the middle of the winter too (the Storm was the first sled I owned that made it in every time).

As far as handling, there must be some compromise. Just looking at the physics of a long track on the ground and trying to rotate it about the vertical axis (unless you tip the back of the track upwards or something). Also the turning radius would have to increase if the entire track was on the ground.

 

[LazyBastard]

Turning radius doesn't change because the skis go where you point them.

Turning is no harder since rails are moved back to increase leverage.

Flotation is better from improved approach angle.

If you have that power and aren't spinning your track like an idiot (I mean the sled, not you), then there is something very inefficient about your driveline.