Tunnel protectors for a sidewinder

[langow]

Not my sled, but want do you all think happened here?

 

[Motorhead]

Not my sled, but want do you all think happened here?

Yep, studs lined up with protector.

 

[langow]

So regardless of protectors or not, I want to avoid the center?

 

[KnappAttack]

Not my sled, but want do you all think happened here?

Someone wasn't thinking clearly there!

Someone put the center protector in and then decided it was OK to stud the center of the track. That wasn't very smart!

 

[Blue Dave]

I have not purchased my studs yet but I was told by Ben at Turbo Dynamics that I should purchase the tunnel protectors from STM as they are thicker than the Yamaha protectors and because they cover the entire tunnel in addition to the rear heat exchanger.

The tunnel section is covered by two protectors on each side end to end to cover the entire length of the tunnel. The reason for two end to end on each side is because the tunnel is tipped up towards the rear so it can not accept one long continuous protector. The rear heat exchanger is covered by two protectors (none for the middle). I have attached a picture of the STM protectors for a 137" Sidewinder. Once I have them installed I will post another picture.

As far as the question about installing a protector down the middle of the rear heat exchanger I would think that common sense would dictate that this should not be done if you are studding the center of the track as it will result in damage as shown in the picture posted by langow of a nameless owners mess.

 

[**sj**]

I have not purchased my studs yet but I was told by Ben at Turbo Dynamics that I should purchase the tunnel protectors from STM as they are thicker than the Yamaha protectors and because they cover the entire tunnel in addition to the rear heat exchanger.

The tunnel section is covered by two protectors on each side end to end to cover the entire length of the tunnel. The reason for two end to end on each side is because the tunnel is tipped up towards the rear so it can not accept one long continuous protector. The rear heat exchanger is covered by two protectors (none for the middle). I have attached a picture of the STM protectors for a 137" Sidewinder. Once I have them installed I will post another picture.

As far as the question about installing a protector down the middle of the rear heat exchanger I would think that common sense would dictate that this should not be done if you are studding the center of the track as it will result in damage as shown in the picture posted by langow of a nameless owners mess.

Dead nuts on... if these were out when I studded it would be my plan.

 

[Hammer70]

I put my center protector in,how would you remove it after it has been glued in any suggestions.

 

[KnappAttack]

I put my center protector in,how would you remove it after it has been glued in any suggestions.

Grinder or some type of cutoff wheel.

 

[Hammer70]

Yes

Grinder or some type of cutoff wheel.

yes I’m thinking that would be the only way

 

[**sj**]

If youre thinking of removing to stud in the center... I'd think twice as its not advisable to go in the center inch or so of the track anyways..

 

[ROCKERDAN]

Dont stud center if you have a center protector, that is common sense as studs in center will hit that center protector.

Mike wants more scratch lines, so he is going into that center area, so he wont be using that center protector, very clear and correct.

Lots of thoughts and theories on studding patterns/lengths ect...Many guys dont bother with center area as their is less penetration the further you get away from rails and wheels. Some stay out of the center due to the vents in frontward section of tunnel that stick down a bit. Both good points and some use these rules whole others dont. No right or wrong here.

Over a season now of consensus("wisdom of the crowd") and that conclusion seems to be around 1.450'' max will NOT hit those louvers, so place them where you like(and do NOT install center rear protector if you plan to stud extreme center) and you should be fine overall. If you go bigger, you start to get into the area where you "may" touch those louvers, even though we have several guys running 1.575'' within that area of the louver and not a scratch. I would say OVER 1.575 you would want to remain outside of those louvers AND it may be smart to consider the full coverage protector down to the front. But you now have much less area for scratch lines with this route, although more penetration.

So pick your poison.....Im not a big drag racer guy so I chose a nice trail pattern/Qty and length......1.450 Gold Diggers averaging 3 per bar (2/4/2/4) with the factory CAT protectors(3 pieces with glue/screw) installed.(YAM were out of stock but i assume same kit)

Dan

 

[Blue Dave]

Mmmm.... what to do? I am not a big drag racer but I want to be able to spank my 850 Doo buddies when they want to line up on a lake if I need to. LOL!

However at the end of the day it is the safety and peace of mind that I really want. I refuse to go outside of the rails even though I know that this is the best area for penetration if you have outside wheels. I have had all of my pull outs on the outside of the wheels on previous sleds.

 

[**sj**]

do what makes you feel comfortable...25 years of studding the outside bands and not one pullout ...

 

[waldo1]

i put my 3rd one in this season for protection from rocks - alot of dents up in there - newbees install studs in the center of the track and theyll hit that 3rd center one hard - so they went to 2 instead of 3 like last year....

 

[Riceburner]

i put my 3rd one in this season for protection from rocks - alot of dents up in there - newbees install studs in the center of the track and theyll hit that 3rd center one hard - so they went to 2 instead of 3 like last year....