Ultra skid plate

[Mac21]

..I have just added a Ultra skid plate to my 2016 Venture MP...with the cylindrical spacers for the four engine bolts..it wasn't an easy install for me...had a lot of difficulty lining up the bolts and holes...instead of a easy, short install; it turned into a couple hours for me to get it all together...wondered if others have installed one of these and if there was something I may have missed in the install instructions...

..this is Yamaha part #SMA-8GR34-00-BK

 

[Mooseman]

I wasn't even aware that one was available for our sleds. Must be a fairly recent addition.

You don't happen to have pictures of it before and after installation?

 

[Mac21]

I wasn't even aware that one was available for our sleds. Must be a fairly recent addition.

You don't happen to have pictures of it before and after installation?

Hi there..
..here is a link to the skid plate before install...from Yamaha web page..

http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/eshop/de...oup=SM&unitYear=2016&items_per_page=12&page=5

..it's very thick plastic...high molecular density plastic...should provide better protection than what is there...the small flotation plate behind the front bumper is removed during install.. with removal of 4 rivets.

..if I can...I will try and post you a pic of it installed...those 4 bolts under engine were a real headache...was thinking after that if it had been warmer in work area..plus warmer plastic plate..maybe holes would have lined up better...maybe also the cylindrical sleeves might have made it harder to line everything up....it's done now...and looks pretty rugged and am pleased with it..a little added insurance against those unexpected rocks and stumps ..

 

[Mooseman]

It looks just like the one on my son's Phazer but his is narrower of course. I remember those metal spacers but weren't that bad to install on the Phazer. Maybe the measurements are too close for the MP and the holes could have been modified to fit better. I guess you also had to remove that plastic piece in the front bumper too. What about the stock bottom plate? Did you have to remove it too?

MP's do come with a "float plate" of sorts, which is what that front piece is part of, but nowhere near as beefy as that one. The VL, at the time it was produced, didn't come with it and just the skinny Phazer bumper.

 

[asmerch204]

I installed one on my '08 VL. Mine wasn't too bad, just had to make sure I only threaded the four bolts a couple of turns each before I torqued anything down. I also noticed that one of the mounts where the bolts thread into was bent up do to an impact. I straightened it with channel locks and was good to go. After an oil change or two, you'll get the hang of it!

 

[Mac21]

I installed one on my '08 VL. Mine wasn't too bad, just had to make sure I only threaded the four bolts a couple of turns each before I torqued anything down. I also noticed that one of the mounts where the bolts thread into was bent up do to an impact. I straightened it with channel locks and was good to go. After an oil change or two, you'll get the hang of it!

..just read this......".After an oil change or two, you'll get the hang of it!" ....all has to come off with an oil change...!...hopefully it won't be as bad as the initial install...this is my first snowmobile ...first oil change isn't due for a few months yet. was going through oil and filter change part of manual and noticed check your Yamaha dealer for oil filter change..is it that difficult to do it yourself? ...looks like I will have to research this as well..

 

[Mac21]

It looks just like the one on my son's Phazer but his is narrower of course. I remember those metal spacers but weren't that bad to install on the Phazer. Maybe the measurements are too close for the MP and the holes could have been modified to fit better. I guess you also had to remove that plastic piece in the front bumper too. What about the stock bottom plate? Did you have to remove it too?

MP's do come with a "float plate" of sorts, which is what that front piece is part of, but nowhere near as beefy as that one. The VL, at the time it was produced, didn't come with it and just the skinny Phazer bumper.

..the bottom stock plate remains...the two middle allen head bolts stay..the 4 outside are replaced with longer ones to accommodate the spacers and heavy plastic plate...the float front plate is removed and discarded...4 rivets..
....are you getting snow enough to use your sled yet? ...it's slowly building here...

 

[Mac21]

here's a pic of the installed ultra skid plate...

 

[provfisherman]

The Skinz (Yamaha) float plate designed for the Phazer also works on the MP. Just a slight mod with a heat gun on one side and redrilling the two back holes and viola, floatation plate for an MP. Helps supplement those tuner skis when in the deeper stuff.

 

[Mooseman]

....are you getting snow enough to use your sled yet? ...it's slowly building here...

Just a little more to open up the trails. Neighbouring club opened theirs, albeit in yellow conditions. Not much else open in Eastern Ontario.

 

[Pat tremblett]

Mooseman
You going to the yamaha test drive day tomorrow? Sunday Jan 24
It is at the osgoode clubhouse. I am thinking of going with a buddy of mine.

 

[Mooseman]

Unfortunately, I'm in the middle of night shifts. I already test drove what I wanted last year, a Venture TF. Enjoy the test drive.