Venture Lite/MP idlers

[Mooseman]

I'm planning on replacing most (if not all) of the idlers on my '07 Venture MP with bigger 135mm wheels to make my hyfax last longer (originals lasted only 600 Km). I've read just about every post regarding larger idlers using the Ski Doo 2 bolt mounts but I have a particular problem.

As per the image below, the two circled idlers are too close to the other idlers in front of them to use larger wheels. Would there be any harm in switching those to the outside of the track? Once the idlers in front have been modded, these would serve no purpose since they would hardly touch the track if left as is.

I will also be adding two sets of marginal snow wheel kits at the front and clipping the whole track.

 

[karl]

I don't think it matters if they are inside or out, the idlers just behind them are identical and run on the outside. my question is why would they not touch the track after you install the larger idlers - any idlers should run their track contact surface on the same plane as the hyfax no matter what diameter, otherwise you might as well be running a boggy system like the old days. Idlers just add more weight to the skid. Scratchers might be a lighter solution. Where did your hyfax wear out the worst? I installed the small low snow wheels at the curve of the rail and that helped significantly. edit - I have now read the posts that you mentioned and understand better what guys are doing, you must be running on hard packed trails a lot. It looks like some are having trouble with flex cracks, hyfax is cheap.

 

[Mooseman]

I have actually not run my sled on anything yet having just bought it used with only 600 Km on the odometer. Most of the wear was at the front in the curved portion to the first outer idler (see pic). The rest of the slide was worn about half.

I looked at the setup again and there are two sets of idlers I won't be able to convert to larger wheels since they are part of the suspension. The mounts would require a fair bit of machining due to the wider 6205 bearings. Since I'll be using Doo bearing mounts, it will be easy to cut them down to bring them back to the proper position for the other idlers. I was just wondering if there is any rhyme or reason for Yamaha engineers to place wheels on the inside instead of the outside of the rails.

I just find it strange (disappointing actually) that a new sled with only 600 Km went through slides like this when my old Safaris with old rusty clips last 1000's of Km. Seems to be a common issue on all newer Yamahas where we're left on our own to remedy it.

 

[yam177]

Chris at Schmidt Broths Machines the shaft to allow larger wheel. He also has a kit to mount them in other spots

 

[fraolib]

it seems like for me the first set of sliders allways go quick. ive been told its the new track

 

[karl]

hey Mooseman, I pulled up the limiter strap to change the approach angle and then put the Yamaha small low snow wheels where your picture shows the wear. I haven't had any trouble with the hyfax since. although I ride in loose snow most days. I think the idlers in your first picture are one in one out to balance the leverage on the rail. My MP did not have those idlers when I bought it. the dealer gave them to me as an upgrade about a month after I got it.

 

[Mooseman]

Yep, I'm adding two sets of those small idlers at that spot (called marginal snow wheel kits). One where the the wear starts just behind the limiter strap and the other in between it and the first idler. It's expensive ($90 per set) but I want longevity. That's why I'm also swapping the idlers for alrger ones and clipping the whole track. Problem is that getting clips at a reasonable price will be a challenge. Kimpex doesn't list them for this sled or the track and doesn't give the dimensions of their clips. Motovan doesn but are back ordered. I'll have to do some research to find the proper ones.

I thought about adjusting the limiter strap up a bit. I figure that most of the wear is caused by the weight of the driver which is at the same place as the wear. This may shift the weight more to the back of the track, causing more wear there, basically spreading out the wear. The large wheels should help in that respect.

If anybody has a Kimpex part number for track clips for the Camoplast track, it would be appreciated.

 

[karl]

The wear occurs there because it is the point of highest deflection of the track after coming off the drivers onto the skid frame. I have also started to run the track a bit looser than spec. It can be run loose just to the point before ratcheting under heavy acceleration. the rest of the hyfax after the curve in the rail will last a long time if it stays lubricated with snow.

 

[Mooseman]

Since I will be running mostly on groomed trails, I may run into packed snow conditions, possibly some road runs and lake crossings. Hyfax wear seems to be a common issue with most late model Yamahas but may be more with those running their machines a bit faster than what most would.

Karl, how long do yours last? Have you noticed if they wore down to a point and then just sorta stopped wearing down? That's something others have noticed. Possibly they wear down to the point the wheels start bearing more weight.

Another consideration on longevity for me is that I will be gone on a business trip all of February so I don't want my son or wife wearing down the slides to the rails. They have hinted they would be using it during my absence

 

[Vincenthdfan]

Chris at Schmidt Broths Machines the shaft to allow larger wheel. He also has a kit to mount them in other spots

How might I get in touch this person??

Im interested in the machined mounts and the kit to mount them in other spots that your speaking of.

Thanks,
Vince

 

[karl]

I extended the rails and installed a 159"x16"x2" challenger track and at that time installed full length "high performance wide slides" from Yamaha. At the same time I installed the small "low snow wheel kit" at the curve in the rails. I have about 1200km on this set up and see no appreciable wear. The Hyfax has a bit of a wave wear pattern - thick at the idlers, both large and small and a bit more wear between idlers. I think the worst wear is stopped by the low snow kit installed at the curve of the rail. The challenger track is fully clipped and I generally ride loose snow conditions so get good lubrication.

 

[marpolsdofer]

Im not oging to post it becaues of addvertisment issues but go to google type in Schmidt bros motorsports and its under suspenion parts, HYGEAR SUSPENSION has some to and it's $15 cheaper (very bottomof page). Both site's have pics.

 

[BombaPolaYama]

I'm planning on replacing most (if not all) of the idlers on my '07 Venture MP with bigger 135mm wheels to make my hyfax last longer (originals lasted only 600 Km). I've read just about every post regarding larger idlers using the Ski Doo 2 bolt mounts but I have a particular problem.

.

600Km - That is not very good! I have 7700Km on mine and they need to be replaced before the season but they are not worn to the wear mark yet. I to will be adding low snow wheels to reduce the wear at the curve in the rail.

 

[Mooseman]

Because my wear was so severe, I put two sets in the curve. One about an inch or so behind the strap bar, the other right against the bolt that holds the first set of inner idlers. At $90 per set, it is expensive but the time of having to change slides and the reliability is worth even more, which could take time away from riding. Now I'm just waiting for my Doo idlers and mounts to come in (another ~$100).

With our first storm today, took it out for the first time around the house. Sweet ride compared to my old Safaris. Hope the trails open up on the weekend.

 

[campsleder]

I tightened up the limiter straps1" made a big differance ion handeling also ! My hayfax wore out in 1600 km the first season break the new ones in right they ware fast then stop.
Does it matter if if the low snow wheels are on the inside or outside ?