Viper Comments

[Nytros rule]

Im sorry I got involved in the side track of chain tension on this thread. It started out to be about comments about Vipers at warmup shelters, gas stations on the trail etc.
Last weekend A friend (blue and white XTX)and I (red and black XTX) Met up with an older couple (later 60"s to early 70"s) at a warmup shelter and the guy was looking over the sleds with comments like (boy are those pretty machines) and (wow does that 4 stroke sound nice) I thought there was going to be a wet spot in the front of his pants.

 

[TestMaster]

I had the chain case open for 2 reasons, 1, I always open the chain case when/to change oil so I can clean all the chain/sprocket wear particulate out, and 2, I wanted to see what the Cat setup looked like.
Observations.
I really don't like the Cat reverse, it is more complex with the second chain and additional gears.
I really like the Cat reverse because it is geared down and much more user friendly to use.

Great post, loved your don't and do like analysis, looked at my 1998 SRX and 2001 Venture owners manual yesterday for chain adjustment. 98 SRX no reverse, 01 Venture w/reverse, and both call for tighten to finger tight with no back off. Still looking for my 1980 SS440 owners manual but I think it's at a friends cottage. Interesting comparison then and now!

 

[stingray719]

I had the chain case open for 2 reasons, 1, I always open the chain case when/to change oil so I can clean all the chain/sprocket wear particulate out, and 2, I wanted to see what the Cat setup looked like.
Observations.
I really don't like the Cat reverse, it is more complex with the second chain and additional gears.
I really like the Cat reverse because it is geared down and much more user friendly to use.

Great post, loved your don't and do like analysis, looked at my 1998 SRX and 2001 Venture owners manual yesterday for chain adjustment. 98 SRX no reverse, 01 Venture w/reverse, and both call for tighten to finger tight with no back off. Still looking for my 1980 SS440 owners manual but I think it's at a friends cottage. Interesting comparison then and now!

Whatever chain and gears/sprockets setup you are looking at overtight is always a disaster. Always lean to the loose side when adjusting instead of overtight. In my expeience this applies to all chain gears/sprockets. Once again just my opinion.

Side note, 90's Cat triple 800 with 900 cylinders check and adjust chain every trip and replace chain 2 to 3 times a year....lol....could be worse