what is with the silly long snow flap??

[onlyblue]

i love my wifes new vector, we havent rode it much, but have noticed a problem, why the long snow flap? when u back up it gets sucked under.... it just looks kinda grandpa? and for what purpose? any ideas? i think she is gettin a short blue one soon...

 

[p0wd3rp1l0t]

they made the snowflap longer so it keeps the snow from just shootin underneath the flap. basically its so it keeps as much snow as possible inside the tunnel, for cooling purposes. it sounds like a lot of ppl r putting rear coolers, or heat exchangers on there new rs/rx sleds, cuz they do have a tendancy to overheat, or run a bit hot. u could go ahead and order a smaller flap from ur dealer, but make sure that u ride in good snow conditions otherwise u might end up packing snow in ur running boards...i have done that a few times

 

[garserio]

RS Snowflap is a pain in the butt!

I just rode 450 miles in Canada with sub-zero temps and the flap was a constant pain in the butt. The snow gets between the flap and the aluminum plate (with the 3 oval holes), melts from the muffler, and then creates a huge ice ball that weighs you down and deforms the flap. The only solution to this problem is to plug up those three oval holes, or add a rear heat exchanger becuase the cross tube just doesn't have enough area to melt these ice balls. I suppose a rear heat exchanger would be the best option becasue the Vector motor does run hot in marginal conditions, even when the air temps are below zero! Still, this sled is awesome...

Have fun,
Greg

 

[rock]

I had the same thing happen last week. I agree totally with the rear heat exchanger. It can't hurt and it certainly will help.

 

[p0wd3rp1l0t]

i havent had any problems with my rage backin up, but u guys might be SOL on the short vectors/ventures if they have that problem. anybody know what heat exchangers run for?

 

[rock]

I had a Viper a few years ago that overheated some and Yamaha sold the rear heat exchangers for $50. I suspect with enough people feeling it's a problem they will offer a similiar deal. Check with your dealer and make sure you mention you're having a problem with it.

 

[twomorestrokes]

short flap

I didn't open this thread until this weekend when I also backed over my flap while unloading from the trailer. Not happy, because I destroyed the flap and bent the aluminum bracket that holds it. My dumb mistake, but still thinking of using a shorter one while I have to replace it anyway. Does Yamaha offer the same design in a shorter length or do you have to go aftermarket? Also, how much shorter is it? I haven't experienced an overheating problem, even on warmer days, but I really don't want to start having one.

 

[rock]

twomorestrokes, Two things will pretty much eliminate the issue. One, the venture flap is shorter and your dealer can get that. Second, install a rear heat exchanger and you're all set.

 

[twomorestrokes]

thanks.

Thanks Rock. I'll look into that Venture flap. I'd like to keep a factory appearing flap on it. I'd rather not have to install a rear heat exchanger since it seems to be cool enough right now, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

First sled I've had with reverse. I wondered why it quit moving every time the track would contact the ground off the trailer...duh!

 

[rock]

twomorestrokes, I would prefer to not to put a rear heat exchanger on either. A couple of criteria would enter into my decision. First of all I would think about the area(s) I ride in. If it's a generally high snow area that's really cold I might opt to not install it. However, If I rode in marginal snow conditions or in warmer weather (i.e. a lot of spring riding) I would install it. As I've stated, it can't possibly hurt. You're not going to be running the sled too cool. Basically, it's a good call. The only thing that I can see that might hold people back is the $$. But, a hundred dollars or so is cheap to protect a $9000. investment.

 

[T-ReX1]

I also backed over my flap on the first ride and scuffed the lettering off. It looked terrible but the flap was fine so I took a scotchbrite and removed the chrome lettering. It looks ok with the lettering in black and is easier and cheaper than replacing the flap.

 

[scott boddie]

after going thru 4 rear flaps i bought a "W" bracket flap support from
www.hiperf.com $6.95 900 miles no flap problems again bracket looks like letter W keeps flap from flexing into track and studs

 

[p0wd3rp1l0t]

just talk to ur dealer bout gettin a flap for an older sled. i had a 2000 sxr and i wanted a blue snowflap so i ordered one, then i put it on, and now i have a rage, also ordered a blue flap for it. same rivet pattern, but rage flap has bout 3-4" more flap to it. it costs $30 for a new flap plus u can get a different color...makes sled look a little better!!

 

[rock]

Another option on the snowflap issue is to cleanly cut your existing flap right where it starts to jut out at the bottom. I had to do that to an SRX I had with reverse. It worked great and no one even knew it had been cut.

 

[p0wd3rp1l0t]

yeah a buddy of mine did that with his ski-doo. i believe he used one of those tools that racecars use to sheer off rubber....im blankin out here!! but it turned out very nice. he didnt have reverse, but he just wanted more roost...typical ski-doo driver