Who has removed tunnel protectors?

[apltx08]

I've read different threads on this subject, is it realy worth the effort to remove them, I'm not running studs and never will, those it realy cut down on ice build up to make worht while?

I'd appriciate some feed back from guys/gals that have removed them...'cause I've got my skid out right now and would make things easier to remove them, to get to the front rivets I think you have to remove the gas tank, I want to drill out rivets and make it a clean job and afterwards if the next owner wants to stud it he can easily re-install them.

 

[LazyBastard]

You can use a die grinder, dremel, or a drill to get the front rivets off without removing the tank.

 

[sobfrogg]

yes there was less ice build up.
\VERY easy to remove. As LB said a drill, die grinder, or something of that type works well.
I was in a hurry and used a air hammer w/ 12" chisel bit

 

[radta7]

Benefits is just the ice build up?

 

[sobfrogg]

The main reason was for clearance for my new track last season.

 

[Fast_Eddy]

i took mine out to fit a bigger track. used drill,die grinder and air chisle. it was a bit of a pain but not to bad.

 

[TBay Sledhead]

Didn't make any difference on my sled removing tunnel protectors. Went riding with another Attak after removal and compared ice buildup, both the same.

 

[mdkuni]

I have removed mine but did so just this summer so I have not ran it yet.

Removing the entire exhaust was not worth it to me. I drilled out the couple below the seat. Then used a sawzall to cut the protectors close to the front rivets and used a cold chisel and hammer to remove the front four rivets and the ones I could not reach under the muffler.

I am sure there will still be ice build up. The difference will be that the ice will not get stuck between the tunnel protectors and track. Which means I will not have to remove those chunks in the morning when I would rather be riding.

 

[LazyBastard]

Of course, no matter WHAT you do, there will always be *some* snow/ice sticking to the inside of the tunnel. And under certain conditions, it may not even help. But what you WON'T get with the tunnel protectors removed, is 50 pounds of ice. A little built up around the corners in the tunnel is fine. Its the 50 pound blocks that are the real problem.

 

[schmeg]

I agree with LB. I took mine off last year for the fitment of a 1.5 in track, and riding on groomed stuff, I used to have to clean out the tunnel at the end of the day in colder weather. Now it is a lot better. I can go several days now.

 

[1CrazySledder]

I took my seat and tank off and did it that way so I wouldn't have any "beat up" scuffs anywhere and I also didn't want any rivet heads bouncing around somewhere in my sled. It only takes about 20 minutes to remove everything to properly drill out the rivets. I did mine so I can run a 1.5" track. Now, I am putting them back in and running a studded 144X1.25. Sure glad I didn't destroy the protectors when I took them out. lol They will go right back in with no problems. Just a few rivets, and done.

While your in there, it may not hurt to look at other stuff, like exhaust donuts, wear spots, etc.

 

[Jeckylll]

I took my protectors off to install a 2" track. I didn't notice any ice buildup.