700
Member
Hi Guys, I've spent all morning on the computer learning about my new sled and this looks like the place to ask questions 
Anyway, I just got a 98 SRX700 and took it for the first real ride 30 miles last night. Right from the start, when I would let off on the throttle it would bog down and not go again until I'd stop and let it idle for a minute or so or usually if I'd shut it off and restart it it would go. It idles fine until you try to go then it barely runs and backfires. It runs good once you get going. After reading many threads, I'm thinking TORS, What do you guys think? I can't look at it until tonight so I don't know if it's still hooked up or not. I can try bypassing it tonight.
Also, the previuos owner lost the key so the igition switch is unplugged so it will run, could this be why the heater grips don't work? I also got scared when I read about the crankshaft issue with thes sleds. Is there anyway I can tell if mine has been fixed? Hope that's not too many questions for one thread.
Thanks, 700
Anyway, I just got a 98 SRX700 and took it for the first real ride 30 miles last night. Right from the start, when I would let off on the throttle it would bog down and not go again until I'd stop and let it idle for a minute or so or usually if I'd shut it off and restart it it would go. It idles fine until you try to go then it barely runs and backfires. It runs good once you get going. After reading many threads, I'm thinking TORS, What do you guys think? I can't look at it until tonight so I don't know if it's still hooked up or not. I can try bypassing it tonight. Also, the previuos owner lost the key so the igition switch is unplugged so it will run, could this be why the heater grips don't work? I also got scared when I read about the crankshaft issue with thes sleds. Is there anyway I can tell if mine has been fixed? Hope that's not too many questions for one thread.
Thanks, 700adam4by4
New member
Most cranks have been fixed just call your local dealership they should be able to find out for you. My 98 did the same thing this year when I first took it out, it turns out my throttle cable was getting stuck on a bolt on the handle bar goose neck under the foam pad on the handle bars causing the TORS to kick in, additionally if your TORS is kicking in theres a reason for it. Clean them carbs and inspect the throttle cables if they look good you may have to check into the TORS itself but most people bypass it just remember if it throws you off and your throttle sticks just plan on getting an apex next year ! Oh yeah and congrats on buying one of the fastest funnest 700's ever!
If your crank has been fixed there should be some numbers scribed into the crankcases on the clutch side. Also, if there is no problem yet you probably won't experience one. The crank problems showed up very early on in the SRX's life. There would be a very noticable loss of power and a vibration in the handlebars. It definately sounds like you have a problem with your TORS. Make sure you have lots of slack in your throttle cable and also try the bypass like you said. They are a great sled overall. Hope you enjoy it.
700
Member
Will the dealer know if it's been fixed by the VIN? It doesn't seem like the Thottles are sticking at all, although they probably need cleaning along with the power valves. I think if it's the TORS it's probaly a cable or false reading? Also this is the first BIG sled Ive had (kinda happened into it by accident) My other is a Po***is 440 liquid. This machine is snappier and faster, but I'll have to say I expected a little more out of it. How big of a differance can cleaning the powervalves make? I haven't even looked at the clutch yet. Thanks, 700adam4by4 said:
p.s. I think the machine is all stock with about 3,000 miles on it.
adam4by4
New member
700 said:
Like someone else said there should be some numbers scribed into the crankcase on the clutch side!
Something must be wrong with it then clean the p-valves and carbs these things are by no means slouch! My first ride on one and I had a grinn from ear to ear! And as you are expecting more then good luck because there isnt much that has more out there in the 700 class but coming from a 440 liquid you should have been scared to death. LOL Oh yeah get yourself a clutch kit and stud it you wont be dissapointed
700
Member
adam4by4 said:
Yes this is what I was expecting! (and hoping for)
I failed to mention that it does have studs.(another new item to me) and I love the way it stops and grabs on launch! I haven't gotton too carried away because 1: this Bogging thing and 2: I don't have a spare belt yet! I'll check for the numbers by the clutch as mentioned and check the TORS tonight then report back tommorow. Thanks for the quick responses! 700
YAMAHIZAL700
New member
Not to be negative or be the one to spoil your new best toy but before you get to wrapped up with everything else do a compression check on her to make sure your to spec. Do a search here for the 98 srx compression and then at least you have eliminated the biggest issue you could have. I know it sounds bad but I as well bought my first yamaha which is a 99 srx 700 last year and like you I thought to myself big deal this thing isnt that fast. Also I kept fowling plugs and had no top end power. I took it to a dealer to have it gone through and to my amazment needed two cylinders and two pistons. Boy was I ticked. But Ill tell you what, after I had my first ride with the motor running the way it supposed to, Dude all I can say is hold on to the handle bars cause these things are fasssssst! I know it seems like im trying to scare you but just letting you know the possibility is there. Ive ridden all the other 700's out there and in my opinion this is the only on e that still scares me a little bit. Hopefully it s somthing simple but if it is not once you get her right youll be in love for sure.
700
Member
Moving forward!
Well last night I bypased the TORS and viola, no more bog or missfire! I took it for 10 mile ride and it ran perfectly. I had my 4 year old girl with me so I didn't exactly get on it
I am 100% sure that took care of that problem, now I just want some peace of mind about the crank. I couldn't see any numbers stamped by the clutch. If I call a dealer with my serial number can they tell me if it's been fixed? I could feel a small vibration in the handle bars last night but only because I was looking for it. I wouldn't think it was out of the ordinary. I plan on getting a new ignition switch to see if that fixes the heater grips or can a dealer make a key from my serial number? Thanks again guys, 700
Well last night I bypased the TORS and viola, no more bog or missfire! I took it for 10 mile ride and it ran perfectly. I had my 4 year old girl with me so I didn't exactly get on it
I am 100% sure that took care of that problem, now I just want some peace of mind about the crank. I couldn't see any numbers stamped by the clutch. If I call a dealer with my serial number can they tell me if it's been fixed? I could feel a small vibration in the handle bars last night but only because I was looking for it. I wouldn't think it was out of the ordinary. I plan on getting a new ignition switch to see if that fixes the heater grips or can a dealer make a key from my serial number? Thanks again guys, 700
YAMAHIZAL700
New member
Glad to hear the great news 700. Big difference in power huh? On you heater grips, it is the ignition switch thats making them not work. I lost my key conviently last year as well and the dealer told me the best thing to do is remove your ignition box from your sled and take it to your local locksmith. They should have no problem making you a key. I left mine there and 2 hours later they called me to come pick it up. Should be 20 bucks for the first key and another 2 for a spare. Easy fix! Good luck!
700
Member
Things are looking up!
Just talked to the dealer and they had record of the crank being fixed on 1/27/99. I'm very glad to here this! They also said they use the local locksmith to make keys so that's the next step. I will also do a compression check and start the maintenance process. Thanks for all the help guys! 700
Just talked to the dealer and they had record of the crank being fixed on 1/27/99. I'm very glad to here this! They also said they use the local locksmith to make keys so that's the next step. I will also do a compression check and start the maintenance process. Thanks for all the help guys! 700
iahacker
Member
700...If you are used to an old 440 sled, please be careful on your 700 SRX. I used to ride 440 SRX's years ago and still can't believe how fast my 700 is.
I learned very quickly that these newer sleds are much faster than you realize: Early on I nearly hit other sleds and ran off a corner of a trail cause I didn't realize how quick these are. Last year a friend of mine who also rode 440 SRX's got a Polaris 700 Edge. He too didn't realize how quick the new sleds are. On the first day out, I watched him skim a patch of water. He didn't realize the speed and...broad sided one of the other guys riding with us and both crashed into a steep sand bar. Both sleds got up-side down with both riders under them. Both riders ended up o.k. other than being sore. The sleds suffered some damage including cracked hoods and broken wind shields.
Make fun of me if you like...I don't care. I'm just giving advice from experience to make you think a little and keep from getting hurt.
Have fun. SRX 700's rock!
I learned very quickly that these newer sleds are much faster than you realize: Early on I nearly hit other sleds and ran off a corner of a trail cause I didn't realize how quick these are. Last year a friend of mine who also rode 440 SRX's got a Polaris 700 Edge. He too didn't realize how quick the new sleds are. On the first day out, I watched him skim a patch of water. He didn't realize the speed and...broad sided one of the other guys riding with us and both crashed into a steep sand bar. Both sleds got up-side down with both riders under them. Both riders ended up o.k. other than being sore. The sleds suffered some damage including cracked hoods and broken wind shields.
Make fun of me if you like...I don't care. I'm just giving advice from experience to make you think a little and keep from getting hurt.
Have fun. SRX 700's rock!
YAMAHIZAL700
New member
Sounds like good advice if you asked me. I agree!
I am sure once you use the key or plug your ignition in your hand warmers will work , the same thing happend to me last week I forgot my key at home so I unpluged the ignition & started the sled but no hand warmers. my 98 Srx has 3300 miles on it & runs like a raped ape, one thing I would like to find out about is the crank program if it was performed on my sleigh, so your dealer runs your vin# to find out?
SRXdude
New member
I would diagnose that TORS problem and get it hooked back up! This is the only line of defense against a stuck throttle (unless someone put a tether on it and you are using it). The first time the throttle is stuck open when starting it up, you will get a good view of what your sled looks like running, except without you on it.
I saw a guy have a stuck carb on a SkiDont once and he was too manly to use the tether (at that time it was all Skidoo had). He pulled the cord and it took off right quick. He grabbed the handlebar and it took off and got drug enought to slap the kill switch.
Do it.
I saw a guy have a stuck carb on a SkiDont once and he was too manly to use the tether (at that time it was all Skidoo had). He pulled the cord and it took off right quick. He grabbed the handlebar and it took off and got drug enought to slap the kill switch.
Do it.
700
Member
No offense taken
Thanks for the replies guys! This is all VERY sound advice. I do know that it is easy to get carried away on these high powered sleds and end up in serious trouble, I almost ended up with my neck in a barb wire fence a few years back (took out the two lower wires out of three) I was not familiar with the trail and was going to fast. I appreciate all the comments here.
SRXGTO67, I just gave the dealer the serial number and he checked it out and called me back saying the bulletin was completed Jan. 99 at another dealer. I'm having a key made at the local locksmith. He can take the stamped ID on the switch and make a key.
Thanks again guys! 700
Thanks for the replies guys! This is all VERY sound advice. I do know that it is easy to get carried away on these high powered sleds and end up in serious trouble, I almost ended up with my neck in a barb wire fence a few years back (took out the two lower wires out of three) I was not familiar with the trail and was going to fast. I appreciate all the comments here.
SRXGTO67, I just gave the dealer the serial number and he checked it out and called me back saying the bulletin was completed Jan. 99 at another dealer. I'm having a key made at the local locksmith. He can take the stamped ID on the switch and make a key.
Thanks again guys! 700