sandmanmike1
New member
I recently installed a 2000 Venture skid in my 94 Vmax 600 ST longtrack. The thing is killing me. Seems to ride worse than stock suspension. What are some key things I can do. I am in Au Train right now. Ready to geta new polaris but I really don't want to give up on yamaha. I know this sled has some potential to get me until I can get a new 4 stroke in 2 years. I use 8 gallons friend uses 2 in his RS Rage. Can anyone check out sled tonite. We are planning a long ride ride tommorrow and not sure if spine can take it. This is bouncing like crazy. I have rear shock in the all the way up position. The preload adjuster is 1 click from softest setting and rear transfer rods are in factory position and i think they are non adjustable. Also I have a midrange bog. Could that be a clutch problem. It is strong out of the hole but from 50 to 70 seems a little slow. Help me change my mind. I have been die hard yamaha since I was a kid.
Yamahammer485
Member
Clean your clutches, that is the most likely reason for your bog, or belt is worn out.
As for bouncing in your skid, that usually signifies blown shocks. If you didnt check them before installing the new skid then maybe that is the problem. Also, there is a selector which you adjust with a wrench which goes from softest, to medium, to hardest, not sure if you tried with that or not but it makes quite a difference. Then, there is your different shock rates, such as for me, my front shock is set up soft and rear is stiff for better wear on sliders, and I have my limiter straps all the way out. It bottoms on occaisonally on the hardest of hard bumps but otherwise is comfortable.
As for bouncing in your skid, that usually signifies blown shocks. If you didnt check them before installing the new skid then maybe that is the problem. Also, there is a selector which you adjust with a wrench which goes from softest, to medium, to hardest, not sure if you tried with that or not but it makes quite a difference. Then, there is your different shock rates, such as for me, my front shock is set up soft and rear is stiff for better wear on sliders, and I have my limiter straps all the way out. It bottoms on occaisonally on the hardest of hard bumps but otherwise is comfortable.
Exciter570
Member
Are you sure that you mounted the skid so that your pivot points are the same. this can cause problems, if your pivot points are off your ride will suffer. I just put a '03 RX-1 (same basic skid as yours, mine is just a 121 and not the long track) skid under my '95 Vmax 600 and it is now a whole new sled. It used to ride like a tank and now has a very nice comfortable ride and I am very happy with it.
vmaxjohn
New member
I'll go ahead and assume you mounted the skid correctly, and help ya tune the thing.
softening a Proaction skis won't making it ride softer over bumps...you need to set the preload on the rear shock for your weight! Lay across the seat and look at the control rod spacer gaps, little white plastic spacers on the rods.
You should start with the gaps at 50/50 top and bottom. If it's all on top, you need to increase preload on the rear spring.
The center shock controls how the skid pivots when getting on and off the gas, and can make or break the ride. I like mine a little on the stiffer side, as it allows me to pivot the sled in the corners, and helps off trail too. Keep in mind, this shock works with the limiter straps, let them out and you've got less steering ability, tighten them and you've got more weight on the skis. Play with it!
Get to this point, and you'll know what to change to make it do what you want. Sorry we couldn't hook up for the TY ride, I'm sure we could have figured out your suspension in Munising!
Good luck!
softening a Proaction skis won't making it ride softer over bumps...you need to set the preload on the rear shock for your weight! Lay across the seat and look at the control rod spacer gaps, little white plastic spacers on the rods.
You should start with the gaps at 50/50 top and bottom. If it's all on top, you need to increase preload on the rear spring.
The center shock controls how the skid pivots when getting on and off the gas, and can make or break the ride. I like mine a little on the stiffer side, as it allows me to pivot the sled in the corners, and helps off trail too. Keep in mind, this shock works with the limiter straps, let them out and you've got less steering ability, tighten them and you've got more weight on the skis. Play with it!
Get to this point, and you'll know what to change to make it do what you want. Sorry we couldn't hook up for the TY ride, I'm sure we could have figured out your suspension in Munising!
Good luck!
sandmanmike1
New member
It is a 2 up suspension. What should I have front shock set at. I am unsure of the condition of the rear shock. It is a hydraulic shock. I do not want to put money into it to get a new shock if the ride is still gonna suck. I borrowed the measurement for mounting from my friends 97 venture and took my time to be sure mounting holes were on. Suspension cycles right to the ground without shocks installed without any binding. It is my understanding that if you are a 1/4 inch it will bind. Starts on first or second pull if ridden daily. Takes about 4 pulls if it sits awhile. went thru almost a gallon of oil for about 180 miles riding. Does anyone live in southeast MI that could give sled a once over. I am about 20 minutes south of detroit. Next year I may ride with the TY guys. Friends were stubborn about hitting forest service rodes that were not on the map. I prefer the rode less travelled. Main trails sucked this weekend. The off shoots were pretty good.
You have to remember a two up suspension is for a weight in excess of 350 lbs...How much do you weigh? Need to put softer springs in it. You could try to loosen up everything , put it all on softest settings as posible . Might get you close . But you really need to change springs!
sandmanmike1
New member
I really wish I would've cancelled with my friends and rode with TY. I think they are my friends. Not sure anymore. I got upset because nobody was riding enough and they were not willing to do any lesser travelled trails. We only rode for 172 miles in 3 days. That is one day of riding. I spoke my mind they got attitude. I myself like to just hit off trails for a few hours then pull out map and GPS and figure out where I am at later. It's part of the adventure. The fly by and miss all the good stuff. They stay on main trails exclusively and still get turned around without me. I will definately ride with TY next year or just go with family. The www.reelinn.com in au train is a great place to stay. Mike the owner has alot of class. Great guy. Cabin was $200.00 a night and could sleep up to 10 but 8 is more comfortable. Cabin had 7 full beds 1 pull out couch 2 bathrooms hot tub. and heated garage. With radiant floor heat.
Dave_Vmax600
New member
Exciter570 said:
Got any pics of that ?
sandmanmike1
New member
Of the skid swap? I will take some this week. I was just mad about how my weekend went. I can't jump ship. With the help of TY I can get a few more years from the old VMAX. Is yamaha completely done with the 2 strokes. I rode the RS Rage it was nice heavy feeling but nice. Suspension was really nice. I would like to ride a sled with new suspension but with a 2 stroke. Not sold on 4 stroke yet. I am taking shock off tommorrow to inspect. What all do I need to do to the clutch to restore performance after 4400 miles of use?
sandmanmike1
New member
I pulled the shock and yes it was dead. Again TY comes thru. Clutches will be gone thru this week. Still no rideable snow in the lower over in the Baldwin area so I am going thru everything.
n2oiroc
New member
check your oil pump cable. the spot where you check the gap can pop out and make the pump go really rich.
sandmanmike1
New member
That has been checked. The return spring on the pump arm looks like it may be broken. I am going to check it while I am waiting on shock. 175 miles and went thru about 3/4 of a gallon.