Even when you think you've done everything, there is always room for more. You might have great horsepower and perfect snowmobile suspension, or tuned your clutches exactly to your liking. Within those clutches exists a hidden horsepower offering superior performance.
First, see how much clearance you have between the clutch sheaves and the drive belt. If there is excess, it will reduce your acceleration and top speed. This variance can be seen when two identical new sleds race and one is faster than the other.
To check your clearance, slide the drive belt to one side of the clutch shaft. Slide a feeler gauge between the sheave and the side of the belt. Ideally you should have a clearance of .010"to .020"at the max. This perfect range is even more important than the setting you might have for your snowmobile suspension.
Mark once, measure twice. Take these measurements again with a new belt if your clearance does not fall within this specific range. There's no need to mess around with the clutch if your only issue is a worn drive belt.
In order to adjust the clearance, remove the spider and either add or subtract shims as you need to. Check your dealer for more shims if you need them. Special tools for clutch service and spider removal are also available, as well as those for snowmobile suspension.
Another factor of snowmobile performance is clutching system cleanliness. When clean, clutch sheaves grab the belt best. Often times oil, grease, gasoline, rubber build-up, or even mold cause slippage and decrease your power.
Alcohol, petroleum, cleaning solvents, and other chemical-based products should never be used to clean belts and clutches, as they cause even greater slippage. To combat rubber build-up, use steel wool to scrub the area as well as you can. Wash the clutch faces in the hottest soapy water possible, and then wipe or air blow dry.
Use 180-grit sandpaper for particularly stubborn areas, while taking care to prevent forming low spots. Follow the same procedures listed above to remove contaminates, only this time using a medium to soft bristle brush. Don't forget to clean the clutch compartment, too.
At Zbroz Racing, we are dedicated to making sure you're outdoors having fun with a smooth ride by offering ATV shocks, snowmobile shocks, ATV suspension, and snowmobile suspension fitting brands like Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris, Suzuki, Yamaha, can-am, and DRR ATV. ZbrozRacing 695 West 1700 South Logan, UT 84321 435-753-7774 www.zbrozracing.com
Snowmobiles originated from military technology. The rubber tracks used on military off-road vehicles proved to work well in snow. Canadian Joseph-Armand Bombardier used this technology to create his first multi-passenger large snowmobiles. Later the design was adapted to smaller vehicles and his first Ski-Do was sold in 1959.
There are four major components to make them work: an engine, clutch, tracks, and skis. Adding a windshield and seat similar to those found on motorcycles added to their usefulness as well. The ride is made more comfortable with a good set of snowmobile shocks.
The engine used is similar to those found in personal watercraft and powers the track drive. This large gear mechanism rotates the tracks, making the machine move. The faster the engine goes, the faster the tracks turn and the faster you go.
The clutch system is a pulley-based CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission.) There are two pulleys connected by the drive belt. The Primary clutch is on top of the engine and has a pressure spring that holds it's two halves apart when the engine rpm is low. During acceleration, the clutch weights generate centrifugal force, closing the clutch and allowing the belt to move to transmit power.
The Secondary clutch is connected to the track drive and turns the wheels for powering the tracks. This clutch also has a spring mechanism that operates cams that are sensitive to torque. When the engine's rpm rises, the primary clutch transmits power and the cams squeeze to tighten the belt.
This process continues throughout acceleration. Once top speed is reached, the primary clutch closes and the belt is moved into a higher gear. Less power is needed to maintain speed, so the secondary clutch now opens. Shifting between gears happens smoothly throughout the process.
The tracks are similar to tank tracks, except they are made out of lightweight materials like rubber. The tracks spread the weight out over a greater surface area, allowing travel on soft, slippery and unstable terrain and keep it from sinking in the snow. Sharp studs can also be added to the tracks for greater resistance to slipping in icy conditions.
Instead of using the tracks for steering like tanks do, there is a handlebar/ski mechanism instead, similar to the way a bike is maneuvered. The handlebars are connected to skis mounted on the bottom, and turning them turns the machine. Snowmobile shocks not only improve the rider's comfort, it can also help them stay in better control. Snowmobile shock technology has improved greatly over the years.
Zbroz Racing carries ATV Shocks, snowmobile shocks, ATV suspension, and Snowmobile suspension parts. We carry many brands, including Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris, Suzuki, can-am, DRR ATV, and Yamaha.
ATV riding trails are everywhere. With the popularity of ATV riding and racing on the rise, there has been a surge in the number of ATV trails. To find these trails, you will have to do a little bit of research but it shouldn't be long before you're out on the road again.
If you are just buying your ATV from and dealership or even a used one, make sure you talk to the seller. The dealer or private seller will most likely know quite a bit about ATV trails. If they don't they can most likely give you a good lead to follow up on.
If you do go into a dealership, you may want to take that opportunity to have your ATV checked. Before you go out into new areas you will especially want your ATV shocks checked. A bad ATV shock can lead to a big disaster.
Lots of areas have ATV riding clubs. You can look up a riding club in your area and go and talk to the members. Talking to experienced ATV riders will give you your best source of knowledge.
To find these clubs you can look online. There is an association called ATVA, All Terrain Vehicle Association. They have clubs set up throughout the country and you may luck out by finding one in your area.
If all these places run you into a dead end, you can always go exploring. Make sure you only use your ATV where it's allowed. It may be a good idea to drive around in your car. Go up into the hills and mountains and you're bound to run into some kind of ATV trails.
When you've finally located a trail or trails you want to ride, don't just go off and ride. It's best to fully prepare yourself for a trip especially when you're not familiar with the area. Again, make sure your ATV shocks are working and double check the other main components of the ATV.
Locating good ATV trails usually isn't too hard. You may have to drive an hour or so, but there is always a good trail nearby. Prepare yourself and your vehicle so you can really enjoy your time on the trail.
At Zebroz Racing, we are dedicated to making sure you're outdoors having fun with a smooth ride by offering ATV shocks, snowmobile shocks, ATV suspension, and snowmobile suspension fitting brands like Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris, Suzuki, Yamaha, can-am, and DRR ATV.
This summer while you are family vacationing, or heading to that annual reunion take note of your destinations. You may be surprised that some of America's greatest summer vacation destinations double as the best places to snowmobile. So hold on to your snowmobile shocks and discover the following cities this summer.
First let's look at the state of California. Since California is such a large state, from top to bottom its terrain varies greatly. You will no doubt find its hilly landscape to be a "Disneyland" for your snowmobile shocks.
Mammoth Lakes, CA is just about the best city in the state for snowmobiling. This city is in the center of California and on the eastern side. Breathtaking mountain scenery is to be seen there and a vast store of snow. Pristine forests and a wildlife reserve are also part of the attraction. 80 miles of groomed trails and 75,000 acres of open range are available for riding.
Three mountainous areas are typically chosen for riding: Lookout Mountain, Bald Mountain and the Inyo Craters. These are ideal because of the snowfall they receive. Some of the deepest snowfall in the west is found within these ranges.
Now let's look at some mountain ranges a little further to the East. The Grand Tetons and the surrounding areas are famous for having some of the best snow on earth. So here are some snowmobiling places within this mountain range that shouldn't be missed.
West Yellowstone, MT has been called the "Snowmobiling Capital of the World." And the city earned this title by providing endless powder-the kind that caresses snowmobile shocks! West Yellowstone averages over 150 inches of snow each year.
If you desire adventure with your snowmobile excursions, West Yellowstone is your place. The city offers excitement to any sled enthusiast. There are few places in this part of the world that can compete with the snow available in West Yellowstone. Experiencing Montana as a snowmobile destination is a must for devotees and beginners.
Nestled within a similar mountain range is Stanley, ID. Stanley Basin is actually surrounded by three mountain ranges: the White Clouds, the Salmon River Range and the Sawtooths. These mountains provide 220 inches of snowfall annually. There are 185 miles of groomed trails but the off-trail riding seems limitless. The beautiful views in every direction make snowmobiling here not only a blast, but awe-inspiring.
Zbroz Racing carries ATV Shocks, snowmobile shocks, ATV suspension, and Snowmobile suspension parts. We carry many brands, including Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris, Suzuki, can-am, DRR ATV, and Yamaha.
categories: Snowmobile shocks,atv shocks,snowmobile suspension,atv suspension,snowmobile
It'sofficially the middle of the summer. And that means we are exactly "halfway" to snowmobiling season! Maybe this year you can be ready, by conducting your maintenance now!
Do a quick mental review of how your snowmobile preformed last season. Did you notice any slipping in your snowmobile's performance by the time you made your last run? Any good season will cause some wear and tear on your snowmobile. Chances are your machine is ready for a tune up, especially if your snowmobile is already a few years old, or was purchased used.
And so a performance checklist is in order. There are many factors that can contribute to a downgrade in snowmobile performance. For the purpose of this article, we'll discuss one of the main factors that should be in everyone's performance checklist: clutching.
If your snowmobile experienced clutching problems that affect your snowmobile suspension parts, you may need to do a thorough inspection of the clutch. The components that make up the clutch can wear down. A clutch system will start to show wear and tear around the engine.
Fortunately, preventative maintenance can keep problems at bay. This keeps snowmobile suspension parts safe from damage. And what some people don't know is that much of the maintenance can be done at home.
You can begin by taking apart the pulleys on your system and checking them out. Check the alignment of the clutch while you are at it. Professionals can help you know what you are looking at if you are not sure what kind of condition your pulleys are in. Professionals can also double check work to make sure snowmobile suspension parts are in order.
As part of your inspection, you will need to clear your snowmobile's pulleys of any debris. A natural build up of dirt and grime can be found if your machine is driven aggressively. Excessive dirt can potentially shut down a clutch system.
Before cleaning the pulley, take the belt off so that it does not come into contact with any cleaning solution. Once that is done, you can use an acetone cleanser to free your machine from excessive grime. Now you are on your way to having a fully maintained snowmobile. This upcoming season you will be prepared!
Zbroz Racing carries ATV Shocks, snowmobile shocks, ATV suspension, and Snowmobile suspension parts. We carry many brands, including Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris, Suzuki, can-am, DRR ATV, and Yamaha.
Unfamiliar with equipment, newbies often have a dealer service their snowmobiles. While convenient in some ways, it isn't the only route. You may find that there are a lot of things you can accomplish right in your own backyard.
Knowing whether you should try installing your snowmobile shocks yourself depends on how comfortable you feel using tools. New shocks ought to bolt right onto the frame of your snowmobile without any modifications, using only basic hand tools. If this prospect makes you nervous, you may want to take your machine to the dealer.
Read the instructions manual completely through first if you decide to do the installation yourself. This will ensure that you know your game plan. It will also keep you prepared for something that might otherwise have come as a surprise, such as using a certain tool you must borrow from a friend.
Each brand and model of snowmobile shocks is unique. Specific instructions regarding the type you are working with are found either in the manual or an insert along with your new shocks. Follow them closely. Fox FLOAT air shocks, for example, may follow a different set of rules as they use air as a spring force instead of the usual steel or titanium.
Bolt your shocks into the frame as instructed in the enclosed manual. Once that's done, jack up the front skis of your snowmobile to change the air pressure. Look for recommended settings and try out the one you think will work best.
Setting for air pressure should be between 50 to 150 pounds. Resetting your shock's pressure is something you may have to do often, so become familiar with how it is done. When the outside air temperature changes by over 30 degrees you will also need to reset your shock's pressure setting.
Take your snowmobile out for a ride and test the shocks. If your snow machine bottoms or rolls too much, increase the pressure; decrease if it feels too harsh or stiff. Make these adjustments in 5-pound increments.
Keep your snowmobile shocks well maintained after installation. Check the air pressure at least once a month, and have the air sleeve maintained once a year. Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles also requires performing a full shock rebuild.
At Zebroz Racing, we are dedicated to making sure you're outdoors having fun with a smooth ride by offering ATV shocks, snowmobile shocks, ATV suspension, and snowmobile suspension fitting brands like Arctic Cat, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris, Suzuki, Yamaha, can-am, and DRR ATV.
