Snow is starting to accumulate in the higher elevations and my new snowcheck Ski-Doo Summit X has been delivered. It won’t be long before I’m loading up and heading out for the first of many wonderful rides this winter.
Naturally, I want my sled to be set up just right for my riding style. The suspension should be set right for my weight, although a little fine-tuning will come when I actually get it out on the snow. But there are a few other things I can do now in my shop in preparation for the first ride.
The first thing I did was install hand guards. Although it’s nice to keep snow chunks flung from a buddy’s track from cracking my knuckles, it’s more important to keep the cold air off my fingers as I blast down the trail. Hand guards allow me to wear a little thinner glove which gives me better control of my sled.
I also added the removeable snow flap extension. This serves two purposes: First, it reduces the chunks of snow my track will kick out that pelts the riders behind me. Second, it will allow more snow to re-circulate through the tunnel and improve cooling while cruising down the trails enroute to the steep and deep.
Once I reach the powder, the snow flap extension is quick and easy to remove so it doesn’t hinder my sled’s ability to power through deep snow.
I also installed the Ski-Doo’s adjustable ski stance kit. On the trails it allows me to have a 36-inch-wide stance for better stability. Once I leave the trails I can quickly flip the lever, kick the skis in and now I’m riding with a 34-inch ski stance.
To improve handling in trees and on sidehills, I also installed the Sway Bar Quick-Disconnect Link. Although the modern sway bar isn’t as stiff as those 20 years ago when we were eliminating them altogether, the Quick-Disconnect allows me to remove the primary function of the sway bar which is to keep the skis mobility somewhat in tandem.
Just like with the adjustable ski stance, the Quick-Disconnect can be removed in seconds without requiring tools. With the link removed, each ski will operate independently which allow for easier sidehilling and a little more mobility in tight technical terrain.
I also make certain I have a good spare drivebelt on my sled.
Finally, I spend a little time adjusting my hand controls. Narrower handlebars usually improve your ability to control your snowmobile in extreme terrain. However, you don’t need to cut your bars to make them narrower—just simply slide your hand controls (throttle and brake) in a bit and you’ve done the same thing.
On my Summit X, there was room to move my hand controls in about an inch on each side. This makes my reach shorter when I’m standing on the uphill side of the sled and allows me to keep my center of gravity more into the mountain.
Now I’m ready to ride.
Click here for a video.