Opinions On Trimming The Tips Off The Polaris RMK Track

[GREICO1]

The 5.1 PRO track was uses a STIFFER durometer than those used on the Dragons (confirmed with Carl's) so your comment has no bearing on this discussion. In fact F-Bomb doesn't even use screws in the Pro's 5.1 track because it doesn't need them (and would trench terribly if you did use them).

Here's something to ponder - for every 1/4" you cut (which is about the length you'll cut just taking off the tips) you will gain 4 mph track speed (this isn't a guess, I've heard this from Camoplast as well as DJ of northern catalyst) and that is exactly what I found on my sled. Ran it all last year with normal track and this year with cut track. ZERO regrets, better top speed, better track speed, better braking and better downhill control. Might be a slight dip on deep pow initial float but the increase in track speed makes up for it, once moving, from what I've seen.

I was leery about cutting mine too but the last straw was when I saw how much the lugs were folding over with just the weight of the sled on the trailer. After cutting they have about the same bend as the Challenger track on my Summit which has proven to be an excellent all-around track so I was immediately confident that I had done the right thing. Best product to cut the track is the Craftsman Handi-cut; change blades half-way thru and spray with silicone spray; easy job!
http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10...ord=cutting&prdNo=10&blockNo=10&blockType=L10

My 2 cents,

G MAN

The 5.1 series single ply track is the same track used since 2009. The change in rotational mass is however, spot on. If you want a 2.4" track, leave it alone. If you want something shorter, by all means cut away. The shorter lug will be stiffer, and will work better in heavier snow, or later in the spring when the base has setup. The tips of the 5.1 are the soft part of the track and work very well in light, deep powder, but will fold back when the snow is setup. The 2 inches closer to the main belt of the track are much stiffer, and will perform more like a challenger or comp track. Decide where you ride and in what conditions, and do what you think will work best in your situation.

 

[rmk727]

I did it on my D-8 and it was just fine but I don't hear anyone saying that it sucks on the cement of your drive way and getting started to move in a slippery trailer but those are just little moments in our lives

 

[5.5switchback]

On the other side of the fence, i would not buy a used rmk with a trimmed track. If i was looking for a track with hard pack traction i would find an assult.

 

[G-Force]

trimmed mine this summer,went out on jan 15th ,great snow about 16" fresh , trimmed track seemed to work awesome,no complaints,supposed to work even better in set up snow so i'll post results if i find any of that,chow

Well cheater cheater, pumpkin eater !!
When's riding?

 

[Cascade Addiction]

Show room suckers

As per above comments on Polaris and track manufactures doing all this fancy research and that 2.4" must be the best or why would they make it??? They did do they're research, they know that when the general public walks in to buy a sled they want the bada$$ one with the big lugs because that is human nature, nobody wants to buy a sled with a 2.1" track cuause that's how they were on Dad's ol sled and that just ain't right, gotta have the biggest baddest.....and so on, yea they did the research alright!!!! Kinda of like the oilers, they are set at damn near 50:1, okay for the trail and to pass emmisions and will be fine for a few years for guys that don't ride hard, but for us that RIDE, be lucky to get 750 miles out of them before they lose a piston, be sure and check your ratios out there guys, know where your at. I know of more than should be down that were 52:1 or more when checked from the factory and have made a trip back to the shop for new pistons.

 

[F-Bomb]

you people are nuts cutting up a perfectly good track...ALL THE EXPERTS tell you that more lug means more go


Any experts like to give me a run for say...$1000?

 

[Pro-8250]

As per above comments on Polaris and track manufactures doing all this fancy research and that 2.4" must be the best or why would they make it??? They did do they're research, they know that when the general public walks in to buy a sled they want the bada$$ one with the big lugs because that is human nature, nobody wants to buy a sled with a 2.1" track cuause that's how they were on Dad's ol sled and that just ain't right, gotta have the biggest baddest.....and so on, yea they did the research alright!!!! Kinda of like the oilers, they are set at damn near 50:1, okay for the trail and to pass emmisions and will be fine for a few years for guys that don't ride hard, but for us that RIDE, be lucky to get 750 miles out of them before they lose a piston, be sure and check your ratios out there guys, know where your at. I know of more than should be down that were 52:1 or more when checked from the factory and have made a trip back to the shop for new pistons.

I am a novice mountain rider so you can see why someone like myself would question trimming a track down. Once it's done there is no turning back, that's all. I am going to go with F-Bomb's recommendations. If it's stinks I guess I will do an F-Bomb on my own.

 

[rmk2112]

you people are nuts cutting up a perfectly good track...ALL THE EXPERTS tell you that more lug means more go


Any experts like to give me a run for say...$1000?

LMAO....do I detect a "tad" bit of sarcasm there.

I trimmed my Pro track before it even hit the snow, (as well as my previous sled before), it's one of the best no money mods out there. IMO

BTW, thanks for the reply on the clutching question. All I need is the PA head and I'll be dialed.....even with out it, the new clutching is badazz. It leaves sled with stock clutching looking at my snowflap.

 

[TUFFPOLARIS]

Well i did the track mod this weekend. It took me an hour and a half, a utility knife, and half a bottle of WD40. The sled definitely hooks up way more then before! and its way easier to get it to stand straight up. Although we dont really have enough snow to actually test it out, the few miles I did put on i really like it, and have no regrets

Heres a couple pics

 

[300rummt]

just cant see how it will work will work well in the deep pow. too stiff

 

[gman086]

just cant see how it will work will work well in the deep pow. too stiff

Actually it's not too stiff - has the same flexibility now as my Doo XP track (and the same lug height now too!).

One thing I will warn of tho if you do the mod - be well aware that she can slide out if conditions go from spring-like to below freezing say in the evening after the sun goes down. I was just having too much fun on my Pro the other day so I stayed out past dark racing around on an alpine lake. I would lean into a carve and hammer the throttle for a one ski blast. At one point the track just let loose getting me sideways at well over 70 mph (on hardpack, not ice). I was able to recover but I really don't think I would have walked away had I not! That little episode got me thinking I may cut some teeth back into the lugs or add small screws!
Near as I can tell, the track mod adds 5 mph to your track speed. Could only hit 80 in same conditions last year; hitting 85 (on the dreamometer) consistently this year. I think I'm also bouncing off the rev limiter as had some issues on the lake if I mashed her hard.

Have FUN!

G MAN

 

[FatDogX]

I did this track mod as well and have about 150 miles on it so far.

NO CHANGE IN POWDER RIDING.

MORE TRACTION ON ANY HARDER PACK OR SET UP SNOW.

108 LUGS ON A 155 TRACK - IF YOUR INTERESTED?

JUST OVER 7 OZ. TOTAL WEIGHT WAS REMOVED FROM THE TRACK

BEST TOOL FOR THE JOB - CRAFTSMAN "HANDICUT TOOL" AND WD-40 / MAKES IT LOOK FACTORY
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-7-8-in-handi-cut/p-00937301000P

Seriously the tool is like it was made for this job. Line it up, squeeze and your done! Super easy, super fast!

 

[Pro-8250]

I did this track mod as well and have about 150 miles on it so far.

NO CHANGE IN POWDER RIDING.

MORE TRACTION ON ANY HARDER PACK OR SET UP SNOW.

108 LUGS ON A 155 TRACK - IF YOUR INTERESTED?

JUST OVER 7 OZ. TOTAL WEIGHT WAS REMOVED FROM THE TRACK

BEST TOOL FOR THE JOB - CRAFTSMAN "HANDICUT TOOL" AND WD-40 / MAKES IT LOOK FACTORY
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-7-8-in-handi-cut/p-00937301000P

Seriously the tool is like it was made for this job. Line it up, squeeze and your done! Super easy, super fast!

I am assuming the WD-40 makes it easier to cut?
Nice picture of the Capitol you have there.

 

[RC2MAX]

Just DO IT! You will be extremely happy. As every has stated, improved hookup on all setup and harder snow. No difference in Deep Pow....except you can totally tell the track spins freer.

I struggled with the mod myself since its not like putting a head on or a can and if it doesn't work going back to stock. I haven't tried taping the pieces back on yet, but don't think they would stay and I don't want them anymore. Will be the first mod to my 2013 Pro.

 

[Pro-8250]

Just DO IT! You will be extremely happy. As every has stated, improved hookup on all setup and harder snow. No difference in Deep Pow....except you can totally tell the track spins freer.

I struggled with the mod myself since its not like putting a head on or a can and if it doesn't work going back to stock. I haven't tried taping the pieces back on yet, but don't think they would stay and I don't want them anymore. Will be the first mod to my 2013 Pro.

Funny!
Like F-Bomb stated earlier, it is always better, never worse. And it's free! Off to Sears to buy that cutting tool.

 

[theultrarider]

I cut mine a couple of weeks ago. If we had a normal snow year, I would say it was great! Ditch banning around home, it rocked. Tons more hook up on the hard pack.

Unfortunately we have had an extremely DEEP DRY POWDER year here and it just keeps dumping and dumping. In the 4 rides I have have it out in, I can tell the loss at very slow speeds, and when 1st trying to take off. Almost wish I hadn't cut it. But, that's not normal snow for us, and to be fair, once above about 10mph ground speed it doesnt make much difference. But in some of the tight slow hardcore tree riding and boonbocking that we do, you can tell the difference. I have to trench more to get moving and get up on step. Not bad, don't get me wrong, but can tell it. I have no doubt in the long run I will be glad that I did the mod. It is all in the timing for me!

Oh, and about 30 mins and 2 beers with just a razor knife and it was done. They trim off very easy with just a fresh razor knife.

 

[aebsledder]

I cut mine a couple of weeks ago. If we had a normal snow year, I would say it was great! Ditch banning around home, it rocked. Tons more hook up on the hard pack.

Unfortunately we have had an extremely DEEP DRY POWDER year here and it just keeps dumping and dumping. In the 4 rides I have have it out in, I can tell the loss at very slow speeds, and when 1st trying to take off. Almost wish I hadn't cut it. But, that's not normal snow for us, and to be fair, once above about 10mph ground speed it doesnt make much difference. But in some of the tight slow hardcore tree riding and boonbocking that we do, you can tell the difference. I have to trench more to get moving and get up on step. Not bad, don't get me wrong, but can tell it. I have no doubt in the long run I will be glad that I did the mod. It is all in the timing for me!

Oh, and about 30 mins and 2 beers with just a razor knife and it was done. They trim off very easy with just a fresh razor knife.

This is why I have been hesitant to do this mod. On our "good snow years" we get a lot of "cold smoke" snow. I will sacrifice performance on bad snow days to get the best on good snow days. Right now, all we seem to be getting is "no snow days".

 

[Snodawg]

I wonder what would happen if you only cut about half of 'em???

Any thoughts???

F-Bomb???

 

[FatDogX]

I am assuming the WD-40 makes it easier to cut?
Nice picture of the Capitol you have there.

The WD-40 does help with cutting.

With a 155 you end up loosing about 7 ounces of total material removed. Also if anyone is interested, there are 108 lugs to cut!

 

[RZRNUT]

I have 2 Pro 163s. My son is 100lbs less than me. On my sled I did the Track Mod and the 13.6 head. All I can say is WOW. Before his sled was always a little snappier, but now when we race I can pull away. I love these Mods.