|
 |
|
 |
 |
|
Polaris XLT Comfort Upgrades?
started by roodki
|
|
|
|
November 1st 2009 at 7:22 PM
|
|
| |
roodki
Starting Member
|
3 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: October 19th 2009
Location: Champlin, MN
Current Sled: 1995 Polaris XLT SKS
|
|
|
|
| |
Hey! I am pretty new to snowmobiling and bought 2 XLT's last winter. One is a 1995 XLT SKS and one is a 1993 XLT Special.
I was wondering if there is anything I can do to make one of these more comfortable. I could easily ride all weekend, but the wife gets uncomfortable and wants to go back to the swimming pool.
She usually drives the 1993 Special.
Her main complaints are the throttle lever makes her thumb sore and the seat is not very comfy.
Anything I could really do?
Thanks,
-Chris
1995 Polaris XLT SKS
1997 Polaris XLT SP
1993 Polaris XLT SP - For sale
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Site Supporter
Group: Site Supporters
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 1st 2009 at 7:37 PM
|
|
| |
|
zecow224
Junior Member
|
219 Posts 
Group: Members
Member Since: June 21st 2009
Location: appleton, wisconsin, USA
|
|
|
|
| |
1. get a dennis kirk catalog and they will have thumb savors in it. 2. if it does not have an xtra 10 suspension get her one. 3. go for short rides to the bar where she will have time to save her thumb. Just my .02 cents
Kirby is my idol
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 1st 2009 at 7:56 PM
|
|
| |
|
scaryfast
Junior Member
|
288 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: September 20th 2006
Location: Rockford, Michigan, USA
Current Sled: 2000 Polaris SKS 700
2008-2009 Miles: 600
|
|
|
|
| |
Like zecow224 said, get a dennis kirk magazine or go to e-bay. They make back rests that attach to regular seats. Not much you can do for the seat itself. The suspension on that 1993 XLT is the old 8-inch suspension, if you have some time and money you could look into an x-tra 10 suspension like on the mid to late 90's polaris'. It would be night and day difference. Or find places that groom frequently and go during the week where the trails will be less beat up from the weekend traffic.
days get shorter, nights get longer, snow gets deeper, life gets better
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 1st 2009 at 8:04 PM
|
|
| |
|
|
zecow224
Junior Member
|
219 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: June 21st 2009
Location: appleton, wisconsin, USA
|
|
|
|
| |
Quote originally posted by scaryfast
Like zecow224 said, get a dennis kirk magazine or go to e-bay. They make back rests that attach to regular seats. Not much you can do for the seat itself. The suspension on that 1993 XLT is the old 8-inch suspension, if you have some time and money you could look into an x-tra 10 suspension like on the mid to late 90's polaris'. It would be night and day difference. Or find places that groom frequently and go during the week where the trails will be less beat up from the weekend traffic.
like he said go when trails are not beat up.
Kirby is my idol
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 1st 2009 at 8:40 PM
|
|
| |
|
Dumz1
Junior Member
|
197 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: January 21st 2009
Location: Holmen, Wi
Current Sled: 1997 XC 600
2008-2009 Miles: 850 +/-
|
|
|
|
| |
On my 94 xcr I did the xtra 10 upgrade, night and day difference.. Much better ride. There are how to threads on here that's where I got all my measurements from. Not sure where your located but there are few people on there who might even do them for ya if your close to them.. I would for some side $$$
1997 XC 600
2004 Sportsman 500HO
Parting out 1993 XLT and 1997 XCR 600
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 1st 2009 at 9:49 PM
|
|
| |
|
XLT96rider
Other sports play once a week, but this sport is with us every day.
|
942 Posts 
Group: Members
Member Since: January 7th 2009
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin, USA
Current Sled: 1996 Polaris XLT Special
2008-2009 Miles: 1000+
|
|
|
|
| |
For the throttle, Polaris makes an EZ pull kit. It came optional on some sleds, maybe still able to order a new one??
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 1st 2009 at 10:38 PM
|
|
| |
|
Polaris_Parts_MN
Junior Member
|
200 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: October 8th 2008
Location: NW minneapolis suburbs, Minnesota, USA
Current Sled: 1999 XC 500
2008-2009 Miles: 450
|
|
|
|
| |
Quote originally posted by XLT96rider
For the throttle, Polaris makes an EZ pull kit. It came optional on some sleds, maybe still able to order a new one??
i doubt they still make them. youre better off buying used. search craigslist and ebay. i have them all the time and the EZ throttle blocks sell much quicker than the normal throttle block
1999 Polaris XC 500
-holeshot skid plate
-fox reservoir front track shock
-fox front shocks
-xenon low-beam bulb (very helpful at night)
Just add gas and snow!
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 2nd 2009 at 4:45 AM
[ Modified November 2nd 2009 at 4:45 AM
]
|
|
| |
|
Ugly_old_Poo_kid
techno-bumpkin
|
1084 Posts 
Group: Members
Member Since: March 18th 2007
Location: Walworth, NY, USA
Current Sled: 05 Edge & Frankenstorm II
2008-2009 Miles: 165
|
|
|
|
| |
The xtra-12 is a 1,000% better than the xtra-10 on the washboards.. They call the xtra-12 the 'old man's suspension since it is so cushy.
For ditch banging get xtra-10, for comfy ride get xtra-12.
Or, if you want to really ride on a couch, get the M-10 or M-10/ACE... The M-10/ACE is on my edge 800, and it's like "Washboards? What washboards? I'd swear I saw some back there!!"..
95 - Storm 800 - Modded - AKA: FrankenStorm - Totalled near 100mph at Tug Hill!
96 - XLT/SP with Storm 800 trip/trip and now EFI - FrankenStorm II lives...
95 - RXL -- Sale Pending --
05 - Edge 800 long track - Stayin' stock for now..
---------------------------------------------
It made me more compassionate, more empathetic, more nurturing...
I FEEL LIKE I'M TRAPPED IN MY OWN WORST NIGHTMARE!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 2nd 2009 at 10:16 PM
|
|
| |
roodki
Starting Member
|
3 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: October 19th 2009
Location: Champlin, MN
Current Sled: 1995 Polaris XLT SKS
|
|
|
|
| |
Alright, thanks for the input! I checked craigslist and found some xtra-12 skids for $125-150. I'll have to do some research on how to do that... Seems reasonable. I looked around a bit for the ez pull kit but haven't found anywhere to buy one. Haven't checked the local dealer yet though. Anyone have any leads one one of them?
Later,
-Chris
1995 Polaris XLT SKS
1997 Polaris XLT SP
1993 Polaris XLT SP - For sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 3rd 2009 at 2:16 PM
|
|
| |
|
|
Polaris_Parts_MN
Junior Member
|
200 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: October 8th 2008
Location: NW minneapolis suburbs, Minnesota, USA
Current Sled: 1999 XC 500
2008-2009 Miles: 450
|
|
|
|
| |
Quote originally posted by roodki
Alright, thanks for the input! I checked craigslist and found some xtra-12 skids for $125-150. I'll have to do some research on how to do that... Seems reasonable. I looked around a bit for the ez pull kit but haven't found anywhere to buy one. Haven't checked the local dealer yet though. Anyone have any leads one one of them?
Later,
-Chris
keep in mind that xtra12 are a B*TCH to install. whether you do it yourself or you pay for someone to do it- you will curse a lot, or ending up paying more for the more hours of labor it takes to install.
thats why the xtra10 conversion is more common-- its much easier to do. on an xtra12 conversion, the front torque arm mounts forward of the the footrest. the xtra10 upgrade has the front torque arm mount in the existing front holes on the tunnel, which means only have to measure and drill two holes instead of all 4.
1999 Polaris XC 500
-holeshot skid plate
-fox reservoir front track shock
-fox front shocks
-xenon low-beam bulb (very helpful at night)
Just add gas and snow!
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 3rd 2009 at 11:36 PM
|
|
| |
|
|
XLT96rider
Other sports play once a week, but this sport is with us every day.
|
942 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: January 7th 2009
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin, USA
Current Sled: 1996 Polaris XLT Special
2008-2009 Miles: 1000+
|
|
|
|
| |
Quote originally posted by Polaris_Parts_MN
keep in mind that xtra12 are a B*TCH to install. whether you do it yourself or you pay for someone to do it- you will curse a lot, or ending up paying more for the more hours of labor it takes to install.
thats why the xtra10 conversion is more common-- its much easier to do. on an xtra12 conversion, the front torque arm mounts forward of the the footrest. the xtra10 upgrade has the front torque arm mount in the existing front holes on the tunnel, which means only have to measure and drill two holes instead of all 4.
They're not all that bad. Mine goes in and out pretty easy. There's a rubber plug on each side of the bulkhead to access the front bolts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 3rd 2009 at 11:47 PM
|
|
| |
|
|
Dumz1
Junior Member
|
197 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: January 21st 2009
Location: Holmen, Wi
Current Sled: 1997 XC 600
2008-2009 Miles: 850 +/-
|
|
|
|
| |
Quote originally posted by XLT96rider
Quote originally posted by Polaris_Parts_MN
keep in mind that xtra12 are a B*TCH to install. whether you do it yourself or you pay for someone to do it- you will curse a lot, or ending up paying more for the more hours of labor it takes to install.
thats why the xtra10 conversion is more common-- its much easier to do. on an xtra12 conversion, the front torque arm mounts forward of the the footrest. the xtra10 upgrade has the front torque arm mount in the existing front holes on the tunnel, which means only have to measure and drill two holes instead of all 4.
They're not all that bad. Mine goes in and out pretty easy. There's a rubber plug on each side of the bulkhead to access the front bolts.
I believe he's talking about upgrading to an xtra 12 from the current xc-100. If it didn't come with the xtra-12 there are no plugs or wholes in the bulkhead.
I've put both into older sleds. the xtra-10 took about 1.5 hours. the xtra-12 took about 2.5 Now that I've done them could do it faster I'm sure, but the 10 is much easier to install. The 12 is a nice ride though.
1997 XC 600
2004 Sportsman 500HO
Parting out 1993 XLT and 1997 XCR 600
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4th 2009 at 7:06 AM
|
|
| |
|
|
Polaris_Parts_MN
Junior Member
|
200 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: October 8th 2008
Location: NW minneapolis suburbs, Minnesota, USA
Current Sled: 1999 XC 500
2008-2009 Miles: 450
|
|
|
|
| |
exactly, dumz1 has it right
1999 Polaris XC 500
-holeshot skid plate
-fox reservoir front track shock
-fox front shocks
-xenon low-beam bulb (very helpful at night)
Just add gas and snow!
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4th 2009 at 8:20 AM
|
|
| |
|
JD
Senior Member
|
3115 Posts 
Group: Members
Member Since: March 6th 2006
Location: North Dakota, USA
Current Sled: '02 XC 500 SP
2008-2009 Miles: 1625
|
|
|
|
| |
A couple things that nobody has mentioned so far would be a bar riser, and adjusting the position of the throttle block. Try rotating the throttle block up or down, by loosening the set screw on the bottom side of the block. It can make a huge difference in hand, arm, and shoulder fatigue, especially for smaller riders. The bar riser could be equally as helpful. When I added even a 1-inch riser to my wife's previous machine, she said it made it 100% more comfortable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4th 2009 at 1:16 PM
|
|
| |
|
|
XLT96rider
Other sports play once a week, but this sport is with us every day.
|
942 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: January 7th 2009
Location: Wausau, Wisconsin, USA
Current Sled: 1996 Polaris XLT Special
2008-2009 Miles: 1000+
|
|
|
|
| |
Quote originally posted by JD
A couple things that nobody has mentioned so far would be a bar riser, and adjusting the position of the throttle block. Try rotating the throttle block up or down, by loosening the set screw on the bottom side of the block. It can make a huge difference in hand, arm, and shoulder fatigue, especially for smaller riders. The bar riser could be equally as helpful. When I added even a 1-inch riser to my wife's previous machine, she said it made it 100% more comfortable.
Yeah, I forgot all about that. I put a 2" on the XLT and boy did that make a difference!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4th 2009 at 1:30 PM
|
|
| |
|
|
Polaris_Parts_MN
Junior Member
|
200 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: October 8th 2008
Location: NW minneapolis suburbs, Minnesota, USA
Current Sled: 1999 XC 500
2008-2009 Miles: 450
|
|
|
|
| |
Quote originally posted by XLT96rider
Quote originally posted by JD
A couple things that nobody has mentioned so far would be a bar riser, and adjusting the position of the throttle block. Try rotating the throttle block up or down, by loosening the set screw on the bottom side of the block. It can make a huge difference in hand, arm, and shoulder fatigue, especially for smaller riders. The bar riser could be equally as helpful. When I added even a 1-inch riser to my wife's previous machine, she said it made it 100% more comfortable.
Yeah, I forgot all about that. I put a 2" on the XLT and boy did that make a difference!!!
yes good call JD. also can rotate the handlebar themselves within the clamps that attach them to the steering post.
1999 Polaris XC 500
-holeshot skid plate
-fox reservoir front track shock
-fox front shocks
-xenon low-beam bulb (very helpful at night)
Just add gas and snow!
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 4th 2009 at 2:43 PM
|
|
| |
|
|
Ugly_old_Poo_kid
techno-bumpkin
|
1084 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: March 18th 2007
Location: Walworth, NY, USA
Current Sled: 05 Edge & Frankenstorm II
2008-2009 Miles: 165
|
|
|
|
| |
True. Rider ergonomics help a lot with comfort..
My original FrankenStorm had a 2" lift. FrankenStorm II has a 5" lift with a swivel, an idea I blatantly stole from the Fusion..
95 - Storm 800 - Modded - AKA: FrankenStorm - Totalled near 100mph at Tug Hill!
96 - XLT/SP with Storm 800 trip/trip and now EFI - FrankenStorm II lives...
95 - RXL -- Sale Pending --
05 - Edge 800 long track - Stayin' stock for now..
---------------------------------------------
It made me more compassionate, more empathetic, more nurturing...
I FEEL LIKE I'M TRAPPED IN MY OWN WORST NIGHTMARE!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 6th 2009 at 3:41 PM
|
|
| |
old_school
Junior Member
|
145 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: December 25th 2008
|
|
|
|
| |
Does the 93 XLT SP have the larger 38mm carbs? I have a 96 XLT SP with the larger carbs and the older style long throw throttle levers (to allow for the longer throw of the 38mm slide valves) stuck way out and were very uncomfortable to use in comparison to the regular short throw lever. My wife rode the SP at first but hated the throttle lever because it bothered her thumb. The return springs on the 38mm carbs are a little stiffer too. She has no problem with the throttle lever on the SKS, so I inherited the SP.
If that's the case you can put a short throw lever on the SP and it will be more comfortable, but it won't go all the way WOT anymore. You can also change to a dual action throttle block that has more throw but is more comfortable to use than the older style long throw levers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 6th 2009 at 7:04 PM
|
|
| |
|
|
Ugly_old_Poo_kid
techno-bumpkin
|
1084 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: March 18th 2007
Location: Walworth, NY, USA
Current Sled: 05 Edge & Frankenstorm II
2008-2009 Miles: 165
|
|
|
|
| |
The 93 had 34mm carbs stock.
95 - Storm 800 - Modded - AKA: FrankenStorm - Totalled near 100mph at Tug Hill!
96 - XLT/SP with Storm 800 trip/trip and now EFI - FrankenStorm II lives...
95 - RXL -- Sale Pending --
05 - Edge 800 long track - Stayin' stock for now..
---------------------------------------------
It made me more compassionate, more empathetic, more nurturing...
I FEEL LIKE I'M TRAPPED IN MY OWN WORST NIGHTMARE!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 6th 2009 at 7:40 PM
|
|
| |
|
THE_Norwegian
:)
THE_Norwegian got some SLP powder pro skis in the mail today :-D.
Updated Friday at 5:32 PM
|
446 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: January 29th 2008
Location: Norway
Current Sled: ET 340 and XCR 440
2008-2009 Miles: 2500KM :-D
|
|
|
|
| |
try a 1 or 2 inch bar riser :D
* XCR 440 *
"I`m not picking my nose.. I´m porting my head!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 8th 2009 at 8:02 PM
|
|
| |
roodki
Starting Member
|
3 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: October 19th 2009
Location: Champlin, MN
Current Sled: 1995 Polaris XLT SKS
|
|
|
|
| |
I found a solution! A 1997 XLT with the xtra-12 suspension and reverse for $800. Picked it up today, it's mint, and much cushier than the 93. I figure I should be able to get most of that back selling the 93. The throttle issue is still there though... Still searching for one of those ez-pulls. Junkyard maybe?
1995 Polaris XLT SKS
1997 Polaris XLT SP
1993 Polaris XLT SP - For sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9th 2009 at 8:45 AM
|
|
| |
|
|
THE_Norwegian
:)
THE_Norwegian got some SLP powder pro skis in the mail today :-D.
Updated Friday at 5:32 PM
|
446 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: January 29th 2008
Location: Norway
Current Sled: ET 340 and XCR 440
2008-2009 Miles: 2500KM :-D
|
|
|
|
| |
Quote originally posted by roodki
I found a solution! A 1997 XLT with the xtra-12 suspension and reverse for $800. Picked it up today, it's mint, and much cushier than the 93. I figure I should be able to get most of that back selling the 93. The throttle issue is still there though... Still searching for one of those ez-pulls. Junkyard maybe?
try ebay for the throttle. but i would still look into an riser, the riding position gets way better with a riser 
* XCR 440 *
"I`m not picking my nose.. I´m porting my head!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 9th 2009 at 2:20 PM
[ Modified November 9th 2009 at 2:23 PM
]
|
|
| |
|
|
Polaris_Parts_MN
Junior Member
|
200 Posts
Group: Members
Member Since: October 8th 2008
Location: NW minneapolis suburbs, Minnesota, USA
Current Sled: 1999 XC 500
2008-2009 Miles: 450
|
|
|
|
| |
Quote originally posted by roodki
I found a solution! A 1997 XLT with the xtra-12 suspension and reverse for $800. Picked it up today, it's mint, and much cushier than the 93. I figure I should be able to get most of that back selling the 93. The throttle issue is still there though... Still searching for one of those ez-pulls. Junkyard maybe?
i see you live in champlin. that is also where i am from. my dad and i part out sleds, but im at college so i cant gaurantee if he has the EZ-throttle. I will PM you his phone number. I'm pretty sure he has an EZ throttle or two in our collection though, and my guess is the price will be $20-$25 for the throttle block assembly. (its not just the lever thats different, the whole throttle block is different because the EZ system has different pivot points than the regular system)
1999 Polaris XC 500
-holeshot skid plate
-fox reservoir front track shock
-fox front shocks
-xenon low-beam bulb (very helpful at night)
Just add gas and snow!
|
|
|
|
|
0 user(s) are reading this topic (0 Members and
0 Guests)
|
 |
|
