High Elevation Setup 900 RMK

galljr13 · Jan 30, 2009

I've spent the last hour reading all of the posts on regearing using the search function and now I am more confused then ever. This is my first sled so take it easy on me.

I've got a 05 rmk 900 151. Ride at 9000-12500ft in normally really deep powder here in Vail, CO. A local guy said just to go to 18/39 gear and be done. I have seen many that seem to go with 19/42. Which way should I go based on my riding area?

Also, I had the same local guy change the clutch weights but I am not sure what is in there. How do I check and what should I have, springs too?

All I have done is an HPS can, SLP venting and cold air intake. Top end is not important, but a correct setup and efficiency is a must.

Thank you for the help.

skibreeze · Jan 30, 2009

The first thing to do is go pull it apart to find out what you have in the sled. If the weights are Polaris, they will have the weight stamped on them. The springs will be colored, usually a solid or solid with a stripe. You will need a clutch compressor to reliably pull the secondary apart to check what is in it. If the sled has alot of miles, I'd recommend new springs and weights as a minimum, as they wear out.
Using an 18 tooth gear is usually not recommended by most as it makes the chain bend around a very small radius, robbing power and increased wear on the chain and gear.
I personally recommend that you buy a factory service manual and study it. Clutch service tools are a little expensive but nice to have.

Ex-Member · Jan 30, 2009

I'm riding an 06 900 151"... Had vickery set up my clutch, I wouldn't recommend them. Green/black spring in primary, not sure about the rest of the parts. Have Xtreme set it up, they know what they're doing when it comes to sleds. Just got mine back from them for repair.

Still running the stock 20/41 gears; going 19/42 will let you keep the stock chain.

Personally, clutching alone and setting up the chassis (Front rad delete, sway bar out) made a huge difference on mine.

As yours is an '05, make sure all the updates are done on it. Fuel tank and pistons are the big ones that come to mind.

They're badass sleds when they run right.

Ex-Member · Jan 30, 2009

Also, re:service manuals... this will come in handy:
(Right-click, save as)

galljr13 · Jan 31, 2009

Where is the best place to get a new set of gears? 19/42 is the best for deep snow and high elevation?

rkymtnrider · Jan 31, 2009

i would give spirit lake polaris a call.970-627-9288. its in grand lake.so they are used to this elevation.ive got an 06 600 and it was bought there,set up there, and modified there.re clutched after slp pipe and can. and the sled screams.

suicideking · Jan 31, 2009

05 900

If you are running the stock 05 pistons the first thing I would do is to swap them out for the 06 piston. Best money you will ever spend. If you drop a piston skirt into the crank case just kiss er all goodbye.

Dogmeat · Jan 31, 2009

Mule said:
They're badass sleds when they run right.

next weekend *crosses fingers*

galljr13 · Feb 2, 2009

suicideking said:
If you are running the stock 05 pistons the first thing I would do is to swap them out for the 06 piston. Best money you will ever spend. If you drop a piston skirt into the crank case just kiss er all goodbye.

What is the difference? And the cost to switch?

Thanks

BIGGDAWG · Feb 2, 2009

galljr13 said:
Where is the best place to get a new set of gears? 19/42 is the best for deep snow and high elevation?

I am running the 18/39 on mine and using the stock chain. works good for me and no problems so far. i went that way to save some $$ cause that darn chain is expensive. the team helix most are running is this : TEAM HELIX 66-44ER.46/66-42ER .46 team # 420494

I am running the slp blue pink spring which is 140/340 with 11-68 weights pulls 7500-7700 all day.

BIGGDAWG · Feb 2, 2009

galljr13 said:
What is the difference? And the cost to switch?

Thanks

if you do the work your self your looking at 280-300 if you buy the parts from babbitsonline.com and your looking at a good 5 or so hours usually. on the 05 you don't have to pull the motor to change the pistons. just did my second one 2 weeks ago.

as for the diff. the beefed up the area around the pin and skirt. the 05's break the skirts and take the whole motor out. ask LUBA on here he just had that happen.

diamonddave · Feb 2, 2009

It would be adviseable to just pull the motor so you can at least check the motor mounts. It's more work but could be beneficial in the end.

Nelson · Feb 2, 2009

BIGGDAWG said:
if you do the work your self your looking at 280-300 if you buy the parts from babbitsonline.com and your looking at a good 5 or so hours usually. on the 05 you don't have to pull the motor to change the pistons. just did my second one 2 weeks ago.

as for the diff. the beefed up the area around the pin and skirt. the 05's break the skirts and take the whole motor out. ask LUBA on here he just had that happen.

06 Pistons skirts broke on my 06 900 Dragon(2100 miles). These are big bore sleds and should have the pistons changed every 1500 miles or so. The 05 pistons were a crap design, you will be saving big by updating to the 06's