2021 Yeti 129 FR Destroyed Hyfax/Rail

[SnowPony500]

Got a new to me, 21 Yeti 129FR.
Kit has approx 20HRS on it. Ran out the trail from the sno-park, icy and zero loose snow for 5-6 miles until the ridge line. Ran some fire breaks with better snow and ended up cruising back on the trail Approx 20miles. So total “icy” zero snow trail mileage was about 10 miles. No ice scratchers I think was my down fall. The Hyfax completely burned through, the clips on the track wore into my rails. Eventually the rail wore down and the clips started chewing up the front shock mounting pin. Luckily the bushing barely had enough meat left to save the shock eye. I’m super bummed as this was my second ride on this machine. I’m thinking bogie wheels, ice scratchers for the future. Anyone else had this happen? Tips for Hyfax longevity on these machines?

Also Need parts supplier recommendations! I’m in the PNW. Thanks!

 

[byeatts]

Happens on All hyfax slides on all brands. Speed will heat the clips up and turn blue color . Operator error ewe have to go slow and keep it hydrated. And is more prevalent with 5.5 in rail spacing .

 

[JimBridger]

I use swix spray wax on my hyfax and clips, drag my feet on the trail, keep my speed to a slow and steady cruise, and jump off the trail into any pocket of fresh anywhere I can. Bummer deal. Chalk it up to educational fees.

 

[SnowPony500]

Yeah it was an expensive lesson. I’m new to these, just bummed I didn’t recognize the track sounding a bit louder on the way back. Thanks for the tips. Can anyone recommend an ice scratcher that works well on yeti kits?

 

[teal_210]

I can't help with the rails, but I do have StaCool scratchers in stock at Moto365 in Post Falls.

 

[eric82930]

The yeti track of mine only has clips on every other window to save weight but it will heat up the hyfax way quicker than my fully clipped riot tracks. It is possible to add more clips. But if you drop the scratchers religiously it won't be needed. Don't bother with extra wheels , you would still need scratchers.

 

[M5-]

When its low snow I will stop and touch my track clips with a bare finger. Any sign of it getting hot and you are headed for trouble. I run one of those single cable scratchers off of the ski. Not really sure if it really works or is more of a placebo affect. Keeping on top of it is your best bet and don't ride 5th gear pinned.

M5

 

[byeatts]

I can't help with the rails, but I do have StaCool scratchers in stock at Moto365 in Post Falls.

lets see your scratcher setup?

 

[teal_210]

lets see your scratcher setup?

I don't run them, just have some for sale.

I might have to cave and put some on soon. Taller lug tracks and skinnier rails are making the boot dragging technique less effective.

 

[needpowder]

If you were on a sled you would’ve smoked em also. Most of us have learned this lesson in the past. On sleds every mile or so we would pull over and kick snow into the skid. Usually on a snowbike you can get off trail and get some snow in there.

 

[dooman92]

Scratcher at back of ski.

 

[dooman92]

Cmx ski

 

[M5-]

That scratcher looks like a better design than the Duraflex one I'm using. The Duraflex works just not sure how much snow actually gets to the hyfax. I'm going to change the washer on the end to something bigger. They run about $60 so not a huge investment. I milled a custom mount for it for the Yeti ski but its a bolt on for TS.

M5

 

[SnowPony500]

are you guys finding that the scratcher behind the ski is enough? or should I run wire scratchers on the rail as well?

 

[M5-]

I think the rail scratchers work better, but really nothing works when the trail is like concrete.

M5

 

[twodogtom]

I run 2 rail mounted scratchers on my rails of my 21 fr. The wire ones not the cable. I think that they kick up more than the cable ones do because they are digging in under more tension.

 

[Chadx]

On my 2020 Yeti 129FR (close rail spacing), for three seasons, I've run the yeti bogie wheels and hyfax look like new. I tend to keep speeds to 40 mph on average, though, because that is were my close ratio likes to run without excessive rpm, Plenty of 45 - 50mph, though. No scratchers for 3 seasons. I did just add a ski scratcher this year (my fourth season), but that is because I added a tunnel cooler and did a radiator delete. The scratcher will likely help the hyfax even more, but adding the bogies was the first thing I did in 2019 when I built it. and no wear (well, just a tiny bit right at the front rail curve where it hits moguls when I pound through a mogul trail. The bogies sit further back and primarily help on flat trail riding).