RWTC preparation

[jep_800]

Thanks Brian, That's what I was kinda going with. I know you've done all those rides on your X8, so the 800 isn't much different (except boggies), but hey, if you don't know better... You're right, once I got into restoring this 800, you find out that money should not be your first concern. I've got way more into it, than I'll ever get out of it, so now it's time to enjoy it. I figure if I break it, I can fix it. If I built it once, I can build it again. You guys have given me a lot of confidence that this is possible, so now it just comes down to my preparation. Thanks again.

Jason

[kwc]

The VC on a 800? NO PROBLEM ! If I can do it on the X8, you can do it on the 800. Kevin Campbell burnt down a 800 a few years back on the VC, but up to that point he was kicking my butt.

Oh man, the failed mission of 2010, what great memories of having to ride the "trailer of shame" back to the Whitetail!

I learned a lot that year, the most important was to quit turning the main needle clockwise at every stop. It sure was running good just before it quit running!

[jep_800]

Hey Kevin, I can totally relate. I get a couple chills every time I fire my 800 and listen to it sing. That is one thing I've made a mental note about in the 2100 SM, it says to not go less than 1 turn out on the high speed needle. It recommends 1 1/8 turn out. I've set mine, and I don't mess with it, but then again I haven't done a bunch of riding yet.

Where did you get those yellow 440 decals for the tunnel? Looks just like a JDX8, but the correct color for the 800. I think that looks pretty cool, and would prevent dumb questions when I'm at vintage shows. Don't know how many times I've had to explain that there isn't an 800 cc motor in the sled, that it is just a 100 series sled, this being the last installment.

Jason

[kwc]

I had actually been running mine at about 1.5 turns out, but the weather was quite warm (mid 30's)on the Friday poker run in 2010, so I thinned it back to about 1 turn because it was sluggish. When we got up Saturday morning the temps had dropped 25 degrees or so, and in the rush/excitment of getting ready for the VC, I totally forgot to adjust the needle back out. Operator error at it's best.

The decal set was purchased from Mark @ AFE Graphics, and he just made the X8 440 tunnel decals in yellow instead of white. Not correct, but I liked it.

I used to get the same questions about the 800 on the hood, so the next sled I built did have a 800cc engine in it.

[jep_800]

Finally got some snow up here in the Red River Valley. Took the 800 out for some test miles. Ran really strong. Good top end power. Only thing I noticed was a little track slop, so probably needs an adjustment. Once it was good and warmed up, shut it down to see if it would restart... No problem. Had to adjust the low idle so it's now running at about 2200 rpm. Will keep testing it for any problems.

jep_800

[lwb140]

ready for a brisk ride through the north woods of wi. !!

[Red Rider]

Just want to thank all the VC Riders for their input on sled preparation--I wanted to do the challenge this season but couldn't work out the time off---I will be retiring in NOV of this year so I am planning on attempting it next season.....While I have a couple sleds I am currently looking for a certain sled to attempt this on--If that can't be found /acquired/ and gone over by next season--I am going to have to move forward with my 78 Yamaha Exciter. That is my most reliable rider as of now--and I can get that ready for the ride with the least amount of preparation---I have put over 1000 miles on it over the last 3 seasons but would need to go over everything quickly --so thanks for the TIPS--I am looking forward to making this run---I have a deere 300 -- and while I love that little sled--I will leave that for short runs.

[BU1]

All of the comments posted on sled prep are spot on. Don't skimp on the routine wear items and maintainance. Bearings, belts, carbides, steering, etc should all be in top notch condition. I ride a (cough,cough) Ski Doo and thought I had done a good job prepping last year. New track, bearings, tie rod ends, hyfax, throttle cable, added bar warmers and juice brakes too. I was blindsided by a grenaded secondary clutch on the WFO run across Lake Gogebic after lunch. No way to forsee that failure. Probably caused by a $2.00 roll pin shearing off. Fortunately there are no pictures of the tow off the lake by ETD's finest, Carlson and Nelson .

On the up side, I did make it all the way this year.

[400brian]

It was really great to see our friend on the Ski Doo come back and have a good day! The secondary coming apart last year was a real bummer, but that's the kind of stuff that can happen. He came back this year and ran strong all day, and I would hope that helped make up for it.

For all you guys with bogie sleds, or sleds you'd like to ride, but not on something as ambitious as the Vintage Challenge...stay tuned, we may have something just for you.

[sledder670]

LUCK!!!!

[JoeRainville]

Brian and I have a little idea in mind to honor the bogie sleds next year...more to come.

-Joe

Kevin, I love seeing pic's of your 800. So far the only bogie sled that attempted the Challenge. I still ask myself "why didn't I buy it" after you put her up for sale. It was a great restoration.

[jep_800]

Joe & Brian have my interest with their idea. I do have some reservations though, as I am really looking forward to riding along with these groups on the VC. But, I'm sure what they come up with will be great company, and challenging anyway, so sounds interesting.

jep_800

[JDT]

One has to keep in mind that many boggies sleds ran the I-500 in the early years and I think that was more punishing than the VC of today.

I say that not trying to take anything way from you guys that run the VC. I know you do it at a brisk pace and there are always suprizes in store.

Who was it that said ,"Run what you brung".

[WinnipegStPaul9]

Who was it that said ,"Run what you brung".

That was me!!........no no no, I said "If it don't go, chrome it" sorry

DA

[buckeyetrailfire]

I also attended RWTC this year for the first time along with my buddy Brent .I took my 80 trailfire 440 and my 80 sporty that Brent was riding. I replaced all the bearings except the fan bearing and cleaned and greased the suspension on both sleds. My trailfire got new engine seals and gaskets a few years ago. the sporty had the engine replaced last year due to bad crank seals. the trailfire has the original rings and cylinders(1800 mile) and it performed flawless. we road a total of 215 miles in 3 days. both sleds got carbides(this is a must) as recommended by Nick. we road in the local Wisconsin ride up to boulder junction a total of 87 miles on Saturday our guide didn't take it easy on us we were haul n ass . I almost went over the front of the sled a couple of times trying to keep up . a couple of the trails we were on had some serious moguls on them. the winding logging roads were the best we were wide open at times. I thought for sure something was gonna blow or let loose and everything held up. WOW I have never had the chance to ride like this and we survived . What a Blast. the only thing I can recommend is gas shocks and new/modern ski upgrade . Everyone was very nice and helpful what a great group of people. WE will be going back what a BLAST we had.

Mark