| . 1 . 2 . >> |
| Author |
Message |
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Dec 2019 05:46pm - Edited by: Nobadays
Reply
Got in yesterday evening then started the 2 mile round trip ferrying "stuff" to the cabin, 3 trips last night and 3 this morning with the snowmobile. Then had to go to the spring, luckily I could get the pickup to the spring to fill the water jugs... 35 gallons to start with, and then ferried them up to the cabin. We will finish filling the 50 gallon tank in the loft tomorrow.... I'm beat!
First time riding a snowmobile after losing my left arm... actually first time riding a snowmobile in 40 years! Gotta tell ya my right arm is wore out trying to steer that beast all the while trying to apply the right amount of throttle at the same time. Any of you north country snowmobilers have any suggestions to make one handed riding easier? Can the throttle be moved to a foot pedal? Our road in is a twisty windy sucker with very short straightaways before your making another turn.
The machine is a beast, 2014 Yamaha RS Viking Professional. Two person machine with 2 forward gears and reverse... gearbox not electric reverse. Made for backcountry riding, used a lot by utility workers.
The throttle is the big thing, if I could just grip the handlebar and push or pull, without trying to manipulate the throttle at the same time I think I could ride easier.
Anyway here is a picture with load number 2 ready to go up the hill... BTW the cats were not amused about riding in the sled behind the machine! In their carriers of course!
|
|
AKfisher
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Dec 2019 06:02pm
Reply
Do they make a power steering kit for that model? If so I would imagine that would help with fatigue. Grooming the trail also helps. You have a large trail machine that can pull the trail drag as well as the cargo sled at the same time. Having a smooth trails will help.
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Dec 2019 06:18pm
Reply
Didn't know there was such a thing as power steering for snowmobiles, I will look into that!
I have been trying to widen my trail out as I run up and down. Some joker tried to drive up our road (locked gate, other cabins around us... but no one here, who knows) and tore up the first 100 yards pretty bad. I have been trying to knock down the ruts and avoid tipping over at the same time. The rest of the road isn't as bad now that I have a good trail packed down but still lots of twists in the road.
What do you suggest for a trail drag? Maybe a 5'-6' log tied behind?
Have you ever seen/heard of moving the throttle elsewhere?
Thanks for the reply!!
|
|
AKfisher
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Dec 2019 06:23pm
Reply
I have never seen the throttle anywhere but the handlebars. They do make a finger throttle (reverse the thumb throttle). Munster finger throttle. A lot of guys run them for various reasons. The new skidoo skandics are electronic throttles and they can be switched from thumb to finger. Pretty neat.
Google snowmobile trail drags. People make all sorts of kinds. I think a log wrapped in chainlink would work a little bit. Think the chainlink would help scratch the surface a little bit.
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Dec 2019 07:02pm
Reply
I just talked to the l ou cal Yamaha dealer... no luck on power steering. The 2015 venture, a two up machine had it stock but he didn't think he could retrofit it to my machine. He said mine with the 3 cylinder motor, gearbox and all the other good I left little room under the hood for adding stuff. I'm kinda wondering if a generic electric steering assist could be added in there somewhere.
I've got a friend how is "Mr fixit/modify it" I'm going to see what he thinks about a foot throttle.
I'll look up trail drags. Thanks!
|
|
darz5150
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Dec 2019 09:30pm
Reply
Ask your fix it buddy if he could rig up a single T bar and use the mounting bolts holding the handle bars on. Then move the throttle assembly to the single center bar.
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Dec 2019 09:56pm
Reply
Darz... I think I understand what you're saying... but man there is a lot of stuff on the handlebars... kill switche, throttle, headlight dimmer, hydraulic brakes, heated grips and throttle heater. Yeah, not sure that is possible.
|
|
darz5150
Member
|
# Posted: 11 Dec 2019 11:00pm
Reply
Everything you mentioned can be removed and repositioned on the add on handle bar. Customized to fit your needs. I am not talking about removing the original bars. Just a bolt on version.
I did this before on a polaris 4 wheeler for a friend of mine with cerebral pulsy so he could ride with us only using his right hand. I know its not the same thing. But just a thought.
|
|
|
Brettny
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Dec 2019 05:45am
Reply
I would love the throttle. If it's wires or a cable system I bet it's long enough to reach the foot area.
|
|
sparky30_06
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Dec 2019 06:41am
Reply
I know a guy that has one arm and still raced snowcross. His prosthetic had a hook just for riding that would attach to the left handlebar. Just a thought.
|
|
FishHog
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Dec 2019 08:58am
Reply
what about some kind of a strap around your shoulders that attaches to the handle bar on the left side. Then a simple upper body twist could steer you to the left.
I'm impressed you can ride one handed, but I always found it the pushing on the bar was harder than pulling so your right arm would still have to pull for a right turn but not push for a left.
Finger throttles exist, so I'm sure its possible to rig something for your foot. But be careful that bumps won't have you accidently step on it.
Good for you though, I appreciate your tenacity. Enjoy your winter time at the cottage
|
|
old243
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Dec 2019 09:30am
Reply
Not sure how you can , rig up your snowmobile. But might help you out with winter water. If we go to camp and there is snow and assuming you have a wood stove. We have several metal pails and a couple of surge milker jugs, from a dairy farm . Keep filling them with clean snow, or roof icicles. You will have all the water you need. As far as a drag, is concerned, a brushy limb, dragged behind will help smooth and freeze your trail. Hope this helps old 243
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Dec 2019 09:50am
Reply
Darz... I'm sure it all could be moved, or not have to be moved if we are talking about a bolt on. I'm trying to picture this but not having a lot of luck.... if it is a single bar pointed straight back, other than gaining extral leverage not sure I'd like that pointed at me as I ride!
Brettny... I love the throttle too! I'm guessing you meant "move" the throttle and I'm really going to look at doing that.
Sparky... yeah, I'm amputated to the shoulder, no prosthetic, no stump to attach it to.
FishHog... I was thinking of something like that yesterday when i was out. Just not sure about being tied to "The Beast" if I tip it over, that thing weighs 800 pounds! Would have to quickly detach from the handlebar to be safe. I have a pretty good trail packed down now, fairly smooth so I'm thinking a foot throttle might be best first move.
I talked to the local dealer yesterday and he also mentioned adjusting the front limiter straps... I think that's right... I've got to look at the manual, he said doing that I could shift some of the weight toward the back. Unfortunately I know nothing about snowmobiles so I'll have to do some reading and YouTube watching!
Couple of trips today to finish filling the water tank in the loft, and stockpile some water for the next few days as more snow is on the way. Down one 7 gallon water jug, load shifted and tipped the sled yesterday spilling the 5 water jugs and one punctured, how I have no idea! Gotta get at my slash burning, that's the main reason we are here... well that and because we love the peace and quiet!
Thanks!!
|
|
Aklogcabin
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Dec 2019 10:31am
Reply
Hello Nobadays. I like your name. I ride snogos a lot pulling freight. My suggestion is you need to strengthen your body. I know that when the snow season starts my body hurts more too.
Be careful with finger throttle. They are not there for a reason. When you accelerate you’re body is pulled back. Making pressure on your hands to pull back. This could cause you to go full throttle unexpectedly. Especially with only one arm. Try riding with your feet more. I know that sounds funny. I also have arm , elbow , shoulder problems on left arm partially. And have been teaching myself to ride one handed for many years. Push your boots up into the foot stirrups if you have them. Use them to help hold your weight. I place the throttle lever up in the palm of my hand as far as I can also.
I’m not too sure about adjusting the limiter straps. This will lift the front of the track up. Giving you less track on the ground. Giving your machine less of a chance to push straight when you’re turning. My be ok for that but will effect how it performs in deep snow.
This is an issue for many riders. Me included. I even have ridden side saddle . A back rest on your machine so you can wedge yourself with your legs. Giving you a better leverage when turning.
You may consider a lighter machine. When hauling freight the more you pull the harder to turn .
There are probably lots of gimmicks out there to make life easier for everything. Getting out n toughening up a bit . And getting in shape to ride. I don’t talk too many riders that don’t get sore after the first few rides out. So you’re not alone.
Hey you’re getting out n enjoying your cabin n family. Always a win. Good luck. I will try to help more if I can. Have fun.
|
|
mj1angier
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Dec 2019 10:31am
Reply
Maybe you can reach out to this guy to see what mods he has done:
https://motonetworks.com/one-armed-snowmobile-guide-can-ride-circles-around/
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Dec 2019 11:00am
Reply
Mj.... thanks!
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Dec 2019 11:16am
Reply
Aklogcabin... I'm guessing you're right about toughening up! I don't do a lot of pushing and pulling in normal daily living. I don't expect to ride that much "just for fun" maybe if neighbors come up we might go ride with them. Mostly I just need to get us and supplies/water from the main road up to the cabin. After two days of riding I now have a pretty good trail, and after the coming snow I'll get back out there and pack that down too.
The next thing is to get my wife driving it so we can trade off. She had never even been on a snowmobile so it is a little frightening to her.
Probably a lighter machine would be easier for me to ride but for the purpose we have it, it's perfect. I just need to get stronger for this application. I'm using muscles I'm not used to using. The throttle is still an issue. I don't see where having it more in th he palm of your hand would help with steering one handed. I try to just use the tip of my thumb so I can have more of my hand on the grip. Time on the machine will likely help a lot.
|
|
FishHog
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Dec 2019 12:27pm
Reply
if you loosen the front skid limiter strap it will move the track flatter to the ground, and take some ski pressure off making it easier to turn the handle bars. OK on a good track, but less angle on the skid makes it tough on lose snow when breaking trail. its a trade off and not something you want to be adjusting all the time.
If you have adjusters on the front skis, you can loosen the spring pressure and make steering a bit easier as well.
|
|
sparky30_06
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Dec 2019 03:37pm
Reply
WOW!!
I know exactly where they are riding, we ride that same area and visit that lodge for lunch and have stayed there too!!!
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 12 Dec 2019 04:27pm
Reply
FishHog.... I looked at the front limiters this morning and possibly there is an adjustment on them but it looks like they are a fixed length. I need to dig the snow out better so I can see better. The only thing is the skis feel light in the front already. When trying to turn around I get a lot of side slip. I think strength and a good packed trail is the ticket. We just hauled more water this morning and I continued to widen and pack the trail... about 8 -10' wide most places now. I have also found that in my good packed trail the skis find their groove and if I don't fight it, the machine just tracks along in the existing grooves.
I did notice just a bit ago when I ran down to the truck to pick up some lumber I had there, riding by myself was noticeably easier than when both of us are on it. Steering is really loose when breaking trail with my wife on back, hard to steer, kind of wanders, i.e. light up front. Kind of makes me wonder if we need to stiffen the back so it keeps weight more balanced.
Well 50 gallon water tank full and about 30 gallons of water for reserve. Snow coming from tonight through Monday evening, saying could be as much as two feet... we are right on the edge of the heavy forecast area, might see a lot, might not. Let it snow!
|
|
sparky30_06
Member
|
# Posted: 13 Dec 2019 06:58am
Reply
so when your on fresh powder snow the skis don't do much, it's more leaning and carving. Once it gets packed down the skis will follow an existing trail.
Have you thought about a 4 wheeler with tracks? or a side by side with tracks?
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 13 Dec 2019 08:18am
Reply
Sparky... that makes sense, I guess in powder - and that is what we - the skis have nothing to push against to steer. I'm finding that my trail is getting much easier to ride as the skis do follow the old tracks.
Yes... I would really like to have a side by side or even a 4 wheeler on tracks but.... just don't have the money for that. I was able to pick up this utility sled for $6,500. It's a 2014 but only had 371 miles on it! It was used by a lady to ride 1/4 mile out to her mail box and back, she put 189 miles on it... then sold to the guy I got it from who had it three years who put the remaining 182 miles on it. It's like a new machine, always kept indoors and only non-ethanol fuel.
I'll keep looking around, would really like a side by side or a small snowcat. Power steering may be a must.
|
|
sparky30_06
Member
|
# Posted: 13 Dec 2019 12:04pm
Reply
How do you get to your cabin in the summer??
|
|
NorthRick
Member
|
# Posted: 13 Dec 2019 04:33pm
Reply
A lighter snowmachine would help. My wife's old sled is a 2005 skidoo expedition sport with the 550 fan motor. It's not too hard to steer one-handed (although I have both arms, sometimes one has a beverage in it if we are just trundling back and forth from the cabin to the parking lot).
Her new sled is also an expedition sport, but it has a bigger track and the 900 ACE four stroke engine. It is a lot heaver, although not too much harder to steer one handed.
What the new sled does have is a "fly by wire" throttle (no cable). Because of this, and that it is a computer controlled engine, it has three modes you can select - eco, standard, and sport. The main thing that changes with these selections is throttle response. In eco mode it is quite sluggish. This is a good thing for beginners or driving one-handed as the thing doesn't jerk ahead if you push the throttle lever more than intended.
You can also roll the throttle on the handle bar such that the throttle lever is in front and you pull it with your finger instead of pushing with your thumb. I like it for long rides to switch things up but you might find that easier for one hand operation.
|
|
moneypitfeeder
Member
|
# Posted: 13 Dec 2019 06:37pm
Reply
Hey Nobadays, I can't comment on anything snowmobile-related other than to give you kudos for doing it one-armed, but I think its great you take your cats with you to your cabin! We do too, (but we can drive in) and I'm amazed you were able to take them in on the sled, and yes, I bet they weren't real happy about the ride, lol. I hope you find something that works well for you!
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 13 Dec 2019 07:11pm
Reply
Sparky... we have a road/track into the cabin. It's rough and rocky... snow melt runs down it in places during the melt... but any high clearance vehicle, including my sister's Honda CRV can make it up here. We are 1 mile and 400' off the main FS road.
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 13 Dec 2019 07:22pm
Reply
North Rick... yep a lighter machine would likely help, but not knowing a lot about snowmobiles we felt we needed a utility machine to haul stuff in and out from the cabin. Got what we think was a good deal on "The Beast" and now we own it.... Currently we are dragging about 300 pounds of water on dual sleds up our road which has some pretty good hills, with two of us on it - another 350 pounds. This machine doesn't even act like there is anything behind it. As I said in an earlier post, I think just not being used to this kind of work, plus breaking trail just wore me out! The last couple of days I've found it much easier than it was. I'll tough it out....
I might try rolling the throttle up or down though. Not sure about all the way to make it a pull but up or down might make it easier to get more palm on the grip for left turns. Thanks!
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 13 Dec 2019 07:43pm
Reply
Moneypitfeeder... gotta be a story behind that handle!
We have a 9 hour drive from our home in north central AZ to the cabin in CO.... we get up very early and while the cats are calm, they know something's up, my wife puts them in their carriers then covers them with a towel. The crying commences! Took them about 45 minutes on the road to settle down. We would love to let them out/water/feed them along the way but that can't happen! They were never brought up to travel and at 6 years old.... not going to enjoy it ever! The first time up to the cabin last spring they freaked out being in a new environment... took them about 3 days to settle down. So, this time, 9 hours in their carriers in the pickup then one on the luggage rack on the back of the snowmobile, the other in the sled behind the snowmobile with some of our stuff. When I shut off the machine at the cabin they were both crying! We turned them out into the downstairs bedroom with food and water and a litterbox while we finished ferrying supplies to the cabin. When we let them out, one had to tell us about it but was happy to be in familiar surroundings... the other one took a couple hours to finally curl up in my wife's lap. We feel bad about stuffing them in carriers but they never pee or anything, just cry for awhile... I think my wife stresses more than they do! We like having them here and they like it here too I think... logs to walk on, high windows to look out of and their very own catio off the second floor.
Sorry...long post! Cat guy what can I say!
|
|
sparky30_06
Member
|
# Posted: 16 Dec 2019 06:47am
Reply
Quoting: Nobadays Sparky... we have a road/track into the cabin. It's rough and rocky... snow melt runs down it in places during the melt... but any high clearance vehicle, including my sister's Honda CRV can make it up here. We are 1 mile and 400' off the main FS road.
not sure how much snowfall total you get but what about an old 4x4 vehicle? Maybe an old blazer or bronco or even a KIA Sportage? chain the tires up, if the snowfall is dep put a plow on it and start packing a snowroad down??
power steering and heat
|
|
Nobadays
Member
|
# Posted: 16 Dec 2019 08:12am
Reply
Sparky.... that would work if we were here to keep it open. When we arrived a week ago'ish, there was already about 20" on the ground and it was pretty heavy stuff. Somebody had tried to get up our road and had only made it about 100 yards, tore up the road for snowmobiling but ultimately they had to back out. Had friends in eastern Oregon who used to do like you say... they would even get up during the he night on heavy snows and run the road, it works.
I'm going to see how it goes this year and if I toughen up enough and if I can keep my trail packed down it really was getting easier to ride. We get on average about 5' of snow a year... on the ground at one time... up to 10' is not unheard of. Our cabin is just over the continental divide in southern Colorado at 9500'. Over the last couple days, I haven't measured it yet but looks like between 1' and 2' of new snow. Supposed to stop around daylight then get cold... single digit to negative numbers cold for a few days. Gonna go pack the trail this morning hopefully before the temps drop too much.
I have to admit, I was looking at an Argo 8x8 with tracks last night on craigslist... a 1998 with 250 hours with a cab, $6,500. I was thinking about seeing if they would be up for a trade... but hard to do, our snowmobile is like new! Gonna see how the season goes. But hey that Argo could be fun winter and summer!
Thanks for your ideas!!
|
|
| . 1 . 2 . >> |
