Of all the stupid things....

[rlester]

My son and I finished putting the .9 inch track into the SRX tonight. I was literally putting in the last bolt. Chaincase filled, all bearings had been serviced etc. Well, it turns out we put the track on BACKWARDS. I thought I double checked the orientation when I put it in the other night, but I must have been thinking wrong.

That being said, I have heard of people doing this on purpose for better traction, so I'm hoping to leave it as it is. What do you guys think?

We test drove it in the dark, and man does this thing hook up! It used to really take off once the engine hit 6 grand, but it must have been spinning with the old track. Now you really have to hang on, what a difference! I bet it would keep up to my Wildcat 650 now. Seems better in the deep snow too.

Still feel kind of stupid for making such a simple mistake. It was a lot of work I don't want to repeat if its not necessary.

Forgot to mention, it seemed to stop just fine, no different than before. I was worried about that. However, tomorrow in the daylight we will put some miles on it and see what its like.

[Vmxhunter]

I don't think you'll have much to worry about. I knew alot of guys that took the stock tracks on there exciters and turned them around for ice oval racing. They said it gave them a better bite.

[Bob Vehring]

Depends on the design or profile of the track, some are more aggressive in one direction, usually OEM that was to give better bracking. Some tracks have the same lug profile in either direction.

[rlester]

Yeah, I think we will leave it in like that. We went for a 43 km trip today, the longest I've ever taken in one day. Best snowmobile trip of my life. No mechanical issues. The SRX did really well, my son drove it 90% of the time, and I had completely forgot that the track was on backwards while I was riding it. It stops just fine.

Hooks up great, lifts the skis when you are on hardpack, the original track used to just spin. My son got stuck in some ditches trying to side-slope, and I was able to get it out each time without too much trouble. With the old track it never would have made it as well as it did today.

We took dozens of pictures. Managed to find the back trail entrance to an old abandoned ski hill a few miles away. Very cool, I had not been there for about 8 years but kinda sad to see it all falling apart and vandalized. My son really enjoyed the trip too, and is very happy with his sled.

Thanks for helping relieve my worries, good to know somebody else thinks its ok.

Ryan.

[Vmax540]

Ryan, like Bob said.... some track are designed to get up on top of the snow sort of like a boat when it planes out. That said if you are happy with the performance then you're good too go and if stopping becomes an issue there are always studs. Web need pictures of you sled ! B.T.W. I too have come close to installing some back wards... kinda hard lying on the floor to get your bearings !