My Weekend project: Trike ski * NEW VIDEO ADDED*

[Scootertrash]

:naughty:

I've been wanting to make one for a couple years, I used one I saw on a Yeti as the basis for my design. Came out decent, I need to make a couple tweeks, but I test drove it yesterday and it works good. The only problem I had was traction, the snow is deep and soft since it's been warm and rained all day Saturday. I have Bear Claws on the back right now, I want to try 4 snows, but I have a hard time justifying a set of 4 Snows this late in the year. Ya never know, I may still convince myself to buy a set. The wear rod on the ski has carbides on it, so steering on the ice was OK.

I wanted to be able to use easily replaceable, plentiful ski parts so I based it on a Polaris XLT ski from a 95 XLT. I'm going to swap it out for a Camoplast All Terrain blow molded ski that's 7 inches wide for better floatation and a bigger footprint since the All Terrain ski is 7 inches wide as opposed to 5 inches wide for the Touring Ski.

I used 11 ga. steel, and old ski spindle from a 95 XLT I'm parting out, along with a ski from the same machine. The ski mounting portion of the spindle has a bushing and a grease zerk, I cut the spindle shaft off of the ski mount block and welded the block to the end of the rectangular tubing:

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Ready for a test ride:

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During the test ride:

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I was concerned about the weight of the frame and ski assembly when I chose 11 ga (just a hair under 1/8 of an inch), but I wanted to be sure it was sturdy enough, I figured I could always make another out of lighter material if it was too heavy. I weighed the wheel/tire/brake hub assembly and it came out to 31 lbs, the mounting frame and ski weighs 23 lbs, so I actually dropped 8 lbs. I think I'll stick with the 11 ga. ;)

I ground down the welds for a cleaner look. Well, that and I'm out of practice with my welding so some of my welds looked a little rough. ;) I'm going to finish it off with some Sunrise Red paint, and I'll use plastic caps in the open ends of the tubing.

I'll post a pic or two after it's painted

[dougspcs]

1st rate Scooter..hope you get some good video of the machine in use. Love to see it in action. Hope you can get some before the snow disappears..

Just a suggestion, find a local powdercoater and take it to him..won't cost that much and stand up better than paint.

[Scootertrash]

Thanks Doug. I do have a short vid of me in the back yard I may try to post later. The snow is very soft from the warm temps and all day rain on Saturday, plus we just got about 9 inches last Wednesday. All that puts me pretty close to the depth limit whether I'm running a tire or a ski, unless I try some different rear tires like the 4 Snows. I also think some 4 Snows would give me better traction that the Bear Claws. Every review I've hear about the 4 Snows they rave about them.

I think Fabio just invested in a pair of 4 Snows, maybe he'll chime in with a review on how they perform and if they would do any better than the Bear Claws. I think the Claws may be too aggressive for the powder like consistency of snow. Once I get into the softer snow I chew right down till I bottom out on the chassis of the wheeler, tire or ski.

ETA: I may go the powder coat route. I was leaning towards paint since this was a prototype so to speak, but since it's working nicely....

[coolpool]

Looks good scooter. I've been toying with the idea of fabbing up a ski that rides around the tire allowing an inch or two of tire to protrude below the ski. I think small bushplanes do this type of thing? One thing I've noticed with tires is that the ones that are the least agressive and have a chevron pattern seem to do better in the soft snow. Probably a lot less digging going on then you get with Bear Claws. I think it's totally justifiable to purchase 4 Snows at anytime of the year because you'll have them available for many years to come and the price will only go up. Maybe even find another set of rims to put them on permanently.

[redsox]

looks pretty mint! I rode with fabio and a couple other guys earlier in the year. They had 4sno's and i was running bear claws. the 4 sno's did seem to perform better overall. traction seemed close to equal, but the 4 sno's didn't dig down as much. where they really had it over the bear claws was the much improved ride and the ability to throttle steer and break the back end loose. the 4 sno's are really good tires. i will eventually get a set. in defense of the bear claws, i ran them again recently in some snow that was a little chunkier. more frozen, but about 8 inches. much less powdery then the previous stuff. they were awesome, so, i guess its really condition specific.

[oldskool83]

I'd rubber coat it...not paint or PC.

[dougspcs]

Scooter, you should think about marketing this idea.

I bet you could sell a few kits here!

[Scootertrash]

Yea, I've thought of that. Here and ebay. This design would fit the 185/200/S with front shocks. I have a set of 200X, 350X, and 2nd Gen 250R forks I am going to fab up next. I have a sled motor and a couple of other rebuilds for others to do this week before I move ahead with this.

As with every handmade accessory, pricing is going to be tough, but now that I have one done, maybe the others will be a little easier/faster.


How ever, this one sold for almost 240.00 shipped, and (I think) mine is much better built and would have a lighter, more durable ski, so.........

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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Rare-ATC-Front-Tri-Ski-Wheel-Snow-Ski-Nice-125-185-200-250-350-X-R-Honda-/200874439748?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item2ec50cb444&nma=true&si=9J951lX8yxU9RwNXeQtJN5PA0EA%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

[atc007]

Top notch work !! 1 tip from an OLD sled head.. Get a plastic ski. The difference is well,,,,, Like a US90 to a 87 Big Red. I cannot put into words.. Get a plastic ski !! I think Arctic Cat still sells them for around $60 new for the blow moulded. You won't believe the difference !! I realize at this point you're just testing,and wouldn't have invested in a plastic ski till you know if it works. But I think you've got a pretty slick set up there.

[dougspcs]

Plastic ski is a must..agree with Mr J!!

Put me on the list once you are done your R&D and have one to fit the 250ES..I think you got your 1st customer.

[Worden18]

That is cool as hell. What part of MN are you from Scooter? Just wondering if you're close so I could request to see it in person

[DasUberKraut]

I have 3 extra 185s / 200s front ends.
Hmmm.... :wondering

Awesome conversion, neighbor!

[Scootertrash]

I stated in the OP that my plan is to use the Camoplast blow molded plastic All Terrain 7 inch wide ski, I just used the old Polaris ski since I had a machine here that I'm parting out.

This is the Ski I plan on using:

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Camoplast All Terrain Vehicle Skis
Model: 711290121
Color: Black
Use: Powder/off trail
Blow-molded 1-piece performance ski
Great steering control
Lightweight and durable
Keel height: 0.875 inch
Materials: Plastic
Dimensions: 41 inches long x 7 inches wide

[Scootertrash]

That is cool as hell. What part of MN are you from Scooter? Just wondering if you're close so I could request to see it in person

I sent you a PM. ;)

[Scootertrash]

Ordered up a pair of the Camoplast All Terrain skis yesterday. I'm going to try to do another ride today and venture a little farther away from home to try out some different terrain and run some sled trails too.

[dougspcs]

Ordered up a pair of the Camoplast All Terrain skis yesterday. I'm going to try to do another ride today and venture a little farther away from home to try out some different terrain and run some sled trails too.

Don't forget the video!!

[Scootertrash]

LOL !! The one I have sucks and is very short. If I don't do another ride today so I can take another, I'll post the one I have.

Doug- The ES is a Big Red right? I think that's what my neighbor has, so I may be able to get fork and axle dimensions off of his. If I can't I'll need you to get them off of yours.

[Scootertrash]

UPDATE
So yesterday I ordered a set of Camoplast All Terrain blow molded skis, and they got here today. Nice and fast!! I lost another 4-5 pounds with the new ski (old ski was 11-12 lbs, new ski is 7 lbs)

New ski

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A shot of the bottom of the ski, It's got a nice deep keel that nests the wear rod. 6 inch carbide on the wear rod.

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The new ski mounted
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I put on about 6-7 miles this evening, lots of well packed snowmobile trails and some snowmobile trails that have about 6-7 inches of snow covering them. This new ski steers really nice in fresher snow and snow covered snowmobile trails, although on the hard packed then thawed and refroze snowmobile trails the new keel and carbide can get "grabby" in the older ski tracks from the sleds, sled guys call it darting. My guess is after the keel and carbide gets a bit worn it may not be so bad, time will tell. All in all a big improvement over old, well worn Polaris ski I started with. :headbang:

The only thing that didn't change is the Bear Claws wanting to chew down in the deeper soft snow. The snowmobile trails that had a few inches of snow were nice, it's the snow that hasn't been touched all winter where I get stuck, but I have the same problem with the tire on.

The vid is loading on Youtube right now, I'll post a link when it's done.

ETA Here ya go. Not a very good vid, I'll post up a better one when I can get someone to run the camera or my neighbor to follow me with his GoPro.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3MwAyqygu8

[ColtonGG33]

That is sweet, defanently should sell some ( I would buy one from ya). So is it hard to put on to the 3 wheeler, do u just ha e to take the old forks out and slide them in

[Scootertrash]

That is sweet, defanently should sell some ( I would buy one from ya). So is it hard to put on to the 3 wheeler, do u just ha e to take the old forks out and slide them in

You pull the axle, remove the tire and brake drum, put the ski frame in place and slide the axle thru the axle tube, then attach the top brace.

I haven't timed the install yet, but I'm willing to bet it could be done in 15 minutes or less, if the pin that locates the brake drum on the fork is clean and not oxidized like mine was. I'll time taking the ski off and replacing the tire today, that will give me an idea of how long it should take. I have to finish putting a motor back into a sled first tho.

[shovelryder]

Scooter, where abouts in MN do you live?

[dougspcs]

Scooter, that is extremely cool..

Love the video..want a kit when they are in production.

And yes the ES is the Big Red 250ES and your 200s is super nice!

I'm sure you could figure this out yourself but if you were to create a kit with different spacers you could make a single fab fit almost all the models.

Hope to see them for sale in the near future..I'll be in line for sure.

[Scootertrash]

Shovelryder: I live in Elk River, not that far from you really.



Scooter, that is extremely cool..

I'm sure you could figure this out yourself but if you were to create a kit with different spacers you could make a single fab fit almost all the models.

These are the little things I'm pondering as I finish up some machines for others so I can get back on this project. I've also got emails out to suppliers for plastic plugs or caps to fill the open ends of the tubing so I don't have to weld them shut. My mind is always working on stuff like this. That, along with my self-diagnosed ADD......

Hey! Look at the squirrel!

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Sorry! See what I mean? The wife wonders why I can never remember anything she tells me, and why I never seem to pay attention.

[dougspcs]

These are the little things I'm pondering as I finish up some machines for others so I can get back on this project. I've also got emails out to suppliers for plastic plugs or caps to fill the open ends of the tubing so I don't have to weld them shut. My mind is always working on stuff like this. That, along with my self-diagnosed ADD......

Hey! Look at the squirrel!

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Sorry! See what I mean? The wife wonders why I can never remember anything she tells me, and why I never seem to pay attention.

LOL...

Damn I needed that..I hear you. More than a bit of that in me also..

But it's cool..keep plugging away on the R&D stuff. Winter has passed here so I got time..just don't forget.

Oh yeah, good to see you were wearing your helmet..:lol:

[Scootertrash]

OK, so I made up a second ski kit that will fit the 185/200 with front shocks for a buddy.

I also assembled the 200X, 350X, and 84-85 250R forks so I can get measurementts for kits for those trikes.

Doug- My neighbor has a 250ES, I need to see if I can get it out of his shed to I can remove the front wheel and get measurements. I am going to try to do that this week. Check your PM's, I sent you a message with a question.

[DasUberKraut]

OK, so I made up a second ski kit that will fit the 185/200 with front shocks for a buddy.

That's what I need! I wonder if you wrap a pair of junk tires with sled track. If the state would allow you on sled trails with the ski up front?

[Scootertrash]

That's what I need! I wonder if you wrap a pair of junk tires with sled track. If the state would allow you on sled trails with the ski up front?

I seem to remember another buddy telling me he did that with the snowmobile track, I'm not sure how he fastened the 2 ends together. I may be talking to him later in the week. I think he deflated the tires, put his modded pieces of track on and then reinflated the tires to hold the track on. IIRC he said it worked pretty good.

Boy, I'm not sure about the sled trail thing, we have the same rule here. I have a Richardhead neighbor who went thru the ditches in the neighborhood on his Razor with the track kit and rutted the hell out of the snomo trails. I can see why they don't allow wheelers on the sled trails. Same reason we can't have nice things. The few a-holeans who ruin it for the others.

On the plus side tho, I noticed he had to tow it home Saturday night after he was out ripping up the ditch trails. BUUWAAHAAAHAAAAA!!

It's the second time he's had to tow it home since he put the track kit on it earlier this winter.

Full Disclosure:
I have and do ride the neighborhood ditch trails with our 3 and 4 wheelers, but if it's soft enough or bad enough where we have to spin our tires and rut the trails up to keep moving we don't do it.
I never go on the main trails or state trails with my wheelers.

[El Camexican]

Regarding the tires digging in, have you considered configuring up a set of duel wheels on the rear? It would take a lot of work, but it might just help it float a bit in the soft stuff and it would look boss!

[Scootertrash]

As a matter of fact.........

There are, or were, a couple of companies that made or make dual wheel adapters for quads and I have seen one such kit in person and from what I could tell it would be easy to duplicate. I'm gonna focus on the ski kits right now since winter is coming to an end and I would like to get a couple out there for others to see and tryout, if at all possible. The dual wheel set up could be used all year around.

I have envisioned a dual Bear Claw set up on the rear of my 200S, yea it would look bad a**. Hell, any mud tire would look awesome doubled up. ;) We are going to have a wet spring with all the snow we've got, so the dual tire kit is next on my plate. :naughty:

I've got a set of 4-Snows showing up today and we just got another 4 inches of snow, so I have about 8 inches or so of fresher snow to try them out in. From what I've heard they are THE snow tire, I plan to find out. ;)

I will post my results here or in a separate 4-Snow evaluation thread.

[JasonB]

that is awesome man! nice work, and it looks like its responsive with the steering still in the snow! if you can fab these up, why not start modding trak systems up for trikes and selling em :D A trak'd and ski'd trike would like bad as h3ll!

[Scootertrash]

I have so many potential projects in my head I don't have room for anything else. I've pondered a track system like the yeti set up, just haven't gotten around to it. I have a couple of extra sled tunnels here and I haven't really looked at it hard, but I was thinkin maybe I could mod a sled tunnel to add a track system. Still lots of finangleing to do to get a plan started.

The steering is very responsive, at times almost too responsive. I think once the carbide on the wear rod wears in it will mellow out a bit. The sled trails are definitely better with a fresh coating of snow.

4-Snows came today, got em in the basement warming up before I mount them (on the rims ;))

[Scootertrash]

Got a little better video the other day with the 4_snows and the new ski:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9-tn4gx_-0

[Worden18]

Looks really good! Congrats on a kick ass setup :beer

[JasonB]

man that is awesome! That looks like a blast with 4 snows and that ski!

[just ben]

I built a ski last year and had the same issue with darting and the steering being too responsive. The remedy was to chop up the scag and move the carbide back. I moved it back so that about 60% of the carbide was behind the axle. much better handling after that. If you search "tecate ski" the one I made will come right up.

[Scootertrash]

I don't think the responsiveness of the steering is anything that wouldn't be expected with 6 inches of brand new carbide, and darting is going to be a factor on old snowmobile trail whenever you hit an old ski path. If there is darting in fresh snow with no old ski path to snag, there are other issues somewhere that need to be addressed.

I couldn't cut and relocate the skag on this ski. As it is designed, the carbide is centered under the mount bolt for the ski, which is the "axle" for the ski, so 50% of the main carbide is behind the axle already. There is a small piece of carbide towards the front of the ski, but this only comes into play on a limited basis for icy snowbanks and the like.
The ski I used also has a 7/8 inch keel on it and the skag is nested in the keel. The keel works extremely well in soft snow/powder type conditions.

Here is a pic of the camoplast ski next to the old Polaris ski I used for the initial design. Big difference in the keel design between the 2 skis.:

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I got one of the first ski kit frames painted up and got the plugs for the open ends.

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This week I going to try to get designs figured out for the 200X, 250R, 350X, and 250ES. I've got forks for the first 3, need to get my neighbors 250ES over here to get measurements for that one.

[sledcrazyinCT]

Well winter is back again.... is there a new thread started? What's the deal on the ski kit?

[Scootertrash]

Picked up some steel last week, first project is for a 250 Big Red for a member here. Just got the BR to my house last night for fitting and test mounting.

After that I'm going to try to get started on the 200X, 250R, and 350X versions. Just have to juggle "responsible time" with "play time" *sigh* :I (busy at work.....)

Maybe I'll start a thread in the New Product Forum when I get rolling.

[frankydodo]

I have to say that your design is perfect. If you want to sell some kit i know an atc 200 that would be happy!