350x/250es Ski Build

[kebby28]

I do have a question (sorry if it was discussed earlier in the thread): Did you experiment and find the best attachment point for the ski to be so far back, or is this what worked out? At first glance, it seems to me to be too far back on the ski. Would it be better to fix your post to the ski more at the midpoint, so there is the same amount of ski in front of and behind the attachment point?

Good question. I just put it where the hole already was and the ski was designed for. I am happy with it as far as that goes so I don't think I would change it.

[Scootertrash]

I do have a question (sorry if it was discussed earlier in the thread): Did you experiment and find the best attachment point for the ski to be so far back, or is this what worked out? At first glance, it seems to me to be too far back on the ski. Would it be better to fix your post to the ski more at the midpoint, so there is the same amount of ski in front of and behind the attachment point?

OK, so I'm not an engineer, I don't play one on TV, and I did not sleep at a Holiday Inn Express last night. This is just my take on the design based on my many years of experience of missteps, mistakes and wrecking stuff that other guys smarter than me designed.

When I designed my ski I used pretty much everything as it was designed by the manufacturers of the parts I used. The mounting point for the ski was predetermined by the engineers of the ski and/or the snowmobile manufacturers. The mounting point on the ski and the location of the wear bar combine to keep the weight of the machine over the carbide so the carbide "bites" on hardpack and ice. In powder and softer snow the keel provides the "bite" for steering. Older skis didn't have much for a keel and the ski would push in a hard turn sometimes when in powder. That's why I went with the Camoplast ski, it has a 7/8 inch keel on it.

I believe the reason for the longer portion of the ski being in front of the mount allows the ski to travel up and over bumps, snowbanks, etc, easier that if it was shorter out front. Ice racing sleds have very short skis, but they are just racing around a flat track. No bumps, banks, etc.
I also wanted to maintain the stock rake of the forks when I installed the ski, that's why the main downtube for the ski is parallel to the forks. If you look at a snowmobile, the ski spindles also have some rake to them, which looked very close to the rake on my 200S.

[wonderboy]

I didnt' realize you guys were just using the stock location for the mounting. Scootertrash, yours looks like I'd expect (in the pic immediately above). One of the pics of kebby28's on the second page of this thread (out on the ice with the trailer in tow) looks like there is 3 feet of ski in front of the mounting location and only a few inches of ski behind it. I'm guessing that there must just be snow obscuring the rear portion of the ski...

edit: yea, I just looked at the first page again at the initial build pics and see the mounting location very clearly. I guess my perception is just off a bit, I'm used to looking at the skis on my snow machines and it seems like the mounting position is just a bit more forward.

Cool build though, very nice!

[Scootertrash]

I also welded the ski mount end of a ski spindle on the end of my downtube so that the rubber bumper under the ski would limit the tipping of the ski like it was designed.

I'll try to get more pics up today. Been busy with work, cars breakin down, saving the world, etc. Haven't had time to pursue my fun projects. :I

[kebby28]

Well, I took it to the next level...

I should have it finished tomorrow after work!

[emmie357]

Can't wait for a ride report

[Scootertrash]

Kebby you beat me to it I don't have a 200X I have 200S so I dont have a rear suspensionon the track wont workout on mine so yeah let's hear it works like a video dude

[kebby28]

[kebby28]

I wish my track had some deeper treads. I think that would make a big difference. It also has been raining all week and the snow sucks.

[kebby28]

Just bumping this up in case someone was interested.

[Scootertrash]

Your video doesn't work on my phone
Whats the scoop?

[kebby28]

Your video doesn't work on my phone
Whats the scoop?

Oh no! I exported it as a mp4 for mobile so everyone could watch it. Its also right next to yours on you tube when you search ski wheeler

[redsox]

started my build today. more to come.

[Scootertrash]

redsox - did. You get my last pm?
our Internet is supposed to be back up today then I'll be back online. surfing and typing suck on the phone

[kebby28]

The tracks are great because they sit on top of the snow. I can go on snowmobile trails without leaving a mark. But. They are coming off untill I really need them. They build up snow on the hinge and then its horible. I also think they are destroying my hubs. I have allot of play in them now... They do go good in the snow but I think my wheeler would have been happier to sit all winter...