To Mod or not to Mod, my new 700
Feb 20, 2005 | 03:54 PM
#1
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Pro Rider
Joined: Aug 1999
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To Mod or not to Mod, my new 700
My wife and I are currently replacing our ’01 HOs with ’05 700 EFIs and would like some opinions from the good folks on this forum.
I’m no stranger to mods, my current machine has the factory “heavy duty” springs front and rear, HighLifter 2” (or there abouts) lifts front and rear, easy-steer kit and 27” 589s on ITP Magnum aluminum wheels. This machine also has over 8150 serious miles on it as of last weekend, hence the need to replace it.
This is the longest I’ve ever kept a machine, so I’m pretty excited about all the improvements Polaris has made in the past four years. My dilemma is this, after all the steering, suspension and drive train components I’ve worn out and broken on my ’01 due to the stress of the suspension and tire mods, do I want to subject my new 700 to this same “abuse?” The pragmatist in me says “no way” but the devil on my shoulder is screaming “Gobs more power? Yeah Baby!!!”
Out of the box the 700 is a fine and capable machine, but I’ve just never been one to leave well-enough alone, so here’s what I’m thinking. 2” lifts, front and rear. Heavier springs, possibly adjustable progressive in front. 28” 589s on stock wheels because I want to keep the tires under the fenders. In my experience the aftermarket wheels have a wider offset resulting in a wider track. This is nice for stability but if you like to mud you end up wearing a lot of it. I’ll decide on an easy-steer kit once I feel what the steering is like and I’ll probably put the heavy duty Gorilla CV boots on it right away. I’ve never tried them but at least one of the OEM boots on my current machine would wear through every couple months due to the increased angle of the lift, usually one of the inner rears. I'm hoping for longer wear with the gorilla boots. Is anyone here running anything close to this setup? I’d appreciate comments or suggestions from those with real experience.
I'm also considering a clutch upgrade. Unlike suspension mods, this is an area I have no personal experience in. I’d be going for low end torque, what it does to the top end is not a concern, although with a smaller tank I am concerned about fuel economy in regard to the negative effect it may have on range. Where we ride there aren’t many places to get fuel. I also don’t want to loose engine braking. Any clutch suggestions that address these concerns?
Thanks for your input on these ideas guys. With your help I’m really looking forward to building a bad-*** 700!
I’m no stranger to mods, my current machine has the factory “heavy duty” springs front and rear, HighLifter 2” (or there abouts) lifts front and rear, easy-steer kit and 27” 589s on ITP Magnum aluminum wheels. This machine also has over 8150 serious miles on it as of last weekend, hence the need to replace it.
This is the longest I’ve ever kept a machine, so I’m pretty excited about all the improvements Polaris has made in the past four years. My dilemma is this, after all the steering, suspension and drive train components I’ve worn out and broken on my ’01 due to the stress of the suspension and tire mods, do I want to subject my new 700 to this same “abuse?” The pragmatist in me says “no way” but the devil on my shoulder is screaming “Gobs more power? Yeah Baby!!!”
Out of the box the 700 is a fine and capable machine, but I’ve just never been one to leave well-enough alone, so here’s what I’m thinking. 2” lifts, front and rear. Heavier springs, possibly adjustable progressive in front. 28” 589s on stock wheels because I want to keep the tires under the fenders. In my experience the aftermarket wheels have a wider offset resulting in a wider track. This is nice for stability but if you like to mud you end up wearing a lot of it. I’ll decide on an easy-steer kit once I feel what the steering is like and I’ll probably put the heavy duty Gorilla CV boots on it right away. I’ve never tried them but at least one of the OEM boots on my current machine would wear through every couple months due to the increased angle of the lift, usually one of the inner rears. I'm hoping for longer wear with the gorilla boots. Is anyone here running anything close to this setup? I’d appreciate comments or suggestions from those with real experience.
I'm also considering a clutch upgrade. Unlike suspension mods, this is an area I have no personal experience in. I’d be going for low end torque, what it does to the top end is not a concern, although with a smaller tank I am concerned about fuel economy in regard to the negative effect it may have on range. Where we ride there aren’t many places to get fuel. I also don’t want to loose engine braking. Any clutch suggestions that address these concerns?
Thanks for your input on these ideas guys. With your help I’m really looking forward to building a bad-*** 700!
Feb 21, 2005 | 12:54 AM
#5
Pro Rider
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,393
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To Mod or not to Mod, my new 700
MOD IT, nice thing about the 05's is that you can take the stock 26's off and install either 27's or 28's without problems. do a search for tire post from Elkbow, he made some nice posts back when he first got his 05'
Feb 21, 2005 | 03:22 AM
#6
Pro Rider
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,256
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From: S.E. Michigan
To Mod or not to Mod, my new 700
as far as the clutching, there is a few "big wheel" clutch kits out from some of the big names in clutching.
If your thinking of modding the engine at all for more performance get the 800!
If your thinking of modding the engine at all for more performance get the 800!