This summer I was laid off from my old job. I spent most of my time at home working on the wheeler. I got bored one day, so I took off my jug and ported it. This was something you really shouldn't do out of boredom. I did it anyway.It actually turned out better than I hoped. My mid-range pulls very hard now.

In the last couple of weeks, I've been tinkering with my clutch again. I took my primary weights out and gave them a custom shaving. I've been trying to get some of my new found power to the ground with hopes that I could actually be able to pull my front end into a wheelie. Well, I did that now also. It is sometimes tuff to get it up but sometimes you have to let off the gas before your on the bottom.

The only things I have left to do is get a bigger carb and a new pipe and some better clutching. I am going to need to either buy a clutch kit or start spending alot of time and money trying to tune my clutch myself. I've put alot of work into my clutch over the years. The problem is though that I always knew which way I had to go with any of my clutching until now. I have exhasted all my knowledge. So it is time to either gain more knowledge(time and $$$)or just finally cave in and BUY a clutch kit. I never wanted to even think that was a possibility.

One cool thing about working on my wheeler this summer is that it led me to my current job as a service manager at a Polaris/Yamaha dealer. This is like a dream come true. The cash isn't all that great right now but I'm new and I'm having a ball. Not to mention, I get a nice discount on parts. I think I know which way I'll go only because I like to figure things out and do things for myself. The more I learn, the happier I become.

Sorry for this long dumb thread I started but it was my way of thinking aloud. The wife really hates it when I start talking ATV performance with her.

 

elroy,

If you have to talk about ATV stuff with someone, do it here. Almost done with your quad? I don't think so! Everytime I say that to myself, some new project always comes up. Just you wait and see.

I've been mulling over the idea of buying an HPD race pipe. I know I'll have to change the jets and the clutching, but I hope it'll be well worth it.

 

Just a thought but if you bought a so called "clutch kit" and bought a new pipe later down the road you will more than likely have to re-tune your clutching.

IMHO: The term clutch kit is way over rated. Components in a given kit are designed to get you close to where you need to be with a given motor set up. These kits are put together by individual motor builders to correspond with their motor work. They are not an answer all to clutching, and often require more fine tuning. Especially in your case where I see you did your own porting.You first need to determine where you bike makes it's power at, establish your goal IE: lower engagement, increase shiftout, ect., and clutch accordingly.


Mike, on the HPD pipe it rips! Eric B. runs one on his 400 and it screams. He was on alky but has since gone back to the 39PWK and a BBK. We will run eachother here soon enough as I have the FTR unit, and pass along the results. The HPD pipe undoubtedly pulls hard, but it is not the prettiest thing out. You might want to check with Darrell as I heard he had plans to start having them stamped.

 

I am aware that tuning my clutch now is only a temporary thing. Another reason I do it is for the experience. In fact, thats probably the biggest reason. I talked to Rick Ritter today about my clutching and about his pipe. I was curious where I want to be on clutching for his pipe and my mods. He helped alot. He gave me a deeper understanding on clutching. I must say, I have the highest respect for Rick.

For now, I guess I'm just going to wait on my pipe. I haven't ordered it yet but hopefully in the next couple of weeks. Until then, I'll need to get another helix(still not sure which one) and a new tach. Then I'll be able to fine tune my clutch.

Which helix's are you modified Polaris owners running? I could use a little help deciding.

 

After using the AAEN roller and a 44/40 helix for the past year I recently went to a HPD 44/36 split cut with their SS button kit. I would guess that more of the "highly" modified 400's are running either the 44/36 or 44/38.

Untill you get a new pipe and or carb I dont see why you would need a new helix? You might be better off getting a SS button kit, or roller if you want, and work on improving the efficiency of your current set up. Cluthing is so crazy you may infact have the right set up, but just need to decrease the friction of it.

 

My helix is in bad shape. I must have picked up some dirt over the years and it had wore some pretty nasty grooves up and down the ramps. I replaced my buttons a couple of years ago and noticed then that my ramps were getting grooved up. Well now they are alot worse. The buttons are still in good shape but my helix is getting ugly.

 

Eroy What Dealership Do You Work At ?

 

Conkster,

He really can't say where he works. If he does, he might violate one of the advertizing rules on this forum. However, I can give you several hints. It's in Oil City, it carries both the Polaris and Yamaha Line,man.

 

I put an HPD roller clutch in my Sport and was very impressed. I didn't realize it would make so much difference.

 

Mike,
Very clever response. I wouldn't have even thought of putting it that way. I am surprised you know so much about my work place. Have you been there before?

Conkster,
Not to sound like I'm being rude but, why do you ask?