Sled question: 98 Polaris XLT classic 600 WOT RPM range?

[pyro]

Just wondering what the "redline" RPM is supposed to be on this sled. I think it's all stock. It's not super fast, but it stays together and doesn't seem to wear the belt at ALL. I get 8800 RPM at 85-89 MPH on the gps. It seems to like being held there for several minutes at a time. :D Is this OK? It doesn't have the same punch off the line that other sleds have. It takes a second before it really pulls nice.

Heading up north a bit in a couple of weeks for 3 days. I'll post pix when I get back. You southerners must get bored with only boats... :D

[tom schwartz]

There Should Be A Sticker Under The Hood.that Sled Should Run Close To 100 Mph On Hard Pack.i Think The Rpm Is 8000 + Or - 200 Good Luck Tom.

[pyro]

Maybe I should change that drive belt I've been bragging about that has lasted several years. :D

[WARLOCK]

Pyro,
8800 seems quite high for a stock XLT. I know with pipes, mildly ported and heads cut, I used to run about 9400 rpm. Mine was a 93 XLT. Hope this helps. Later, Dave

[pyro]

I know the sled has more potential. Maybe the clutch needs adjustment?

[DoktorC]

My grandma has that exact same sled...no foolin'. If it's been sitting check the clutches and make sure they aren't binding. The rpm sound alittle high but I'm no Polaris expert...make sure you clean the carbs if this is your first time up this year!!

[pyro]

I dn't know how to check ANYTHING on this machine besides compression.It has electric start and reverse. I changed the chaincase oil, and that's about it!

[David - WI]

I dn't know how to check ANYTHING on this machine besides compression.It has electric start and reverse. I changed the chaincase oil, and that's about it!

A '98 XLT classic should run 8300 rpm at WOT and the clutch should engage the belt at 4200 rpm... according to the Polaris service manual.

Start with a new belt... get a good one, not some cheap POS no-name belt.

[drasticplastic]

Ditto on the r.p.m.'s that dave said. Check both clutches movable sheave bushings, primary clutch weight pivot bushings and rollers and tower slide buttons, and the secondary clutch helix tower slide buttons. She is running 500r.p.m.'s to high. How many miles are on it?. Belt could cause this but it would have to be realy fried to make this many r.p.m.'s diff.. Prob. have issues with a weight not swinging out correctly/fully (pin bushing toast or roller/weight flat spotted. Where are you going riding?. Remember I live at Houghton Lake.

[pyro]

I guess I might have to take it out for another ride to check the numbers. Maybe I'll change the belt before the test ride. Can't remember the mileage off-hand, maybe 3800?

Jon, you're speaking Greek to me. I don't know any of the names of the parts. I've never even changed a drive belt, but my friend explained to me how. The sled doesn't have enough instant punch to lift the skis off the ground, but it pulls good through the midrange.

We will be staying at my friend's Aunt's cottage on Crystal Lake, west of Traverse City. We'll be mostly riding the Western trail system. I'll call you if our travels bring us way down to your part of town. We're riding on Feb. 11th, 12th, and 13th.

-Chad

[drasticplastic]

A new belt will be 1 3/8" wide, compare this to the width of your belt now. With 3800 miles, the clutches could prob. use some maint.. If you need this done get with me. Also the 3 carbs cables stretch at diff. rates and get out of sync., causing low to mid range running issues. You will like it over in Beulah, ride over by Thompsonville, it's very hilly.

[10.5' Tunnel]

Your tach could also be off. I know mine is 200 rpms too low

[WARLOCK]

I used to have to re-sinc my carbs every once in a while. I forgot about that. It almost sound like the clutch weight pins could be sticking. Wow, I just re-read my post and I am just copying what you guys are saying. Oh well, it certainly does'nt sound like a major problem. Good luck, Chad. Later, Dave

[pyro]

I'll measure the belt tonight. I'll also take it for one more set of test rides this Sunday, I'll put a Fluke meter on it (frequency counter function :D) to verify the tach. If the speedo reads 91 when I'm doing 85, who knows if the tach might be off too. I'll do a before-and-after to see if a new belt helps. I have two new ones.

Long-range forecast shows low of -2 and high of 7 F for Sunday. Nice....