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Converting to two up modifications...

25K views 32 replies 13 participants last post by  cwlongshot  
#1 · (Edited)
My wife has a issue with the distances we travel and the time we spend on the trail. Physically its too much for her. BUT she enjoys the sites and good times associated. SO, she is relegated to passenger status for these longer trips.
I was kinda expecting this and so I bought the bigger machine... My 700.

We have a trip coming up in three weeks, so I swapped boxes with my pop and am using his Moose Executive rear seat box and made up foot rests. I first made a frame in/on the factory rear deck. Using some 3/4" square steel, a piece of 3/16x1 1/4" flat stock and a bit of 1" x 1/8" angle iron.

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I tied into the rear framework and the inner bolts to stiffen up the whole rear rack. My reasoning for all this is hand holds. I will be making some for the rear passenger as well as the actual foot holds.

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I took more 3/4" thin wall steel and followed the contours of the rear fenders down to the foot wells. At the foot wells I used a piece of 1/4" x 1 1/4" steel. I drilled to match two of the factory bolts.

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I attached the frame work into these.

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Then I had visions of folding pegs... Some-one's factory pegs... something trick... But the minds eye isn't reality... I ended up making my own rigid pegs. They turned out VERY sturdy and relatively out of the way to the pilot.

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I have since shortened this up by 1/3. They where longer than needed.

It's held on the machine with ten bolts, five on each side. I atteached the seat box by tapping four holes in the new frame work so its attached form inside the box. Here is the frame work off the machine.

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Then with paint...

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I had to have 12V in the box as I found it very usefull in my Sportsman box.

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I am not going to keep this box, I'll likely be calling Thor before the end of the season for a WES box.

Tell me what you think!

CW
 
#2 ·
I have a question about springs... Have any of you guys using yours as a two up swapped in the HD springs?

I have EPI HDs up front and love the difference. I am thinking of doing them out back as well. I have found a good $$ on a set of HI lifter HD springs. I cannot find rates on them.. just the advertisement that they offer 100# of additional carrying capacity...

What do you think? Polaris HD, EPI HD's or the better price on the HI LIFTER HD springs?

I am leaving for PT two of this years Maine trip the 13Th of August. SO what ever I do its gotts be ready by then. ;)

CW

MORE PICS as I continue the project... ;)
 
#19 ·
Unless they've come out with them recently, polaris doesn't make HD springs for the rear. They only have ones for the front. You can swap out some X2 springs though. I don't know what part number the springs are. My friend at the local dealer recently did it for a really big guy with his 800.

The X2 springs will probably cost as much or more than the rear hilifter springs though.
 
#9 · (Edited)
CW,

Do you have a pic showing the complete project?
Did the wifey try it out with you regarding the setting on the
rear springs, I just turned mine all the way up
.
I did and its too not bad. maybe I'll leave it for this trip and change latter if necessary...

She likes the seat on my machine. Likes the foot rests best of all!! I have them a bit higher than most. Here thighs are level sitting in the seat. Last year when riding my buddies machine she was sitting in the same seat and was comfortable. His foot rests are the factory bolt in jobbers in the rear portion of the foot well.

Rained like hell here late afternoon/last night, so no work on the 700... went to see Capt. America instead... Pretty good movie.

CW
 
#4 ·
The EPI and Highlifter should be the same spring. Not sure how the polaris one compares, but EPI and Highlifter are both good, so go with whichever is cheaper. The ride is a little stiffer when not riding 2-up but it is worth it. Don't know how often you have ridden 2-up on a single seater, but just be a little more cautious because it can change the attitude of your atv and make it want to go over backwards easily. That is why 2-ups have a longer wheelbase.
 
#5 ·
... but just be a little more cautious because it can change the attitude of your atv and make it want to go over backwards easily.
That is why 2-ups have a longer wheelbase.
That was one thought of putting 2" forward A-arms on my `07 800 at the time.
Thinking the wheels more forward would help with weight offset to
a point. Never got to go on a ride with a passenger though to tell a difference or not.

I'm sure if CW has a problem, he'll come up with a way to maybe add
weight to the front some how to even it out if he has any trouble :)
 
#6 · (Edited)
Definitely more pics later Scott!!

I need to pull it outta the garage to do that tho... No good weather here today, hopefully I can work on it some but doubtful I'll get pics yet.

I did think on the weight transfer as I moved the box back as far as I could. I had to remove my rack extender to get it all the way back to the stops.

One thing I have noticed about this box. (I do not really like it) Is its smaller then my Sportsman. I have a couple tank bags and found that with a couple footman loops I can attach one in the center of the box directly behind the passenger. Its not the easiest to access but will offer needed storage.

I was conscious about weight. This whole frame weighs about 10-12 pounds. I probably have another 10-15 pounds of items in the box. Then add the seat itself and the passenger, say 6-8 for the box and 125-30. For a max addition of 170#, under the 200# rear rack limits. Sure it will change handling. For the most part we are traveling open trails with a few "pot holes" here and there at under 25 mph. In very rough areas, my wife prefers to walk anyhow. ;)

CW
 
#11 ·
I have a couple tank bags and found that with a couple footman loops I can attach one in the center of
the box directly behind the passenger. Its not the easiest to access but will offer needed storage.

CW
CW,

Did you consider using the front rack for additional storage bags & space.
Just took a quick look at my `07 800 and I believe there could be a way
to add some type of smaller bag (or box) on the Left & Right side of
the rack, as long as it doesn't hinder the steering.

If your trail rides don't happen during the night, there's possible space in the front also
that you could put storage as long as you can see over the front and blocking the high beam isn't a problem.
Spreading the weight out between the Rear & Front as much as possible could help with the ride feel and
also for some safety factors with using the 2-up seat.

Just a thought.
 
#8 ·
Thats a roger copy there Polman! ;) Mommas not happy.... NO BODYs happy!!

Take it from someone who knows, Its something to be learned by our younger members, keep your lady happy! :flowers1: It's not hard and life is/will be immencely more enjoyable!!!

CW
 
#12 ·
Well I had some time today and the weather cooperated so I cut and tacked on the hand holds. I also got momma up in the seat for a trial fit. I was rewarded with a compliment... " OH, this is VERY COMFORTABLE!" Guess I done good so far, the "boss" like it!! ;)

I cut the hand holds at 13" high and pinched one side so it would fit better on the 1" angle iron. (The hand holds are 1 1/4" dia.) Then I angled them slightly back towards the box. I need to be sure I get clearance to open and close the box. I also found that the foot pegs are still a bit long. Allowing my foot to slip between them and the bike. This could be a problem in rough terrain hurting the legs of the pilot. I trimmed them as short as the brackets allowed and rounded all corners. If they still prove too long. I'll have to remove them and re install outboard of the down pieces instead of transecting them. This will gain me about 3/4" as well as allow for more of a "bite" for the passengers heel. I may have to change them anyhow as she thinks they are a bit smooth.

Here is a couple shorts as it came together...

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Here is the hand holds in position just prior to tacking them in.

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Gotta finish welding tomorrow or the next day then shoot it all black.

I also added a fender bag to the very back of the box. I used two footman loops for the top:

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The attached the bag and attached the lower straps to the bumper. its kinda like a back pack. Hope it dosent get too dirty back there...

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CW
 
#14 ·
I got it welded up and even painted today!!

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CW
 
#16 ·
Looks good.
 
#17 · (Edited)
Thanks guys!!

I noticed my diamond plate "flaps" made some noise... To get more rivets in them I needed to remove the rear bumper. When I did I realized the rear bumper weighs more then the entire foot peg rack I just built!!! SO, off it comes!!! I don't need any extra weight that far back compounding the weight shift. BUT, I needed something there for a tie down point to compress the suspension, grab on and move machine around with, attach the rear bag too and finally attach Yosemite Sam to.. ;) I needed to build something strong, light and rigid enough to tie the machine down with.
This is what I came up with...

I took two pieces of 1/4" x1.25 flat stock and a 18" piece of the same stock I used in the rack, 1/2"x1" x1/8" and welded them together so they mount in the lower set of holes in the rear of the frame. My rear door still opens perfectly, and with 2, Grade 8, 5/16" fine thread bolts, washers and nuts, it isn't going anywhere easily.

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CW
 
#18 ·
nice job.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Thanks Razor.

I just ordered the Hi Lifter HD rear springs.

Well guys, I'm back form Maine! Had a great time! We lost most of the first day to heavy rains. Got out for about 25-30 Miles Monday. Then Tuesday even heavier rains until about 3PM. We had a early dinner and hit the trails late to look for moose and ride. We did about 50 miles and got caught in another deluge!! HUGE droplets!! I'm talking 1" diameter spots on my jeans as we road into the face of it going back!! No sense in stopping for the ponchos either we where soaked to the bone and had better then 20 miles to get to "camp"! Wednesday was picture perfect!! Took a 120+ mile trip to Pittston Farms Maine! BEAUTIFUL place!!! Had the best Ruben samich I have ever eaten and road back to the cabin. Thursday we took the ride girls on to Canada. Saw tons of wild life but zero pictures of them!! We do have a bunch of beautiful scenery shots!

I'm still uploading pics to my photo bucket account. I'll make a post and show them later.

Momma said I dune really good with the two up mods!! Only issue was quickly fixed with a bit of pipe insulation for the hand holds. Here thighs hit the outer parts and was uncomfortable for her. The insulation was soft and relieved the rite quickly! I also learned I HATE THIS BOX!! I was spoiled with the excellent Polaris box... ZERO leaks there.... I opened the Moose box to find EVERYTHING inside SOAKED!!! Happened EVERY-TIME it rained or one nite with a heavy dew! WTF? I got pissed the first time and covered the plastic "nubbers" holding the padding on with RTV silicone in an effort to seal out the water. Useless... Pops getting it back and I'm calling our friend Thor for an excellent WESTON BOX!!!

BUT... The stock rear springs SUK for two riders!!!! HD springs are MANDATORY! I am a bigger guy at 220# momma is about 130#. Seeing as the rear rack is rated at 200# I figured I would be fine with the shocks turned up all the way.... NO SO! I hope my shocks are OK... I was running with the control arms level (Loads of sag!) and accelerations with a turn damn near dangerous!! I could feel the "lightness" from the front end!! Pop said he noticed the inside front tire an inch off the ground numerous times!!! NOT GOOD!!! I don't ride hard with two people and took it especially easy form then on out.

I unloaded and washed the machines, stowed the gear, took a shower, made dinner on the grill, helped momma with a couple loads of cloths and sheets on the bed and now I'm sitting down here. While I'm uploading pics...I ordered the HI-LIFTER HD rear springs!! Gotta call Thor for his foot pegs too! Mine worked well enough, but when I'm alone I feel them on mt legs. I am worried in the event of a accident or bad/rough section hurting myself. (The WILL NOT give!!)

CW
 
#22 · (Edited)
I got most loaded to Photobucket... Here is a couple teasers...

Jackman from above...
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Three amigos
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Jimmy and Pop
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Me leading the pac..
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Bridge needing repair
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Beautiful trails
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CW
 
#23 · (Edited)
OK,

I have some questions for the guys with the WES box/seat.

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The biggest reason I don't like the Moose box is the thing leaks!! How is the Wes for water sealing?

The second reason is almost half your storage capacity goes out the window when you remove the center section so you can have a passenger! I can see and know the dimensions of the Wes, but how much real storage space is there?

A guy had one on a Sportsman while we where on VK and momma liked the feel of it. I like the looks and know its a favorite. Just looking for some actual use experience. All comments welcome.

CW
 
#24 ·
The Wes will only leak if you spray it with a high power sprayer sideways. Under normal conditions it will not. I just returned from WI yesterday. Left the quads on the trailer overnight. We had a big rain storm this am and all my items were still dry when I unloaded to wash it.

It has plenty of room. I usually keep a small cooler where the fuel can goes. I also carry 2 rain suits, tools & extra cloths and still have room. It is really a A+ box & our best seller at TheATVSuperStore. Any questions feel free to call the shop and talk with me. I know everything about this box & love it!

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#25 ·
I have that exact box on one of my wheelers...I love it so far. It doesn't hasn't leaked on me at all. My wife says the seat portion is very comfortable compared to our old seat/box. I put 2 1 gallon gas cans in the box...one on either side and my air compressor. We also stuff clothes in there for when we go on night rides or rain gear. I have the seat on my wifes machine right now and while riding behind her the other day I noticed that when she hit a bump at 35-40 mph the seat popped open and closed even with the little bungee's that keep it closed. This was allowing some of the dust to get in there and covered what was on top with dust...it wasnt a big deal though and the way to keep that from happening is to just lock the seat with the lock that is built into the seat.
 
#26 · (Edited)
OK good to hear!!

Today my new HD springs arrived... As suspected they are YELLOW!! A couple coats of Rustoleum Hammer tite will fix that up nicely!! I also found out that these springs are the same that's used on the FRONT of a RZR 800 and the REAR of a 500 2X.... I was nervous when it arrived stamped SPRZR800... Ten minutes on the HIGH-LIFTER site showed the applications. But they still don't list the # but they do say its 50# heavier per spring.

Install this weekend!! Now I hope I can get the springs off my muffler!!

CW
 
#27 · (Edited)
#28 ·
Got some Foot rests form The ATV Super Store!!!

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Once my head gets better I can cut off my foot pegs and make room for the improved Thor versions...

CW
 
#30 ·
LOL, your right!! I could keep those tite parts of the trail clear too!!! LOL

CW
 
#31 ·
I would like to bump this up to ask a question. We have a 04 500. Just bought it for the farm. The wife and I have found we enjoy riding together but she slides around. We don't ride together much, but her comfort is important.

The concern I have about this setup is that the passenger is raised a couple of inches. I fear that this would make the bike a bit more tippy. We have a couple of 20 degree slopes that we ride up and down.

I have been thinking about just one of the other boxes with a backrest that would put the passenger a lot further forward.

Thanks for the advice in advance

Carl
 
#32 ·
well i have thors seat... only problem so far with it i the lock and ride, they seem to pop out abit after the ride (no foot pegs yet)

handling for me DRASTICALLY changes as i am about 240pounds... and my father or any other passenger is at 200-240 pounds as well... when he and i am on it.. on the frozen/icy road the front wheels just plowed the road... barely turning ( no gas and in 2x4)

as for foot pegs.. im makeing my own design... not yet done with it but when i am i will post pics....
only thing i dont like about thors/other like these styled designs are they are DANGEROUS.... my friend has a 660 yam. and he litterally FALLS off every time his wife doesnt put them back up... he just trips on them...

as for my design.. its either going to be on the floor and fold up (square so no leg can fit/get hooked up on it)
or a fold down design WITHOUT the side rail...

as for 20* hills... well... it all depends on the machine and the way the seat is... i put mine pretty far back to both enable a lock and ride and maybe 1 Ubolt(will serve to hold seat and gas can or something)


as for the box... well its GREAT...
2 helmets fit inside although when i put mine in (full face) the box doesnt close... it closes but my helmet is maybe 1/2" bigger than it should be.

hope i helped... ask any questions here or PM me if you want to know something...
 
#33 ·
OLD thread I know, Just a UPDATE: This setup has been GREAT for a couple seasons and countless miles now! LOVE the WES seat!!!

NOT tippy in the least, we did a huge incline this season that had I known it was that bad I probably would not have attempted it.. but we went right up no problems at all... only I should have done it in LO... Smoked my belt a little... at least I got some rubber smell. I have yet to pull the cover off.

CW