RTV 900 winch mount

[jeffsmd]

I have a viper on my RTV 900 and it is mounted the same way... The freewheel dial is against the side metal panel but it still can be turned easily. I wonder if there is some way you can pry the side panel out a bit... it wouldn't take more than a 1/4" of movement to allow you to turn the dial.

This is exactly what I had to do. I purchased a Viper Max 3500 winch and the Kubota mount for our 2012 RTV 900xt. I ran into the same issue. I installed the winch yesterday. When I tightened the winch to the mounting plate (bolting up through the bottom using the spacers that came with the Kubota mount) the freewheel dial was very tight against the metal side plate. I could turn the freewheel (going in from the top), but it was so tight, I was worried that if any grit got between the freewheel and the metal side plate that I would not be able to turn the freewheel. I pulled the winch off, unbolted the front plastic grill (this cheap piece of plastic is what makes the winch compartment so small that you have to access the freewheel from the top). I used a small pry bar to move the metal side plate over 1/4 to 1/3 of an inch. I now have plenty of room and the freewheel turns easily. I am also going to take my dremel and make the rectangular opening in the cheap plastic grill wider, so I can access the freewheel from the front rather than having to open the hood and reaching down from the top.
Hope this helps,
Jeff

 

[motoalliance]

Thanks for the update on this! Very helpful for the guys using our VIPERS. Have a good week.