dealers advice

Last winter, a snowmobiler found a flaw in one of Arctic Cat's newer sleds. After riding on a ten-mile stretch of blacktop into town for fuel, he wore a complete set of skis down to the spindles and melted the hyfax and wearbars on his snowmobile. The machine had less than 200 miles on it. He returned to Lewiston Motor Sports in Lewiston, Michigan where he purchased the sled to report it to the dealer.

Ed Andrews, co-owner and vice president of Lewiston Motor Sports for three years and veteran snowmobiler for 32, thought he had seen and heard everything until then. Now, he cannot stress enough the importance of education to save himself and his customers both personal and financial headaches.

"Education is great," Andrews says. "I had a woman read the entire owners manual front to back a week before I delivered her sled. When I got to her house, she quizzed me, referring to page numbers from the manual. I was impressed. I wish more customers would do that."

As a whole, Andrews believes customers are more informed about the makes and models of sleds than ever before with the advent of the Internet.

But, he claims that snowmobilers, both novice and experienced, need more education when it comes to sled selection, safety, maintenance and riding conditions.

Jim Mason, an eight-year district sales manager for Arctic Cat in southeast Michigan, says that the purchaser must take into account more than price when selecting a dealer. Choose a dealer who rides. He should be an enthusiast who has snow running through his veins. Also, the dealer should sell accessories and provide repair service.
If the customer is a first-time buyer, consider to what extent the dealer can assemble a complete package. The dealer should be able to recommend the necessary trailer for the sled, demonstrate how to properly load it, and suggest the right truck to pull it.

Before customers lay down one dollar, they should select the right sled for the right application. Look at all the models and determine which snowmobile will fit the family. If snowmobiling is a family affair that includes saddling the kids, purchasing a two-up sled is better for the performance of the machine and safer for all involved. If speed is a top priority, customers should shop around.

Patty Kanitz, sales and service representative for Bob's Arctic Cat in Milan, Michigan, asks customers: What kind of riding will you be doing? Kanitz, who has ridden for 18 years and co-owned Bob's Arctic Cat with her husband for the past ten, relies on her experience to make recommendations.

Riders should research the capabilities of the sleds manufactured by Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha. Review the technology that has stood the test of time and discover what is new. Customers can accomplish this by reading the magazines, visiting web sites and attending consumer shows where they can check under the hoods of these sleds and talk to manufacturers and dealers.

Typically dealers are prohibited from conducting any business transactions at consumer shows. So customers can talk with a variety of dealers under one roof without igniting a bidding war. Customers should take advantage of this opportunity and ask a variety of questions.

Kanitz suggests the following: What are the changes and improvements on the newer sleds? Do they run differently? Do they use a different mixture of gas and oil? Do they use different spark plugs? When should I bring the sled back for a check-up?
Afterward, armed with knowledge, customers should visit various dealerships. Shopping around is very important for a novice or experienced rider before purchasing a new snowmobile. Do not skip this step, Kanitz urges.

"Meet the dealers," she says. "Have them take you into the service department. Ask if you will be first if you buy a sled from them." Doug Miller, of Monroe, Michigan, buys only from smaller, family-owned dealerships.

"You only have a small window of riding time and you don't want to miss it because a bigger dealership is more concerned with selling new sleds than taking care of customers," Miller says.
Kanitz warns customers to be wary of a dealership more interested in high volume sales than good service.

"Snowmobiling is not a cheap sport to get into," Kanitz says. "If something goes wrong with your sled, don't live with the problem, take it back."

Although it seems obvious, Andrews must remind riders that snowmobiles need snow. Riding during a lack of snow on bad trail conditions can ruin a rider's snowmobile season quicker than a January thaw. It is a snowmobile and there should be at least four inches of powder before riding.

In the end, dealers agree an educated customer is their best customer.

Top ten questions customers should ask dealers:

1. Which parts (belts, carbides, hyfax, spark plugs) are covered under warranty?

2. How long does the warranty last? Most factory warranties last only one year. But, sometimes manufacturers offer specials.

3. What should be lubricated on the machine?

4. What should be done before every ride? Tighten bolts and check suspension.

5. How clean should I keep my machine? The cleaner you keep it, the longer it will last and you will get a better resale value. Keep the salt and slush off.

6. How much gas and oil will be used on long trips?

7. What extras (plugs, belts) should I carry for any full day trips? Know that it takes about 500 miles to break-in a sled.

8. How do I change a spark plug and replace a belt?

9. What is the safest way to load and unload my machine from the trailer?

10. Should I warm-up my sled as I would a car? Yes. Start the machine and let it idle for about ten minutes. This prevents the motor from seizing up.