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Please: Advice for a newbee

C

CR125HAYDEN

New member
I am a long time North Idaho dirt bike rider. I am getting too old to snowboard, so I want to take up snowmobiling. I know nothing about sleds

-I want to get 2 sleds 4 or 5 years old. one for me 5' 10" 190lb and 1 for my 14 year old daughter 5' 3" 105lb who races MX.
-Want 2-strokes
-Just basic, fun reliable sleds for riding trails.
-They don't need to be fast or loaded.
-I would like to get 2 identical sleds, so something that would work for the both of us.

brand, track size, engine size, etc?

Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated. I will start looking on craig's list soon.

Thank You
David
 
Any brand newer than 2007 (except for Yamaha) and you will be fine.

IMHO brand preference would be

Polaris
Arctic Cat
SkiDoo
... uh Yamaha

I am a Polaris guy so biased with that brand.

But do own YAMAHA and arctic cat.

Since new and want same sled as 14yearold daughter go with a 600 -700 cc sled. Above this cc requires more maintenance, wit and muscle.

There is no replacement for displacement and people here will tell you after a 12 rides you will want to get a 800 or 1000 cc sled.
A bit too much for a 14 year old girl unless she really knows how to respect the throttle and throw the sled around.

Sice first time I will give Polaris advice.

Stay away from 2005-2006 chasis ... heavy IQ chassis,

2003 - 2004 Edge Chassis 144 track should work for both but you will want more HP after you ride a dozen times.

2007-2010 pic one 600 and 700 cc sleds just get better every year.

The Edge chasis is lower than the newer IQ , IQ RAW chassis. So less likely to flip but harder to turn compared to easier lean turns on taller IQ, IQ RAW chassis.

The only thing different between yours and daughter would be getting electric start.

Weight is your enemy and Yamaha's are heavy.

The best "accessory" for your sled is an fair and reasonable local dealer repair shop ... especially if you have a warranty.

Engine and chassis technology changed for most manufacturers in 05-06 and there is a big difference between in handling.

How much do you want to spend?

LET THE IMHO AND BASHING BEGIN !!!
 
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For a 4-5 year old sled, you'll probably be looking at Polaris Edge chassis sleds or Ski-Doo Revs. For the Polaris, a 700cc sled with a 144" track would be a good starting place to learn how to ride- plenty of machine to get you into trouble. Ski-Doo doesn't offer a 700, so you'll be looking at 600/144"s or 800/144 or 151 tracks. Polaris does offer an 800cc sled, and they are very good sleds but not quite as bomb-proof as the 700. The 800's are prone to crank failure, and when they go they can be costly. There are solutions to the problem, ranging from a few hundred bucks to 2 grand.
The Rev will probably be easier for you to get used to coming off dirt bikes, much less rider effort required to pull it over and sidehill compared to an Edge. The Polaris Edge chassis is real solid and durable for the most part, but definitely behind the times. The Rev is a little flimsier (nothing that can't be easily addressed) and will be less of a big change to make when you decide to upgrade down the road.
I didn't include Cat models because I don't know much about them- you'd probably be looking at the Mountain Cat/King Cat chassis, and they are similar to an Edge but I think they are slightly heavier and not as friendly on the trails as an Edge.
 
Your never to old to snowboard pow. My whole crew uses our sleds for BC snowboard access. Freaking awesome. I love claiming peaks for myself and only crossing my bro's or my tracks. That and snowmobiling kicks major arse. I never walk away bummed that I didn't ride my board on a sick pow day.

With that said, I'd recommend you pick up a sled with a minimum 153" track. Higher miles on a 2stroke, mo problems. Keep that in mind when you consider a 'sweet deal' on a sled with 3000 miles.

As a newbie you'll be digging out a bunch, so lighter is better, but usually thats a trade off for reliability. For me 4stroke Yamaha was the best choice cause the last thing I wanna do is have my sled blow up 70 miles from the truck. Reliability was my main concern, that and climbing ability, so everything else was a trade off. That and weight builds character, thats why I drink beer with no regard to calorie intake.. :cool:

If you want a good snowboard perspective on buying a sled, PM me and I'll send you a link from another site were the snowboard dudes give advice on things to consider when buying a sled. I wouldn't count out snowboarding cause you are buying a sled, it opens up a whole new limitless world of runs. Seems like a shame when the sled is the tool to enable your riding.
 
Hands down the best sleds to get would be 2006 summit 800's. They were the best sled of this year and they are the most reliable Skidoo to date.

get yourself a 151 and your daughter a 144. This is something that you can grow into. Dont start on an older polaris because you will want a rider forward sled.

PS. I started from the bottom...ie wedge...and it makes the learning curve longer.

Your daughter will thank you if she gets a newer sled. You will have to look for a while but you need to get this year.
 
One ski is the way to be.

http://www.snowest.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=144

http://www.snowest.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=178

Unless your opening statement means you're giving up two wheels for good, then carry on.:face-icon-small-hap

Stuff it couch riders, there's room for other oppinions, going to grow yours like ours is?:rolleyes:

754-SnowHawk800-2.jpg
 
I would recommend the newest 600 Rev Summits that you can afford, after that I would recommend either the M6 or M7. Both of these sleds work on the rider forward approach, which is desirable.
 
Watch out for the Polaris 900's unless you have a lot of time to do research and want to wrench on it some. Do a search on here. There should be a lot of info out there.
 
Yeah, I gotta agree on the rider forward position sleds like the Rev. I made the jump last year to the rider forward seating on a 04 Rev 800. Loved it. Will never look back. The wife liked it too so she got an 07 600 Summit for this year. Lots of 04s to 06s available in your price range. Welcome to the world of sledding. You're gonna wish you'd come over a long time ago. :beer;
 
Welcome to SW!!

Coming over from racing motocross, you are going to have a lot of fun! Since you are both racers, I would recommend at least 700s. The Arctic Cat M7 or M8 would be a good fit to get you started. They have few problems, and will get you everywhere you want to go your first year. Since you are in North Idaho, check out the Idaho section and find some people to ride with. The best way to learn the ropes is to go with some folks that are willing to help you out. I'll be home in February and you are more than welcome to come ride with us while I'm there.
I assume you with both be standing up more than sitting, so I would recommend getting a riser. A riser essentially raises the bars a couple of inches so they are more comfortable to use while standing, and it also makes it easier to pull the sled up on its side. I would recommend going with at least a 144" track, with a 153 probably being a better choice. The longer the track, the more you'll float in the snow, and the less you'll be stuck.

One thing to consider might be going for an M8 yourself, and an M7 for her. I believe there isn't much diffence in the sled other than the engine, but I'm not an expert on Arctic Cats. What I do know is that my sister rides an M8 and it fits her really well.
Up until a few years ago most sleds were geared towards sitting and riding, instead of standing and riding like the mountain guys do. The newer sleds are "rider forward" which means they are actually ment to be ridding while standing, and are a lot easier to go from sitting to standing than the older models.

I hope that helps!! Keep an eye on the swapmeet and you should find some decent deals on sleds.
 
I am a long time North Idaho dirt bike rider. I am getting too old to snowboard, so I want to take up snowmobiling. I know nothing about sleds


Any suggestions would be greatly appriciated. I will start looking on craig's list soon.

Thank You
David

Find a dealer that you like and trust and look at that brand or brands.

Sleds are going to give you problems at some point and time and a good dealer will make life a lot better.

KSH
 
Welcome to the addition....by the end of the year you will know what I'm talking about. :)

Here is another vote for a Arctic Cat M series. You will want to go with a M8 and give her a M7. If she has race motocross, I would assume she would be able to handle a more powerful sled like a M7, if not, get her a M6. They are nice light weight sled that is super agile. The cool part about the M's, is when you want some more power....and you WILL, there is a TON of mod options for these sleds. **Puff, Puff, PUFF!**

You might see me this year on the mountain, I will be the guy acting like I know what I'm doing. :D
 
Whatever you do.....DO NOT show this to the daughter! :cool:

BurntTimber.jpg
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I would recommend 600s to help develop riding skills. It's much more fun to "finesse" a sled, than to "point & shoot". Be safe, have fun & welcome to a great sport! :beer;
 
Thanks Everyone,

I am already getting excited. and don't even have a sled yet. After reading everything; I will look for a 06 or never 700-800 with a min 151 track for me and a 06 or newer 600-700 min 144 track for my daughter. Either Polaris, A/C, or Ski Doo. Forward seating. I'll go to all 3 dealers and look and sit on the new sleds. I will try and resist buying new, but most often I do if I can find a great deal. I live in Coeur d Alene so we should have good snow in the mountains in a month, so that gives me some time to find two sleds on Craig's list.

Thank you all for the advice,

David
 
all the above is good advise
but if I could suggest renting from somewhere that has mountain sled's

all the sleds have specific things that some people like and others dont

it might be worth the money to rent a couple and make a decision based
on what feels right to you..

or as a alternative wait till the dealers have a promotion ride and ride there stuff without having to pay
 
I am a Skidoo man. If you do decide to go with a used doo go with the 06 rev. Bar none the best doo out of the box ever made my 14 year old son rides one. I would stay away from 08 xp sleds they needed alot of up grades. Had some clutching issues and liked to eat belts. Expensive belts at that. The 09 xps are great I have one of those as well. As fare as size if your daughter ride MX she knows how to work a throttle. I wouldn't be scared to put here on an 800. This is a vid of my boy on his 800 last spring. He was 13 years old and 90lbs. The dirtbiking part was from a race 2 weeks ago.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wOUyS0F3h0
I don't want to comment on other brands because I have never owned them.
In my opinion everyone makes a good sled these days. Like it has been said a good Dealer is important as well.
Enjoy and welcome to the addiction.
 
all the above is good advise
but if I could suggest renting from somewhere that has mountain sled's

all the sleds have specific things that some people like and others dont

it might be worth the money to rent a couple and make a decision based
on what feels right to you..

or as a alternative wait till the dealers have a promotion ride and ride there stuff without having to pay

this is just what i was thinking, when we started wasted money on buying new trail sleds only to find out i'm a mt. rider!!! if you have a snowmobile club in your area would contact them. most peeps would be glad to let you take a spin. if your not mechanically inclined then dealer support will be a big factor. sleds are the most break down prone toys i've ever owned. when i buy a new one just want to get it out to see what i've got to fix, when i buy a new quad i just want to take it out and ride. also GOOD GEAR is a must, if your freezing it just takes most of the fun out of it!!!
 
Thanks Everyone,

I am already getting excited. and don't even have a sled yet. After reading everything; I will look for a 06 or never 700-800 with a min 151 track for me and a 06 or newer 600-700 min 144 track for my daughter. Either Polaris, A/C, or Ski Doo. Forward seating. I'll go to all 3 dealers and look and sit on the new sleds. I will try and resist buying new, but most often I do if I can find a great deal. I live in Coeur d Alene so we should have good snow in the mountains in a month, so that gives me some time to find two sleds on Craig's list.

Thank you all for the advice,

David

There are people who love the ride forward other who hate flying over the bars.

A smaller cc sled will make you learn how to use body positioning in order to make the sled work for you.

If buy an older sled parts will be easier to get and much cheaper.

Also you will be more likely to ride a 3-4 grand sled like you stole it so you can learn and if it breaks there are tons of cheap parts. A 8-10 thousanddollar sled ... most don't even want to scratch the paint.

A rider who knows how to change the center of gravity and manuever around the sled will beat any other less experienced rider regardless of the horsepower ... unless you are lake racing or running a straight line.

The debate is for you Dad, Daughter will be great on a 600 -700. But if you go straight to the top of the displacement ... 800cc then you might not learn some things cause you'll hurt something throwing that kind of horsepower around.

The best of both worlds. Find a new sled with waranty from the 2008, 2009 models still at the dealer. preferable "still in the crate" so none has borrowed a parts or messed with it.

Look at the Arctic Cat loan deals for a new sled. Also since in Coeur d Alene area should find some great deals

If you do buy used aftermarket parts has absolutely no value. Why ... cause they change the sled and the new owner, or shop might not "understand" the "setup" or have the tools/experience on what did what and who to go to to tweek the sled to perfection.

Most take off the aftermarket parts and sell sled stock.
 
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