I started reading this thread with a lot of curiosity about the debate. My wife and I are relatively new to sledding, and we have been graciously guidded - and dug out - by some very kind folks, (names witheld to protect the um... umm, well, you know). My wife and I ride stock M7's. They have been very good to us, and might still require a bit of clutch tuning, but all sleds do.
I come from a engine design background, and interestingly enough, when I finished college over 10 years ago, 2-stroke priciples were really just glossed over with an 'fyi' approach, because even then, it was clear that the 2-stroke era would be ending soon, likely by legislation, but mostly because of longevity, and what the consuming public is demanding.
One of the things I noticed when during my first few rides with these great folks (who im honored to say have become our friends), is the constant tinkering required. Here in W. WA, our elevations change a lot, so we'd start the day with them on certian jet sizes, and have to stop 2-3 times to adjust for changing air density. If they got it wrong, or too late, they had serious engine damage.
Now, one of the main reasons I went with M7's was the EFI. I HATE carbs, (thats a personal belief, I know) and I knew that elevation (air density) changes meant monkeying with them. But, I watched my friends run on the ragged edge of destruction, with a decent parts bill waiting if you guess wrong (it might be an educated guess, but it's still a guess) you're on a tow strap and your day is done.
The day is approaching where my abilites may justify more power. But, even if we're on an unlimited budget (I'm not, I need to watch my dollars) we only have a certain amount of time...... and personally, when I can get a day off of work, with my wife, and my friends, and with decent snow, I don't want to spend the day with my hood up, or ruining everyone's day by being towed out an hour after we arrive.
So, the EFI technology eliminates the mid-ride jet shuffle, and burn up risk, as long as your fuel map is accurate, (that technology is avail, you just have to pay for it) so thats a huge step. Oil injection makes it easy, so that's not a huge issue. But... God knows I have lots to learn, but show me a high pony (200 HP+) sled, with moderate weight (<500 Lb.) with massive reliabilty, and good handeling, and I'll bet a dollar to a donut we're looking at a forced induction sled. I know the four strokes can do that with pump gasoline, can that be done with the turbo 2-strokes? (I really don't know) Displacment doesn't really mean anything anymore. Its a number to determine a race class, thats it. When you get down to the heart of the issue, it's weight:HP. That's it. so who cares how many cc's it takes to make the power? I don't. I care about the weight, and the power. That's it.
Now, to be fair, I need to qualify what "massive reliabilty" means to me: To ME, 20,000 miles is really realiable. The way I ride, by 20K, I'll probibly have hit so many trees, I will likely need a new sled, so I'm fine with 20K. And I have no problem with maintence; to me, maintence is plugs, belt, changing lube fluids, lubing pivot ponts, filters, that kind of stuff. NOT taking my whole doggone engine out and apart to put new rings, pistons, bearings, and valves in it.
My wifes needs are a different story. I love my wife, and want dearly for her to continue to enjoy this hobby. I would gladly pay any price for whatever equipment she might need or want. She is tall, and slender, and with her abilities, her strength level, approach, and the kind of riding she likes to do, the rider-friendly ergo's of the M-series have been a good fit for her at this time. I'm still trying to get her cluch dialed in for her. But, while the results (performance) I desire will likely best be met in a s/c 4-stroke, her needs will likely be met with a well-tuned 2-stroke. I'd like her to have reverse simply for the load/unload process, and we will likely have that on her next sled.
Now we all have different needs and desires for our toys, and to me, this thread seems to be a collection of opinions, as most forums are, and I'm grateful for this oppertunity. That being said, I wanted to add my .02 cents and how I approach this topic, and the reasons behind that.
I truly think that it is TIME that is causing people to shy away from the "old mod sleds" and gravetate towards the newer, 'low power, high warranty' sleds.
AdrenalineAddict: it looks like you have a couple of great running sleds on your hands, im happy for you, and I hope to meet you and ride with you someday. But, in my (very) limited experience in the sled world, I've seen far more mod sled folks constantly tweaking their sleds, and the 'stockers' are just riding. I love to ride, and if I'm going to the effort, time and fuel to get my truck sleds to a sno-park, I want to ride, not wrench.
happy sledding,
Polar Express
