Hello I'm looking at getting a sled this coming winter and am not very familiar with the sport, I'm coming from the dirt bike and jetski world. I'm looking at getting a used sled that's fast and reliable with a budget of $2500 US Dollars. Also are there any specific models that are grenaders out there that I should watch out for.
Look on craigslist for a Arctic Cat 700 or 900 zr fast sleds when setup right and pretty good all around, if you want more speed and power right out of the box i would go (if i were you) for a Arctic Cat 600 or 800 zrt or Thunder Cat even something to learn on and yet still have tons of fun when you get comfortable with the sport. Welcome to the forum, also i am in Lititz Pa!
Try this: 1999 Arctic Cat ZR 600
Or this guy has a Thunder Cat that has some good, mods might want to check that out. Arctic cat snowmobiles
although it isnt going to be the best started sled, i learned on a Arctic Cat triple and i am glad i did as it has plenty of power to keep up with newer sleds. What ever you do, stick with Arctic Cat you will be much happier in the long run!!
You can also find awesome deals on 2002-2005 Polaris Edge model XC sleds in that price range. I would avoid the 800 big block Liberty engine, it has durability problems. But the 700 Edge is a great sled and very forgiving. Any Polaris that was made after 2003 will have electronic reverse, which gives you reverse capability without the heavy gearcase.
For a more "rider forward" stance, Skidoo sleds in those same years (Rev models) are what to look for. The medium size sleds in all three makes offer better durability than the larger engines, if that's important to you.
Good luck in your search, and if you find a specific sled, post it up and we will be sure to comment on it.
Welcome!
We could use a bit more info.
Where abouts are you looking to ride?
Mountains? Flat land? Trail ride or off trail?
At $2500 you should be in the 2004 area?
I personally look for the Cat 800 efi either a ZR or a M!
Considering that this is your first sled, maybe you should start off a little smaller than 800 and 700 cc sleds? I would be willing to bet that when you started dirt biking you did not start off on a yz450f or a cr500. Even though there is a smaller learning curve with sleds than bikes, I still think that you should work your way up. My first sled was a 600, and it has more than enough power for when I started off. Even though it is "only" a 600, it can still do dang near 100 mph.
A 600 i believe is a good starting sled, 100mph may or may not seem fast to you, but trust me i have been there and its FAST, but useful if you do any lake riding.
Same with a dirt bike. But in my opinion, it is also about learning how to handle the machine. It is about learning how to corner, where to put your weight, and many other things of that nature. It comes natural to us that have been riding our whole lives, but if you put someone with no experience whatsoever on a big sled, then someone is gonna have a bad time if they are doing more than just going in a straight line!
The only issue with the 600 class for a beginner (unless they are under 18) is they will out grow it the first season!
Then there are the mods (trust me I have been the King of mods), I have a 98 ZR600 that I bought new and I have well over $20,000 invested in it over the years! I have the original 600 motor, a 680 as well as a 711 motor for it, I even have a 760 and a 783 stroker motor for it too! Yes 5 motors and about as many different pipes!
And so far the best I got out of it is 155hp! And a well tuned 03 F7 is about the same and you can buy the whole sled for around $2000!
So when I say don't bother, buy a bigger sled I know it!
^^lol of coarse it's going to be used, but if it's your first time running one you aren't going to pin it as soon as you get on it, your going to be little "scared" the first time out.
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