Need Help with first sleds. Great forum.

[JD1500]

New to the fourm. Been doing searches. seems to be a ton of great info here.

Me and GF are looking at getting our first sleds. We have mountain, trails, and groomed trails here. and we have a cabin in montana with just mountain riding, plus we plan on taking trips to yellowstone for long trail rides.

I am 6'1 240. Lots of motorsports exp, very little on a snowmobile.
GF is 5'6 130, no experince.

Looking to spend 2500 to 4000 a piece. Used since first sleds. wanna make sure we use them enough before we buy new.

What type (trail/mt. etc.) of snowmobile should we be looking for. what size etc. Obviously this is like a Ford/chevy argument. But what brand. What is reliable, pros/cons, etc.

I know nothing about them. What should i look for when looking at used sleds. what problems are they prone too etc.

I see alot of 700rmk, and mt max's for sale in the area. Mt. Max is all i have exp with.

Thanks, i know that is a ton of questions. if you could even point me to what keywords to search for or other threads to look at, it would be greatly appreciated.

[BC_Dan]

Welcome to the forum! It's nice to see other West Coasties on here!

The type of sled you buy really depends on your riding style. A mountain sled, such as a Polaris RMK, Ski-doo Summit, Arctic Cat Mountain cat or M series, and the Mountain Max you mentioned go great in the powder and offer hillclimbing that can't be done on a short track. They do suffer some on the trails, compared to their short track brothers, but are still very adaquate for trail riding.

If all you do is ride groomed trails, you won't want a mountain sled. The lugs on the track are bigger, which raises the track off of the snow, which leads to overheating issues. If you are going to do trails and meadows and through the trees and climb a hill now and again, go for the mountain sled. In your location, you will be VERY limited (either in WA or MT) if you get a trail-only sled.

As far as which one? I would make my decision based on several things. Do you have friends that ride? If so, you may want to buy what they have, so you can share their experience base (and tools!). How is local support? If you don't have a Yamaha dealer within 90 miles (like where I live) you may not want a Yamaha. My personal preference is for Polaris, mainly because that's the only dealer in my city, and I got good deals on my sleds when I got 'em.

For a first sled, the 700 is pretty awesome. If I had it to do over, I would not buy an 800, they have great power, but they have this pesky problem about the crank failing. New cranks are 950 bucks. The 700 shares the crank and crankcase, but not the issues of crank failure. A 700 RMK with a 144" track would be an awesome ride for you, guaranteed to make you smile big time. For your significant other, an RMK 600, try to find one with electric start and reverse, as they add a TON of comfort for the lady. The 600 has ample power and is a bit lighter than a 700, so it will be easier to turn and move in the snow.

That said, if you found a good deal on a couple of M7 Arctic Cats or a couple of Ski-doo Summits, they would not be bad at all. Yamaha no longer makes any two-stroke sleds, they have moved 100% into 4-stroke technology, so buying a two-stroke used would make me wonder how long Yamaha will be supporting that technology.

There are tons of good sleds out there, have fun in your search!

[JD1500]

Man that was fast. Thanks for the great info.

I love the summit, and the moutnain max. from the 6 times i have ridden both.
One lucky thing is i have a Yamaha, Ski-doo, and polaris dealer local. So i will try and stick to those brands. I think i will look for a mountain sled. as i will be in the WA/OR/MT/ID area.

Are the summits/rmk's/Mountain max's two or four stroke? I am used to 2 from mc, but would prefer 4. although that may be out of my price range.
What, besides flotation will i be gaining/losing between a 144,150," track etc.? Any preferance for stud length?

Main question is. What is the longevity of a sled engine, and what do i need to do for general maintenace and upkeep on them.?

[JD1500]

Wait, nevermind. All older sleds are twostroke arent they?

[JDS]

JD: Yellowstone only allows 4 strokes now. Even though I have my own sleds, it's cheaper for me to rent when going to the mountains or Yellowstone than towing my sleds out there. For that reason, I don't own any true mountain sleds because most of the riding here is trails or ditch banging. For trails I don't like tracks longer than 132and prefer 3/4" lugs. For mountain riding, that's a minimum; 144" or longer and 1 1/2" lugs are much better. As far as brands, get whichever you can get a deal on because all the manufacturers make good sleds. My recommendation would be to take the GF out to Montana, rent some sleds and find out what she can handle first. My wife's the same size as your GF, and a 550Fan is plenty for her.

[catkidforlife]

If you live near the mountains and would like to do a little bit of everything, my suggestion would be something along the lines of an Arctic Cat Crossfire or a Polaris Switchback. Both have a 136" track I think. Arctic Cat also made EXT versions of the Firecat and Saber Cat with a 144" track.

For your wife I'd probably go with a fan of some sort. Maybe a Z 570from Arctic Cat. Actually, the new Phazers would be a pretty good beginners sled I would think If you could find a deal on a used one.

[brown435]

Originally Posted by JD1500

We have mountain, trails, and groomed trails here. and we have a cabin in montana with just mountain riding, plus we plan on taking trips to yellowstone for long trail rides.

I am 6'1 240. Lots of motorsports exp, very little on a snowmobile.
GF is 5'6 130, no experince.

Looking to spend 2500 to 4000 a piece. Used since first sleds. wanna make sure we use them enough before we buy new.

What type (trail/mt. etc.) of snowmobile should we be looking for. what size etc. Obviously this is like a Ford/chevy argument. But what brand. What is reliable, pros/cons, etc.

I know nothing about them. What should i look for when looking at used sleds. what problems are they prone too etc.

I see alot of 700rmk, and mt max's for sale in the area. Mt. Max is all i have exp with.

Thanks, i know that is a ton of questions. if you could even point me to what keywords to search for or other threads to look at, it would be greatly appreciated.

I think a 600 is entry level for your GF and a 700 for you since you moto and are bigger than what a sled is initially designed for, an 180 pound rider.

A UTILITY sled is designed as a work horse. Big heavy slow and very reliable. Could haul people and pull a sled trailer with ease. Did I mention heavy?

Then you could look at a TOURING sled. Made mostly for trail and designed to have two people ride in comfort.

Next is crossover, not quite a off trail and not quite a trail sled. Compromize to both worlds but will not excel in either.

Then mountain sleds, designed for 3 feet of snow but not good for two people or pulling a trailer.

So here are some things to consider:

General type of sled UTILUTY , TOURING , CROSSOVER/HYBRID , MOUNTAIN

Size of track and type/height of paddles. 1.25 tall or less trail , 1.75 taller mountain
size 121 136 trail 141 144 in between 151 to 174 mountain

Air cooled under 600 cc and low power

600 cc to 700 liquid cooled good
800cc all the power you'll ever need

900-1000 catch me if you can watch out for that tree.

Skis and tracks are a big discussion.

I suggest you to go yo Polaris, Yamaha, Ski Doo , and Arctic Cat and watch all the videos on each type of sled.

So to spend $4,000 each and assume you want to get to your sled and yourself limits.

It is okay to take a mountain sled on the trail (but may overheat because it need snow to cool the radiator iunder the track) but a trail sled won't go far following a mountain sled.

For GF 2004 RMK 600 with 144 track and PERC reverse, near new $4000, used 2500 to 4000.

Four your experience with moto go with a 2003-2004 RMK 700 with 151 track. same price.

Like the man said before the 800 would be great but is known for engine problems. If you could by one from a trusted source who rebuilt the engine and fixed the crank go for it.

Sleds come out with new modifications each year.
The edge chassis for Polaris was out prior to 2003 but there should be no problems with the 2003 and 2004 models.
In 2005 and 2006 Polaris introduced the IQ chassis and needed modifications to make it correct, spring adjustments, steering angle changes and the like. The entire reputation of Polaris was tarnished by the 900cc engine fiasco. (I own a 900 and it is fine)
Polaris lost its reputation as the king of the mountain because of this chassis and engine.
2007 and 2008 came out the IQ RAW chassis and blew away the competition for mountain sleds.

I would say Arctic Cat comes in second for the mountains, then Ski-Doo , them Yamaha.
Of course this biased ranking changes completely based on two things. Chassis and engine modifications and rider experience change who is the king on the hill.

Plus as stated above you have 3 chassis and engine generations for Polaris from 2004-05-06-07.
On a straight away not much difference. But in Moguls, turns, the trees and hill climbs the RAW chassis and then the Edge followed by the IQ. Again you can make any one of these types of sleds out perform the other with rider experience and modifications.

Another thing not mentioned are the front skis. Skis control the way a sled turns, handles powder, and shifts weight. Good luck on sorting thru fact, fiction and rider bias.

The think I like best about Polaris is when you hit something ... and if you venture off trail you will hit something, they usually destroy the trailing arms on a Polaris and the Bulkhead is pretty strong and remains intact. Not so on other brands.

[brown435]

Maintenance, same as a motorcycle except two new deals.

The track needs to be maintained, hifax, tension etc.

... and the clutch. Two identical sleds one with a modified clutch and one without. The modded clutch with be better. How, less heat to engine, less wear and tear on chassis, more speed , less backshift, and longer belt life.

Sled life, depends completely on how it was ridden and maintained. Typically these issue compound as the sled gets older, under 500 miles near new except for rubber rotting, under 2000 miles maintenance, above 2000 miles maintenance, maintenance, maintenance and how was it ridden.

[Arctic_Cat_27]

I was wondering also how many miles do 600-800cc sleds last if well maintained?

[BC_Dan]

IF it were my money, I would do exactly what brown435 said. Cooling is an issue with the taller lugs, but you can get ice scratchers for those days of icy trails. 600 x 144" for her, that way she won't be stuck on those "OMG, look at all that snow!" days. 700 for you, 144" or 151", although I find the 151" to be a little harder to turn in the trees. Either will be way more sled than you can use until you get some experience. And like Mr. Brown also said, hit something with an Edge chassis, replace a trailing arm, about 90 bucks. Hit something with a Ski-doo, break the "flying nun".. sled is totaled.

Good luck in the search!

[Jaded]

Only going by my own personal experience. My wife rode a 1995 Phazer 480cc fan cooled. It had a 136" track with one inch paddles. She absolutely loved it on the trails. Probably the most popular trail sled for women in our neck of the woods. Because of their light weight they don't do too bad in powder up to 12" deep.
We were out briefly yesterday on our newly acquired Mountain Max 700s and she did very well. She's 5'10" and weighs 135 lbs. Not enough snow here yet to say if she'll like it as well as she liked her Phazer. Way more power for boondocking.
If you set up the suspension for her abilities and riding style she shouldn't have any problem on whatever you get her.
As for reliability, as I've mentioned before on other threads, my sled tech swears by the Mountain Maxs. He's worked on every sled out there and also owned a Mountain Max which he says he wishes he would never have sold. He's actually looking to buy one again.

[brown435]

Here are a couple advertisements I found plus look at any snow shows in your area. Great place to pick up a sled:

$2,700.00 OR OFFER!!
2001 Polaris 800 RMK 151"
salt lake city, UT 84108 - Nov 17, 2007
MUST SEE!!!! Solid sled with a new crank, pistons, and rings. Extras: Front/rear fox shocks, brand new SLP pipe, FLY aero tapered bars and 4" FLY bar riser kit. Already registered for the 07-08 season. Call Aaron @ 541-301-7299

$2,100.00
01 Polaris 700 RMK 144
Henefer, UT 84033 - Nov 17, 2007
For sale is an 01 Polaris 700 RMK. It has a 144 x 2" track. The track is in perfect condition no missing lugs. Motor is stock except for an MBRP can. Wife's sled. Has not been abused or ridden hard. Excellent condition. Stored inside and trailered in an enclosed. Call Cory (435)640-3286. If no answer please leave a message.


2,400.00
2001 Polaris 700 RMK 144
Morgan, UT 84050 - Nov 17, 2007
CPI Twin Pipes, V-Force Reeds, New top end
Seller Contact Info
Contact Name:
Grant Home Phone:
801-829-3794
Cell Phone:
801-698-7290

4,000.00
2004 Arctic Cat 900 King Cat
Morgan, UT 84050 - Nov 17, 2007
Great running sled. 16x162x2.5 Camoplast Track. Slp Twin Pipes, Slp Silencer, Slp Air Box,
V-Force 3 Reeds, New Top End (New Pistons) adjustable helix.
Seller Contact Info
Contact Name:
Grant Home Phone:
801-829-3794
Cell Phone:
801-698-7290

4,000.00
2004 Arctic Cat 900 King Cat Probably too much sled.
Morgan, UT 84050 - Nov 17, 2007
Great running sled. 16x162x2.5 Camoplast Track. Slp Twin Pipes, Slp Silencer, Slp Air Box,
V-Force 3 Reeds, New Top End (New Pistons) adjustable helix.
Seller Contact Info
Contact Name:
Grant Home Phone:
801-829-3794
Cell Phone:
801-698-7290

$6,600.00 - $6,800
Two 2007 Polaris 600 RMK
Ogden, UT 84404 - Nov 16, 2007
Two 2007 Polaris 600 RMK's both in EXCELLENT condition. One is piped with a 155 inch track for $6,800 and has only 440 miles. The other is 144 inch track with 272 miles for $6,600. They will go fast!
Seller Contact Info
Contact Name:
Les Home Phone:
801-668-1372
Cell Phone:
801-814-2082

2004 700 Edge RMK- 151" track. 1861 original miles. 3" power madd riser, articulator. Custom hood and graphics, still have original hood (included). Motor is all stock. PERC electronic reverse. Properly summer-ized and stored inside every year . Excellent condition. Located in Orofino, Idaho. $4500/OBO. racer522@hotmail.com

02 polaris, 1500 miles.
*Custom paint by pair-a-dice customs
* Slp single pipe
* MBRP can
* MMP Freedom axel And 8 in. billets
* Slp horn kit
* 2 in. Fly billet risers
* Fly Aero Tapered Bars
* Sportech Handguards
* Pro X shorty seat.
I modified Back Bumper, I love this sled, it rips. Beats them M7's. Takes me everywhere i need. Asking 4000 OBO boondocker_101@hotmail.com

2003 RMK 800 snow check 151
Blue and yellow snow check model with Ryde FX shocks.
I bought it new
1566 miles. great condition.
It is my wifes sled
No torn lugs on the track
120 PSI compression in both cylinders(cold)
comes with:
Cover
Hood blanket(goes under the cover)
Windshield bag
New grips
Polaris blue windshield
Stock windshield
Ice scratchers
2" bar riser
Simmons Skiis
Snostuff can with stock pipe
2 spare belts
Engine torque plate
Heavier weight rear springs
Skid plate
Four Barr LED taillight
Added PERC reverse last year so it has the Team roller secondary clutch
Allsport big bearing kit done 230 miles ago(Dec 07)
Also did all new crank bearings and 2 rods at the same time.
SLP rebuilt and balance the primary at the same time.
Hood has 2 scratches in the front, about 2" long.
Ready to ride. Just changed the chaincase lube, cleaned the VES valves and replaced the spark plugs.
Runs strong. Really a nice sled
$5000 OBO
Shawn slflathers@hotmail.com
Loacated in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
208-755-7934
I can email pictures

Good luck.m Post pics when you get one you like.

[JD1500]

I see where a lot of people list compression tests, but see numbers anywhere from 120-139. What is acceptible range, when is it too low?

[Arctic_Cat_27]

Originally Posted by brown435

Here are a couple advertisements I found plus look at any snow shows in your area. Great place to pick up a sled:

$2,700.00 OR OFFER!!
2001 Polaris 800 RMK 151"
salt lake city, UT 84108 - Nov 17, 2007
MUST SEE!!!! Solid sled with a new crank, pistons, and rings. Extras: Front/rear fox shocks, brand new SLP pipe, FLY aero tapered bars and 4" FLY bar riser kit. Already registered for the 07-08 season. Call Aaron @ 541-301-7299

$2,100.00
01 Polaris 700 RMK 144
Henefer, UT 84033 - Nov 17, 2007
For sale is an 01 Polaris 700 RMK. It has a 144 x 2" track. The track is in perfect condition no missing lugs. Motor is stock except for an MBRP can. Wife's sled. Has not been abused or ridden hard. Excellent condition. Stored inside and trailered in an enclosed. Call Cory (435)640-3286. If no answer please leave a message.


2,400.00
2001 Polaris 700 RMK 144
Morgan, UT 84050 - Nov 17, 2007
CPI Twin Pipes, V-Force Reeds, New top end
Seller Contact Info
Contact Name:
Grant Home Phone:
801-829-3794
Cell Phone:
801-698-7290

4,000.00
2004 Arctic Cat 900 King Cat
Morgan, UT 84050 - Nov 17, 2007
Great running sled. 16x162x2.5 Camoplast Track. Slp Twin Pipes, Slp Silencer, Slp Air Box,
V-Force 3 Reeds, New Top End (New Pistons) adjustable helix.
Seller Contact Info
Contact Name:
Grant Home Phone:
801-829-3794
Cell Phone:
801-698-7290

4,000.00
2004 Arctic Cat 900 King Cat Probably too much sled.
Morgan, UT 84050 - Nov 17, 2007
Great running sled. 16x162x2.5 Camoplast Track. Slp Twin Pipes, Slp Silencer, Slp Air Box,
V-Force 3 Reeds, New Top End (New Pistons) adjustable helix.
Seller Contact Info
Contact Name:
Grant Home Phone:
801-829-3794
Cell Phone:
801-698-7290

$6,600.00 - $6,800
Two 2007 Polaris 600 RMK
Ogden, UT 84404 - Nov 16, 2007
Two 2007 Polaris 600 RMK's both in EXCELLENT condition. One is piped with a 155 inch track for $6,800 and has only 440 miles. The other is 144 inch track with 272 miles for $6,600. They will go fast!
Seller Contact Info
Contact Name:
Les Home Phone:
801-668-1372
Cell Phone:
801-814-2082

2004 700 Edge RMK- 151" track. 1861 original miles. 3" power madd riser, articulator. Custom hood and graphics, still have original hood (included). Motor is all stock. PERC electronic reverse. Properly summer-ized and stored inside every year . Excellent condition. Located in Orofino, Idaho. $4500/OBO. racer522@hotmail.com

02 polaris, 1500 miles.
*Custom paint by pair-a-dice customs
* Slp single pipe
* MBRP can
* MMP Freedom axel And 8 in. billets
* Slp horn kit
* 2 in. Fly billet risers
* Fly Aero Tapered Bars
* Sportech Handguards
* Pro X shorty seat.
I modified Back Bumper, I love this sled, it rips. Beats them M7's. Takes me everywhere i need. Asking 4000 OBO boondocker_101@hotmail.com

2003 RMK 800 snow check 151
Blue and yellow snow check model with Ryde FX shocks.
I bought it new
1566 miles. great condition.
It is my wifes sled
No torn lugs on the track
120 PSI compression in both cylinders(cold)
comes with:
Cover
Hood blanket(goes under the cover)
Windshield bag
New grips
Polaris blue windshield
Stock windshield
Ice scratchers
2" bar riser
Simmons Skiis
Snostuff can with stock pipe
2 spare belts
Engine torque plate
Heavier weight rear springs
Skid plate
Four Barr LED taillight
Added PERC reverse last year so it has the Team roller secondary clutch
Allsport big bearing kit done 230 miles ago(Dec 07)
Also did all new crank bearings and 2 rods at the same time.
SLP rebuilt and balance the primary at the same time.
Hood has 2 scratches in the front, about 2" long.
Ready to ride. Just changed the chaincase lube, cleaned the VES valves and replaced the spark plugs.
Runs strong. Really a nice sled
$5000 OBO
Shawn slflathers@hotmail.com
Loacated in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
208-755-7934
I can email pictures

Good luck.m Post pics when you get one you like.

What site you find that off?

[brown435]

ksl.com - Utah's Online Source for Local News & Information classified section snowmobiles, Mac OS X Server and Snowmobile SnoWest Magazine

The compression is not a useable indication for several reasons.

It was taken cold, not real world operating parameter. Should be run till it is in normal operating temp.
Don't know which cylinder since it is a twin.
Altitude changes compression
Any oil sprayed into the cylinder prior to check?

For a twin the pressure difference between each cylinder is most important and the compression on each can go lower than 120 but depending on the above factors.

[Jaded]

I honestly cannot believe the price of sleds in the US compared to Canada. Pretty much half price. Think I'm gonna have to make a run for the border!

[brown435]

I had to post couple more sleds for sale:

$4,80000 O.B.O
03 Polaris 800 Rmk Vertical Escape
layton, UT 84040 - Oct 21, 2007
I Am Selling A 2003 Polaris 800. I Have Put A Ton Of Time And Money Into This Sled And Hate To See It Go But It Is Time To Try Something New. This Is Just Some Of The Stuff I Have Into It. SLP Race Pipes Ceramic Coated, Motor Port and Polished, 159" Track(Drilled Out), Motor, Chaincase, Waterpump Case, Carbs, and Clutch Cover Polished, Walker Evans Shocks Front and Rear with Remote Resivors, Tri City Front End Kit, Titainum Springs, Team Roller Clutch, Fly Handlebar Risers, Teather Switch, 44 mm Oval Bore Carbs, Big Wheel Kit, SLP Cheater Head, Lightning Weights, Simmons Flex Skis, Custom Painted Hood, Crank tru and welded, Power Addiction Intake Manifolds, Suspension Trailing Arms All Custom Painted. This sled Runs Very Well. Will Consider Trades for Polaris 900 or Polais IQ Chasis


Seller Contact Info
Contact Name:
Brock Home Phone:
801-510-8815
Work Phone:
801-628-7792

Since he is wanting to trade for a 900 RMK ... track too long for this 900 but there made them to a 151 inch track for the mountains.

$6,40000
2005 900 RMK 166
IDAHO FALLS, ID 83401 - Oct 30, 2007
THIS IS A BRAND NEW 900 166 WITH NO MILES AND POLARIS FACTORY 1 YEAR BUMPER TO BUMPER WARANTY, IT HAS THE RYDE FX SHOX THE 2.4 LUG GREAT BUY THEY SOLD FOR ALMOST ELEVEN GRAND NEW IN 2005
Seller Contact Info
Contact Name:
Tyler Home Phone:
208-521-7261

[BC_Dan]

I would be very hesitant recommending to someone new to snowmobiling to take on an 800, let alone a 900. That is a LOT of sled to learn on, let alone the 800 with it's crank issues and the 900 with it's everything issues. They only made the 900 for two years for a reason...