New to the sport - lots of questions - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

strider · 06-16-2009, 03:50 PM

Hello everyone. I have a ton of reading to do but I thought I would introduce myself and ask some questions.

My name is Chris and I live in the SF Bay Area, CA. I've been a snow skier for a number of years. Last winter my wife and I rented snow machines for the first time and LOVED it. So I'm here to learn about what it takes to run your own.

Starting off w/ which machine. I'm leaning towards 4-stroke for a couple reasons. 1) It appeals to the tree-hugger in me. 2) I've been riding and road racing motorcycles for the last 10 years so I'm mechanically comfortable w/ 4-stroke motors. I have zero 2-stroke experience. My budget is ~$3,000 per sled (I'm hoping that by starting now I can get some deals as people upgrade or whatever during the off-season). I'm not sure what kind of riding is available in the Sierra Nevada so I'm at a loss as to type, size, etc of machine.

I have a 6'x10' covered trailer that I use to haul my race bike and equipment. Can you fit 2 sleds in a trailer that size?

I'm sure I'll have loads more questions - I appreciate any guidance you all can give me.

Thanks,
Chris

**RJ Gleason** · 06-16-2009, 04:13 PM

You'll need an 8X10 to haul two sleds.
The Sierras have some good deep snow, so you will need long track sleds.
Check with the rental places, you can buy fairly cheap from them and you will know the maintenance records as well.

polaris rider · 06-16-2009, 05:02 PM

ull have a hard time finding a 4-stroke for 3k

**BC_Dan** · 06-16-2009, 06:56 PM

Like RJ and Polaris Rider stated.

You will see a LOT of 2-stroke mountain sleds running in the Sierras or at Mt. Shasta. Polaris, Arctic Cat, SKi-doo, not so much with Yamaha. For your price range, I would look for an Polaris Edge 700 with at least a 144" x 2" track. Be a bit aware that the Polaris 800 has issues with the PTO crank bearing, lots have failed. The 700 shares the design and crankcase, but does not share the problem to near the extent.

The M-7 is also a good value if you can find one in that price range. The M-8 doesn't give you that much additional oomph for your bucks, but is a nice sled as well. I like the Polaris because the Edges after the Vertical Escape in 2003 have electronic reverse.

Skidoo also makes a nice sled, they were the first with the "rider-forward" design that is popular with most makes now.

In snowmobiles, the 2-stroke is easy to work on, the 4-stroke is mostly dealer service only with a lot of the rebuilding. That said, the 4 strokes go a LONG time between rebuilds. If you are mechanical at all, you will have few issues in working over a 2-stroke. They are simple in comparison to a 4.

Check the forums on Snowest.com in their want ads, there are a lot of sleds for sale with a lot of 'em out west. I just got one a couple of weeks ago from a guy in Auburn, Ca. that rides the area where you will be riding, and found it through Snowest. Craigslist seems to have higher prices.

Good luck in your search, and welcome to the forum!!

strider · 06-16-2009, 08:26 PM

Thanks for the quick responses. Doing a lot of reading, trying to wrap my arms around as much as I can.

Guess I need to ponder the trailer question. Try and replace my covered trailer for a larger one or just get a flat-top. Unfortunately where I live parking space is a bit tight.

So there's no way to fit two into a 6x10? Not even if I park one forwards and one backwards?

TCOLLINS · 06-16-2009, 08:46 PM

You might blow the hood off the one parked backwards? No to the trailer question. Mine is 8' 6" and it is just enough. Especially when loading flying up the trailer you want a few x-tra inches.

strider · 06-16-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCOLLINS

You might blow the hood off the one parked backwards? No to the trailer question. Mine is 8' 6" and it is just enough. Especially when loading flying up the trailer you want a few x-tra inches.

Well the trailer is enclosed so wouldn't have to worry about wind. But yeah I was wondering how I could back that one in without breaking stuff. Just wishful thinking on my part. Thanks for the advice!

TCOLLINS · 06-16-2009, 10:14 PM

My bad. Yea you might think about a new trailer unfortionately.

xc sp 500 rider · 06-17-2009, 10:23 AM

welcome to the forum

xxxthebxxx · 06-17-2009, 09:06 PM

There's no way to sneak two sleds onto that size trailer, so unfortunately you will have to upgrade. Those enclosed trailers are really nice, too!

Welcome to the forum!

TCOLLINS · 06-17-2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxxthebxxx

There's no way to sneak two sleds onto that size trailer, so unfortunately you will have to upgrade. Those enclosed trailers are really nice, too!

Welcome to the forum!

xxxthebxxx how do you like the srv 540? I just picked up one for free.

xxxthebxxx · 06-17-2009, 11:54 PM

I like the SRV 540, but it was in its prime when I was just a baby. But, it could do an upwards of 85-90mph and was above average on the trails. It was very reliable, and only required a few tune-ups over the years. We still have it! Overall a great sled and I hope you enjoy it!

strider · 06-18-2009, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xxxthebxxx

There's no way to sneak two sleds onto that size trailer, so unfortunately you will have to upgrade. Those enclosed trailers are really nice, too!

Welcome to the forum!

Thanks! Yeah, I'm on the hunt for a new trailer. My current trailer is a Haulmark and I'm happy w/ it so I'm thinking of this one: Haulmark Trailers - Cargo Trailers - Bumper Pull - Grizzly WT2

It's 8.5'x12' and I saw in a thread somewhere you can build little ramps and the outside skis will ride up and over the interior wheel wells.

Chris

**RJ Gleason** · 06-18-2009, 08:15 AM

With that set up, I would just back the sled in and not worry about having to have the skis pass over the wheel wells.