Getting the family into riding and looking for advice on sleds......

[madwrstler]

Hello. I am new to the forum. I bought a place in Central Wisconsin and am going to get the family into snowmobiling. The last time I rode was in the early 1990's. My question is that I am 5-6 miles away from the "groomed" trails and I would have to do ditch riding to get there. My wife is not an experienced driver and we have two younger boys who may/may not come with us. What is a good sled that would meet our needs for around $2,000? I am not interested in trailing them a lot since I can access the trails by ditch riding from my front door.

Lastly, I have a chance to get two good condition Polaris Indy 500 Classic Touring for $2,400 total but I heard they would be bad for any ditch riding and not suited for my needs. Is that true?

Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[smallengineguy]

Will you each have your own sled, or will she be riding with you?

[RJ Gleason]

The touring 500s would suit your needs. IE; allowing you to take the boys along.
They are not the best choice for ditch banging , but you can learn how to get the most from the fact that they are a long track and will climb slopes/hills and float on the snow better than a short track will.

[xc sp 500 rider]

last year i rode an 03 classic touring 500 and it worked prety good in the ditches

[xxxthebxxx]

They won't be the best but will be the best for your family, and for the price tag! I think they can handle at least 5 miles.

[madwrstler]

Thanks for the feedback.. My wife would have her own sled. Thus, I need to get two sleds. I like the classic touring also but just wondered if they are OK to dtch bang for 5-6 miles.

[MXZ4life]

Those sleds are a pretty good deal and should be great on the trails and if you have a broken in trail to ditch ride through they should be fine

[MXZ4life]

where in wisconsin is this?

[madwrstler]

Originally Posted by MXZ4life

where in wisconsin is this?

Castle Rock Lake area

[xc sp 500 rider]

i ditch rode way more than 5 miles a day, poundin drifts jumpin driveway etc... sled held up nice.

[RJ Gleason]

If they have the extra-10 suspension, they will do well all 'round.

[madwrstler]

Originally Posted by RJ Gleason

If they have the extra-10 suspension, they will do well all 'round.

Yes, they do have that suspension.

[xc sp 500 rider]

i thought they have the xtra 12 as least my 03 did

[RJ Gleason]

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Some (XC versions) had the X10, and others had X12.

[madwrstler]

The have the Xtra-12 suspension.....if that matters

[RJ Gleason]

The extra 12 is more of a luxury ride, the 10 is more aggressive.