Intro & used Sled selection help (long) - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

Allred · 09-23-2009, 12:48 PM

Hello and greetings from Riverton (near Salt Lake City), Utah!

I'm new to the forum, and just beginning to shop for a couple of used sleds. The wife and I have enjoyed many years of on & off road motorcycle and ATV riding, but know very little about snowmobiles. We did rent a couple of times, Polaris Indy Trail machines in West Yellowstone, MT, but that's been almost 20 years ago. We had a great time though, and now, finally, think it's time to get a couple of machines of our own so we can still enjoy outdoor riding recreation during Utah's long winters.

Because I enjoyed the Polaris machines, I would like to stay with that brand. Our budget isn't large, so used machines & trailer are the way we will need to go. I'm looking at year models from '98 through '02, with local used asking prices from $1,500 to $2,500.

I'm a pretty fair mechanic, and have lots of tools in a well equipped shop, so I can handle some repairs and maintenance, but would GREATLY appreciate some guidance in selecting good begginner's machines. Our riding will be about half groomed mountain trails (Hey, we're both geezers!) at altitudes of 5 - 10,000 feet, and about half off trail bowl & meadow riding in packed or light powder snow. We're not too interested in really steep terrain, jumping, or rocket ship acceleration (see Geezer comment above). We'll probably haul grand-kids now and then.

So....I'm wondering, what are the trade-offs between liquid and fan cooling?

How about twin cylinder vs triple?

Is electric start needed, how about reverse?

Finally, is it realistic to buy used, 10 year old machines, with hopes that they can be enjoyable and reliable without major and expensive work? I mean I don't mind tune-ups, replacing belts, maybe clutch overhaul, but don't want to have to undertake crankshaft overhaul & similar major repairs.

THANKS so much for any and all guidance you can suggest....I'm really hoping to find and buy a couple of sleds and trailer in the next couple of weeks!

Bob Allred
Riverton, Utah
bob@allreds.net

**RJ Gleason** · 09-23-2009, 03:26 PM

Liquid cooled engines will give more HP when you need it in the deep. especially if you are riding two up.
EFI equipped engines do not have have the issues with elevation changes that carbed sleds have, and are more reliable running too.
I might also suggest that you look at maybe a 4 stroke engine as well.

polaris rider · 09-23-2009, 04:10 PM

but in your price range you wont be able to buy a 4 stroke, and id deffinantly go EFI over carb.. and yea, its realistic to buy a 10 year old sled and have it be reliable.. we own a 00 polaris xc with around 7-8k miles on it and runds perfect with absolutely no problems! Cant beat polaris' relaiblity in my opinion

**BC_Dan** · 09-23-2009, 04:13 PM

In your snow, the bigger engines will be able to drive a longer track which will keep you from getting stuck as often. The fans are reliable, but in deep powder, they give up very quickly. And you won't be able to do much climbing with them, either...

I would look for Polaris RMK's in a 700 engine. The 700 twin makes good power, and is very reliable. 97-2001 will be the "Wedge" and Gen II chassis, if you can find a 2002, that will be in an Edge chassis and offeres a better ride. Polaris also switched from Keihin "D-slide" carbs to Mikuni rack flat slides about the same time. I would be hesitant in recommending an 800, the twins had crank issues, and the 800 triple is a very heavy sled! Lots of power, but a beast for someone just getting back into sledding!

The Polaris 600 is also a dependable engine, it does not offer quite the HP that the 700 does. The first 600's were big block engines, so they will be a little heavier than the later 600 small blocks found in the Edge models. If you could find an Edge 600 with a 144" track, I think you would be very happy with the purchase.

Lots of sleds out there in your price range.. you may want to check the swap meet on Snowest.com, they have a lot of western riders with sleds for sale. Craigslist too!

Good luck in your purchase!!

xxxthebxxx · 09-24-2009, 05:05 PM

BC pretty much covered it, but definitely for you in the mountains will want a long track sled. Triple cylinders are out as they're too heavy and aren't deep snow machines, only for speed, which you're not too interested in. Arctic Cat's Mountain sleds come in EFI more than anyrhing, and will handle drastic elevation changes better than any carbed sled. Good luck in your search and welcome to the forum!