Hello from Idaho! - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

mkdeshon · 01-08-2013, 11:38 PM

Hello, I am new to the forum and snowmobiling. I've been on one a total of four times in my 40 plus years. For the other seasons, I ride horses. Up until now, during winter, I go nuts. However, my bff has introduced me to snowmobiles. Now hubby and I think we might want to pick up a couple to play with as it sure puts a brighter light on the long winter months!

I have gobs of questions: however will start slow so that my poor old brain can keep up.

We are looking at a couple of Polaris machines. One is a '97 440 sport touring model that appears to be pretty well maintained. Has hand warmers, back rest and I am not sure about reverse or anything else. The other is an '01 500 with half the miles, but fewer creature comforts, and needs a windshield as it got broke off. I don't believe it has hand warmers (the one I rode has those and they are really nice as ya'll know) but the seller didn't seem to be sure if it did or not. When did these become pretty much a standard item on machines? And if a machine doesn't have them, what would it cost to have them added? Same question for reverse. There is about a 450.00 price difference between sleds with the older one being more money. I haven't personally looked at them yet as am waiting for hubby to get home from ND next week.

I also have questions about where to find decent priced clothing? HOLY COW that stuff is spendy! I don't mind paying for quality, but to get outfitted would cost nearly as much as the sleds! I will have to start somewhere and build a piece at a time.

Well, this got long and windy and for that I apologize, but I really do want to do my homework a little before my husband gets home. I'm jazzed about this and getting the vibe that he is too as he's asking around about them also.

Thanks in advance for your replies!

Michelle

**BC_Dan** · 01-09-2013, 12:36 AM

Welcome to the forum! Most sleds as early as 1990 came with hand warmers, if the sled doesn't have working ones, it's likely the element is bad or wires have broken. That's pretty common. New Polaris elements are about 30 bucks from the dealer, you may be able to find generic ones at places such as www.denniskirk.com for cheaper.

Look at DK for clothing, too. Also hit the ski swap meets, often ski gear can work for sled stuff until you know what you want. Manufacturers also have last year's stuff a little cheaper, too. You are right not to buy cheap, there's nothing worse than being cold and wet when you are out in the elements. And we do this on purpose!

**smallengineguy** · 01-09-2013, 05:50 AM

Welcome aboard!

**RJ Gleason** · 01-09-2013, 07:53 AM

Welcome and Happy Trails