Polaris 340 edge enough sled? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

snowman41 · 09-12-2009, 10:15 AM

I am new to snowmobiles -- I've ridden sleds but have never owned one. I found a 2003 polaris 340 edge with low miles. Since I weigh 210 pounds, will this sled be enough for someone my size? I will mostly be riding in ditches and will probably not need to go more than 45 mph or so. Even though top speed is not a big concern, would the throttle response be ok at lower speeds with someone my size? Will the sled get stuck easily or overheat or bottom out with someone my size riding it?

Thanks for your help.

xc sp 500 rider · 09-12-2009, 05:10 PM

i dont nknow much about 340s, but id just get a 440 or 500 just cuz there faster doesnt mean you have to go fast, an parts are easer to find for bigger sleds. and you have to buy one in a yaer when you want a faster one! : )

polaris rider · 09-12-2009, 05:22 PM

I'll sell u my 03 polaris classic 340! Low miles!

**RJ Gleason** · 09-12-2009, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowman41

I am new to snowmobiles -- I've ridden sleds but have never owned one. I found a 2003 polaris 340 edge with low miles. Since I weigh 210 pounds, will this sled be enough for someone my size? I will mostly be riding in ditches and will probably not need to go more than 45 mph or so. Even though top speed is not a big concern, would the throttle response be ok at lower speeds with someone my size? Will the sled get stuck easily or overheat or bottom out with someone my size riding it?

Thanks for your help.

To answer your question, the short answer is, yes you will enjoy the performance of the 340 as a ditch banger.

The actual top speed that you can expect is at least 50 and the edge suspension will be kind to you and the fact that it is not overly powerful means that it will not get stuck too easily, and since the 340 is (I believe) a fan cooled engine, it will be lighter than a larger LC engined sled so if you do get it stuck, you can get it out easier.

snowman41 · 09-13-2009, 11:00 PM

Thanks for the comments.

I understand that Polaris used to make a 2-up with a 340 engine, so I figured that if a 340 has enough power for 2 riders, it should easily carry one 200 lb rider. On the other hand, I see 340's referred to as "kids" sleds. This is why I'm confused. Any other opinions on 340's for 200 lb riders?

Thanks.

**BC_Dan** · 09-13-2009, 11:21 PM

If you're absolutely positively sure you don't want to go faster than 45, then the 340 may be ok for you. Polaris sold a bunch of 2-ups with that engine, but I'm betting mostly to the rental fleets where the sleds were ridden on the groomed trails by people that wanted to experience snowmobiling. The 340 is the bottom of the line, so shocks and other components may not be as robust as you may want, especially for ditchbanging. The stock shocks are weak and not rebuildable, and other components are not as sturdy because they don't have to be with that small of an engine. It's something to consider if you are going to be a bit aggressive in riding.

The 340 has about 36 HP, the 550 fan has 60, and the liquid 600 has 115-120, depending on year. You will soon outgrow the 36 hp with a need for speed. If it were me, I would look for at least a liquid cooled 600, it's still a pretty light sled, but will handle aggressive riding a LOT better than a 340... JMHO, you get what you pay for

Good luck in your search!

JheLrey · 09-13-2009, 11:22 PM

My GF has a 1987 Fan Cooled 400 Polaris Indy... For ditch banging, it is a blast! Even the trails are nice, but the top end is just not there.

p057 · 10-20-2009, 11:09 AM

im finding my 84 polaris ss with a 440 fan is topping out at 50, i was hoping it was just belt slip before i changed the clutch springs and full tuneup

JDS · 10-20-2009, 03:09 PM

When my son first got into snowmobiling about 5 years ago, he said he just wanted to do some ditch banging and cruising and that a 340 was fine. A year later, he bought a Yamaha Phazer because the 340 was too slow. A year later he bought a Polaris 500 XC because the Phazer was too small and not too great on trails. If I were you, I would start with a 500 liquid.