New sled for an old guy - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

RamblinRob · 11-08-2012, 09:47 AM

I just joined this forum. I'm moving to the snowier climates of the LP of Michigan and need some advice on buying a new to me sled. I haven't had one since the 80's so I don't know what's good or bad. Can someone recommend a late 90's or early 2000's Polaris that will be easy to maintain?

white lightning · 11-08-2012, 10:12 AM

For an early 2000's .. I would go with the EDGE chassis. HOWEVER I would tell you to stay away from 2002 XC700/800s - those were the first year VES ... I believe Polaris detuned those engines in 2003s and made it a little more reliable. Nice riding sled for its day. Anyone? WL

PS - welcome to the forum

RamblinRob · 11-08-2012, 10:31 AM

Thanks,
How about the 2 up models?

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**BC_Dan** · 11-08-2012, 11:29 AM

Arctic Cat and Skidoo win in the 2-up war. Both offer much better 2-up choices than Polaris did. I would avoid all the big block GenII or Edge 800's, the crank and crankcase is very prone to failure. The 700's are much more durable.

The 2002 Polaris big blocks did have issues with jetting. In 2003 the carb needles were changed to a very different needle, which richened up the midrange and allowed the use of smaller main jets. Don't use a 2003 jetting chart on a 2002. Bad things can happen

Like WL said, the Edge chassis is a much nicer ride over earlier Gen II and Indy chassis sleds.

RamblinRob · 11-08-2012, 08:25 PM

So, I have a couple Panteras to look at in my area, what Skidoo models should I look for? They are all from 99-04 in my price range. Is there an advantage between the 3 cylinder and 2 cylinder Polaris motors?

**BC_Dan** · 11-08-2012, 11:02 PM

For a two-up sled, I wouldn't get a triple. A twin cylinder engine of the same cc displacement will have more low-end torque. Triples make most of their power at higher RPM. Low end grunt is nice in a trail sled, especially a two-up.

Panteras are nice, they have ample power and a smooth ride.The only Skidoo two-up I have ridden with was just marked Skidoo 500, but it had a very comfortable passenger seat as well as heated and covered passenger grips. It also had a bunch of "nice to have" stuff like electric outlets for heated shields or GPS. Nice sled.

Two-ups aren't in very high demand, so there won't be very many of them for sale. A lot of them are well cared for, unless they were in a rental fleet; then it's likely they were run hard and put away wet, so to speak. Look any potential sleds over very carefully and don't be afraid to walk away from something that just doesn't seem right.

Good luck!

RamblinRob · 11-09-2012, 06:08 AM

I appreciate the good advice, I have a lot to look for. If I get a 2 up am I gonna be satisfied with the performance when most guys I'll ride with will not have a sled like that? Or should I get an older two up in addition to an Edge or something along those lines? The 2 up idea is more for when company comes they always have something to ride on and aren't left behind.

Outbound86 · 11-12-2012, 09:35 PM

I have to tell ya -- any Edge 700 from 2002 to 2005 will be a great single sled. Try to find something around 2000 to 3000 miles or less and you will get many seasons of riding. They hold up well, get respectable mileage and have a pretty decent ride for a 10 year old sled. Try to stay away from the 800's --- lower end problems.

RamblinRob · 11-13-2012, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outbound86

I have to tell ya -- any Edge 700 from 2002 to 2005 will be a great single sled. Try to find something around 2000 to 3000 miles or less and you will get many seasons of riding. They hold up well, get respectable mileage and have a pretty decent ride for a 10 year old sled. Try to stay away from the 800's --- lower end problems.

I'm a pretty big guy, will that be enough power? Those seem to be a little more plentiful around here so hopefully I'll find a good one. Is 4000 miles a lot for that sled?

Outbound86 · 11-13-2012, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RamblinRob

I'm a pretty big guy, will that be enough power? Those seem to be a little more plentiful around here so hopefully I'll find a good one. Is 4000 miles a lot for that sled?

I am 200lbs. and it moves my body to 100mph at a pretty good clip. I have done a couple of things to mine that improves performance, but nothing you can't do to yours for a few bucks and it is worth maybe 10 to 12 HP. The plain jane stocker runs well and they give a good ride and handle in the trails pretty dang good. Also, these sled are from yesteryear and there are several that are being sold for parts --- I have picked up several items at 25% of new and keep them for spares. Mileage -- at 4200 miles I replace the pistons just for insurance. Do they need it -- yes and no. The guy I ride with is over 8000 miles and never touches anything -- I'm not the lucky. Pistons aren't very expensive and it is pretty easy to change them out -- if they break while under power it usually gets much more expensive. Lot's of guys run 6,7,and 8 thousand miles before a change. You should be able to find something nice in the 2 to 3 thousand dollar range and that is a lot of sled for the money. If you get one PM me and I will help you set it up or you can search the sites for tips --- good luck shopping.

RamblinRob · 11-13-2012, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outbound86

I am 200lbs. and it moves my body to 100mph at a pretty good clip. I have done a couple of things to mine that improves performance, but nothing you can't do to yours for a few bucks and it is worth maybe 10 to 12 HP. The plain jane stocker runs well and they give a good ride and handle in the trails pretty dang good. Also, these sled are from yesteryear and there are several that are being sold for parts --- I have picked up several items at 25% of new and keep them for spares. Mileage -- at 4200 miles I replace the pistons just for insurance. Do they need it -- yes and no. The guy I ride with is over 8000 miles and never touches anything -- I'm not the lucky. Pistons aren't very expensive and it is pretty easy to change them out -- if they break while under power it usually gets much more expensive. Lot's of guys run 6,7,and 8 thousand miles before a change. You should be able to find something nice in the 2 to 3 thousand dollar range and that is a lot of sled for the money. If you get one PM me and I will help you set it up or you can search the sites for tips --- good luck shopping.

Thanks Outbound86. I'll let you know when I pick one up. Good advice about parts.

white lightning · 11-13-2012, 10:00 AM

Big guy or not .. anything with 500cc or higher will be fine. It all depends on what youre looking for the sled to do. You can buy a 550 fanner touring sleds would be the sled to do its job for sight seeing, easy on your money, fun day to ride on trails and everything else that makes winter riding fun. If youre expecting to be first across the lake .. NO it wont. BC gave u a good advices. WL.