does this qualify for vintage? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

clodev · 12-20-2007, 07:24 PM

Hey folks,
Just got my wife a 1986 Yamaha ss440 does it qualify as a vintage sled? What are the actual perameters or is it relative. I can't wait to tear this one apart this summer. It has a ton of potential to look really good my panther was solid just needed to be cleaned. this one i will be able to paint and really make it look good. I'm going to take pics tomarrow am so that i can do a before and after.

**smallengineguy** · 12-20-2007, 08:32 PM

Vintage sleds are usually considered to be around before the age of Independent front suspensions. (1980 or older).

clodev · 12-20-2007, 09:50 PM

the 85 doesn't have one so it is than?

curtludwig · 12-21-2007, 08:42 AM

"Vintage" is usually 25 years old. Technically we're already seeing vintage IFS sleds.
"Antique" is (IIRC) pre-'68 but that is somewhat of a moving target.
I would posit that a better term would be "Old School" which is specifically a leaf spring sled. That would allow some really new machines though, the Elan was made until '96 but even a '90s Elan is old school.

Dennismc · 12-21-2007, 08:48 AM

Clodev let me know if you need any engine parts for that sled, I have a a ss440 sitting in my backyard, missing skid, seat, track but complete engine.

Its in rough shape but you never know if you need a part off the motor...

clodev · 12-21-2007, 09:03 AM

thanks dennismc. my question on this sled it seems real low to the ground im putting up picks now of it. i think the main piston for the suspention is gone. 0 travel.

clodev · 12-21-2007, 09:48 AM

Here is a pic of the sled. is it suppose to ride this low? and would you still have the main shock

clodev · 12-21-2007, 03:19 PM

would anyone have a pic of this sled i need something to compare it to for the rear suspention and how high it should be

Jim Jessup · 12-21-2007, 04:27 PM

Looks low. Here is a link for a brochure photo.

PP5880

clodev · 12-21-2007, 04:33 PM

thanks jim that answers my question. Jim if i crank up the pre load on the spring until i get a new shock for it, should be ok.sitting on the garage floor the shock is horizontal.

Jim Jessup · 12-21-2007, 04:57 PM

Could also be seized up from sitting. If it travels if you pick up the rear of the machine than extra preload on the springs will help. I would still recomend pulling it all apart and cleaning the cross shafts and pivot points.

clodev · 12-21-2007, 05:44 PM

i'll do that.

chopper · 12-21-2007, 06:21 PM

vintage 25 yrs or older 2007 like my sled an 82 would qualfy 2007-25=1982

**smallengineguy** · 12-21-2007, 08:56 PM

That sled is sitting way too low. Broken spring?

clodev · 12-21-2007, 11:20 PM

I'm pulling the shock off tomarrow night so that i can order the parts by monday am for a friday ride.

clodev · 12-22-2007, 06:19 AM

dennis mc does your old ss have a working main shock also looking for the trunk left front of the sled and the engine cover for the fan.

curtludwig · 12-22-2007, 07:15 PM

A friend of mine had a Kawi that would sit really low like that when it was very cold out. When it was in the 20s it was fine... Replaced the shock and all is well. I don't think a used shock is a great idea. Think how much fun it'd be to replace AGAIN if the used shock fails.

clodev · 12-28-2007, 04:36 PM

I took the rear suspention apart today and to my suprise nothing was broken. It seems two of the bolt holding in the rear arm where so tight/froze up it was stuck. i loosened them up and the rearend dropped. i took the shock out and it works fine. question the main rear axle(for a better name before the rear cogs shock is attached to it) is it suppose to have a bushing between it and the sled. suspention is still hard but i got another 4-5" of hieght. It doesn't seem to spring like the panther. Am i missing a greese fitting didn't see one. when i took the axle out there seemed to be an alum nut or bar inside is that suppose to spin alittle to allow it movement?

YamahaSS440 · 08-10-2009, 10:04 AM

Old post but i have the same 1985 ss440 as you do and my suspention doesnt have much travel in the back either. i could get pictures

clodev · 08-10-2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamahaSS440

Old post but i have the same 1985 ss440 as you do and my suspention doesnt have much travel in the back either. i could get pictures

check out the pic's that i have in the gallery. It should show this sled from beginning to end on the restoration. Great sled worked everyday. burnt a piston in it last year caught that in time, before it damaged the cylinder wall.