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Hey Guys,
I've never owned a snow machine and have no clue what to look for or ask about, but i am currently looking at 2 of the following, something entry level to use and abuse and learn on.
Any advice as to who i could ask about these things ? or where i could possibly post would be much appreciated.
2005 arctic cat t660 turbo st - 4 stroke with 17,000 KM
or
2006 yamaha rs90n nytro - 4 stroke also with 17,000 KM
Thanks
Before you even get started looking at machines, you should figure out what you want to do / get out of them.
Are you looking for something to get you to the ice shack and back, and through the slush? All day groomed trail riding? or out off the beaten path boondocking in the powder?
There are machines for each scenario, and some will do the other to varying degrees. I.E you don't want a big heavy 4 stroke to go boondocking, and you don't want a 162" track with an 18" rear suspension to ride the trails all day.
There are mixed reviews on a 4 stroke for ice fishing, fast, comfy, etc, but get them stuck... they are heavy as all get up to get out.
TurkeyRookie nailed it! Figure out what it is you plan to use it for first. Factors to also consider? Length of snow season vs. insurance and maintenance cost? How will you transport it? Truck? Trailer? Lots to think about?
An ATV on tracks will take you anyplace those machines will, except on a private OFSC trail, or accross open water.....
I would talk to a local snowmobile dealer and describe your what your needs are. They can show you examples pros/cons best suited to your needs.
Get an Elan for the ice shack, you can pickup and throw those machines.Quote:
Originally Posted by TurkeyRookie
My best sled was a 340 Enticer.....a long time ago ! I could pick that thing up and slide it into my truck ! A buddy still runs that sled !
I always loved my 81 skidoo everest 500... that thing NEVER got stuck... all my friends would sink into everything.. this thing was so big....
I want an all rounder if there ever was such a thing, something that did it all between the two posted without being crazy.
I'll be traveling in heavy snow, on groomed trails not sliding down the side of a mountain or doing backflips in one.
I want reliability and comfort
Look for the highest cc motor in a fan cooled model. Usually light enough to move around, and still enough power to keep up with buddies on the trail. Decent in the deep snow and with a fan cooled motor you don't have to worry about over heating if only a couple inches of snow on the lake for ice fishing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Afraz
If I had to by a all purpose sled for kids, wife, and everything mentioned above.
Arctic Cat 570 fan. I think you can get the two up seat to go with this model. Not endorsing arctic cat, there are lots of great similar models and brands. Just have to do a little research. Hope I helped a little.
One more thing.....I'm not lazy but get reverse on the snowmobile you choose. You will be thankful. Ok maybe a little lazy :-)
Over the years I've driven just about everything, fan cooled, free air and liquid mostly on the governments dime. Long track, short track, reverse, no reverse. Small motors, large motors, single cylinder and twins. I've driven thousands upon thousands of miles in every conceivable snow condition from deep slush to glare ice.
I don't trail ride but I fish a ton. What I settled on for my own machine was a ski-doo liquid, 500 touring, electric start with reverse. Its fast enough, it will outdo any Elan or Snobug in deep powder, will pull a sleigh in slush conditions and is a super comfortable ride for driver and passenger.
a skidoo really eh ? what year would you recommend for a newbie ?
Really good info sawbill and great snow machine !Quote:
Originally Posted by sawbill
Afraz, I would be partial to Skidoo and Yamaha and I'd stay away from Artic Cat and Polaris. As you can imagine lots of guys who own Cats and Polaris have probably had little or no trouble with them. Around here its all about the dealerships and how they back up their product. I can't see that being any different with where you live. Ski-doo and Yamaha have been in the business for a long time so mechanically and design wise they'd be at the top of the pile.
As said earlier what you buy should depend on what activities you will be doing. You can always trail ride with any machine but fishing and travelling off-trail is what sets machines apart. I would look for the features that I've got on my machine and select a brand that offers those.
I'd look for something owned by a little old gentleman and bypass something owned by a kid. Like cars, age can be irrelevant so look for something that shows no oil leaks around the motor or rust perforated mufflers. A replacement track can be your first big expense so bring someone along who can tell you the condition of the track on the machine you're looking at.
YAMAHA, problem solved.Quote:
Originally Posted by Afraz
All I can add is any sled beats walking on the ice. No matter what you buy get some rope and a come a long and keep them with you for the trails and woods in case you get stuck.