just got an 07 iq cruiser and had a few newbie questions...

STEERING
I have only ridden it @30 miles and I do find it harder to steer than the last sled (800 classic) and I would expect that but I recall reading that they changed a part on the front end that makes the 2008 models steer much easier???...is this a noticeable improvement???.... would this part work on an 07??? Any other way to lighten the steering effort?

FOWLING
I have all the 08 tsb & flash done. Dealer said "the most important thing is to let it fully warm up to @145. If you start it then turn it off it can fowl plugs." Does this really happen? If I did fowl a plug, I was told I might be able to get at 1 of the plugs to replace it on the trail but the other is not easily accessible. He said the 1 new plug might kick the other in enough to get going again???

OVERHEAT
Dealer also said sled will overheat and blow its coolant after about 15 minutes idling???

GAS
I filled it with premium but is regular ok?...not drag racing it.

COVER
The cover that came with it says "IQ Touring" on the side and is not the best fitting cover with the rear seat back. I have to fold it flat. Is this the correct cover??? or is there a specific "IQ Cruiser" cover that the dealer could not find?

REAR SEAT POSITION FOR KIDS
The rear seat is fantastic for adults but not so good for my 2 small kids, 6yo and 5yo. The problem is the position of the handles. A small child will slide forward to the low point of the rear seat so the back rest is too far back. They are laying back too much and are uncomfortable. If I prop them up with the back rest he is in a great comfortable position but the handles are practically behind him??? Not shure what to do here??? Either make secondary handles clamped to the existing ones (pia) or add a booster to seat back???

Any thought on any of this appreciated?

This is the best riding sled I have ever been on!!!

ps...buddy just bought a 08 Venture lite after me hounding him toward an fst. We rode each others this weekend. He is on ebay today!

Steering, the 08 have different spindles. They help steering effert. some are using Holtz spindles with good results. Many posts on this subject.

Fouling, your dealer is partly correct. You should warm it up before shutting it off, unless it has been riden recently. It will only foul a plug after repeated starts without riding it. (like showing all your buddies what it sounds like in the fall). If you foul a plug, try to determine which one fouled by feeling the exhaust manifold for temperature. Fouled side will not be as hot. If its the easy side to change, go for it. If its not, you will need to change the fouled plug. Putting a new plug in the side that is already working will not help the fouled side.

Overheating, The sled will not overheat unless something is wrong with it. Especially at idle.

Gas, Premium fuel is recommended. If you use lower octane fuel the detonation sensors will cause the ECU to retard timing and therefore reduce power and fuel milage.

I have the same sled with about 1400mi, so to answer some of your questions:

The steering is fairly stiff, especially when trying to turn the bars completely - I have added the '08 spindles which makes the steering effort easier, but it didn't affect how the sled steers (push). IMO save your money, you'll get used to the increased effert and won't notice it after a few rides.

If you let it warm up to at least 100 deg, you won't foul a plug.

as 'beeler said, if your overheating, you have issues.....

The seatback should be folded down as this is the only cover available. You are right, it is a poor fit for this model.

My 8 yr old has a similar issue with the bars, but for the amount of riding she does it is fine.

thanks for the replies. After 200 miles http://www.hardcoresledder.com/forums/inde...howtopic=321183