I've always believed that a 2 stroke should be warmed up well before riding.

I always let my sled fully warm up before I even touch the throttle.

Until the heat exchanger is warm to the touch.

Same as above, then I also spin the track for about 20 seconds. :cn:

A good ten minutes!!!

I never let it idle for more then 5 mins, Have allways been afraid of fouling a plug.... But when i do move it never gets more then 10% of the flipper ! you dont want fuel to build up in the crank case and you dont want to beat up on cold piston and break a skirt.... let it idle for a min or 2 and ride way easy is my thoughts.

I like to let the sled warm up a couple minutes as well, but 10 minutes seems like a little much to me.

I warm mine up for a minute or two, then ride slowly at first until it's fully warmed up.

I've let mine run for 10 minutes on the -30c days.

Never foul a plug. It may be a bit boggy at first but always clears up.

I always take it easy the first few miles.

I also make sure I spin my track before taking off if it's been outside all night.

I usually fire it up while its on the trailer, then unload it and get back in the truck and put all my gear on and light up my last smoke :share_doobie: which takes about 5-10mins. Let the track spin a few times and try break off any ice that may be on the skid.

Be gentle on the throttle for a few miles until that belt warms up.

No matter how long you let it warm up, the best rule of thumb is probably to wait until the thermostat opens and lets the warm coolant run into the extractors, when they are warm, go. BUT, let it warm up slowly as you ride off, and remember that the engine is not the only thing that needs to be warmed up, the belt needs it too, it is critical to warm them up. Many belt issues could be avoided if the belt is broken in properly when new and warmed up properly every time you ride.

I start my sled move it out of the shed and let it idle while I go put my gear on. That usually takes 5 minutes. I then head for the main trail, which is a couple miles from my house. Getting to the main trail I have to go through some back yards and small fields, ideal for short throttle bursts. The very best warm.

just wondering exactly what you do to warm you belt up?
Thanks TJ

I let it idle for a minute or so, then spin the track a few times, then put my helmet on. I take it easy for the first minute or so after that.

same as matt... i let it warm up long enough to get perc functional do a few slow putts up and down and take it easy on my way over to breakfast...

Ic so make sure it is warmed up then spin the track and take your time for a bit, i don't always spin the track but usaully take my time in the begining of the ride. Thanks, will start spinning it all the time now...

It's always a good idea to lift the back and spin it a bit.

This loosens up the belt, clutches, idlers, track, etc.......

Especially if it's sat outside all night.

It also gets ride of build up ice and snow.

I always spin my track after a ride to clear out the snow and ice so it's not frooze up the next day.

Not doing any of this is a good way to burn out your belt.

I also grab my skis and make sure their not stuck to the snow.

I put snow on the right running board and don't touch it till it melts. It sucks waiting, but it is worth it in the end.

Stangfire has the right idea, it'll save a lot of aggrevation later on. Trackstands are a great thing!

Curious how some of you spin the track when you are away on a trip? First thing in the a.m. when leaving a hotel? Do you have a buddy hold the back up or do you carry a jack stand of some sort? Sometimes I will just pick the back up and bounce it a couple times on the ground. This seems to free frozen parts up. Also how many remove the drive belt at night and keep it inside/warm? It is a pain in my opinion especially when you arrive after dark, tired, cold, and hungry. Is it worth it? How much damage occurs when you spin a cold beld at -30 deg C. I know the sluggish sled movement and degree of smoke (belt and/or exhaust) first thing in the a.m. makes you wonder (expecially since the motor typically sounds great....cackle cackle....first thing on a cold morning)

I drop mine a few times just to loosen it up then get a buddy to pick it up and I start to spin it slowly to get everything moving including the belt. I have never taken the belt off cause of cold.

Then I go over to my buddies sled and pick his up while he spins the track.

My old 94 xlt I could pick up with one hand and reach my throttle to spin it myself.

Ive always let my sleds warm up to the point where they idle down. By this, I mean when they reach the point where the rpms drop the the cold idle of 3,000 rpm to the warm idle of 1,500 rpm.
Even then, I drive pretty slow at first untill the engine is fully warmed.
Ive never had any problems with engine failures, so I believe this is a correct prodedure.
Hebi

I let my sled idle for at least 6 or 7 minutes and then check the exchangers for warmth. I generally park on a jackstand, so the next step is get rev it up just enough to engage the clutch firmly, then let it spin for 20 to 30 seconds. Don't forget to give the skis a kick as they often freeze down, it's hard on the belt to break them loose otherwise. Then I drive pretty conservativley for the next 3 or 4 miles to get the belt warmed up, plus the chaincase, etc. When we are away on trips, everyone heps by lifting up your buddy's sled, or if the overnight spot is by the truck then the jack stand goes along too.

I think the initial warm up each time out is crucial for long engine, belt and track life.

I always let mine warm up for about 5 mins and bounce it a couple of times the only concern i have about spinning the track WITH OUT A STAND is saftey because studs do not tickle but with a stand is a great idea

i let it idle till the exchangere is warm to the touch. then i take it easy riding till the throtle crisps up.

i let mine run for a few min. then i bounce the track and use a jackstand and spin the track. i take it easy for the first mile or so.