I have been out of state for a while and just moved back to MI. I have sweet spot for 2000-2005 sleds. The new ones don't appeal to me and they look like they do not protect you from the wind at all. I have talked with a few people who ride the newer sleds and say you have to have better gear to stay warm but they enjoy the way the seating is more motorcross style than sit back type. How do the none aggressive riders like the newer sleds? I am concerned my wife will get too cold and not want to ride. Opinions?
Hossomotto
My opinion is you can make any sled warm with big windshields, windshield flares, knee deflectors, etc. A lot of the 4-strokes come with heated seats now too.
You couldn't pay me to get back on the older "sit-back" type sleds. The new ones ride & handle so much better and no more sore back. Just my opinion of course.
You couldn't pay me to get back on the older "sit-back" type sleds. The new ones ride & handle so much better and no more sore back. Just my opinion of course.
If you have a spare ten grand around it's worth it. If you just want to go out every once in awhile just get an old edge and call it a day. On rutted out and destroyed trails a rider forward sled is better but with brown winters common it's hard for me to drop that cash.
Will likely cost you 2 grand for an edge.
Will likely cost you 2 grand for an edge.
The Arctic Cat (barney) looking sleds 2008? to 2011 are warm and smooth riding. Should be able to pick one up under $6000. Maybe try to test ride a friends or dealer sled you wont want an older sled after a test ride of the newer style.
:bc2:
:bc2:
The newer sleds are colder. I can ride my Edge in zero degree weather no problem. I just ordered hand guards for my new axys. I don't know if the heated grips on my axys are inferior to those on my Edge or if the exposure to wind is sucking all the heat out of them. I'd agree with the statement that warmer gear is needed on the newer sleds.
If trails are smooth I'd be perfectly happy with nothing but the Edge. It is a blast, particularly in the twisty trails. When the trail gets rough I can still ride it just fine but I can totally understand why others wouldn't want to. It is certainly tougher on the back. I can tolerate a lot more trail trash on the axys or other rider forward sled.
The newer rider forward type sleds are better for less aggressive riders because they soak up the bumps better. They don't turn as well in my experience so far but non-aggressive types won't even notice.
I don't understand the constant connection people try to make to motocross. The newer sleds are similar to riding an ATV.
If trails are smooth I'd be perfectly happy with nothing but the Edge. It is a blast, particularly in the twisty trails. When the trail gets rough I can still ride it just fine but I can totally understand why others wouldn't want to. It is certainly tougher on the back. I can tolerate a lot more trail trash on the axys or other rider forward sled.
The newer rider forward type sleds are better for less aggressive riders because they soak up the bumps better. They don't turn as well in my experience so far but non-aggressive types won't even notice.
I don't understand the constant connection people try to make to motocross. The newer sleds are similar to riding an ATV.
What about maintenance and repairs.? I do all my own work and was wondering if the new technology allows a do it your selfer the ability to work on the machine with out a bunch of special tools. They seem harder to work on, but this is only my observation from looking at them only, not actually wrenching on the newer ones.
Newer sleds are much more comfortable to ride. With a proper windshield and hand guards they are just as warm as the older ones as well.
As for working on them, a bit more disassembly is required but other then that its not too bad.
If you want to do a lot of performance work it is much more difficult, as you need computer programs and hardware to make most adjustments. Not like older sleds with carbs, little more then a screw driver needed.
As for working on them, a bit more disassembly is required but other then that its not too bad.
If you want to do a lot of performance work it is much more difficult, as you need computer programs and hardware to make most adjustments. Not like older sleds with carbs, little more then a screw driver needed.
If you got the cash for a newer sled, plus money left over for insurance, trail pass, registration, gas, oil, gear, and money for food and stuff, I'd go for a new sled.
If your in the 2005 era for price you can easily get a fusion 600. It's carbed, a fair mix of open the hood older sleds and simplicity. The pannels come off on the side and you got room to work on with the pannels off. Some things you'll need to take apart a bit more, but it's got the comfort of the new stuff, big windshields exist for warmth, all sort of mixed with the older simplicity for the most part.
If your in the 2005 era for price you can easily get a fusion 600. It's carbed, a fair mix of open the hood older sleds and simplicity. The pannels come off on the side and you got room to work on with the pannels off. Some things you'll need to take apart a bit more, but it's got the comfort of the new stuff, big windshields exist for warmth, all sort of mixed with the older simplicity for the most part.
"Worth it" is a relative term, relative to your situation. Only you can decide if its worth it, everyones situation is different financially.
There are guys that have to have the latest and greatest just because, then there are guys who are functional, they approach buying a sled from that standpoint, "does this sled do/have everything I want for the amount I ride it?" not just because it looks cool or is "new"
There are guys that have to have the latest and greatest just because, then there are guys who are functional, they approach buying a sled from that standpoint, "does this sled do/have everything I want for the amount I ride it?" not just because it looks cool or is "new"
A lot has to do with who you ride with, if your riding with family or friends and all the sleds are in the same era then everyone will have fun and quit when the going gets tough.
If you have the oldest sled and your trying to keep up with guys doing 200+ miles per ride then you will be hurting when the trails get rough.
:bc2:
If you have the oldest sled and your trying to keep up with guys doing 200+ miles per ride then you will be hurting when the trails get rough.
:bc2:
it's nothing about latest and greatest to me, got over that 20 years ago...
is about superior easy-to-ride ergonomics
for the most part only those 50+ like myself, or 50+ and 6'5" two-forty
sitting upright and forward with lotsa legroom is the bomb!
is about superior easy-to-ride ergonomics
for the most part only those 50+ like myself, or 50+ and 6'5" two-forty
sitting upright and forward with lotsa legroom is the bomb!
Newer sleds ride better, but I don't know about $12,000+ better...that's up to you to decide.
I think a lot of folks that have new sleds probably have sat on an older model and thought "Wow, how the hell did I ever ride this?" which is exactly what I thought when I sat on my dad's '01 xc sp 800.
However, that sled hasn't been maintained for shit. Never had the shocks rebuilt, never replaced or cleaned clutch parts, I bet all he has done is replace hyfax, carbides, and put fuel and oil in it. It rides like a piece of shit.
Now in the next breath I jumped on the exact same sled (600 though) except that sled had the shocks rebuilt and had the skid gone through etc etc. Wayyyyy different, that one rode like a dream!
My girlfriend rides a '96 Indy Trail. The shocks had never been replaced, same story as the 800 above. Rode like shit. I put brand new gas shocks on it, a set of plastic skis off an Edge sled, lowered the gearing a notch and cleaned up the clutches as well as replace the clutch springs for her and it is so much better. Suits her needs, it reads that it goes 78 mph across a frozen lake.
It's silver because she climbed a tree with it the first time out. Didn't matter, she didn't get hurt, it was easy to fix, nobody had a loan on it and it was literally given to us for free.
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People in our snowmobile club give us shit about it but guess who doesn't care. It rides the exact same trails they do at the exact same speeds they do (30-40 mph) and there isn't any payment to speak of and we have money to put towards other activities the other 9 months out of the year. She won't "use" the difference of $10,000+ for a brand new model sled. If something comes up that's a great deal we MIGHT hop on it but no rush. Not for the 6 times she rides out of the year during the possible 3 months of riding we might get. On top of that, guess what the insurance is on the thing...next to nothing.
I have a 2006 Fusion Dragon and have modded it to fit my needs. Bought it for under $3,000 3.5 years ago with less than 4,000 miles on it. Great sled, I'll probably ride it another 5. http://www.hardcoresledder.com/forums/446-fusion/1662066-fusion-dragon-pics.html
Don't get me wrong, I like the new sleds and look forward to owning something like a Pro S 600 or XCR someday, but I'm not willing to bend over backwards and go into debt for it. It also depends on how you plan to use the sled and how it has been or will be maintained.
Hope that helps.
I think a lot of folks that have new sleds probably have sat on an older model and thought "Wow, how the hell did I ever ride this?" which is exactly what I thought when I sat on my dad's '01 xc sp 800.
However, that sled hasn't been maintained for shit. Never had the shocks rebuilt, never replaced or cleaned clutch parts, I bet all he has done is replace hyfax, carbides, and put fuel and oil in it. It rides like a piece of shit.
Now in the next breath I jumped on the exact same sled (600 though) except that sled had the shocks rebuilt and had the skid gone through etc etc. Wayyyyy different, that one rode like a dream!
My girlfriend rides a '96 Indy Trail. The shocks had never been replaced, same story as the 800 above. Rode like shit. I put brand new gas shocks on it, a set of plastic skis off an Edge sled, lowered the gearing a notch and cleaned up the clutches as well as replace the clutch springs for her and it is so much better. Suits her needs, it reads that it goes 78 mph across a frozen lake.
It's silver because she climbed a tree with it the first time out. Didn't matter, she didn't get hurt, it was easy to fix, nobody had a loan on it and it was literally given to us for free.
People in our snowmobile club give us shit about it but guess who doesn't care. It rides the exact same trails they do at the exact same speeds they do (30-40 mph) and there isn't any payment to speak of and we have money to put towards other activities the other 9 months out of the year. She won't "use" the difference of $10,000+ for a brand new model sled. If something comes up that's a great deal we MIGHT hop on it but no rush. Not for the 6 times she rides out of the year during the possible 3 months of riding we might get. On top of that, guess what the insurance is on the thing...next to nothing.
I have a 2006 Fusion Dragon and have modded it to fit my needs. Bought it for under $3,000 3.5 years ago with less than 4,000 miles on it. Great sled, I'll probably ride it another 5. http://www.hardcoresledder.com/forums/446-fusion/1662066-fusion-dragon-pics.html
Don't get me wrong, I like the new sleds and look forward to owning something like a Pro S 600 or XCR someday, but I'm not willing to bend over backwards and go into debt for it. It also depends on how you plan to use the sled and how it has been or will be maintained.
Hope that helps.
I picked up an 07 500ss a few years ago when we had no snow for cheap. I have had to dump some money into her, but she has been nothing short of reliable. The ride is very good coming from older sit down sleds. Only thing I don't like is the isoflex bearings would rather go through more oil than having to pull motor to grease them.
I'm looking to put another 4k miles on my rev before I consider getting rid of her. I'm kind of torn between rebuilding a triple triple or getting the new 850 renegade etec.
I'm looking to put another 4k miles on my rev before I consider getting rid of her. I'm kind of torn between rebuilding a triple triple or getting the new 850 renegade etec.
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The real issue with an "older" machine are the parts that look ok when you visually inspect them, but due to just plain age the likelihood of fail is higher.
Like a track. Or bottom end, or crank. I was in front of a friend riding his older sled, low miles, and BLAM the motor let loose.
Only 3300 miles on the machine, always garaged, had yearly inspection and service, but due to the fact the sled was over 8 years old I ended up towing him over 50 miles out of the Allagash. (I keep an older spare belt just to haul other sleds).
So, if you are a serious snowmobiler who goes more than a couple weekends a season, a new machine lets say every 4th year isn't unwise.
The technology improves every year. Just like computers. New sleds can fail too (i.e AC turbo eek). :shocked:
The real issue with an "older" machine are the parts that look ok when you visually inspect them, but due to just plain age the likelihood of fail is higher.
Like a track. Or bottom end, or crank. I was in front of a friend riding his older sled, low miles, and BLAM the motor let loose.
Only 3300 miles on the machine, always garaged, had yearly inspection and service, but due to the fact the sled was over 8 years old I ended up towing him over 50 miles out of the Allagash. (I keep an older spare belt just to haul other sleds).
So, if you are a serious snowmobiler who goes more than a couple weekends a season, a new machine lets say every 4th year isn't unwise.
The technology improves every year. Just like computers. New sleds can fail too (i.e AC turbo eek). :shocked:
well a replacement for my '06 Dmax truck that I paid around 37K for is now 65K
lets keep in mind what's going on here...across the board.
with that said neither my 15 Axys 6 Anny nor my loaded '16 8 snowcheck were 12K
close but not.
take out of your figure whatever you've got in older iron, it's the difference your investing further not the entire amount.
I have 2 '06 Revs here I bought new, mint, seriously upgraded and ridiculously kept throughout. I paid 5K for the SS and 4K for the 550
I get it, and as much as these Revs are fantastic sleds and I plan to keep them (certainly the 550) forever in the fleet
they are not even close to the riding experience of these new (insert your brand here) Axys
lets keep in mind what's going on here...across the board.
with that said neither my 15 Axys 6 Anny nor my loaded '16 8 snowcheck were 12K
close but not.
take out of your figure whatever you've got in older iron, it's the difference your investing further not the entire amount.
I have 2 '06 Revs here I bought new, mint, seriously upgraded and ridiculously kept throughout. I paid 5K for the SS and 4K for the 550
I get it, and as much as these Revs are fantastic sleds and I plan to keep them (certainly the 550) forever in the fleet
they are not even close to the riding experience of these new (insert your brand here) Axys
As others have said, the ride quality of newer sleds is superior. Absolutely no comparison. Even more so for me though is that a new sled is generally way more reliable. Winters are short and I love to ride. To me the extra expense is worth it.
My 09 z1 is the warmest sled you'll ever ride on, way more so than the old sleds. Also way better in every way. The new sleds are so much better.. whether it's worth it only you can answer that.
I think they are worth it but not if its gonna put a financial strain on anybody. Better to be riding an older sled and have a few bucks in your pocket but if it's not a burden then I say yes it's worth it. I ride and Axys (insert new sled of any brand) and go all day back is good knees don't hurt just a great expierence I get on the f7 the kid rides or the apex my father rides and I'm like wtf. How did we ride these sleds?
The issue I am having is I pay cash for everything. I do not believe in debt, unless real estate with positive equity. I don't mind dropping $4K for a sled, Just having a hard time spending more on one sled then my truck is worth. I just wanted to get some opinions. I use to always by old stock in the spring. Many of you wouldn't know me on the trail so I do not need to impress anyone. I want a newer sled, but damn they are expensive.
I'm the same way. Toys get paid for with cash in hand. Especially toys that only get used 25% of the year.
Since most people who do buy new cars and toys aren't willing to part with the cash up front whether they have it or not the manufacturers know that essentially everyone buying their product will be paying the "interest" that is already figured into the base cost of that vehicle whether it's 5% or 15%.
The finance companies are making money somehow.
I feel like any interest they want to charge for financing new vehicles and toys is just figured into the principal and advertised as 0% to entice people to buy since it seems like a "good deal".
Since most people who do buy new cars and toys aren't willing to part with the cash up front whether they have it or not the manufacturers know that essentially everyone buying their product will be paying the "interest" that is already figured into the base cost of that vehicle whether it's 5% or 15%.
The finance companies are making money somehow.
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