Hi guys im new here. Im 55 and im looking to buy a snowmobile and need advices. The main thing is that im not mecanicien at all so i need the most reliable machine on the market whatever the brand. Had an old enticer 10 years ago but i dont know snowmobile very much. I want a reverse, comfo for my wife behind, and i like off trail in heavy snow. No need for a big engine, around 500 will be good for us, fast enough. I will buy brand new or not very old. I been told that Skandic was a good fit for me, also that Yamaha was very reliable, what do you think ? Thanks.
Joce55
if you want reliability and no maintenace other than change the oil i would look at a 4 stroker. Cat/Yahama/Doo are your choices and all good. i would also make your decision about your dealer. you are going to need parts/service at some point in time. if you got a good dealer close by i would go with that brand.
4 strokers are not ideal for off trail so if thats a game changer i would look at the 600 class. 4 strokers can be ridden off trails just more difficult than2strokes due toadded weight.
AC - pros - best pricing in the market, sleds still look nice. Cons - least amount of hp in class, rear skid is dated.
Poo - pros - highest hp in class (650), lightest in class which helps with off trail, best front suspension. cons - 650 is pricey, maybe hard to find 1,
Doo - pros - etech is a solid engine platform, link system is industry best for 2 up, probably best rear skid. cons - pricey compared to AC,
4 strokers are not ideal for off trail so if thats a game changer i would look at the 600 class. 4 strokers can be ridden off trails just more difficult than2strokes due toadded weight.
AC - pros - best pricing in the market, sleds still look nice. Cons - least amount of hp in class, rear skid is dated.
Poo - pros - highest hp in class (650), lightest in class which helps with off trail, best front suspension. cons - 650 is pricey, maybe hard to find 1,
Doo - pros - etech is a solid engine platform, link system is industry best for 2 up, probably best rear skid. cons - pricey compared to AC,
if you want reliable, then new is the way to go 100%
and if your not into fixing things, NEW with extended warranty is even better idea here!
ALL snowmobiles need yearly maintenance, if you DON:"T do the required pm's ever yr, your lowering the reliability of the machine
so, that means if your NOT doing them, your PAYING someone to do them
NOT doing them is NOT a great idea if your thinking long term ownership or reliability!
that said, about ALL sleds today are about as reliable as any, there really are no BAD one's over each other
SO this ends up with you picking a sled that fits your needs more than trying to find a special make model claiming to be the most reliable!
they all have the same wear and tear on most parts(4 strokes have longer time frames between top ends , its not a HUGE difference other wise on one working more reliably over another, both types well kept will be the same IMO)
every maker makes nice higher end two up sleds
DOO and Polaris, offer however offer models that have wider tracks, that maybe will work better for your plans of a lot of off trail for two riders
you may NOT think you need a larger motor, but most all sleds of this type only come with larger motors
so your most likely going to get a larger motor
a larger motor will just do everything easier, less straining on motor and MIGHT actually increase reliability due to your not running things harder to do the same things
a smaller motor will be using more RPM's most likely to pull two adults on as sled
so, if again reliability is your top goal, larger motor's are NOT a bad idea!
the Polaris Titan or a Ski-Doo Expedition Xtreme might get my vote here for you, larger sled handle two up easier, wider track, prevent you from getting stuck off trail with 2 up on it!
and if your not into fixing things, NEW with extended warranty is even better idea here!
ALL snowmobiles need yearly maintenance, if you DON:"T do the required pm's ever yr, your lowering the reliability of the machine
so, that means if your NOT doing them, your PAYING someone to do them
NOT doing them is NOT a great idea if your thinking long term ownership or reliability!
that said, about ALL sleds today are about as reliable as any, there really are no BAD one's over each other
SO this ends up with you picking a sled that fits your needs more than trying to find a special make model claiming to be the most reliable!
they all have the same wear and tear on most parts(4 strokes have longer time frames between top ends , its not a HUGE difference other wise on one working more reliably over another, both types well kept will be the same IMO)
every maker makes nice higher end two up sleds
DOO and Polaris, offer however offer models that have wider tracks, that maybe will work better for your plans of a lot of off trail for two riders
you may NOT think you need a larger motor, but most all sleds of this type only come with larger motors
so your most likely going to get a larger motor
a larger motor will just do everything easier, less straining on motor and MIGHT actually increase reliability due to your not running things harder to do the same things
a smaller motor will be using more RPM's most likely to pull two adults on as sled
so, if again reliability is your top goal, larger motor's are NOT a bad idea!
the Polaris Titan or a Ski-Doo Expedition Xtreme might get my vote here for you, larger sled handle two up easier, wider track, prevent you from getting stuck off trail with 2 up on it!
If your going to ride 2up you need to get the ski doo grand touring. I would recommend the 900ace motor.
Definitely enough power. But the 900 ace is smoother, quieter, more efficient and no 2 stroke oil to worry about.
again since your talking OFF trail riding, you need a sled designed more for that
the Grand touring SKi Doo, is a awesome two up TRAIL sled, but I highly doubt it will do you much good in heavy off trail riding!
nor will any other more luxury minded TWO up sled from any maker
you need more of a utility sled with longer tracks, wider tracks, taller lugs, designed to handle both two up and OFF TRAIL riding you desire to do
that or get ready to get STUCK a lot and be working your butt off to un stick it, once stuck!
something like this is more what FITS your needs
as its again NOT the Power of the motor you need here, you need a chassis able to handle two up in OFF TRAIL
www.ski-doo.com
the Grand touring SKi Doo, is a awesome two up TRAIL sled, but I highly doubt it will do you much good in heavy off trail riding!
nor will any other more luxury minded TWO up sled from any maker
you need more of a utility sled with longer tracks, wider tracks, taller lugs, designed to handle both two up and OFF TRAIL riding you desire to do
that or get ready to get STUCK a lot and be working your butt off to un stick it, once stuck!
something like this is more what FITS your needs
as its again NOT the Power of the motor you need here, you need a chassis able to handle two up in OFF TRAIL
2023 Ski-Doo Expedition - Crossover snowmobile
Born in Scandinavia where trails and population can be scarce, the Ski-Doo Expedition is bred for northern exploration and adventure.
www.ski-doo.com
the newer widetrack sleds are very versatile and capable machines, also comfortable 2up if so equipped.
So, sounds like an expedition or polaris titan should fit the bill. The doo has a lot more to choose from in engines. IIRC, 80hp 2 stroke 600efi, 95 hp 900ace 4 stroke, 120hp 600etec 2 stroke etc..
But, riding 2up in heavy snow, expect to get stuck. Bring a shovel, rope, a come along and a sno-bunje so you're somewhat prepared. Getting one of these beasts unstuck by yourself is hard work when the skid + tunnel is packed with snow
As for reliability, the yamaha venture 2ups have proven very good around here, but dated chassis and not very good at all in deep snow
again the 600 cc motor is a Great trail motor, but if your going to be OFF trail BREAKING TRAIL with two riders on a MUCH heavier sled than a PURE trail sled OR Pure MT sled
having more HP will be your friends and can help you prevent getting stuck more than a 600 cc motor will
as breaking trail in heavier wet snow, takes POWER carrying extra weight, sled extra rider, takes POWER
its not about going a 100 MPH or trash talking about being the fastest here
the needs of the OP IMO< will justify a larger HP motor here
if purely trail riding two up, any motor will be just fine
but when asking for a two up OFF trail breaking trails, sled
HP is more of a requirement than any bragging rights BS!
and I'd invest in a portable winch if doing a lot of remote off trail riding here too!
and pack accordingly to be able to spend a night if needed!
and I would MAKE SURE< I knew exactly how to change a belt on what ever sled you get and carry TWO extra's!
as sooner or later odds are you will smoke one , and not knowing how to replace, can leave you stranded far from home!
having more HP will be your friends and can help you prevent getting stuck more than a 600 cc motor will
as breaking trail in heavier wet snow, takes POWER carrying extra weight, sled extra rider, takes POWER
its not about going a 100 MPH or trash talking about being the fastest here
the needs of the OP IMO< will justify a larger HP motor here
if purely trail riding two up, any motor will be just fine
but when asking for a two up OFF trail breaking trails, sled
HP is more of a requirement than any bragging rights BS!
and I'd invest in a portable winch if doing a lot of remote off trail riding here too!
and pack accordingly to be able to spend a night if needed!
and I would MAKE SURE< I knew exactly how to change a belt on what ever sled you get and carry TWO extra's!
as sooner or later odds are you will smoke one , and not knowing how to replace, can leave you stranded far from home!
Another plus with the bigger engine(800,850) is the fuel mileage. As you won’t be always peddle to the metal all the time. Touring 2 up at a steady pace, the bigger engines will get better mpg then 600cc sleds. As others have said. Do not go four stroke. You plan on venturing in the deep stuff. If you do with a four stroke. Better make sure your passenger is very able and willing to pull and dig out a very heavy machine with you. And would need more then 2 people. 4 minimum.
venturing in the deep stuff. Even the pros do get stuck. Just have to have a great gameplan to get unstuck the easiest way.
venturing in the deep stuff. Even the pros do get stuck. Just have to have a great gameplan to get unstuck the easiest way.
I couldn’t disagree more. The 900ace is I very capable motor with a ton of low end torque. Much better fuel mileage than a 2 stroke and no messing with oil. Plus 4 strokes last forever
I’m obviously brand biased as well. I’ve had great luck with my ski doo’s and will recommend them to everyone. But I respect the opinions of people that have other brands and will NOT. Bash their brand.
a 20 inch wide track will allow for a LOT less times getting stuck in off trail when going slower due to having two people on board!
and IMO allow for a much more stable platform as well,
which I think is the OP's goal here!
over performance handling! !
and IMO allow for a much more stable platform as well,
which I think is the OP's goal here!
over performance handling! !
Another question is what is your price range? Bradd suggested a renegade sport 600. Which is a great sled at it’s price point. But there are much more capable sleds if your pocket book allows. I originally recommend a Grand Touring with a 900ace and others said it no good for off trail riding. But it does have a 137 inch track which is the same as the renegade’s. and the renegade is considered to be a crossover sled.
I think that will be a great sled for what you want one for, be new, very reliable and have warranty for it too, since your not the best at repairs, maybe talk to dealer about extended warranty's and ASK in advance what costs are for basic PM's if your not going to do them, so you know what things will be before you buy!
as for the motor, I believe this is a pretty new motor, but typically ski doo's 600 motors have been pretty solid long lasting great MPG's motors
so I would expect this one to be just as good!
as for the motor, I believe this is a pretty new motor, but typically ski doo's 600 motors have been pretty solid long lasting great MPG's motors
so I would expect this one to be just as good!
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
