I'm toying with the idea about picking up a sled for this winter. After all we had snow for 6 months here last year. I'm looking for a crossover type of sled used. Thing is I don't have much experience with sleds. Things like engine rebuilds and when parts need to be replaced. I'm looking around 2010-2012 sled. What kind of things should I be looking for?
This will be just like when some one asks what bike they should buy What are you planning on doing with it..., all trail?, ditch banging?, utility?, do you want 60hp or 180hp, 2 stroke or 4, by crossover Im assuming you mean mid length track(136-144), So Id say Ski-doo Renegade or Cat crossfire or the like. Im currently on a Cat 800XFR(my second of this model) and its great fun at 165+ hp and am currently deciding if I can go 4 stroke next after riding the new Yamaha powered Cat and the Turbo Cat(177hp) last spring. Lets us know, Im thinking you may be in the Renegade category and maybe Scott R. will chime in as hes sold a pile of these things I believe. Cheers, Todd
I'm looking at the renegade and the Polaris switchback assault. I would like to go with a 144 track or close to it. We have lots of trails here but even more areas to go off trail which is what I would like to try doing. Like any enduro guy would. I'm just not up on what I need to be looking at as far as wear items and possible damage areas on the sled to look at. I would think most guys that have these sleds ride them hard.
yes i am, love the sport as much as riding. I'm in the Georgetown area and do most of my sledding out of Erin and surrounding areas.
Ok, I got you, the obvious is a compression check on a 2T to make sure the engine isn't used, have a look at the plugs while your in there. Primary clutch, of particular concern on the Polaris(and Cat, not sure about Doo), check weights and bushings for looseness etc, have a boo at the belt, but you will likely want a new one anyway. Suspension, have a look around and see if you see any exposed grease on spindles, etc., unless hes a neat freak a little exposed grease is a good thing and shows its been greases regularly, with the track of the ground, wiggle all the bogie wheels to check the bearings(easy fix), check the track for missing lugs or pulled studs if studded, tracks are pricey. On the ground compress the suspension and make sure it comes back to height well and the shocks are not pooched. Other obvious stuff is how does it look?, is it beat all to hell or nice and shiny, usually the shape the body work is in compared to mileage is a good indicator too, expect a little trail "pin striping" , but broken panels and zip tie stitches are a bad sign .....or better yet, take you buddy who knows all about sled, lol..... and don't right off 4 strokes like the 1200 Gade. All I can think of for now...Ive been a Cat guy for years, but if I was to offer advice Id say go find a 600 Renegade and buy it, Id even prefer the older SDI models as pull start was still available unlike the newer E-TEC models, but they seem to be well sorted as well. My .02 cents. Cheers, Todd Oh Ya, this is a really bad investment in a large amount of money and a horrible addiction that you may use 2 weeks year or 6 or none, it will have you wishing for weather the rest of the world hates and non sledders will think you lost it and curse you every time it snow, but its great fun!!!!
Jim- Sleds and dirtbikes are both rode the same way- they have the crap rode out of them, sleds even more so. Even so, most modern sleds can realistically get 10-15 or even 20,000km without too much major work(depending on a few factors of course). However, they are still relatively high maintenance; wear items are sliders, ski carbides, belts, skid frame wheels and pivot bearings on the suspension(front and rear), shock seals, etc.(just like on a dirt bike) track, picks(if equipped) clutches, brake pads and of course the engine. Expect to use about 3-5x as much fuel as your bike for the same amount of riding. Expect to spend more than your used to on a dirtbike on wear items as well. Most modern sleds are also crazy fast. Especially the big ones I mean really crazy damn fast!! Just like bikes, get a smaller one if you want to explore and play around, or a big one if you want higher speeds like bombing across lakes and powerline trails. If you can find a decent one in the year/size/model that you want with only a couple thousand km on it, you should be fine. It doesn't hurt to read up on the specific model on the sled forums to see which issues to watch for.
Oh ya, if you want to work on them yourself, you may have to invest in a few specialty tools like clutch pullers etc.
A 600 etec renegade in a xp would be a great first sled.A expensive sport but a awesome one tontario conditions is a good forum or dootalk .You can learn alot .You will enjoy the trail network ,compaired to dirtbike trails.The trail system is endless .When you pick a model ,i can give you some things to look out for.Cheers al
I have been a die hard sledder since i was able to walk. I highly recommend a 600 etec renegade for the type of riding you describe. I have a camp in Massey. (and used to have a camp in Iron Bridge). I spend almost every weekend riding around the north shore...and often stop for dinner at the Fireside in Elliot Lake. Beautiful riding out that way...your missing out if not riding that area. If ya get one...and ever want to go out...shoot me a msg! Another option...and one of the best deals going...is a 2015 Renegade 600 sport. Its the slighly lower tech 600 carb motor. But still about 115HP and that engine has been around for ages and nearly bullet proof. $8300 + or - gets you a brand new sled with warranty... http://www.ski-doo.com/ca/showroom/buil ... t#StepID=2
Sounds good. I'll let you know what happens. If I get a sled one bike has got to go so I put one up for sale. Bad time of year but I'll see what happens.
Well I did it. Sold one of my bikes and picked up a Polaris Switchback Assault 800 with a 144 track. Can't wait to get out on it and see how I do. Bring on the snow now. Haha
