Snowmobiles

[Steelrat]

Okay, ever since I moved to central NY from California, I've been promising myself I'd get a sled. Now, I think it's time to pull the trigger, as I've sold off almost all my paintball stuff and a lot of other junk, and amassed a little war chest.

As much as I love watching the videos of guys carving the powder, I think that I will primarily do trail riding, as the powder stuff is more western US anyways. I was originally set on getting a SkiDoo, but now I'm seriously looking at the Yamahas, as the 4 stroke engines have the kind of durability that I like, and no one else is doing 4 strokes as well as yamaha.

Any input on machines? And if you are in central NY, any ideas on places to ride OTHER than the hill and old forge?

[gimp]

Well, my Dad has 2 arctic cat Z440s. We just ride around the local trails. My parents live in Northern NH, so there are a ton of trails. One is a 97 and the other a 98. I don't know much about snow machines, but we havn't had any problems with them, and they're a blast to cruise around the trails on.

[Madmarx]

Ski Doo all the way!
My MXZ 700 has about 5600 miles and runs strong. Four strokes are nice but not the same power to weight. Get a Ski Doo 600 HO with HPG shocks and get out on the trails!

Gimp- I ride northern NH too. Do you know where Stratford Bog is?

[Big'n slo]

I've got an 82 Blizzard 5500MX

She's still kickin after years of beating.

Ski Doo all the way

[starchief1959]

Ski Doo.... I have an '04 Summit with about 900 miles on it and my dad has a 1976 ski doo with thousands of miles on it and it's still completely original. Very durable, long lasting machines.

[Madmarx]

How about some pics of your sleds?
I'd like to see that 5500, I've always liked those.

[Steelrat]

Lot of 'Doo riders here.

I'm seriously leaning towards an 06 Yamaha Rage though. I love the MXZs but you can't beat the durability and mileage of a 4 stroke. I think Ski Doo is making a big mistake by neglecting 4 stokes in their lineup, which is a bummer, as the REV chassis is awesome.

[Pacifist_Farmer]

My parents own a pair of Polaris 2 up sleds, very nice ride unless your alone.

You might want to be careful with the 4 Strokes, rumor has it they overheat in certian snow/riding conditions. I'm sure they are great but you might want to check on a forum for the particular model your loking at for issues.

[starchief1959]

What about liquid cooled? Been a while since I've even looked at sleds. Is there anyone out there pursuing this anymore?

[Madmarx]

What about liquid cooled? Been a while since I've even looked at sleds. Is there anyone out there pursuing this anymore?

They are mostly liquid cooled now. Only a few of the low end sleds are fan cool.

[starchief1959]

Then why would there be problems with the 4 strokes overheating?????

[gimp]

....
Gimp- I ride northern NH too. Do you know where Stratford Bog is?

Nope. I've ridden up in Stratford a few times, but I usually go towards Twin Mountain or Gorham. My parents live in Lancaster.

[Steelrat]

Then why would there be problems with the 4 strokes overheating?????

I don't think 4 strokes are any worse in this regard than 2 strokes. The liquid cooled engines use a heat exchanger located in the track tunnel, so that snow thrown up by the track melts on the exchanger, cooling the liquid. Since 2 stokes and 4 strokes use the same system, I can't see how a 4 stroke would be any worse. Regardless, I have not yet read one complaint about yamaha 4 strokes overheating. Maybe it was an AC or Polaris issue?