Pelican Parts
Parts Catalog Accessories Catalog How To Articles Tech Forums
Call Pelican Parts at 888-280-7799
Shopping Cart Cart | Project List | Order Status | Help



Go Back   Pelican Parts Forums > Miscellaneous and Off Topic Forums > Off Topic Discussions


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Rate Thread
Author
Thread Post New Thread    Reply
Registered
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: North of You
Posts: 9,160
Snowmobile - The Slippery Slope

I am living on a lake in Michigan now, lots of snow and frozen lakes to drive on December to March.

I'm looking for snow machine recommendations. I do not need 400 HP, or 100MPH, I do not want to spend $10k on a machine. I want a decent machine for use a dozen times over the winter season. I do not need heated grips, GPS, and all the other 'over-the-top options'. If it's -40 I will stay inside. I need an appliance....

I assume I need a studded track, and some decent power, and reliability.

Would I regret this purchase?

https://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/snw/d/1993-arctic-cat-900-thundercat/6603563890.html

__________________
"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
Old 06-21-2018, 07:27 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #1 (permalink)
Team California
 
speeder's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: los angeles, CA.
Posts: 41,164
Garage
It might be alright but it's pretty old and has been used a lot. I'd look at much newer sleds, they are plentiful in snow country and this is definitely the time of year to be buying.
__________________
Denis
Old 06-21-2018, 07:50 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #2 (permalink)
Puny Bird
 
Mark Henry's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Port Hope (near Toronto) On, Canada
Posts: 4,566
I like Polaris but most of the others are pretty good these days. I'd go for one in the early 2000's, check condition, how it's been stored, service records or receipts, is the engine bay clean, track good, etc.
Run it for at least 10 minutes, it should run smooth and steady the whole time.
__________________
'74 Porsche 914, 3.0/6
'72 Porsche 914, 1.7, wife's summer DD
'67 Bug, 2600cc T4,'67 Bus, 2.0 T1
Not putting miles on your car is like not having sex with your girlfriend, so she'll be more desirable to her next boyfriend.
Old 06-21-2018, 08:03 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #3 (permalink)
Registered
 
LakeCleElum's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Lake Cle Elum - Eastern WA.
Posts: 8,417


This was a 1999 Polaris RMK 700......Sold 2 years ago with over 7,200 miles for $950. Never had the heads off and ran like new. Any RMK 700 from 1999-2005 will be great. After that, the bean counters took over and Polaris lost their way. (Photo taken right above cabin at Lake Cle Elum).

Or, if you can spend more: Ski-Doo 800 Etec (fuel injection)...2011 or newer....My 2011 has over 7,000 miles and now have 1,800 miles on my year old Ski-Doo 850......

And, YES you do need handwarmers. Be hard to buy a sled without. I rode in Yellowstone area this year when it was down to -16 F in the mornings.......Hand warmers are just a start when prepping for those days.....
__________________
Bob S.
73.5 911T
1969 911T Coo' pay (one owner)
1960 Mercedes 190SL
1962 XKE Roadster (sold) - 13 motorcycles

Last edited by LakeCleElum; 06-21-2018 at 05:44 PM..
Old 06-21-2018, 10:07 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #4 (permalink)
I'm with Bill
 
Jims5543's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Jensen Beach, FL
Posts: 13,028
I live in boatland. But, I am no stranger to snow sleds. Been on a few trips to Montana area and to Rockies and rented a few.

There is an old saying. If it flies, floats or f**cks. Rent it.

Cannot help but think this can apply here. Why not rent various models throughout the next season, then zero in on a model and style sled.

From my experience carbed models eat oil. Go with FI. From there on out I have no advice.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk
__________________
1978 Mini Cooper Pickup
1991 BMW 318i M50 2.8 swap
2005 Mini Cooper S
2014 BMW i3 Giga World - For sale in late March
Old 06-21-2018, 03:50 PM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #5 (permalink)
Registered
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: North of You
Posts: 9,160
Renting is not an option where I am.

I have a Polaris jet ski that I like, I will look for a snow machine of the same vintage.

Thanks for the feedback.

__________________
"A machine you build yourself is a vote for a different way of life. There are things you have to earn with your hands."
Old 06-22-2018, 12:51 PM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #6 (permalink)
 
Reply


 


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 09:55 AM.


 
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2025 Pelican Parts, LLC - Posts may be archived for display on the Pelican Parts Website -    DMCA Registered Agent Contact Page
 

DTO Garage Plus vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.