Snowmobiling

[Bossman]

We’re finally getting some snow and the groomer has been out where I’m at around Horace, pretty excited as this is the first year in a few that we’ve had enough snow for the groomer to get out. Curious what you all ride and if anybody still rides after the last few years of lost opportunity ??? Doesn’t seem to be as many sleds out there nowadays like years past.. I’m old school so my “ reliable” sleds are a 2001 Polaris 500 XCSP 500 and a 2000 Polaris 700 XCSP. I love to work on the old ones and keep them running.

 

[Davy Crockett]

I don't ride very far anymore but I have several that I've fixed up . One is my 68 Ski-Daddler super scout Mark III , wide track with reverse and electric start 540 CC Motosacoche engine.(Swiss made) It's a tank so, I don't go too far into deep snow because theres no way I'd get out if I got stuck. I start it every winter just to keep it useable. Look how wide the skis are.

Incase we get in an emergency situation I have a Yamaha excel III that I ride around the yard once a year.

I just had to have a 67 skidoo olympic since I watched the North Pole expedition on tv , No idea how those guys did it .

 

[Traxion]

I rode lots of those POS 70's sleds. Taught me how to work on stuff and not be afraid to tear into something. Had newer 2000 mountain sleds that were fun but got sick of traveling for snow.

If you have a chance, get on a new turbo sled just once. It'll put a smile on your face!

 

[riverview]

I have a half a dozen 69 and 70 Olympique's, haven't had one out in a few years. newest sled is a 06 skandic wt

 

[Davy Crockett]

I have a half a dozen 69 and 70 Olympique's, haven't had one out in a few years. newest sled is a 06 skandic wt

Do you know if gas tank issues were common on the old olys ? I thought my barn find was in near mint condition but once I got it cleaned up I noticed the tank has a stress crack. I make due with a plastic jug for a tank since the tank and frame is all one piece. Makes me wonder since the rest of it is in such good shape.

 

[LBrandt]

Do you know if gas tank issues were common on the old olys ? I thought my barn find was in near mint condition but once I got it cleaned up I noticed the tank has a stress crack. I make due with a plastic jug for a tank since the tank and frame is all one piece. Makes me wonder since the rest of it is in such good shape.

One real rough jump and landing. LB

 

[Davy Crockett]

One real rough jump and landing. LB

It must have been. the sad part is, even if I weld it up , I have a feeling it's going to keep cracking unless I drill stop holes then for sure it will leak .

 

[SLE]

I’ve been a sled head for the better part of the last 20 years. 5 in the fleet right now. 16’ M8000 153”, 16’ Assault 800 155, 18’ El Tigre 800 137”, 22’ Alpha Hardcore M8000 146 2.6”, and a 22’ 850 RMK Khaos Slash 165.

Wish we would get enough to ride around home. Last year was 3 trip west. Probably limited to 1 maybe 2 trips this year so some snow around here would sure help scratch the itch.

 

[SLE]

Best day in in my snowmobiling life was the day I sold the last carb sled that didn’t have reverse. Now down to only 2 that don’t have e-start!

 

[riverview]

Do you know if gas tank issues were common on the old olys ? I thought my barn find was in near mint condition but once I got it cleaned up I noticed the tank has a stress crack. I make due with a plastic jug for a tank since the tank and frame is all one piece. Makes me wonder since the rest of it is in such good shape.

I have hit rocks and cracked them but ive never had one stress crack and we beat the hell out of them. i believe there is a guy that sells a tank where you cut the top off the old tank and it sits in the belly pan. rust seems to be the biggest issue.

 

[lunkerslayer]

Now wouldn't that be an interesting project look how shiny that hood and seat are
https://snowgoer.com/snowmobile-features/a-look-back-at-the-arctic-cat-el-tigre/2686/
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CBx7Lsski/

 

[lunkerslayer]

https://www.facebook.com/share/17jWwiUBpY/
I would still take the arctic cat

 

[Davy Crockett]

I'd take a 650 Thunder jet or 800 Rupp magnum over anything. Back then racers all knew each others. There was a guy from your neck of the woods , McCloud was his last name who raced Rupp magnums in the 70's Another guy had thunder jets. Those two were the fastest sleds around.

 

[ktm450]

got a few sleds in the fleet.

newest project is a 1996 xcr 600 triple

also have an 18 pro rmk, 94 puma, 79 gemini, 06 polaris 120

 

[savage270]

It has been years since I have owned a snowmobile or ridden one. If I get the urge to do so, I will just stick my head in the freezer and have my wife smack me on the ass with a 2x4.

 

[Kurtr]

Used to live for the mountains had 98 xc that i had long tracked for the time 136" with head work and pipes did a bunch of suspension stuff. Got married and had kids. I would love to go on one of Chris Burandt's guided trips and ride those turbo monsters he builds

 

[1lessdog]

Last winter I decided I needed a sled. So I purchased a Arctic Cat Z570 and thought this is a nice sled. Would go about 82mph and thought that was good enough. Then I seen a ZR700 come up for sale and thought what the heck, and bought it to. First time I took it out on a real ride it actually scared me. It shot up to 100mph and for a few seconds I didn't know if I was going to stay on or not. The way it rocked back and forth and side to side. It didn't take me long to get rid of that one.

If a person was on groomed trails or on powder snow instead of drifts. I can see where they would be fun. But bouncing up and down in ditches are not for me.

 

[SLE]

Last winter I decided I needed a sled. So I purchased a Arctic Cat Z570 and thought this is a nice sled. Would go about 82mph and thought that was good enough. Then I seen a ZR700 come up for sale and thought what the heck, and bought it to. First time I took it out on a real ride it actually scared me. It shot up to 100mph and for a few seconds I didn't know if I was going to stay on or not. The way it rocked back and forth and side to side. It didn't take me long to get rid of that one.

If a person was on groomed trails or on powder snow instead of drifts. I can see where they would be fun. But bouncing up and down in ditches are not for me.

The current crop of sleds will make that ZR700 feel like a old springer. Outside of the turbo sleds, they aren't making really any more power than the muscle sleds from 20 years ago but they are definitely lighter, ergonomically correct, and the shock and suspension packages as sooooo much better. Make riding them much more enjoyable. I'm not a trail rider by any means, but knocking down a couple hundred trail miles in a day is a cake walk these days and your body doesn't feel like it was pushed for the next week, lol.

 

[SLE]

Used to live for the mountains had 98 xc that i had long tracked for the time 136" with head work and pipes did a bunch of suspension stuff. Got married and had kids. I would love to go on one of Chris Burandt's guided trips and ride those turbo monsters he builds

you just need to grab any stock turbo sled, they're on another level and in all reality, any of the stock 850 mountain sleds, you'll run out of talent before you run out of sled. Unless your an avid sledder and have spent some time on late model machines, even a stock turbo will blow your mind. The lightweight turbo 900s those pro are running are above my ability and I have spent my share of days on the mountain.

 

[Auggie]

Fourstroke motors have ruined snowmobiling. If there isn't a blue plume coming out the tailpipe, there is no heart.