Found a cheap sled locally, was toying with the idea of picking it up. It's far from perfect ( hood needs repair) But the pluses are that it has a new track, sliders, rear shocks etc as well as a recovered seat.

She starts and runs fine. No E Start or Reverse ( Did they ever come with those options? Can you find parts to retrofit ???)

Mind you... I mean what do you want for $500? LOL

Anyway is this a decent sled ( were they reliable etc) How much power did one of these make? I can imagine the ride is going to suck ? Are parts still available? Any suggested mods to make it better.

Let me know what you think
Thanks guys

Classic old sled, very solid motor. The suspension will be limited in relation to today's machines, but for the price, can't really go wrong. In terms of reliability, how the sled was cared for will have a big factor on that, but it should be pretty solid. As far as parts, you may have some trouble getting OEM that old, but sled salvage yards, aftermarket, and EBAY are your friends. It won't be the fastest sled, but the long track will take you places other sleds won't go.

IF you do pick up the sled, try finding a newer (91-94) hood, they have a much better look in my opinion and fit right on....

Good luck!

I attached a picture of a 93 Mach 1 with the newer style hood to give you an idea!

I just picked one up from relatives. Under 3000 miles, riden every season, as was maintained perfectly. It's a blast to ride on groomed trails. You can tell when you hit 70, because the windshiedl caves in. :)

[attachment=31455:P2100033a.jpg]

Nice solid sled. As said try and find a newer hood because the older ones look kinda crappy in my opinion but can't beat the motor damn near bullit proof.

Odd ball track also

16.5x 124 involude sprockets

so you can see its not really a long track as most regular tracks are 121

the short track had 114 or 116

in 90 they switched to reg 121 and 138s for the LT/XTC

great on gas

80-85mph

Yes that hood looks better, i'll have to start looking for one of those.

I've heard of a couple updates that it might benefit from like plastic front skiis and swapping on a set of 40mm carbs off a formula plus ( I think that's what they come on) seeing as I think the stock set up is likely a single 34mm? Also heard about a widening kit or some sort that used to be made.

Any rear suspension upgrades ( skids) bolt in this chassis. Likely won't look at that for a bit as It has a brand new track etc on it..but it would be good to know.

Anyone know if you can bolt on E start from something else? Reverse would also be cool, but not as nice as the E start would be)

The long/short story to all the above would be being able to find it and justifying the cost in reality. ( does it make sense or just drive it for a while till I can just buy a better sled)

Any more specs, information etc is helpfull. Looks like I should be getting her Thursday.

We had one we used at the appliance shoot out this fall.
But seriously, its better than not riding at all!

I've heard of a couple updates that it might benefit from like plastic front skiis and swapping on a set of 40mm carbs off a formula plus ( I think that's what they come on) seeing as I think the stock set up is likely a single 34mm? Also heard about a widening kit or some sort that used to be made.


Any more specs, information etc is helpfull. Looks like I should be getting her Thursday.[/b]

Actually it is twin carbed.

Yes that hood looks better, i'll have to start looking for one of those.

I've heard of a couple updates that it might benefit from like plastic front skiis and swapping on a set of 40mm carbs off a formula plus ( I think that's what they come on) seeing as I think the stock set up is likely a single 34mm? Also heard about a widening kit or some sort that used to be made.

Any rear suspension upgrades ( skids) bolt in this chassis. Likely won't look at that for a bit as It has a brand new track etc on it..but it would be good to know.

Anyone know if you can bolt on E start from something else? Reverse would also be cool, but not as nice as the E start would be)

The long/short story to all the above would be being able to find it and justifying the cost in reality. ( does it make sense or just drive it for a while till I can just buy a better sled)

Any more specs, information etc is helpfull. Looks like I should be getting her Thursday.[/b]


After doing all these updates you're talking about, you'll have turned a $500 turnkey sled into a $1000+ sled.

If that's the case, why don't you save for a little while and look for a deal on a $1000 sled, you'll probably find something better.

Adding parts from other sleds will probably make it less reliable, as you'll be putting more stress on it, and even if you put $3000 into it, its still an 89 MX.

What seems to be the cheapest option often isn't, when you consider the cost of upgrades etc

After doing all these updates you're talking about, you'll have turned a $500 turnkey sled into a $1000+ sled.

If that's the case, why don't you save for a little while and look for a deal on a $1000 sled, you'll probably find something better.

Adding parts from other sleds will probably make it less reliable, as you'll be putting more stress on it, and even if you put $3000 into it, its still an 89 MX.

What seems to be the cheapest option often isn't, when you consider the cost of upgrades etc[/b]
Agreed, I would just run it. An '89 is now only 2 years away from being 20 years old. Why butcher it if it looks good in it's own right as a piece of history. I'd leave it original. That's what I'm doing with my '94 Mach 1.

I was just fishing for ideas really. It's what I can live with and afford right now.

All it really needs for now is the hood either fixed ( large chunk missing from the nose) or replaced

That is what led me to the Mach hood idea.....otherwise it's good to go as is.

Although I've thought about spending more to get a better sled ( one that I would rather have) ...say $1500-$2500 would get me what I was really after.

However the reality is I'm low on $$$ ( likely shouldn't even be buying a sled..lol) The math usually doen't add up...as it would seem that sleds=lots of $ out the door.

Recently I got a Bronco for free that I sold for $500 so...seeing as this is a "deal" and I happen to have the $500 to spend... it's almost like it's "free" ( yes I know all free things are not worth taking) then I guess I'll buy it and give it a new home in my garage.

I fell in love with an Cat M7 that I was riding ( rental ) in Revelstoke last year ( 145 hp of more fun than I am used to) ....

..but as I live in Winnipeg and i'd never use a sled like that here for anything...and I don't have 15 grand kicking around, this old gal will have to do for the 2-4 times a winter i'll have time to drag it out, zip down a few rivers, trails and field and maybe drag a kid or two on a snow tube that's been collecting dust in the garage.

Thanks for the info...and if anyone has a hood I can use let me know...

My only comment after reading everything you've written, is that given the choice between upgrading to electric start or reverse, I'd take reverse every time.