modify sled or buy newer used one

[tarlewy]

Is it worth modifying my existing sled or selling it and buying new? I own a 1997 polaris xlt 600 triple with a 121" track. It has lots of power, but I always get stuck in the deep snow where I like to ride. I should have a 136" x 20" utility sled like a bearcat or scandic etc. To upgrade to one of these sleds will cost me around $6000 plus my polaris.

I was looking into modifying my sled by adding a track extension. I can get a kit to extend my 121 to 144 for around $130. The new track will be around $600 depending on which one I buy. Because I have excess power, I feel I can also change the front sprocket to a smaller diameter which will allow me to move into a 1 3/4" lug track (max I can go now with my tunnel is 1 3/8").

Lastly, I would want to put a reverse kit in that will be another $500 or so. I have around 6000 miles on the sled, but it is in good shape and has 3 strong cylinders (compression over 12 in each).

I realize that when I am done the mod, I will have more into the sled that it is worth, but I already put in a new clutch this year and spent $1200. In the end, if I add $2000 to the polaris I have, I will still get about the same ride expectations that I would by upgrading to a new wide track sled as noted above. Upgrading would mean a new sled, yes, but for an extra $4000 or so (the difference).

Thoughts??

dave

[YamahaFan]

All that modification and you will still have a Polaris

I believe you can pick up a Brand Spanking New 2009 Yamaha RS Vector GT for about $8,300 + tax. Something to consider.

BUT....if you like to tinker with mods and mechanics....hey, then go for it.

Cheers.

[YamahaFan]

Originally Posted by xiaochun3612

Deserves serious consideration . Then make a decision.

[dlaine]

Keep in mind that worn rings (losing compression) is the least of the problems that can show up in an old (or new for that matter) 2-stroke. Bearings get old and either seize or start to leak, the crank gets out of time, you can blow gaskets and seals, etc. If you really want the check the health of the engine compression is a good place to start but make sure you check crank run-out and timing as well. It may be time to think of doing the top-end even if the compression is still good - a broken ring ending up in the wrong place can really ruin your day.

If you do decide to stretch out your current sled, gearing down is a really good idea. Dropping a tooth on the drivers will help but you may want to drop a couple teeth on your top gear as well - particularly if you are opening the chaincase to put in reverse anyway. You will probably have to play with the clutching to get that right again as well. Adding track adds to the load, gearing down reduces it but you may not get back to the original load and you may need to change weights/springs to correct it.

Are you looking for a utility sled or a play sled? If utility you won't be able to switch yours over to a wide track without a LOT more work than it is worth. If a play sled you want the narrower track anyway for better maneuverability.

It never hurts to look around and see what you can pick up. You may find a low mileage newer sled someone is trying to unload this spring and get a good deal.

YammiFan - if you are looking to play off-trail, yammi isn't the way to go. Way too heavy. I good friend of mine has been a diehard yammi guy since '98 - got an '04 Warrior, '06 Attak (136" crossover) and an '08 Nytro MTX (155" mountain sled).He has over 20,000 miles on those sleds. He loves the 4-stroke reliability but just doesn't want to deal with the weight any more. Reliable engine power doesn't help when you are stuck in the brush with a heavy sled. He is going to sell everything he has and jump to Polaris.

[lorge1989]

Did you see if there were any used sleds out there that perhaps needed a bit of work but had the larger track. Then you could just make engine modifications for more power.

[tarlewy]

Thanks for all the great feedback guys.
The more I read, the more I think that attempting to modify my sled will be more than I can handle. There are many things to think about when you serioursly muck with a sled.

I also have decided that I do not want a wide track. They will keep you afloat better, but I think that manuverability is an issue. I also learned that a longer track works better than I thought for suspending you in deep snow.

I also found out that finding a reverse kit is pretty hard. Have cold cash in my pocket to buy one, but cant find one.

I think I may extend my existing sled one more year and get a new one the following winter. I like the Skidoo Tundra Extreme. It is light (just under 500 lbs), has a 16" track, but it comes with 2.25" paddles. Yikes. The only kicker is that you have to get it with a 2 stoke engine. Thought that it would be nice to switch to a 4 stroke for the extra life and milage that these 4 stokes have, but the Extreme only comes with their high output 2 cylinder. My only other option in this family is to get a Tundra long track. It can be purchased with their 4 stroke engine, but it only has a 1 1/2" track.

As for power, the 2 stroke in the extreme rates at 168 hp compared to only 67 in the 4 stroke. You have to use premium fuel in the 2 stroke though. Small thing.

dave

[dlaine]

What do you plan on doing with your sled? Knowing what you are looking to do helps a lot in matching up the right sled. You don't want to buy a corvette if you need to haul manure around the farm...

I don't know where you are getting your numbers from. The Tundra Extreme only comes with the 600 E-tec. This is a two stroke engine but only puts out around 120hp. The 800 E-Tec puts out around 163hp but is not available in the Tundra line. The 1200 four-stroke puts out about 130hp but is not available in the Tundra line. The 600 ACE is a four stroke that puts out about 60hp. The 550F is a 2-stroke fan cooled - guessing about 45-50hp but don't know for sure.

If you are looking for more of a utility sled any of these will do fine. The fan cooled really shines if you are running in a lot of low-snow conditions. Liquid cooled engines need snow or will overheat. The Tundras are geared down so you could pull a house across a lake with that Tundra Extreme.

If you are looking for more of a off-trail play machine look at the Renegade or a small (146") Summit. You can get a Gade in a 1.75" track - it is better if you don't always have really deep snow or like to spend time on trails as well. The summit has a 2.25" lug but that means that you better have decent (loose) snow for track lubrication or you will burn through slides.

I have an '08 Gade 600sdi with a 137"x1.25" track. It is amazing the places I have taken it with this short lug track. I find I am spending more and more time off trail so I will probably go with a 1.75" when this track is shot.

These are with the 1.25" ripsaw this last winter:


Here I would have made it but the snow was really soft through the bushes...


dave

[YamahaFan]

A reliable sled is a must if you like trail riding and going far distances. I'd say keep your money and put it towards a new sled. Ski-doos are excellent on trails, lakes etc. I ride with guys who all have Ski-doos and we go on 8 1/2 hrs trail rides mostly on weekends.
Ski-doos are bullets on Frozen Lakes.....that's one thing I like 2-strokes for....their speed.
But at the end of the day, my Yamaha uses less gas and no oil and keeps up with the best of the lot. I know it is heavier, but it was cheap brand spanking new out the door $9,899 Cdn Having fun is what's it's all about and meeting new ppl on the trail and restaurants along the way. Most of all is that when you are in deep trail without civilization around, you need to have a reliable sled.
Have fun and I hope you make the right decision.

Cheers.

[Yotieman]

I just asked the dealer an he was able to downsize the track on the Tundra Extreme to an 1.5 inch if i wanted ,but think i`ll order the regular an if i find it heats the slides on the few trails i`ll be on ,shave it to 1.75 myself....only thing i worry about with the Extreme is the narrow ski stance ,looks awful tippy,lol