10,000 Mile Clubs Newest Member

I think I've only got 6000-7000 on the studs in my track - it's original with no miles owed. I'm at the point now where, with that track, I don't try to go 70 anymore. I have a new studded track with 24 points just like the original has; just haven't gotten around to putting it on. I had planned to get into the engine last summer but it didn't happen. I better get it done. I imagine I'm due for a new crank unless the old one can be rebuilt. I've been replacing stuff periodically so it still works well if not for free. Still, I can't complain. I put the third new- well, hardly used- clutch on it at just over 20M, I'm still on the second set of skegs; the lighting coil quit last spring - totally toast as in melted, fried; I've replaced the seat cover once, on J-hitch #2 after the first one wore until it started becoming an L. The muffler is finally wearing through around the socket where it joins the manifold - that may be the biggest surprise of all; only changed the drive and jack shaft bearings once - only sunk the machine in the ocean once too! I love this old machine.

I remember rolling ten grand on my 488 down on the mouth of the Yukon River. 20 grand happened along the shore of the Bering Sea. I've heard of some really big miles but don't expect mine will see it with our rough conditions.

i ride with the previous owners of this sled. they did nothing to it! never changed the chaincase oil even! im doing that as soon as the season is over. added a lilttle chincase oil this weekend, was slightly low. pulled dipstick and it was covered in metal shavings. kept pulling dip stick and wiping it off till almost no shavings were left on stick. the belt is 3 years old (have 2 spares). i put plugs in it this year, last owner rode it 2 seasons on the plugs that were in it when he bought it. 2 owners ago new front shocks were put on. i put on 2 new trailng arms this year they rusted out and broke first ride of the year. fixed small fuel leak in line from shut off valve to pump also. the rear suspension is really beating me up! trying to keep up with a new 900 fusion and a new fst classic on the trails is not easy with this low rider rear suspension! want an extra12 or edge to swap, but its probably not woth sinking that kinda money in this sled. sure runs good though! any body make a big bore kit for a 488 fc????

Chaincase shavings: yep, it always seems like there are shavings on these low HP rigs with their sintered sprockets. I prefer the machined billet sprockets and buy those when I'm regearing. However, I think it was around 9000 when I changed out sprockets and chain on my RMK - I was losing teeth on the top. Metal particles in the case are one reason I remove the cover each year for cleaning and inspection.

I have had to reshock my rig a few times. I think the skis are on their third or fourth pair. My Xtra-10 rear shock, an Indy Select, is also a third or fourth player. Those old low riders always seemed to handle bumps decently with a good rear shock. The idea of longer travel as a way to soften the bumps is somewhat misleading. The movement still needs to be managed and the right shock can help a lot. I had a nice Fox gas shock on my first 80's Indy Trail and that made a lot of difference.

I'm not sure what you're thinking in terms of big bore but Polaris does have 10 and 20 over pistons and rings for the 488s if you choose to rebore.

well the 93 trail 488 went through a slight change the last few weeks. used extra 12 suspension with fox shocks, camoplast 1 in track, 134 1.4 in studs(custom pattern), usi skis, plastic belly skid plate, clean and change chaincase and oil, new upgraded brakes, welded up the exhaust leak, new exhaust hold down springs, new carb to air box boots, clean and adjust carbs, removed all decals, painted the exhaust, hood, nose cone, bumpers, and all trim pieces, added second extra belt holder, added extra oil caddy, 6 fresh plugs, 2 fresh belts, and one slightly used one. it will hold 2 spare belts and 2 spare quarts of oil.
at the end of last season i was riding a friends extra sled alot. it was a 96 ultra with a htg 800 kit, about 175 hp. well i blew it up pretty bad. he decided to not fix the ultra. so i got his suspension, skis, track, studs, belly skid, hyfax, and a bunch other parts free. the suspension was waysted! broke torque arm, almost every bogie bearing was siezed, the shock bushings were gone, hyfax gone, a couple axle shafts gone. between his spare parts and the good parts left on the old suspension, we got it all fixed. its almost done now. still finishing paint work, and reassembly. so far it cost me 10.22 out the door for the carb boots. and i bought 2 cases of labatts. i figure i got less than 50 bucks in the sled so far. gonna do the clutches and ill be ready for the season. starts first pull everytime. its now black with purple skis and belly skid.
ill post some pics when its all done. see ya on the trail