Just bought a 2002 Ski-Doo 500RER MXZ and as this is my first sled as well as being relatively new to riding I was wondering if you fellows could help me get off to a great start.
I would like to know what are the essential tools of the trade I should have on-hand when I am pulling the new toy to snow (this year try Alaska I suppose) or a small kit I should stash away with me in saddle bags when on the trails that can help with the common repairs and adjustments. Any books on sled repairs and maintenance as well? Your advice and expertise is welcomed. Thanks in advance.
brazoo,
i don't carry any tools except for the tool kit supplied with the sled, my sleds are ready to roll before i go for a ride. now i used to leave my tool pouch in the truck i took when i went riding but not no more. the only time i take tools is on a trip when i will be away for a few days.
Carry on the sled:
1) Duct tape
2) Zip ties
3) Exhaust springs
4) Isopropyl
5) toilet paper ('cause you never know when you gotta go!
(also saves on shirt sleeves
)
6)Spare belt
7) Spare set of plugs (or more than one set...)
8) Something to drink...you get pretty dehydrated when riding hard.
9) Tow rope (in case you ever go riding with an arctic cat or polaris...
)
That about covers it for stuff to have on your sled...you could also carry a decent socket/wrench set in the truck. Some guys like to take spare gloves with them, but that depends on conditions. If I missed anything guys..I know you'll add it in!
The tool kit provided with the machine is good enough for any trail side adjustments and minor repairs. You may want to add a few things to it such as electrical tape "mechanics wire" not Baling wire
....a couple extra nuts and bolts, that sort of thing. ALWAYS carry a spare belt, spare spark plugs, extra oil and a shot of rope. If riding alone this list can get really long but at least bring a space blanket, some water, food, fire starter, a cell phone and a change of clothes if you have room. OH I almost forgot.....you said skidoo.....BRING A MECHANIC!
Duct Tape, Duct Tape and Duct tape. I have been in a few situations where if I had some duct tape everything would have been just dandy, but noooooo, like a bonehead I never had any and failed to pack any. Trust me I carry some now. Oh yeah basic hand tools should do the trick on the trail. Just keep your sled in top notch condition and you shouldn't have any probs........Duct tape
Brazoo, you said your dealer didn't give you a tool kit? It may be on the sled and you just didn't see it yet. On the new doos it is tucked in between where the belt gaurd latches and the back of the engine compartment (in front of your left knee). then again, you may have a $#itty dealer like I do and they just removed it. It should have the tool to use to change your belt and some wrenches that don't seem to fit any nuts on your sled !
i forgot the rope i pack, i am glad rocketman mentioned it. one thing that i take is an old coat, gloves and boots for loading and unloading so that i don't get my riding apparel all covered what happens during that time.
Braz,all new doos come with that tool kit.It is in a rectangular black box right where MXZ4ME said.I always carry a small flashlight(maglight).Use rechargable Ni-Cad batteries,they hold up better in the cold.Regular batteries die in the cold.
Paul,you forgot to tell Braz about entering in his location.You are slippin man.
On the sled i only have the supplied tool kit and a rope. Back at the truck I keep a half decent socket set. But If you need more then a socket set then you probably shouldnt be working on it during a trip. Wait till your back at home.
Location, Location, Location. Sorry about that guys. These are some great tips. I will have to go back out and look at the sled to see if I missed the tool bag if you will.
How about basic tune-up type of how to books on the Doo's. Since winter is basicially over and never really started I should think about getting it ready for storage which sucks.
I am finding this board so valuable and appreciate your responses.
I never go riding without my letherman multi tool.That little thing has paid for itself several times over.Also it doesn't hurt that me and my riding bud are mechanics.
welcome aboard braz - the guys covered everything here. one thing I can suggest is a small snowmobile emergency kit - made by a company called Justin Case - has everything you need for minor first aid problems and can help you survive a night in the bush if you break down - could save your life.
Also a good knife - I have had to dig out a belt or two before a knife was a Godsend.
i would also suggest buying the shop manual for your machine - about 30 bucks CDN, probably 20 US - It will be a huge help to do your own repairs, and also guide you through proper storage.
Good luck. If you ever have questions, post them up here - a lot of guys on here know a LOT of stuff.
So any idea where I can get a cheap shop manual for the sled? I checked on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com but they only go through model year 1995. Thanks again guys
Hello everyone, I recently bought a 2015 polaris indy 550. I want your guys opinions on these sleds. I’ve heard the ones with the edge chassis were unreliable but I think the newer ones are more reliable correct?
We tried the group meeting last year and nobody showed but the breakfast was a hit. Anyone up for meeting again this year before the chaos begins? I will probably be coming up with Mark and Dave and going to Big Boy before we get there so if anyone wants to join us here is your invite.
SWRules
I have a 2002 MXZ 700 RER Sport with Boysen reeds and MBRP can. I ride in temps from the teens to low 30”s too me it seems like it runs rich. What is my stock jetting and should the jetting be changed for the kids? If so to what?
I am sure the Thundercat is one....but what else is a fast sled.
I have a v-max 4, and now want something faster.
Please tell me what years to keep an eye out for also.
Thanks.
It wasn’t long ago that we were at the Wawa Motor Inn, just north of Sault Ste. Marie, sitting in front of a warm fire after a day of boondocking in Northern Ontario backcountry. Read More >>
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