Ski-doo maintenance

[oldmanwinter]

Hey guys,

I am new to sledding as well as this forum, however I am from the midwest so sledding is seasonal and something that I think would help me enjoy winter much, much more. Instead of going to some dealership and getting the run around I figured I would come here for advice and support. As of now, a buddy of mine is looking to sell his 05 Ski-doo 600cc H.O. and he is willing to be flexible on the price. So before I commit I want to be prepared as to anything that may need to be replaced down the road.

What do you guys do to take care of your sleds? I am a firm believer in proper maintenance as I ran full synthetic oil in my car and changed in regularly. I just hit 100k in my car and still (knock on wood) haven't had a mechanical issue with it. This is the kind of mind set I want to take going to being a snowmobile owner, kind of "you get out of it what you put into it". So as i said above, are there any particular repairs, parts or brands that I should look out for/ stay away from? More or less, what do you guys do to give your sled some TLC?

Thanks

 

[team dirt]

Most of the people on this forum are mountain riders so it's a bit different than riding trails and such. Our sleds after a couple thousand miles of mountain riding are usually very beat up and bent. Just about all sleds have some form of suspension and engine mods. Most mountain sleds beyond clutch maitnance,greasing and chain case oil are kind of repair as needed. I think no matter where you ride clutches are always an important maintenance item. Always run premium fuel and have fun. Anytime you Are dealing with sleds be prepared for expensive repairs.

 

[SUMMIT TREE]

Yeah have to agree trying to compare mountain riding and trail riding would be similar to comparing a hang glider and fighter jet. If in fact u mostly trail ride I would be considering 4 stroke sleds. Great economy and go for a long time. Either way they do require maintenance keeping clutches in good order checking idler bearings and other such things. Have fun sledding.

 

[Flyer]

I believe that simply following all the maintenance prescribed by the manufacturer in the owners manual will net you the durability you desire. Four stroke machines seem to be popular with trail riders in the east, but Ski-Doo makes a very good two stroke. Your friends 600 is probably a great place to start. You can always sell it and upgrade once you have some experience and see what others ride. Your riding style may suggest something different later.

To make a really good recommendation, and it won't come from me because I'm just getting back into the sport after a long time away (decades), the guys here probably need a bit more info. An idea of your age group might tell us how aggressive you will ride. Do you expect to cruise the trails and watch the wildlife and scenery, or do you want to set speed records? Do you want a nice soft luxury ride, or is handling more important? Will you take long trips and need fuel range and baggage space, or no? Two riders or one?

For me, at 50, if I weren't in the mountains, and rode trails steady, I'd choose a big four stroke Yamaha with electric start, comfy seats and a big windscreen. As it is for me now, I ride a 800cc long track skidoo in the mountains using my bit of experience to out-ride my 21 year old son. I figure that will last for a month or two. End of this season at latest! The two stroke I ride is electronic fuel injected. Not for power, but for me single pull starts are everything. Pulled my guts out trying to start vintage machines in the seventies. Just a successful start was an achievement.

Welcome to the sport! I came back for the same reason. I want to enjoy winter, not dread it.

 

[Sledderglen]

Hey guys,

I am new to sledding as well as this forum, however I am from the midwest so sledding is seasonal and something that I think would help me enjoy winter much, much more. Instead of going to some dealership and getting the run around I figured I would come here for advice and support. As of now, a buddy of mine is looking to sell his 05 Ski-doo 600cc H.O. and he is willing to be flexible on the price. So before I commit I want to be prepared as to anything that may need to be replaced down the road.

What do you guys do to take care of your sleds? I am a firm believer in proper maintenance as I ran full synthetic oil in my car and changed in regularly. I just hit 100k in my car and still (knock on wood) haven't had a mechanical issue with it. This is the kind of mind set I want to take going to being a snowmobile owner, kind of "you get out of it what you put into it". So as i said above, are there any particular repairs, parts or brands that I should look out for/ stay away from? More or less, what do you guys do to give your sled some TLC?

Thanks

Welcome to the site.

This is a western site with mountain riding and we do have many trail riders as well. Not the finely groomed highways you riders down East get to enjoy.
My recommendation is to go over the machine from front to rear. Check the engine and clutches and make sure they are clean and ramps and rollers in good shape. Check the chaincase and chain for wear and make sure all the bearings and shocks are all in good shape. When your trails are all moguled out a good set of premium gas shocks will make a world of difference in your winter enjoyment. Those 600 engines are a good engine but still wear out. How many miles are on it? You need to start slow and build up your riding level. Go the speed your comfortable with and think of the road rules when snowmobiling.
Have fun and get out and enjoy the winter. Have you any snow to ride yet?