Want your advice on a sled...

[Riskinator]

So I'm a "newbie" on the sled scene. I used to be into sleds HEAVY when I was a kid. That was back in the days of the John Deere Spitfire, Polaris Indy 340, etc. Been out of it for a long time. Now I find myself with a great cottage in Sylvan, a great wife and a seven year old daughter. I purchased a RZR last year so my daughter and I could go drive around for a bit.

Now we're considering sleds (not sure if this year or next). But it's been so long... I need some of your advice where to start looking.

I want to buy 2 sleds so the family can go for a ride together. Thinking of two touring type sleds.... really comfortable, safe, heated everything with enough power to have fun. Not into deep powder up in the mountains... just day trips around central Alberta.

What would you recommend???? How much should I budget for the sleds??? Where is a good retailer??

Thanks in advance for your time and assistance.

 

[KVF 700]

as a skidoo fan, I'd suggest something with the new e-tec engine in it. no experience with it myself but the reveiws are great! only thing i'd be leary of is that it is the first year its out, and there could be some thingts to fix. sounds like its very clean and efficient.

 

[HARDCORE]

looking to buy new?

 

[Riskinator]

New or slightly used.

 

[RMK Junky]

The bigger 4 stroke touring sleds is the way to go. Finding a good dealer is another matter.

 

[khaos_]

The new Ski-doo 600 E-tec gets better fuel mileage than the 4 strokes.....hard to imagine but true. Go with a couple GSX touring edition from ski-doo. Probably won't find a lighter sled than that either. Try A&E Racing in Brooks if your near that area, they could probably fix you up. Also you could try the MXZ renegade....my father has ridden them ever since they came out. I tried it a couple times, you can fly through fields with one had on the handlebars, very easy to ride. Good luck. So many good sleds out there.

 

[snochuk]

Get the biggest windshield possible for a Doo or you'll freeze the kid on it. Nothing will beat the 600 E-tec for range and they are about 125# lighter than any 4-stroke. You'll like that part since dad pulls everybody out.:d:d

 

[littlehoe]

Buddy has a grand touring 1200 Doo, super nice plush machine with huge windshield.. BUT... we were riding is some soft fluffy snow and when we stopped he was covered in snow, his gauges, bars, lap, it seems like the wind swirls when it goes by the windshield and drops all the snow in front of you...

 

[powerteker]

when u ride powder it comes over the hood no matter what u ride...not somthing I would complain about!

 

[GasCan]

Seeing in how you're from Calgary, drop over to Walt Healy on 12th Street NE and talk with Sheldon or Brent. They'll treat you great and give you the info you seek on touring and cross country sleds. The 4 strokes are some of the most reliable products on the market today and they all get great gas mileage while being easy on the environment. The Vector touring sleds are slick and you can get them with decent tracks to handle the powder you find along the way.


You could start by visiting this website to get a look at some of the new Yamahas. The Genesis motors have all the power you'll want for touring or ripping up the trails and there are 3 options for cross country or 2-up touring.

In either case, have fun. It's always nice to ride one of these when you're coming from an old John Deere!

 

[littlehoe]

when u ride powder it comes over the hood no matter what u ride...not somthing I would complain about!

this wasn't over the hood powder by any means... just snow kicked up by his skis...i think we were only riding on about 7 inches at best... and no base...

 

[Riskinator]

Thanks for all your comments. So Skidoo is a good place to start? Any issues with Polaris, Yamaha or the Artic Cats? Anything to stay away from?

 

[GasCan]

As with anything, there are inherent problems with some sleds and engine designs in recent years from the (4) major brands. To avoid any unnecessary bashing of one brand versus another, I'd suggest you perform your due diligence and read up within so you can avoid a potential problem before you purchase new sleds.

This info may help to raise a few caution flags and will help you to avoid buying something on mere suggestion as all brands have their strengths and weaknesses. Just trying to be unbiased here and help you out as we all have opinions on brand superiority?

 

[fbraz088]

as far as touring sleds im pretty sure yamaha or doo is the way to go. the 4 stroke in the yammy is proven but heavy, the doo is supposibly lighter but might be a little louder.

looks are different from person to person, i say go sit on em both, see wich one you like best