What to look for…………

I’m leaning towards buying a touring style snowmobile this winter. I’m to much of a pansy to sit on a block of ice and fish so mainly it will be used for trail riding. I will not be breaking new trails just riding on the groomed ones.

If I look for a used machine what do I need to look for? I will be instate only so I’m thinking I don’t need the biggest engine made but I certainly don’t want to be under powered either.

It’s been many, many years since I’ve ridden so any help will be considered valuable!!

When I think “touring style” I think of a two-up machine. Please clarify first.

Touring is typically 2-up with backrest, electric Start, Reverse, hand & thumb warmers…. heres one for $750… can’t go wrong here…

Trail Touring

big G

In my opinion if you aren’t going to have a passenger the majority of the time I would absolutely NOT get a 2 up sled. If you are going to use it primarily for trail riding and not ice fishing it just isn’t necessary, 2 up sleds are heavy and don’t handle nearly as well as a single rider sled.

I would suggest looking at something in the 500-600cc liquid cooled range for engine size. I have a 500cc MXz and I love it, it is great for trail riding. It is light and handles really well, it is also good on gas but still has some good giddyup.

Pretty much all the makes of sleds are good…I wouldn’t shy away from any of them. Looking at used sleds it will be pretty easy to tell how it was ridden and cared for. I would also probably avoid sleds that have been tinkered with, things like pipes, clutching and stuff like that are normally “go fast” add ons so the sled may have been ridden pretty hard.

Look around and try sitting on as many different models as you can…they all fit a little differently, you’ll find something you like.
JB

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When I think “touring style” I think of a two-up machine. Please clarify first.

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Ya, I guess I was thinking two-up. Want something that if needed I could haul another person or gear. I don’t know that reverse would be required although I guess it would have it’s uses. What is the downside of a heavy machine if I stay on trails? I’m sure lighter machines will handle a bit better.

I don’t need or want something that goes 70mph. I’m to old for that. It’s all about comfort these days.

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Touring is typically 2-up with backrest, electric Start, Reverse, hand & thumb warmers…. heres one for $750… can’t go wrong here…

Trail Touring

big G

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Thanks, any idea what Polaris runs for a motor? Reliable? A wrench in my hands is considered both worthless and a waste of time.

I believe in ’95 it is a Fuji Star Motor…. it would be a 488 Fan cooled. For what you are gonna use it for, it would be fine

big G

I would guess Fuji 500 liquid on the deluxe model.
Knowing you wont/cannot wrench I’m not putting a used recommendation out there. If you want reliabiltiy and up to date comfort you should buy new.

I would stay away from fan cooled and go with liquid cooled. I am a Ski Doo & Polaris fan. I would go with a 600 or bigger engine. Newer models have nicer options like passenger heated grips, electronic shock adjust, electric start, reverse, all gauges, etc.

Not to be contrary, but I HIGHLY recommend a fan cooled sled for ice fishing. liquid cooled rigs rely on snow getting kicked up on the heat exchangers to stay cool. If you’re on hard packed snow or there isn’t much snow on the ice at all, you’re in for a LONG day. A fan cooled sled, however has no problems keeping its cool, regardless of the conditions. You can even let it idle while you fish with no fear of it overheating.

A 2 up sled is also a good idea for icefishing, if for no other reason than the fact that most 2 ups are rated to haul and tow heavier loads.

-Munchy

Brian, check out the Hiller Auction. I know them personally, and you can get some great prices, even on new sometimes.

FWIW, I got a 2002 Polaris XC 500 (liquid cooled Liberty)and a 2002 two-up Yammie Venture 600 (liquid cooled triple) before last season. Both are great starting, great riding sleds, but the Polaris takes longer to warm up.

The Polaris is also more for “go fast” use. My wife loves the Yammie. Electric start, reverse, infinite thumb and hand warming settings as opposed to just two on many sleds.

The Yammie rides the trails great, electric start is nice, but on a two up reverse is necessary, IMHO.

I would like the Polaris two-ups with the 500 liquid cooled engine and reverse also, and electric start would be a bonus.

I got mine and they were showroom floor clean, and with a covered trailer, for less than a new sled. So far so good for me, I am looking forward to snow and pulling the shack around with the Yammie, and hitting the trails again Wife and I had a blast.

oh yeah, I traded a canoe for an old 88 Polaris indy 400, and it runs great and is a great ice fishing sled or extra for the kids or rookies It is so much lighter than either the 600 or the 500 that it is almost funny

All makers have very good touring sleds. for the most part, they do not get beaten like ditch bangers. I like liquid cooling, and would personally stick with that. Reverse is a must for getting on and off trailers and for getting out of tight situations. My back can’t take lifting big tanks like that like it could when I was younger.