2007 Venture Lite

[X-TX175]

I've been looking for second long track 4-stroke sled to replace our Ski-Doo Tour LE, which has been good but unreliable for the last few seasons. Recently a number of low mileage (under 3,500km) 2007 Venture Lites have come up within a few hours of here, prices are under $4,000. For reference local dealers are asking $4,500 or more for Ventures with 20,000km. I've read through a number of threads but I'd like to discuss things here.

1. What do I need to know about a 2007? I know it is the first year so there must be some specific issues.
2. How bad is the tunnel icing? Is it worse than later years? Is it worse than my Nytro?
3. I haven't ridden a Venture Lite/MP, I have ridden Phazer XTX, how do they compare?
4. How's the cooling in low snow, ice, warm weather?
5. Is the MP hitch available for the Lite? Cost?
6. What does a 8 year old Venture with low km need for maintenance/overhaul for a "fuel and go" season of riding?

As a replacement for the Touring LE (440 fan) I will use the sled on our property in Eastern Ontario to access our trails, fields, and bush. I will also use it as a utility sled for ~10km of club trails that I'm assuming responsibility for, and the occasional ice fishing trip. The rest of the time the sled will be used by my wife (amazing and fit women, slow and timid on a sled), teenage daughter (novice rider with slow reflexes), and friends. It will see mixed use as a solo ride and a two-up with our young children.

I'm open to looking at other sleds. However please note that a second Nytro XTX, or a Apex Attak/XTX, isn't an option, as much as I want the Apex its too much sled for my riders. Also budget is low, so keep suggestions under $4,000 (all in).

 

[onlyblue]

BUY ONE!!! I had one, sold it, wish i never did.... It handles well, very comfortable and warm. Any issues should have been handled under warranty, if not I believe your dealer can still perform recalls at no cost to you, they mark the tunnel by the vin number as to what recalls were performed. The venture lite handled much more predictably than the phazer we had. It isnt a speed demon, but was fun on the trails. You have the comfort of a touring sled, and if you want to throw it around a little you can do that too (u just look a little silly slamming the grocery getter thru the s curves). Good luck in your search, you wont be disappointed if you find one. The only issue I ever had with mine was fouling plugs from starting it and not letting it warm up all the way, this is something you only do once, because changing plugs on any of the PZ models is a pain in the #*$&@.....

 

[Mooseman]

A lot of your answers are here:
http://www.ty4stroke.com/threads/new-menber-with-venture.125803/

Tunnel icing is the same, all years. The VL/MP shares some mechanicals with the Phazer (engine, drive, steering) but is a couple hundred pounds heavier and not as nimble. I've ridden both and the Phazer is definitely more of a "fun" sled. The VL/MP is definitely not a boondocker. Cooling is the same as any sled in low snow. Hitch is available from the dealer, maybe $40? Somebody posted about a pintle hitch also available.

Things that might need fixing, loose steering, worn slides, wheels, rear suspension parts, front A-arm bushings, exhaust donuts (go with copper ones).

 

[X-TX175]

Good information. Still debating.