choices for a good used sled

[lkylyndy]

I was refereed to the 4 stroke pages with the following request:
I'm looking for some advise about current sleds. My last sled was a MotoSki 440 circa 1974 and I have been out of the loop on snowmobiles for several years. I am looking for choices in good dependable sleds for occasional riding. I am 69 year old and don't think I'm up to racing or drift busting, I just don't want to be the last one to arrive at a "rest stop". The 4 strokes interest me and I have looked into several of the early RX1's. Sorry if I opened a can of worms. but I am interested in experienced thoughts. Mostly I would ride in Northern Michigan and possibly the UP. I appreciate any viable input.

 

[smokingcrater]

What is your budget? Are you going to be riding with a group or alone? (Assuming group, given the comment) What type of riding? Without knowing more, I'd probably suggest maybe looking at a newer yamaha with the electronic power steering. Muscling a rx1 around after a long day of trail riding can be extremely tiring! Also, the rx1 is a 121 track, so don't expect to go far if you aren't on a trail. Lots of power, lots of weight, and not much track.

 

[Hoxtongue]

I am almost 50 and I was sort of in the same boat, always had older machines that didn't get used much seeing I couldn't keep up, or wasn't too sure about their reliability. I picked up a used 2006 RTX Apex and although it isn't new by any means it was miles ahead of where I was. They are fantastic on the trail, just don't venture into the deep stuff and you will be fine. I suggest you find someone that has one and try it out, it took a bit of time to get used to the weight and the handling, now when I get on my friends Skidoo's they feel light and cheap.

 

[sgauthier]

First Welcome to the forum. i hope i'm still riding when i get your age (not saying your old but you are older then i am) , i'm only 52 but with this new EPS apex i can see myself riding for a long time. I can't even sit on the older sit down sled for any length of time anymore because my knees start aching.



You might want to think about a 136" vector. it has plenty of power (approx 120 to 130hp) with a great ride and great fuel economy. suggest maybe getting one with EFI but the carb ones are good as well and if you are able to buy a newer 2012 they've got EPS. The Ski-doo 4-stroke 1200 would also be another good option, unless you really want a Yamaha.

good luck!!

 

[journeyman]

First Welcome to the forum. i hope i'm still riding when i get your age (not saying your old but you are older then i am) , i'm only 52 but with this new EPS apex i can see myself riding for a long time. I can't even sit on the older sit down sled for any length of time anymore because my knees start aching.



You might want to think about a 136" vector. it has plenty of power (approx 120 to 130hp) with a great ride and great fuel economy. suggest maybe getting one with EFI but the carb ones are good as well and if you are able to buy a newer 2012 they've got EPS. The Ski-doo 4-stroke 1200 would also be another good option, unless you want really want a Yamaha.

good luck!!

Ditto on the 136 Vector. I was thinking the same thing. Plenty of power, decent mileage and if a person rides in the UP of Michigan that is a good track length for a better ride....bridges the bumps better. Keep in mind you will want a 2010 or newer to get fuel injection. Good choice, saves cleaning carbs every year. The carbed Vector's have very small pilot jets that gum up easy. You would have to go two years newer yet to get the power steering model....2012.

Keep in mind that Nick Keller has over 90,000 miles on his 2010 Vector so other than general maintenance this is a long lasting, reliable motor.

 

[trailhed1]

Vector for sure, like said above go for the 2012 and newer can not beat the Power Steering.

 

[lkylyndy]

Thanx for the information. I don't feel that old and want to keep active as long as possible. This time of year, winter gets to me and I'm looking for an outlet that gives me something to look forward to. Cabin Fever isn't terminal, but it sure is depressing!

 

[journeyman]

What area of the UP do you ride?

Pat's in Greenland had a nice clean 2010 Vector with fuel injection in their used lineup a week ago.

 

[Curtis Chambers]

My father in law is 70 just picked up vector with power steering he loves it

 

[TRUE BLUE SINCE 1980]

You guys Nailed for him ......136 Vector with power steering and Comfort Clutch spring.

 

[journeyman]

You guys Nailed for him ......136 Vector with power steering and Comfort Clutch spring.

Comfort clutch spring?

 

[TRUE BLUE SINCE 1980]

You can change out the clutch spring to eliminate the Harsh engagement.

 

[sledheadgeorge]

136 Vector

X10

 

[journeyman]

You can change out the clutch spring to eliminate the Harsh engagement.

Kind of what I figured but it seems strange they would have a spring that engages abruptly on sled that is designed strictly as a trail machine and not a performance sled.