First ride of the season...

[fatchance]

Jon we have speed limits in the Northeast, but are not heavily enforced. NH is 45mph max with lower speeds in different areas within NH. Maine states reasonable speed which is considered 35-45mph and less on private land, but again not enforced. I think the speed limit laws were written in the 40's before snowmobiles were invented!

 

[Turboflash]

Jon we have speed limits in the Northeast, but are not heavily enforced. NH is 45mph max with lower speeds in different areas within NH. Maine states reasonable speed which is considered 35-45mph and less on private land, but again not enforced. I think the speed limit laws were written in the 40's before snowmobiles were invented!

So, basically plug-fouling speeds.
Again, the people who create these rules for us don't know what a snowmobile is, and have certainly never been on one.
Close to me, I like Wiscosin's statute which is whatever speed is reasonable for conditions. Been riding northern WI since the 1980's and have never even seen a warden, much ever been checked or stopped for speed. They don't hide out in the weeds on lakes with a radar gun checking speed, like MN DNR does.
In WI, speed limit is 100 and above! Lol.

 

[fatchance]

It's the same old song and dance. Being a commercial fisherman all my life have been absolutely dumbfounded by the regulations that are enforced by people that have never been on a boat or caught a fish in their lives. It really should be a country where people should be governed by people that are professionals in that area. It just blows my mind that it's just not the case!

 

[Upstater57]

Well we were off to a really good start to the season, and poof, just like that it's gone. Temps in the 40's rain and there you go. Worst part is there's no cool temps in the forecast or snow either. More days well above freezing than below in the ten day outlook. UGGGGG!

I know being a snowmobiler you gotta roll with the punches, but year after year they just keep coming and getting worse. Much as I hate to say it, it's getting real hard to keep the interest and stay in this sport...

Got 140 miles on two rides so far. Conditions went south this week. Old forge was crowded since hunting season was still going in other riding zones. Looking forward to a good season.

Regarding ride height, I am thinking 2020 Tcat springs front and rear will lower the sled about an inch or so and may improve higher speed handling in the twistys.

On another note, the EPS is the best feature put on a sled since the 998 was introduced. Together they make for a great ride.

 

[Teamblue4]

So, basically plug-fouling speeds.
Again, the people who create these rules for us don't know what a snowmobile is, and have certainly never been on one.
Close to me, I like Wiscosin's statute which is whatever speed is reasonable for conditions. Been riding northern WI since the 1980's and have never even seen a warden, much ever been checked or stopped for speed. They don't hide out in the weeds on lakes with a radar gun checking speed, like MN DNR does.
In WI, speed limit is 100 and above! Lol.

Wisconsin has speed limits, 55 at night. if riding roads its the same speed limit.

 

[vice108]

no speed limit in Maine

 

[Motorhead]

no speed limit in Maine

Love that about Maine! I remember many years ago when NH was reciprocal with Maine snowmobile registrations. Once 0n NH trails coming from Maine, one had no choice but to do 45 mph because the NH wardens were at their border with radar guns and sleds pulled over, every time we went! It was no fun, I mean even with my wife and daughter on their own sleds, 45 mph was just not doable! Even in Maine during weekends, one has no choice but to follow the crowds and ride slow and keep it safe because of too many sleds on same trail. But weekday riding can be very different, with trails all to yourself for miles upon miles, and that's where it's at for me. So fast in safe spots where one can see far enough ahead!!

 

[RobX-1]

Love that about Maine!

Love that about Michigan too; especially the U.P.!

 

[journeyman]

Love that about Michigan too; especially the U.P.!

True, I can honestly say I have never been pulled over in the UP or ever seen anyone patrolling. Same with Wisconsin.

I got pulled over only miles from home a few years ago on the old red Attack, I wasn't even speeding. I stopped at a stop sign before a road crossing and he was waiting on the other side of the road. I asked, what's the problem officer? Here he thought I had no registraion sticker ,but the sticker just happened to be red and so was my sled. He was like sorry, that blends almost perfectly. Minnesota keeps changing the color every year.

 

[maim]

my sleds have been pulled over for trail pass and reg checks almost every year in the up. i have to point reg out on mine every time as they don't usually see that many ontario reg sleds. never for speeding in mi. at home, i watch for them like a hawk and slow down closer to trail speed when coming into towns.

 

[RobX-1]

I will say I have seen the MI DNR hide behind a tree bush or far enough off the side of trail at intersections looking for no-stop violations. They also seem to enforce their trail permits; and rightfully so.

 

[stone88]

I am embarrassed to say but here in Ontario speed limit is 30 mph I believe Quebec is 45 mph or idling speed

 

[STAIN]

I have only been to Québec 6-7 times but I have never seen anyone out checking for speed on the big trails.
I think, like everywhere, if you use your head and keep it civilized in high traffic and town area's, they kind of leave you alone.
The exception is New Hampshire and their 45 mph limit. I have seen them out everywhere, hiding in the bush, running radar etc.

 

[Turboflash]

I think most of us know there's places where 25-35 is fast enough (parking lots, gas stations, restaurant areas, shopping areas; places where there's lots of traffic, people, pets, vehicles, etc.).
And, IMO, there's places where 100+ is safe for experienced/professional riders. Lakes, rivers, long farm fields, logging roads, abandoned railroad grades, etc.
For law-makers to think nothing over 45/50/55 is safe is uneducated, and ridiculous. That's like saying no on-road car speed limit should ever be faster than 55/70, etc.

 

[fatchance]

Bob, I think there's 3 factors in any combination that will play a role in 99.9% of the fatalities in this sport and include all 3 and it's plain lethal.... Lack of experience, Alcohol and speed. Tic One box you should ride with caution to be safe, You might be ok if you tic 2 boxes, but not safe. Tic all three and you just shouldn't be on a sled period! Alcohol should account for 2 boxes in any scenario and in my eyes should never come into play with any responsible rider!!!!!!