First time sled buyer needs advise

[Landy5]

I am new to this forum. I am interested in buying a used sled. I am leaning toward a used 2005 Yamaha RX Warrior that has 4300 miles. Appears as if owners cared for this sled quite well. However, I am concerned about the amout of miles...seems a little high for the year and compared to other sleds I have researched. Many of the sleds I have found are 2 stroke, electric start/reverse. Should I spend a little more for a 4 stroke with 4300 miles or purchase a 2 stroke Polaris classic with electric start, reverse, well-maintained with 1300 miles for the approximate same price..feedback will be much appreciated.

 

[Convert]

4300 miles is just broke in it's a 4-Stroke : )

 

[Landy5]

Thanks for the reply. What sold you on Yamaha sleds? Why 4 stroke?

 

[Convert]

Have you ridden one yet? I was a polaris guy (bad word sorry) : ) My best friend had a viper which he let me ride one day loved it! when Yamaha came out with the 03 RX1 I decided that was the sled for me spring ordered mine best move i could have made. The sound, the performance, the milage and fit and finish is simply awesome. Brought a second one in 05 for the wife (basically my backup) absolutely love my yammi's and besides that it got me on this site where I have met some of the best people around. Try one for yourself you won't be sorry

 

[Landy5]

Never have rode a 4 stroke. Always have rented until now..usually Ski-Doo, Polaris. Brother had Yamaha motorcyles...but I have not had the opportunity to ride a yamaha 4 stroke. I will be setting up a meeting with the owner in 1-2 weeks. Leaning toward the Warrior RX 2005 model. If 4300 miles is "broke-in" then maybe I too will be a diehard yammi rider. Thanks for the information...this helps me alot!

 

[Convert]

Do yourself a favor fill out your location info in your profile and maybe a neighbor can let you checkout there 4-Stroke as well

 

[Sled Dog]

Welcome to the site landy5! I would however go over that used machine with a fine tooth comb. I would have the jackshaft,suspension wheel and drive sproket bearings checked and greased for sure. Then check the slider wear, track condition and tension.

 

[Swiss Sledder]

Yamaha snowmobiles are known in the market place for their quality, reliability, and superb fit & finish. The posts on this site since the RX-1 was introduced in 2003 back this up. In terms of miles, the site member hondo rode over 9,000 miles last season and has over 20,000 miles on his Venture. You can read all about his story by clicking here. So as a brand, Yamaha is an excellent choice.

But there is more to picking a snowmobile than brand name, i.e. you need to tell us how you plan to use the sled. Are you a high mileage rider doing 200-300 miles per day trips? Are you an off trail rider? Do you want to be first across the lake? Do you want to go slower, taking in the scenery, with a reliable sled that you know will get you there? Do you want all the comforts of electric start, reverse, higher windshields, etc.?

Yamaha has different models to address the above, but we need to hear from you on your riding criteria.

 

[RedRocket]

One thing I will add if you are looking for a 4-stroke sled, make sure it has reverse. Electric start is standard on all 4-stroke sleds but reverse is not and these little suckers are heavy! But the fact that I can run away from my brother-in-laws Polaris XC800 and get 130mph top speed and not have to worry about buying oil and having the oil tank full before every ride is great!

 

[Bullet69]

According to the owners manual, You won't have to worry about changing the oil filter for another 5,700 miles. I don't think you could get 12,000 miles on a Polaris with out an engine rebuild, So I wouldn't be leary of buying it.

 

[Swiss Sledder]

Geez, I forgot all about YellowKnife and his odyssey from last season on his Yamaha Phazer. Click here to read about his story riding his Phazer all last winter and pay particular attention to the amount of downtime versus other sleds in his group.

 

[Landy5]

Thank you all for the information! I am purchasing the 2005 Yamaha RX Warrior this weekend. It has electric start and reverse: thing weighs about 580# dry! When I ride I like to challenge the trails, I like to top-end across lake St Germain. I travel on groomed trails mostly. Longest mileage in 1 day about 140. I believe, from what I have read and researched, this sled will be what I need and more. Prayin for snow in September!!! Again, thanks for all the great info.

 

[RedRocket]

Congrats! You will love that sled, I am counting down the days till snow up here. I already have the sled polished, battery charging, new track ordered and the trailer ready to go.