Sidewinder or 850. What to buy

[jaydaniels]

i know this is a Yamaha forum but looking for opinions. I have the opportunity to trade my 2013 800 etec for either a 2017 sidewinder ltx dx or 850 TNT skidoo. The winder is $3000 more? I love the idea of getting back into a Yamaha and a 4 stroke but just not sure if it's worth the extra $3000. What do you guys think?? Maybe it will hold value better. I plan on keeping this machine for at least five years.

 

[Motorhead]

lot's to consider, DX is the cheaper model but motor should outlast the 850!
2 very different sleds, 1 light and quick other reliable and fast.

5 years or more? Long time for a 2 stroke, short time for a 4 stroke.

I guess it really depends on what style sled you will enjoy more. I hear the Doos are light and fun just not very dependable, on the other hand all 4 strokes are heavy but some are also very fast...

Fun factor or speed factor???

 

[Trailgroomer]

If it was me I would go Sidewinder

 

[jaydaniels]

Thanks for the feedback. I guess in the end my only hesitation about the skidoo is engine reliability. My 2013 etec seemed to have a great chassis/suspension that was very reliable but the engine gave up on me at 6000 miles. Having said that, skidoo is claiming 4stroke reliability in a 2 stroke. While that is likely a stretch they have made some nice improvements to help with longevity. No more greased cranks. As for the sidewinder, my only hesitation is the price. Unfortunately I won't have an opportunity to try either before buying.

 

[Riceburner]

If you are a ditch banger buy the Doo.
Trail rider buy the Winder.
A good Four Stroke in five years will be worth a lot more than a 2 Stroke.
I Spent a day on a Winder. I was impressed in all areas except transfer was not so great.
Surprised me that I liked it so much.
I've spent time on 800 Doo's & didn't care for them. Seemed like driving a beach ball to me.
However I am 66 years old & my Sig will tell you what I drive so my style is groomed trail & fast so I am biased.

 

[GOFAST1]

Jason don't be so cheap u know the answer to this post "Yamaha"

 

[jaydaniels]

Jason don't be so cheap u know the answer to this post "Yamaha"

Lol can't hide anywhere now. Thanks for the recommendation. Maybe my wife will lend me the extra funds.

 

[nbsledder]

Find the extra $3000.00....In a couple of years you will be glad you did!

 

[XP123]

Depends on if you want a 2 or a 4 stroke. To me the only option would be a 4 stroke because I have no interest in another 2 stroke.

 

[Rich Kay]

One quality "rebuild" on the 850 when its needed will cost ya a big chunk of that 3k difference plus the down time....... ski doo big bore twins do have a history..... I leave it at that.

 

[Frozenstiff]

Go to doo talk, and look at some pics of the blown up 850 motors. I don,t own one, but my stomach gets in knots just looking at the pictures. Lots of bulkhead problems as well. I,ve followed that site, along with many others, all winter.
Without any doubt, go with the Sidewinder.
Even with all the boosted Sidewinders and Thundercats, I have not heard about even 1 motor having issues.
If you want 5 years of carefree riding, I would not consider a 2 stroke.
These 4 strokes aren,t perfect, but they are much better than anything else out there.
Another huge plus is the tech support on this site. It is a 1000X better than any of the other brands.

 

[LouTurbo]

Excellent handling and ride and holding it to the bar while not worrying about pistons and crank taking a dump....priceless !!!!

 

[SXRider7Hundo]

Do a lot of homework and decide what is in your best interest. I would search around here and see what the first year owners are saying about their Winders (which I see plenty of good and only a few minimal quirks that are cheap and easy to fix)- Then head over to Doo talk and see what the 850 guys are experiencing.

 

[cannondale27]

Have you ridden both back to back? When my Doo Buddy got off my Viper his first words were "Man I love that Cat front end" I thought same thing when I got off his 850. I did really like the motor and seating of 850. Couple weeks later deep powder trail morning I was eating breakfast at Tanglewood and same buddy walked in. Right off complaining of fuel and oil guzzling. He rides hard. I noticed black all over his face. Asked him about belt. Blew that too. I believe he may be buying a Winder next!

 

[Mighty]

SW. The $3,000 will be made up over the next 5 years of ownership