Time to Refresh

[Bigblue1]

Well, with 9,800 miles on the SW and an over heated chain case the second and last time out last year due to a hairline crack and leaking fluid; decided to refresh. New chain case, gears, chain, drive axle, bearings, track and studs. With the light snow last year a little skiddish on spending 22k on a new one so a $1,500 refresh looks prudent. Besides, I like the 129" SW and I have this thing dialed in so why not? Point of the post is, while I know its cyclical, we are in one of those times where inflation has driven up prices to impactful levels, so I think many will take the route I've taken. Oh, new sled is coming while I contemplate what direction to go since no more Y sleds, but $20,500 differential for basically what I already have without upgrades is tough pill.

 

[stgdz]

I plan on riding my 998 in to the 2030's if I can keep it together.

 

[Turboflash]

My thinking:
A. We've had bad snow years before, and there will be more.
B. If I can't ride it, it won't wear out sitting in my garage.
C. Because I am a "tinkerer," and can't leave anything stock, if I were to buy a new 998, it would just start the cycle of making it how I want it. Which takes lots of $.
D. I have my current sled how I want it (well, at least close). Paid cash for it so I've never had payments on it.
E. So why buy a new one for $22k, then have to put another $10k into it to make it like the one I already have. Basic chassis, engine are same.

 

[Sevey]

My thinking - by the time you do all the tweeking and upgrading to get it to where you want - keep her.
Mine is a '18 with 15,000 km - and I have no plans of turning it in. Thats what kept me from buying a '22 or newer one. They have not changed substantially.
Keep her, give her love. She will treat you well.
MS

 

[Simplespeed]

Only reasons I bought a new one was the price was right, electric power steering and the extended warranty. Nothing wrong with my 2017 no problems or issues love that sled but before they stop making them just wanted a new one to have a back up . To say I like the Sidewinder is a understatement…

 

[1nc 2000]

Last fall I did mine. New inner chain case with bearings and seals installed from yamaha. Also replaced brake caliper assembly. Drives haft was good.
Only took it out for one ride last winter due to crappy snow conditions.
Rode my nytro rest of winter.

 

[DennyTuna]

Replaced the inner case a couple of seasons ago, noticed the hairline crack doing off season maintenance. New chain and precision adjuster with anti-vibration skate as well. I got lucky and noticed it before it got to your level BigBlue. This off season my 18 got a new track and OEM EPS. With all my upgrades and it has EVERYTHING I still doesn't add up to the cost of a new sidewinder. I'll keep riding it for years to come.

 

[fxnytrortxkid]

I’m in same point. I want new front spindle, hand controls and power steering but don’t wanna redo all the little things I have to revise the sled and have exactly what I already own. Soooo I’m probably going to stash it for lake days, snow an grass drags and a spare and just have something with some clutching and ascetic customization and call it good and swap that out every 4-5 years. Just have trouble paying 25grand otd for a sled right now.

 

[Upstater57]

I plan to keep my 22' for a long time. I may consider an 858 next year as a backup sled after I spend some time on one this winter. I sold off all my old sleds and my Tcat looks lonely in the garage. LOL

 

[stgdz]

Juniors got his 4000 and I grabbed a tucker 800 as a backup two seasons ago for a song.

Trying to figure out if the wife would be happy on a tuned and mfflered tcat or get a viper when they bottom out.

 

[Upstater57]

Your wife would probably like something with EPS. I always buy my wife top of the line. Probably why she stayed with me for the past 40 years. LOL

 

[Bigblue1]

Replaced the inner case a couple of seasons ago, noticed the hairline crack doing off season maintenance. New chain and precision adjuster with anti-vibration skate as well. I got lucky and noticed it before it got to your level BigBlue. This off season my 18 got a new track and OEM EPS. With all my upgrades and it has EVERYTHING I still doesn't add up to the cost of a new sidewinder. I'll keep riding it for years to come.

Pretty much done. New drive shaft also, as the other was done and i got break on the new one. By the time I took the original to a machine shop, plus the cost, it was well worth the new one. With the BOP kit and new bearing from the onset, it should be good. Love the sled but what gets frustrating is I ran the heck out of my Apex bumps and all and never have had issues with chain case, clutching etc. I guess Japan was right all along. You can only have two of light weight, durability and performance.