I am new to the snowmobile market and am looking at getting a 2-up 4 stroke machine.

I picked up Supertrax Vol. 19 #2 at the newsstand when I saw you had an article on 4 strokes. I read the article and, while it was enlightening, I still have questions.

I’ve been trying to research the different manufacturers sleds. Aside from getting brochures and asking some questions at the dealers, I’ve been looking at the web sites.

I’ve put together a spreadsheet for comparison, but even that is a bit overwhelming if one doesn’t understand what all the different specs are for.

I am married with 3 children (oldest turning 12). The sled would primarily be used for getting to ice fishing destinations, including pulling gear, and possibly children. Of course, I wouldn’t be averse to having some fun as well.

If I were to purchase a sled in the next little while, I’m obviously limited to what local dealers have available. I wouldn’t be upset about getting a workhorse either (a couple dealers have 2007 Yamaha VK Professionals available). There’s also a T Z1 LXR available, but I’m not sure I need the lap of luxury.

Is there any advice you could offer on my quest or even some sort of a comparison of how the different brands / sleds stack up?

Thanks,

Thanks for the response. I certainly understand the dilemma I put you in. I guess I was trying to look for a high level overview of 2-up sleds, including some of the strengths and weaknesses of the different brands.

I’m not sure it would be fair to ask which sled is best for me. Perhaps I will try that though. Price may be a consideration, but is not the primary one. Our primary goal will be transportation for ice fishing.

I don’t have a permanent shanty, but would look to move the family (myself, wife, and children aged 8, 10, and 12) and gear to and from a fishing spot. Slush on lakes is a very real possibility. So, we are looking at about 500 pounds of humanity and growing as well as 100 lbs+ of gear.

Four stroke sleds that are available in the local area (located so far) include:

Polaris 2008 FST IQ Touring

FS IQ Touring (being sold as used, but has very low miles…I think somehow it may be factory refurbished based upon what the salesman said)

Ski-Doo 2007 Expedition TUV (in crate)

Arctic Cat
2008 T Z1
2008 T Z1 LXR
2007 Panther 660 (still in crate)
2007 T660 Touring

Yamaha 2008 Venture GT
2007 VK Professional
2007 Venture Lite

Getting away from four strokes opens things up a bit. Today, my wife was really pleased with a 2007 AC GTX Limited that had the third seat.

So, the primary goal is moving people and gear from the truck to the fishing spot. If a sled has sufficient rear rack space, when I fish solo, I’d like to be able to just be me and the sled without a boggan.

Pleasure riding would be a secondary issue. I’m old enough to be past the peak levels of testosterone that require extreme speed…on a pleasure ride, I’d certainly be content with 50-60 mph, unless of course I’m being left too far behind.

Based on my current fishing friends and the sleds they have, I don’t think I’d have to worry about that too much with a new machine.

I’d appreciate any thoughts you may be able to pass along.

I have a new Ski-Doo TNT and have put 750 miles on it. I am finding the rear suspension very harsh riding.

I feel I have tried every possible combination of front arm and rear arm spring settings and coupler block settings.

Curious if you are finding your TNT the same and if so have you come up with an easy solution.

Thanks,

I noticed you have a 2008 Vector LTX GT in your test fleet for this season (saw them parked in Kinmount last Saturday).

The “pine log” skis had been ditched in favour of USI’s Triple Threats. Are the X2’s the best choice to alleviate excessive darting and the heavy steering of nose-heavy 4-strokes?

What stage of tuning did you test? How were they as compared to Simmons, Slydogs, Doolies, Deuce Bars, Shimming and Triple Points (ala Scott Bergstrom) and all the other “cures”?

I ordered two sets of TP’s, shims and ski savers from Scott but he just informed me of a theft of 540 or so skegs from his last shipment and do not want to wait much longer.

The stock runners on my 08 Apex Ltx and the Doolies on my girlfriend’s 07 Vector are now scrap.

I have a 1997 Polaris Indy Super Sport 440 Fan and went to take it for the first ride of the year and had no headlights.

All other lights are working including the high beam indicator on the instrument cluster. Hand warmers work fine too.

I measured the voltage at the headlight plug and found it to be about 2.0 VDC depending on RPM. No obvious shorts or bare wires anywhere either.

Any thoughts?

I have a 2008 Nytro RTX and every so often when I let off the throttle there are a few of pops from the exhuast like a backfire – Usually after the rpm’s wind down.

I’m wondering if this has anything to do with Yamaha’s new de-accelaration? like in Arctic Cat’s 4-stroke Jag to eliminate back pressure?

Thanks,