Buying a sled - What are things that you look for, or push you away from a sled? started by sledcrusher
	August 13th 2009 at 3:04 PM Post #1
	sledcrusher Junior Member 394 Posts Group: Members Member Since: August 10th 2009 Location: Maine, USA Current Sled: 2003 Rev 600 2008-2009 Miles: 1400
	There's a lot of ads out there that give you heads up ahead of time before you even bother calling the person, or scams that people do to rip you off because they made it so you wouldn't notice it, etc. 1. Keep away from MOST machines with handguards. 2. Keep away from sleds with big risers and freestyle bars. 3. Keep away from sleds that have big drop brackets in the rear for style, not ride. These are all signs the sled has been beat. 4. Wehn da gramma of da adddddddddd lookss liek dis Possibly an uneducated person making the ad 5. PEOPLE THAT PUT CALL OR "TEXT"! This one seriously drives me away from ads. Teens ( usually ) spoiled with cellphones that their parents gave them, and want you to text because they really aren't very serious about selling their sled, just sort of putting out there. 6. People that have there 2000 Z 440 with 8000 miles, ripped track, and missing seat, and say mint condition, or $4000, or trade for snopro 440/900. 7. The most annoying ones. The ones that have a riser, fly bars, have flipped the wheels on the sled so it only shows the black side, have removed all decals, and went to their local fair and bought a bunch of fox, monster, vp fuel, amsoil, and dc stickers and just randomly plastered them all over their sled that they have for sale, and have the can drilled with holes all through it, and sell as "Very fast mod sled, trade for firecat, snopro 440, rev 440/800, or something worth equal value" when in reality, their sled they've put all these "mods" into, is just a 2001 Z 570 that has had the crap kicked out of it for the past 2000 miles, with super tail heavy landings, and many failed sidehill attempts. 8. Ads that say "2005 F7, Red" and that's the whole ad. No price. No number, just the craigslist email. Lets here what you hate. Next person start with #9 so we can get a big list together. Proud Supporter of Snowmobilers.com Rating: 0 Quick Edit Edit Topic

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	August 13th 2009 at 3:39 PM Post #2
	snopro7 Starting Member 4 Posts Group: Members Member Since: July 30th 2009 Location: St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
	9. Adds that list "Lady Driven" as a selling point. May be true, most times it's a cover up from experience. Bleed Green Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 3:43 PM  [ Modified August 13th 2009 at 3:46 PM ] Post #3
	Empire087 Dude wheres the snow? 238 Posts Group: Members Member Since: July 19th 2009 Location: Sault Ste Marie, Michigan Current Sled: 2002 ZL 500 2008-2009 Miles: 475
	These are all good points, you should also be sure to check the sled very throughly. Also if they're rushing you into buying it odds are something could be wrong with it. 02 ZL 500(apv) 91 jag afs 440 "if it snowed in the summer, I'd ride!" Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 3:48 PM Post #4
	Ugly_old_Poo_kid techno-bumpkin 1106 Posts Group: Members Member Since: March 18th 2007 Location: Walworth, NY, USA Current Sled: 05 Edge & Frankenstorm II 2008-2009 Miles: 165
	10 - beware of "priced to sell" sleds, they are usually in a hurry to get rid of them because there's something seriously wrong with them. 95 - Storm 800 - Modded - AKA: FrankenStorm - Totalled near 100mph at Tug Hill! 96 - XLT/SP with Storm 800 trip/trip and now EFI - FrankenStorm II lives... 95 - RXL -- Sale Pending -- 05 - Edge 800 long track - Stayin' stock for now.. --------------------------------------------- It made me more compassionate, more empathetic, more nurturing... I FEEL LIKE I'M TRAPPED IN MY OWN WORST NIGHTMARE!!! Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 4:13 PM  [ Modified August 13th 2009 at 4:14 PM ] Post #5
	motodeficient Waiting for more snow 1358 Posts Group: Members Member Since: July 21st 2007 Location: MAINE Current Sled: 04 XC 660 SP 2008-2009 Miles: 800
	11. "I Need to sell it because its too fast for me" Right.... I hate when people say that. Like they have no control over their right thumb. Obviously they are selling for a different reason. 12. "Need to sell ASAP. Really need the money for bills. Or will trade for a different sled" HA I love that line too. Again, obviously there is another reason they are really trying to get rid of it. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 4:16 PM Post #6
	tughillboy tughillboy 220 Posts Group: Members Member Since: July 13th 2009 Location: albany, ny, USA Current Sled: 06 fusion 600 2008-2009 Miles: 1500+
	sleds that are way to underpriced. And someone like "fusion 900 comes with 8 extra belts". You know there is a problem with the sled 06 polaris fusion 600 h.o 02 polaris 550 fan FOR SALE!!!! 87 yamaha bravo dads sled= 05 polaris 900 moms sled= 04 polaris xcsp 600 moms atv=polaris sportsman 500 dads atc= 1986 honda 200s Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 4:52 PM Post #7
	Student Driver Mountain Rider With 6 Month Season 4994 Posts Group: Moderators Member Since: April 16th 2004 Location: Kuna, Idaho, USA
	Quote originally posted by sledcrusher There's a lot of ads out there that give you heads up ahead of time before you even bother calling the person, or scams that people do to rip you off because they made it so you wouldn't notice it, etc. 1. Keep away from MOST machines with handguards. 2. Keep away from sleds with big risers and freestyle bars. What's wrong with hand guards or risers? These are the people who work to keep our riding areas open. It's free to join and it really does help www.snowmobile-alliance.org Rating: +6 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 4:55 PM Post #8
	Mad-Boondocker Only way to take on FEAR is to take it head on 752 Posts Group: Members Member Since: February 19th 2009 Location: East Otto, NY, USA Current Sled: 98 Polaris Indy 500 Mod 2008-2009 Miles: 185
	Quote originally posted by Student Driver Quote originally posted by sledcrusher There's a lot of ads out there that give you heads up ahead of time before you even bother calling the person, or scams that people do to rip you off because they made it so you wouldn't notice it, etc. 1. Keep away from MOST machines with handguards. 2. Keep away from sleds with big risers and freestyle bars. What's wrong with hand guards or risers? That is a good question because most people do put on a 2 inch riser and hand guards. 1998 Polaris Indy 500 chassis with 98 Xc 600 motor SLP ceramic coated pipe with SLP can V-force reeds 4 inch pivot riser Gutted Air Box EPI clutch kit soon to be installed Maybe some pro tapers 1998 XC 700 water-cross sled SLP twin pipes Some light weight parts Water-cross mods include taking the parts u do not need This includes removing the seat replacing gas tank and IFS bars. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 5:23 PM  [ Modified August 13th 2009 at 5:24 PM ] Post #9
	sledcrusher Junior Member 394 Posts Group: Members Member Since: August 10th 2009 Location: Maine, USA Current Sled: 2003 Rev 600 2008-2009 Miles: 1400
	Quote originally posted by Mad-Boondocker Quote originally posted by Student Driver Quote originally posted by sledcrusher There's a lot of ads out there that give you heads up ahead of time before you even bother calling the person, or scams that people do to rip you off because they made it so you wouldn't notice it, etc. 1. Keep away from MOST machines with handguards. 2. Keep away from sleds with big risers and freestyle bars. What's wrong with hand guards or risers? That is a good question because most people do put on a 2 inch riser and hand guards. Well, a lot, and I mean, A LOT of people don't buy handguards for how they work. Just for looks. As for risers, it means a stand-up rider was on it. Chances are, if it's got a decal kit, and tall bars, it's had a good beating done to it. And again, a lot of people like tall risers because they look cool. If you noticed, I said big risers. Say the person could use a 6" riser to be perfect, but they have a 9-10". Proud Supporter of Snowmobilers.com Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 5:38 PM Post #10
	Student Driver Mountain Rider With 6 Month Season 4994 Posts Group: Moderators Member Since: April 16th 2004 Location: Kuna, Idaho, USA
	Nothing wrong with stand up riding. It's all we do in the mountains as it's how you make the sled handle when riding off trail. A good example: I have 9" risers on my RMK Dragon and it is in as good, if not better condition than any you will find. I think risers and hand guards only say that the sled owner has put a couple hundred into their sled. Just my 2 cents. These are the people who work to keep our riding areas open. It's free to join and it really does help www.snowmobile-alliance.org Rating: +8 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 6:10 PM Post #11
	sledcrusher Junior Member 394 Posts Group: Members Member Since: August 10th 2009 Location: Maine, USA Current Sled: 2003 Rev 600 2008-2009 Miles: 1400
	I don't live in the mountains though. So it's a great tip. Another one. 13. People that write "Always taken care of, and never beat", but the picture they have listed with it, its 4 feet in the air about to land on pavement. Proud Supporter of Snowmobilers.com Rating: +1 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 6:25 PM Post #12
	tdgbigfoot Certified sledaholic 1287 Posts Group: Members Member Since: September 12th 2008 Location: Albany, Vermont, USA Current Sled: 99 SKS 700, 96 Mach Z 780 2008-2009 Miles: 500
	14. Adds that show the people obviously dont know much about thier sleds, or sleds at all, and due to this ask way to much money for their sleds, and wont go down. And then continue to repost the sled at the same price. 2000 Indy Trail Touring 550, 1999 Indy SKS 700, 1996 Mach Z 780, 1994 Wildcat 700, 1991 Formula Plus, 1990 Safari LX, 1989 Indy 400, 1988 Tundra Skandic, 1987 Citation, 1986 Indy Trail 488, 198? Bravo 1969 Corvette 350 2000 Cheroekee - 4 1/2" lift, & other goodies Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 6:41 PM Post #13
	rougepolaris s#^t happens 501 Posts Group: Members Member Since: September 2nd 2008 Location: williamstown, new york, USA Current Sled: polaris xcsp 600 2008-2009 Miles: 814
	15 when people call the sled a wrong name like someone saying " 2005 sno pro" but when you open it up there is a 2004 rev x instead empty a bag of skittles in the toilet and flush it;s like watching a 5 second nascar race Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 7:19 PM Post #14
	sledcrusher Junior Member 394 Posts Group: Members Member Since: August 10th 2009 Location: Maine, USA Current Sled: 2003 Rev 600 2008-2009 Miles: 1400
	Quote originally posted by rougepolaris 15 when people call the sled a wrong name like someone saying " 2005 sno pro" but when you open it up there is a 2004 rev x instead And I thought that only happened around here. 2004 Rev SnoPro 440 For sale is a 2004 Rev 440 SnoPro edition. Proud Supporter of Snowmobilers.com Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 7:52 PM Post #15
	Mad-Boondocker Only way to take on FEAR is to take it head on 752 Posts Group: Members Member Since: February 19th 2009 Location: East Otto, NY, USA Current Sled: 98 Polaris Indy 500 Mod 2008-2009 Miles: 185
	Well put Student Driver I currently have 4 inches of rise on my indy most people put rise on their sled so it is more comfortable to ride. 1998 Polaris Indy 500 chassis with 98 Xc 600 motor SLP ceramic coated pipe with SLP can V-force reeds 4 inch pivot riser Gutted Air Box EPI clutch kit soon to be installed Maybe some pro tapers 1998 XC 700 water-cross sled SLP twin pipes Some light weight parts Water-cross mods include taking the parts u do not need This includes removing the seat replacing gas tank and IFS bars. Rating: +3 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 9:49 PM Post #16
	BV_Boondocker Holy s***! Thats a tree... 196 Posts Group: Members Member Since: March 8th 2009 Location: Bear Valley, CA, USA Current Sled: '99 Polaris RMK 700
	16. When someone tries to sell their Two-Stroke by telling you that they installed HOT-CAM on it... "As I walk through the valley of death I fear no one, for I am the meanest motherf**ker in the valley!" -General George Patton Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 10:17 PM  [ Modified August 13th 2009 at 10:26 PM ] Post #17
	tughillboy tughillboy 220 Posts Group: Members Member Since: July 13th 2009 Location: albany, ny, USA Current Sled: 06 fusion 600 2008-2009 Miles: 1500+
	Quote originally posted by BV_Boondocker 16. When someone tries to sell their Two-Stroke by telling you that they installed HOT-CAM on it... haha i remember that. Everyone was so confused. oh and here's another tip: ALWAYS CHECK THE PAPERWORK!!!! Im in the proccess of buying a used snowmobile thats a great sled but he was the second owner and he signed the referable to register it but then he was like wait a minute it already has 09 stickers on it so i dont have to register it this year. Now 1 year later he wants to sell it. But its not even in his name yet!! So now he calls the original owner up and say "i lost the referable can you send me the one you get in the mail for next year". Then that guy says."why would i get the referable if its in your name" "oh ya i signed the referable but then i realized i dint need to register it this year" that makes the new seller look like a retard and now the original owner is going to have to drive to DMV and pay like 3 bucks for the referable then sign it and ship it to the current seller. I have to wait while all this is happening. You dont want this and this guy is lucky i am still going to buy it. He is lucky its summer becasue if it wasnt i would just keep searchin. 06 polaris fusion 600 h.o 02 polaris 550 fan FOR SALE!!!! 87 yamaha bravo dads sled= 05 polaris 900 moms sled= 04 polaris xcsp 600 moms atv=polaris sportsman 500 dads atc= 1986 honda 200s Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 10:23 PM Post #18
	Mad-Boondocker Only way to take on FEAR is to take it head on 752 Posts Group: Members Member Since: February 19th 2009 Location: East Otto, NY, USA Current Sled: 98 Polaris Indy 500 Mod 2008-2009 Miles: 185
	#17 when somebody has a tunnel meant for 156 and the track is only 144 or a tunnel meant for 144 and it has 136 under it. #18 or when you find a picture of an engine in place of the actual engine LOL 1998 Polaris Indy 500 chassis with 98 Xc 600 motor SLP ceramic coated pipe with SLP can V-force reeds 4 inch pivot riser Gutted Air Box EPI clutch kit soon to be installed Maybe some pro tapers 1998 XC 700 water-cross sled SLP twin pipes Some light weight parts Water-cross mods include taking the parts u do not need This includes removing the seat replacing gas tank and IFS bars. Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 11:08 PM Post #19
	sledcrusher Junior Member 394 Posts Group: Members Member Since: August 10th 2009 Location: Maine, USA Current Sled: 2003 Rev 600 2008-2009 Miles: 1400
	#19 When people post stuff from Minnesota or some other place 4000 miles away in my states category on craigslist. #20 People that put a can/reeds/clutch on their sled, then think its a super sled and is worth more than usual, so they say "Book value is 5200, so it's a steal for 5500 with the extras", when in reality, they lowered the value. #21. Needs little tlc, when in reality, a connecting rod is sticking out the side of the motor because the throttle got stuck, it bounced off of a cliff, and smacked a tree and revved till it blew, and the only salvageable part is the right carbide on the left ski off the precision dually. Proud Supporter of Snowmobilers.com Rating: +1 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 11:13 PM Post #20
	Polaristhewayout Rider of sleds Polaristhewayout Now with over 1000 irrelevant posts. Updated Sunday at 9:10 PM 1010 Posts Group: Members Member Since: November 25th 2008 Location: Webster, South Dakota Current Sled: 02 pro-x 440, Indy 500 2008-2009 Miles: 100
	19. when the posting doesn't actually have pics or even mention them. Like i would even consider it without seeing it first. Some peope say pics upon request though which is fine. Rating: +1 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 13th 2009 at 11:23 PM Post #21
	Mad-Boondocker Only way to take on FEAR is to take it head on 752 Posts Group: Members Member Since: February 19th 2009 Location: East Otto, NY, USA Current Sled: 98 Polaris Indy 500 Mod 2008-2009 Miles: 185
	#20 seat is in good condition. then u find out it is only foam no cover #21 has only 2 minor cracks in the hood, then u find out they are a foot long by the straps and hinges, i hate that so much 1998 Polaris Indy 500 chassis with 98 Xc 600 motor SLP ceramic coated pipe with SLP can V-force reeds 4 inch pivot riser Gutted Air Box EPI clutch kit soon to be installed Maybe some pro tapers 1998 XC 700 water-cross sled SLP twin pipes Some light weight parts Water-cross mods include taking the parts u do not need This includes removing the seat replacing gas tank and IFS bars. Rating: +1 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 14th 2009 at 12:05 AM  [ Modified August 14th 2009 at 12:06 AM ] Post #22
	sledcrusher Junior Member 394 Posts Group: Members Member Since: August 10th 2009 Location: Maine, USA Current Sled: 2003 Rev 600 2008-2009 Miles: 1400
	20 1/2. Seat is perfect, just needs a cover. OXYMORON 22. The custom exhaust gives it 3-5hp, when really its a cherrybomb from a truck thats been welded to fit your 440 race sled and you can seriously tell the difference ( It may be a 3-5hp change, but its not going up with the cherrybomb ) Proud Supporter of Snowmobilers.com Rating: +1 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 14th 2009 at 5:37 AM Post #23
	powdermadd440 guzzlin' gas and haulin ass powdermadd440 Will a frontier bellypan fit on a switchback? Check my thread... Updated Sunday at 9:56 AM 2698 Posts Group: Members Member Since: October 15th 2005 Location: Fairfield, ME, USA Current Sled: 2001 edge x 600 2008-2009 Miles: 779
	Quote originally posted by sledcrusher 20 1/2. Seat is perfect, just needs a cover. OXYMORON 22. The custom exhaust gives it 3-5hp, when really its a cherrybomb from a truck thats been welded to fit your 440 race sled and you can seriously tell the difference ( It may be a 3-5hp change, but its not going up with the cherrybomb ) Aren't you the one who had the homemade cherrybomb on your snopro? 2001 edge x 600, Vforce 3 reeds, SLP boost bottle, SLP can, yellow primary spring, 4" RSI risers, RSI backcountry bars, RSI gel wraps, Acerbis hand guards, yellow skidplate, Simmons skis, 1 3/8" camoplast track, RSI ice scratchers Rating: +7 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 14th 2009 at 6:44 AM Post #24
	92Jag Average Member 612 Posts Group: Members Member Since: June 21st 2005 Location: Wausau, WI, USA
	23. A listing with a picture of the sled off the factory website and not the actual sled. 24. A craigslist ad with no email address and says call. I would much rather email someone first than call later. My Sled Showcase (Updated: 1/20/06) Rating: 0 Quick Edit Full Edit

	August 14th 2009 at 7:05 AM  [ Modified August 14th 2009 at 7:07 AM ] Post #25
	Student Driver Mountain Rider With 6 Month Season 4994 Posts Group: Moderators Member Since: April 16th 2004 Location: Kuna, Idaho, USA
	Quote originally posted by sledcrusher #20 People that put a can/reeds/clutch on their sled, then think its a super sled and is worth more than usual, so they say "Book value is 5200, so it's a steal for 5500 with the extras", when in reality, they lowered the value. The clutching, can, and reeds are not a bad thing at all. Setting up the clutching is a must for pretty much any sled as the MFGs have the vast majority of them set up to feal mushy out of the crate. Doesn't raise the value, but definately doesn't lower the value either. Changing out the weights, both springs, and helix is normally considdered good set up, and will cost around $200 in parts alone. The thing to look at here is engagement RPM, how hard the sled pulls as compared to how it was out of the crate, and at what RPM does it max out at. Propper clutching and jetting is still considdered as stock. Most cans drop 10 or more pounds off of the sled while doing absolutely nothing to hurt the sled's reliability or structural integrety. While it is true that a lot of kids will put a can on to make it loud, a lot of people will also do it for the weight savings. Average can is in the $250 - $300 range new, and for the 12 pounds off of my Dragon, it was money well spent. Reeds do improve the low RPM snap and responsiveness, but do absolutely nothing to hurt the sled's reliability. At close to $300 for V-Force, most kids won't be buying them. The sticker though, I do see people with the sticker and not the actual reeds, This is one I'd look out for. Don't get me wrong Sled Crusher, I'm not getting on you about this stuff, but just giving a different perspective. These are the people who work to keep our riding areas open. It's free to join and it really does help www.snowmobile-alliance.org Rating: +1 Quick Edit Full Edit