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Top Hats Monthly
Jun 22, 2011


People are people so why should it be, that you and I should get along so awfully blink blink recall STOP IT YOU POSH LITTLE SHIT
:siren: Snowmobiles here! :siren:

OP! I'm a sheltered child! I've never ridden a snowmobile before/I live in a lovely area where there is no snow

:eng101: That's why I'm here to help you!

Tell me about the brands

:eng101: In America, there are four "big" brands, you're pretty much only gonna see these ones around, you might see a homebuilt or a nutty European one but that is exceedingly rare.

First off, let's start off with Polaris



:flashfap:

Polaris! The logo is a star. Get it? A Minnesota company. They're the pioneers of a lot of snowmobile technology, they recently turned 60! One thing Polaris is known for is their steering and suspension. Although they had suspension issues in the mid '00 they're doing decent now. I used to ride Polaris but my allegiance switches towards Ski Doo now. I'm a large fan of their late 90's XCR 800, very fast, high top end speed.

If you're looking to buy a Polaris snowmobile and are new to things and are riding by yourself, I recommend the Polaris 600 Switchback, two-seater, easy ride, but it can tackle a lot. Low price too!

Next is Ski-Doo



:haw:

Ski Doo, for you Canadian types. Biggest market share in North America. They're 70's and 80's sleds are kinda lovely. Unreliable, etc. They got better in the 90's and are considered the front runner today. You can find them almost anywhere. My ride of choice is a 1200 MxZ TNT. Fast, feels light, and rides like a dream. I recommend a lower CC model for beginners but overall big fan of Ski Doo in general. If you want a two-up, you can simply attach a seat to it, but there's also other models that are worthwhile like the Grand Touring

Here's Yamaha



:japan:

Yamaha really does do everything right? Based in Japan. Probably the smallest market share next to Arctic Cat in North America. Always been lingering in the market, they had some really awesome 70's sleds. Pioneered the 4-Stroke for American Snowmobiles. Lots of them are nice trail-rider or easy riding sleds, easy to pick up and use. Not to say they don't have sporty models, but when I think Yamaha I think trail. The Yamaha Viper is generally considered pretty good, I don't see too many in my neck of the woods though.

Finally, last but not least, Arctic Cat!



:ssh:

Not known for they're quiet sleds, it's another Minnesota company! You'll see a lot of kids and douche bags, too drive these. Not to say anything is wrong with these, they tend to just draw in the monster energy crowd. They like to push it to the limit with speeds. They've always been a strong member of the snowmobile community but have been recently considered unreliable due to recent turbo-engine issues leading to a lot of trail-side blow outs which you really, really don't want. Especially if you're by yourself. I'm really not a fan, but the internet tells me that the Arctic Cat XF 8000 Limited is a great off-trail sled. Do with that as you will!

:) Okay cool, where should I ride?

This part is really up to you. Northern Wisconsin, Central Illinois, Upper Manitoba, Minnesota, Northern New York and British Columbia tend to be hot spots. For Europe, Sweden tends to have the best trails.

Anything else I should know?

It can be expensive, but it's a lot of fun! I hope this OP helps a little bit :)

What sleds do you own OP?

A Ski Doo MXZ and a 1979 Yamaha SRX, I love them both so dearly :glomp:

Describe Arctic Cat Riders



How safe are these things?

Top Hats Monthly fucked around with this message at 21:52 on Jan 20, 2015

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Top Hats Monthly
Jun 22, 2011


People are people so why should it be, that you and I should get along so awfully blink blink recall STOP IT YOU POSH LITTLE SHIT

cursedshitbox posted:



I would move back to Alaska for one of these.


or a fleet of them.

It's beautiful

Top Hats Monthly
Jun 22, 2011


People are people so why should it be, that you and I should get along so awfully blink blink recall STOP IT YOU POSH LITTLE SHIT

BrokenKnucklez posted:

I used to ride here and there back when I was in high school. The only thing I know about snow mobiles is they break some times and then you swear a ton.

Its so much god drat fun when they work right :3:

Really more people should. It's a lotta fun.

Top Hats Monthly
Jun 22, 2011


People are people so why should it be, that you and I should get along so awfully blink blink recall STOP IT YOU POSH LITTLE SHIT

Tommychu posted:

OP needs to at least mention the Larven in passing. Not particularly relevant to modern sleds but it's too ridiculous/awesome not to mention.

Jesus Christ ahahahahahahah I've never even heard of this

Top Hats Monthly
Jun 22, 2011


People are people so why should it be, that you and I should get along so awfully blink blink recall STOP IT YOU POSH LITTLE SHIT
Better OP! Now with more gifs.

Top Hats Monthly
Jun 22, 2011


People are people so why should it be, that you and I should get along so awfully blink blink recall STOP IT YOU POSH LITTLE SHIT

Speleothing posted:

This is what I want a snowmobile for: back country skiing. What's a good utility/work model that can climb hills with a load?

Sorry for replying to my own thread so much :haw:

I've heard good things about the 2015 Polaris Indy Voyageur 550, I'm not sure what to do about an actual skirack, you could build one pretty cheap and easy or buy a kit, but the 550 is probably enough power for what you need, long track, etc. :)

Top Hats Monthly
Jun 22, 2011


People are people so why should it be, that you and I should get along so awfully blink blink recall STOP IT YOU POSH LITTLE SHIT

wheez the roux posted:

it's called a snowmachine motherfucker

shralp the gnar bro

MACHINE? HOOEY

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Top Hats Monthly
Jun 22, 2011


People are people so why should it be, that you and I should get along so awfully blink blink recall STOP IT YOU POSH LITTLE SHIT

Valfar posted:

My Easter was AWESOME! As I've mentioned earlier the restrictions on snowmobiling in Norway is pretty ridiculous. But when you're in a place with no people and no police within miles? You go hog wild push the rules a little. My cousin brought his Ski-Doo Summit X with the 800 etec engine (think it's a 2014). Holy poo poo that thing was a blast to ride. Not only did the 160ish hp engine contribute to a stupid amount of fun, but that thing is super easy to ride, the maneuverability is great. And it climbs like a god drat monkey in a tree. Needless to say I've yet again been bitten by the snowmobile bug and I'm thirsty for more... Good thing it's spring.

I'm glad, hopefully this thread helped a little bit too :D

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