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You can beat trail fees by getting to the trail head early in the a.m. as well. The closer to the city centers you get The more you'll find you're battling sledders. For the most part a good rule of thumb is to stay clear of the marked "trail fee" areas thats where the general sledding population hangs out. the skiing is generally better in the lesser known areas, the kind that are just logging roads that the only the locals know. and don't get too discouraged if you spend a few days exploring, it is definetly worth it when you get multiple dick deep days in incredible terrain.
Oh, and be prepared to loose some enthusiasm for resort skiing.
I would suggest staying away from 08/09 polaris Dragons, they have been quite notorious for problems, even the 2010's (I have one). The problem lies in the ECU with the fule mapping being too rich/lean at some points of the power curve usually causing the engine to crater prematurely. I have a few friends that had them and they were constantly blowing engines. Apparently there is a solution in a better fuel map so make sure it has been updated, Ive also heard that a power commander has repaired the problem. I blew my ECU in 200kms on my 2010 Dragon.
They are a dream to ride though.
Arctic Cat and Ski-Doo seem to be more relliable pre 2011 (RMK PRO)
Honestly an 05 barely ridden M7/M8 or an 05 Summit Rev are you're best bets.
If you are interested in a Rack set up like mine I would be willing to Build you one for a small cost $150ish plus shipping
was kind of bored at work last night so I looked up some sleds on Kijiji calgary for you.
Would have to feel out the owner on this one, garage looks tidy and he's got some other toys that he looks like he takes care of so it might be O.K. Find out where the motor came from. Offer $4500 to $4800 http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-snowmobiles-2005-Summit-Highmark-W0QQAdIdZ423262002
Here is a decent sled, only a 600 but that might be best if its your first sled, The thing about a 600 is it's going to be harder to sell in a year or two. ask where he rod it, might have been a ditch banger which can be a bit hard on mountain sleds. Could be a rich old farmer by the looks of the picture. might get it for 4gs. would be very reliable http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-snowmobiles-2006-M6-ARCTIC-CAT-MINT-CONDITION-W0QQAdIdZ421003668
See if this one has low KM's, and of course feel out the owner, ask what maintenace has been done http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-snowmobiles-Arctic-cat-M8-2007-W0QQAdIdZ422183801
This looks very promising! Decently Low kms for the year. http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-ATVs-snowmobiles-snowmobiles-2004-Skidoo-Rev-Summit-800-151x2-track-W0QQAdIdZ422107210
ShredMasterPlusWell, little late just a couple years though. went to get milk or somethin. Anyways finally got my shit together and picked up a sled.
2011 arctic cat 3800 kms warranty until February. Words do not do my excitement justice(o it also has a muffpot already woooo) should have it out in a few weeks just have to finish working.!!!
ShredMasterPlus^^ She came with2 spare belts and a clutch tool! wooooo!
ShredMasterPlusahahaha, yea probably eh. well i have a warranty till feb but doubt that counts for running into trees/rocks but still if that motor goes i get new one!!!!
ShredMasterPlusIt looks like I'm going to be getting some sort of off road ish suv ex a 4runner. Just for the ease of bringing the homies on road trips and sleeping in the back. This means I need a trailer, are most created equal anything to look at, should I have winter tires on my trailer yada yada yada.
Beetle_KillDude, you just go a sled ... what you need is a truck. Pick up an older extended cab, with front and rear bench's, that will sleep 2 easy. You can then save cash you would dump on a trailer for more important things ... like a nicer tuck,winter tires and CFR rack ....
But, if you opt the trailer, you just want a narrow tire. Be sure to bring a spare and do your wheel bearings at the beginning of the season. If you get a shit box trailer, you may want to re-do the trailer wiring, or at the least make sure the ground has a good connection.
ShredMasterPlusahahaha, yea probably eh. well i have a warranty till feb but doubt that counts for running into trees/rocks but still if that motor goes i get new one!!!!
JustGoWithItYou will have trouble with structural damages such as the shock system, A-Arms, skis when it comes to the warranty. I don't know if you are new to snowmobiling or not but it is important to keep in mind that things can and will break. When we go out west, I bring a $1000 for the trip and another $1000 for sled damages and expect to spend it (I normally don't). Just remember that regular maintenance and servicing is key if you want it to last.
Beetle_KillWarranty will not cover physical damage. Very few warranty's extend beyond the engine, and obvious defects.
Beetle_KillDude, you just go a sled ... what you need is a truck. Pick up an older extended cab, with front and rear bench's, that will sleep 2 easy. You can then save cash you would dump on a trailer for more important things ... like a nicer tuck,winter tires and CFR rack ....
But, if you opt the trailer, you just want a narrow tire. Be sure to bring a spare and do your wheel bearings at the beginning of the season. If you get a shit box trailer, you may want to re-do the trailer wiring, or at the least make sure the ground has a good connection.
ShredMasterPlusWell I have a 4unner, no complaints there. waaay better gas mileage the most any truck, kills it off road, has a double bed in the back raised with tons of storage. Trailer will be a pain in the ass sometimes unfortunately but thats a trade off I'm fine with.
loganimlachplease please please don't go ANY lower than a 700. even then I would recommend getting an 800, because after a season you will be looking to upgrade from a 700 to an 800. get something older (05-07) ride it for a couple years to see if you're into it, then upgrade to something a couple years old. but you will not have nearly as much fun on a 700, especially if you're trying to double friends out.