Hey guys, I have been looking at sleds for the past few weeks. I have a few friends that swear by Arctic Cat. Me, on the other hand, like Arctic Cat sleds also but, I really like the SRX700's. Is there anything to pay attention to or look out for when shopping for one?
Thanks a million!
Tonka
Thanks a million!
Tonka
There are no real issue or problem areas with the SRX's, if you find a '98 you may need to see if the crankshaft was updated, other than that it would/should be how well the machine was cared for. Remember to look up the tunnel to see how beat up the tunnel is, if all looks well and the rest of the machine looks up to par you should be goood to go...
With the SRX and Viper you will need to maintain the powervalves, if you do hav an issue Ya*ma*head on here repairs them... Thats all I got
With the SRX and Viper you will need to maintain the powervalves, if you do hav an issue Ya*ma*head on here repairs them... Thats all I got
In addition to the crank issue stated by bandit
Better to get 00/01/02- better porting, better electrical system
98/99 maybe 2000 driveshafts are weak. Mine snapped off at low speeds indicating it had a stress fracture that could have been spotted in advance.
Stators on the 98/99 tend to go if the handwarmers are used too much. Mine melted.
The powervalve cables pull through the top of the powervalve pretty often if they're not cleaned.
All years (I think) have issues with wire rub through from vibration. Check and see if the instrument panel lights up correctly, the headlights don't flicker...
Tie rods get sloppy, check the steering for freeplay.
Ask if it was properly stored (fogging the engine). Ask if the carbs were either drained or cleaned each year.
See how many miles are on it. Rings should be done at some point (cylinders are nikasil so probably doesn't need new piston/boring), other members know this better than I. Bottom ends can last 10/15/20k? if well cared for (fogging, no moisture during summer). The bearings on the bottom end are very pricey, I calculated $1200+ to replace them all with new ones, which is about the same price as a new oem crank. Just something to keep in mind if its high mileage or you suspect how it was cared for.
Better to get 00/01/02- better porting, better electrical system
98/99 maybe 2000 driveshafts are weak. Mine snapped off at low speeds indicating it had a stress fracture that could have been spotted in advance.
Stators on the 98/99 tend to go if the handwarmers are used too much. Mine melted.
The powervalve cables pull through the top of the powervalve pretty often if they're not cleaned.
All years (I think) have issues with wire rub through from vibration. Check and see if the instrument panel lights up correctly, the headlights don't flicker...
Tie rods get sloppy, check the steering for freeplay.
Ask if it was properly stored (fogging the engine). Ask if the carbs were either drained or cleaned each year.
See how many miles are on it. Rings should be done at some point (cylinders are nikasil so probably doesn't need new piston/boring), other members know this better than I. Bottom ends can last 10/15/20k? if well cared for (fogging, no moisture during summer). The bearings on the bottom end are very pricey, I calculated $1200+ to replace them all with new ones, which is about the same price as a new oem crank. Just something to keep in mind if its high mileage or you suspect how it was cared for.
I will be looking for an 01/02 as soon as I can get my other sled sold... It won't let me post on the classifieds here.
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The reason why you can't post an ad is because you need to be a VIP member. Will cost you $15 for a 1yr subscription.tonka329 said:
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Corey9965
New member
tonka329 said:
All the Cat guys I know swear AT not by their sleds.
Another issue if rode hard the suspension w arm cracks.It's not a big deal if you can weld or know someone that can.
Sxr700Bandit said:
Oh! Is this subscription like a donation? I donate to my other forums! Can you pay by Paypal?
staggs65
Moderator
tonka329 said:
there are various levels, so to speak, of vip membership. here's the link
http://www.totallyamaha.com/Totallyamaha/Store/vip.htm
yup 15 dollars for a membership ...best 15 dollars you will spend ...buy a yamaha and leave you buddies in the dust ...some small minor things to look for when buying one ..look for the obvious signs of abuse .like all used machines you will have to do regular maintance and there are a few things you can do to make it the most reliable sled out there and the fastest ...look the suspension over for cracked w arm or slide rails ..if it is studded look at the front exchanger to make sure a stud hasent damaged the exchanger or tunnel ..look for bent trailing arms and look at the bottom of the belly pan to see if it has ever been wrecked ...take pictures and post them here and we can tell you about anything you will need to know and if it is worth the money you will be spending ...and if the power valves have pulled thru or enbedded the cable i will fix you up to were the valves will never pull thru and you wont have to worry about them except to clean them ...
Thanks for the info Yamahead! I really am falling in love with the SRX700. I just don't think I will have the cash until next fall... What part of Indiana are you from?
What's the difference between the SRX700 and a SX-700R? Same speed? More suspension travel? Thanks for any input!
staggs65
Moderator
srx powervalved, tripple piped, 140ish hp, short travel, fast
sxr non-power valved, single pipe, not sure on hp but 110ish?, bullet proof
totally different engines
sxr non-power valved, single pipe, not sure on hp but 110ish?, bullet proof
totally different engines
What would be the sled of choice? Either one??
staggs65
Moderator
really depends what you're looking to get out of it. you can't go wrong with either one really, just depends on what you want do with it.
Just mainly trail riding...
staggs65
Moderator
hard to beat the sx for trail riding
Devilin AblueDress!
New member
As it happensI own both! Both sleds are bone stock motor wise. Both are studded. SRX has the pioneer long travel suspension kit. My buddy has an 01 sxr 700 that has been "masaged" pipes,can,reeds,airbox mod and my SRX spanks him off the line. He can almost keep up dor a little bit until the SRX starts to gallop! I basically looked at it as sxr= tweeking for speed, srx=tweeking for ride quality. Cheaper,easier and more reliable to tweek for ride quality!