Ok, maybe this is a stupid question to some, but since I'm considering getting back in the sled game again, it's one I have to ask.....
How many miles are "too many" on a used sled?
The reason I ask is that I'm old enough to remember when you were conditioned to walk away from a car at 100,000 miles. Motorcycles were always 10000. Same was always true for a snowmobile, but the magic number was always 5000.
Don't know where those numbers came from, but that's what were the generic numbers to either ditch, or stay away from if buying used.
Obviously, times have changed with cars. My daily driver has over 200,000 on it now with no mechanical issues. GM 3800. My street bike had over 28000 on it when I sold it, and it was fine too. GPZ900ZX.
Just wondering what everyone thought about snowmobiles?
I'm talking 2 strokes of course.
How many miles are "too many" on a used sled?
The reason I ask is that I'm old enough to remember when you were conditioned to walk away from a car at 100,000 miles. Motorcycles were always 10000. Same was always true for a snowmobile, but the magic number was always 5000.
Don't know where those numbers came from, but that's what were the generic numbers to either ditch, or stay away from if buying used.
Obviously, times have changed with cars. My daily driver has over 200,000 on it now with no mechanical issues. GM 3800. My street bike had over 28000 on it when I sold it, and it was fine too. GPZ900ZX.
Just wondering what everyone thought about snowmobiles?
I'm talking 2 strokes of course.
honestly it matters on how it was maintained. if its all beat up i am sure a 5000 mile sled is junk, but on the other hand if its been maintained and serviced , i have seen some sleds with 9000 miles that look pristine yet. The snow conditions in which they are rode means a whole lot as to what shape they are in for sure, as does the owner and what he does to service the sled.
2 strokes need rings to keep them healthy, so I would ask if its higher mileage if its ever been ringed and serviced. most of the srx/viper engines need the rings replaced around 4-5000 for sure.. many people run them longer but they are not making the power they once did as the rings get tired and allow blow by to happen in the engine.
2 strokes need rings to keep them healthy, so I would ask if its higher mileage if its ever been ringed and serviced. most of the srx/viper engines need the rings replaced around 4-5000 for sure.. many people run them longer but they are not making the power they once did as the rings get tired and allow blow by to happen in the engine.
mrviper700 said:
I would also add that how the sled is stored is equally important. Is it just parked when done riding and left to the eliments or was it washed, sprayed, fogged, covered (where/how), etc...
IMO as much damage can occur with improper storage as can with poor maintance. Most sleds sit for a much longer period than they are riden.
Given the ease at which a speed-o can be disconnected - looking at wear marks at the footwells, track/ski condition, overall underhood appearance is more important.
snomofo said:
Yea.....I was kinda thinking that as well. I've always thought that how it looked underhood was very tell-tale of how it was cared for too. Especially how the exhaust looks. I know paint will cook, and black paint is cheap, but you can usually tell pretty easily if something has been repainted. Pitting takes effort to conceal. Bolts too. They require a little more effort to try to conceal by replacement.
Also, no offense to our farming friends, but it seems that anything that I've ever looked at, Bikes, or sleds that have lived on a farm have always lived a rough life.....
I'll probably end up with a red head if I can find one. 2001 is what I'm after. Seem to be a bit elusive here in Central WI though.....
Anything I should be on the lookout for besides the obvious signs of a rough life?
GD23RTF2 said:
For an unsuspecting seller, tilt the sled on it's side and take a close look at the w-arm (front swing arm) looking for cracks in the welds. Point them out and suggest the skid will need to pulled and welded which should have an affect on the price.
Good luck.
snomofo said:
Are cracks a mathematical certainty with these things?
You know.....a guy could almost get away with one pointing out "cracks" that aren't there couldn't he?
:-p
My buddy got away with one on the 2000 he just bought. Thing is bone stock, mint, without studs or anything. Engine bay was showroom. Boards barely scratched. 4000+ miles, clean as it gets.
Told the guy he thought the rear shocks were shot, and some other non issue exhaust problem. Brought it home for $1200.
I looked at it and the shock is fine, and one of the manifold bolts backed out and was laying in the bellypan.
Kinda seems like he got away with one......
03viperguy
Moderator
my wifes 00 600 sxr has over 9k miles and runs like it did when new. same gas and oil mileage, same ease to start, same power (or close enough that I cant tell between it and the other MUCH lower mileage 600 redheads we have) we have always taken care of it and stored it well, so we have no issues taking it out for long rides. no plans to get rid of it, no real reason to. like said above, as long as it looks well cared for and has good compression, dont let mileage scare you
opsled
Active member
Miles matter but I have found will usually play little into the condition of a sled.
Lack of maintanence and being left to fend for itself out in the elements do more damage to a sled than miles. I look at the miles on any sled I am buying but it's not #1 on the list in the decision making process. Cleanliness is. If the guy takes the time to keep his machine clean (in all aspects outside, engine bay, clutches, track, skid, etc) chances are it hasn't been beat and the maintanence has been done.
I've seen 10,000+ mile sleds that are near perfect and 1000 mile sleds that are junk.
opsled
Lack of maintanence and being left to fend for itself out in the elements do more damage to a sled than miles. I look at the miles on any sled I am buying but it's not #1 on the list in the decision making process. Cleanliness is. If the guy takes the time to keep his machine clean (in all aspects outside, engine bay, clutches, track, skid, etc) chances are it hasn't been beat and the maintanence has been done.
I've seen 10,000+ mile sleds that are near perfect and 1000 mile sleds that are junk.
opsled
Or you could buy a nice shiny two year old Skidoo with low miles and buy an engine for it any day soon. :P