Chaparral vs John Deere: A Build-Off Challenge
- Thread starter skiroule
- Start date
I like them both, they both really stand out in the snow that's for sure but if I had to choose one it would be the Chap, not based on looks but how advanced they were for their time in chassis and engine design. Besides getting to follow the master at his craft I really enjoy the historical facts you are able to share with us and the in depth descriptions you also share about design and function. I will admit though I am a little bummed.... project/projects done. Hopefully you can now enjoy winter and show off your work. I am going to see if I can get up to Boondockers, have always wanted to see a vintage ride in, I know Jack Pine also has a pretty large one as well. As always SPECTACULAR WORK Kelly!!! and am already anxiously awaiting the announcement of the next project!! If you would ever consider selling the Chap....keep me in mind! Huge thank you for sharing your craft with all of us Kelly!!!
As always Skiroule, outstanding work. You are definitely very skilled at your craft. Two more sleds that belong in a snowmobile museum. I like the Deere better, but both look like they just left the showroom. I remember a picture of your fleet and would love to see you do an old Skidoo sometime in the future. Just a thought....Big old yellow bumblebee from the late 60's or early 70's?
heckler56
Well-known member
Just outstanding work! The Kelly Collection has a couple of spectacular additions. I wish I lived close by you so I could take them all in. To pick one of these can only be assessed by me in person to take in the visual sound, smell, and demo ride. Based on looks I would give the JD the points with the big ole 440 stickers 
heckler56
Well-known member
I’ll bring a keg!We all need to take a field trip to Kelly's to check out his collection.
I'm in!
skiroule
Well-known member
Hamm’s I hope.
Thanks for the kind words everyone! It’s interesting that you are coming up with some of the same thoughts as I’ve had. When I can put them into words, I’ll certainly share what I come up with.
If any of you ever make it up to the fringe of civilization where I live, you’re always welcome to stop in. Otherwise, if you can time it right, the Boondock Inn will be the place to be at the end of February. There will be lots of nice vintage and classic sleds to take in at the Saturday show. Barring some unforeseen circumstances, I plan to be there.
rph130, it is a little unusual that I’ve never attempted either a Ski Doo or a Cat. Not sure why, the old black dot bubble nose Doo’s are cool and I do like the 73 El Tigre’s. Maybe someday before I get old
When I was taking photos the other day, it occurred to me that it would be nice to get a couple photos of the siblings. So I fired up the 650 Chaparral (man, those Donaldsons are loud!) and last year’s Cyclone project and took some family photos.
cougarrand
Member
I would pick the Chaparral.
still say they should give him his own forum here too like "Kellys corner" or "Kellys classics" something along those lines
skiroule
Well-known member
Think it's been at least a couple of years since I've done anything on you tube. I'm sure I've fallen way behind in what can be done. I am giving some thought to upgrading my video camera though. My old Roam cameras have worked fairly well but I think they went out of business and the Go Pro's have blown by them in terms of video quality.
As Dan said, the Boondock Semi-Retired Iron Classic is Thursday, Feb 26 - Saturday, Feb 28, with vintage rides planned for Thursday and Friday with the show being held on Saturday, the 28th.
Dan can back me on this, but as best I can recall, there will be ride stops at the Mosquito and the Church in the Valley on Thursday and Friday, so even if you can't make the show, you might run into a bunch of vintage sleds at those establishments if you're in the area.
heckler56
Well-known member
Kelly, not sure I see a Yama in the pack? Maybe one of those for the next chapter 
. This last group of sleds are all standouts in their own rite. The 650 Chap, mind blowing! Reminds me of the drags they would do back in the day in little ole Birchwood WI. Some local had a sled he put a 750 JLO in that stuck out the hood. He used it to run with the two dragging to determine the true winner! Sure, by todays sleds it would be a slight contender but back then to a very young boy it was a fire breathing monster!
. This last group of sleds are all standouts in their own rite. The 650 Chap, mind blowing! Reminds me of the drags they would do back in the day in little ole Birchwood WI. Some local had a sled he put a 750 JLO in that stuck out the hood. He used it to run with the two dragging to determine the true winner! Sure, by todays sleds it would be a slight contender but back then to a very young boy it was a fire breathing monster!
skiroule
Well-known member
I managed to get some extra seat time on the sleds (even had a little fresh snow) and Gary had asked what I thought of the rides.
I can say the sleds ride as differently as they look. The Cyclone definitely benefits from the forward mounted engine: lower center of gravity and better weight distribution on the chassis. The sled feels very predictable and stable. There’s a reason all manufacturers went to this concept at some point. The Cyclone has a surprisingly good ride. It’s a heavy sled but the four big rear suspension springs seem to really soften the ride. I can see why this chassis was a big hit with the cross-country racers.
The rider position on the SSX is totally different from the Cyclone. It’s a little lower and more laid back. Not surprisingly, the SSX feels much lighter and the liquid cooled Xenoah motor is something else. I can’t think of a vintage sled I’ve ridden with a more responsive motor. There is no lag whatsoever, crack the throttle and the power is there right now. This thing builds RPMs crazy fast. I’ve ridden the 72 and 73 Chaparral SS models and I can say that the 74 rear suspension is a major improvement. This sled is just flat-out fun to ride.
With these two sleds, it’s not a matter of saying I would prefer one over the other overall. If I was looking at a long day of trail riding, I think I’d go with the John Deere. If I wanted to feel like I had ahold of the reins of a thoroughbred race horse I’d jump on the Chaparral. I guess that’s the beauty of having a choice.
I can say the sleds ride as differently as they look. The Cyclone definitely benefits from the forward mounted engine: lower center of gravity and better weight distribution on the chassis. The sled feels very predictable and stable. There’s a reason all manufacturers went to this concept at some point. The Cyclone has a surprisingly good ride. It’s a heavy sled but the four big rear suspension springs seem to really soften the ride. I can see why this chassis was a big hit with the cross-country racers.
The rider position on the SSX is totally different from the Cyclone. It’s a little lower and more laid back. Not surprisingly, the SSX feels much lighter and the liquid cooled Xenoah motor is something else. I can’t think of a vintage sled I’ve ridden with a more responsive motor. There is no lag whatsoever, crack the throttle and the power is there right now. This thing builds RPMs crazy fast. I’ve ridden the 72 and 73 Chaparral SS models and I can say that the 74 rear suspension is a major improvement. This sled is just flat-out fun to ride.
With these two sleds, it’s not a matter of saying I would prefer one over the other overall. If I was looking at a long day of trail riding, I think I’d go with the John Deere. If I wanted to feel like I had ahold of the reins of a thoroughbred race horse I’d jump on the Chaparral. I guess that’s the beauty of having a choice.
You're a lucky man with so many choices and thanks for the Journey. I would bet following your restorations is as much fun for us readers as it is for you. Congratulations, really an amazing talent on display here!
heckler56
Well-known member
Completely agree!