Has anyone built up a older sled to the latest and greatest machine? I'm not asking about mountain machines, but what us flatlanders use. I was thinking about picking up an 2 or 3 year old sled and build it up to the same in features of the current models. What are your guys thought? If you've done it was it worth it?
Building up an Older Sled
- Thread starter frosty
- Start date
polarisrider1
New member
2-3 years old is not an "older" sled. My brother does it for a living on 70's and 80's sleds. What do you want to do and to what. It really makes a difference if it is worth it..
Like for instance an 08-09 standard and bringing it up to 10-11 level sno pro with some minor engine work, telescoping handlebars, Fox Floats all the way around, new skid frame, new seat, new windshield, etc.. That and then doing some sweat equity into it, then selling it off next season for what you have into it. Mostly bolt on stuff and reconfiguring.
This is where the thread stems from, I can find all kinds of Cat standard sleds, no sno pro or limiteds. So to resolve that problem, build my own Limited if I can get the standard cheap enough. Like I said reconfigure some stuff, make it unique and a full blown sno pro, then sell it off next season for what you have into it. Has anyone tried something like this with any brand?
This is where the thread stems from, I can find all kinds of Cat standard sleds, no sno pro or limiteds. So to resolve that problem, build my own Limited if I can get the standard cheap enough. Like I said reconfigure some stuff, make it unique and a full blown sno pro, then sell it off next season for what you have into it. Has anyone tried something like this with any brand?
I agree that the zr chasis was like on rails, liked it better than my f6 and a little better than my x/f 6 until I dialed in the x/f. The x/f still had a little more push, but I found it easier to shift from side to side to keep that inside lift down.
The ZR had nothing on the stutter bumps like the x/f. I would rattle my filling loose on the ZR, but could pound all day on the x/f.
I've done that to my 03 RX-1. I put Apex/Attak front suspension on with Vector GT clicker shocks (GYT's) and Apex springs. Changed the tunnel to a Vector tunnel and put a Nytro torsion spring rear suspension in it with the Nytro shocks and springs. I cut the rolled edge off the tunnel and put the extruded edge grips on also. Ripsaw track, Nytro riser with 07 Bars and an Apex seat, mid-keel Yamaha ski's. Vector GT chrome screens in the hood and a chrome windshield. I ended up with an 07 spec 4 cylinder Nytro or and Apex RTX without fuel injection. I am very happy with how the sled handles, rides and goes though the junk. I was lucky enough to be able to get deals on the parts.
big10champ2003
New member
Just my two cents..... with past experiences with doing that type of stuff.... you never really get out of it what you have into it.... unless you are getting really good deals.
You have to remember that you are doing it for your own preference not someone elses, and when it comes to trying to sell and get all your money back....a lot of times it just dont happen.
I would say if its really what you want to do it cause you like that stuff, go for it! But then use it for a while and enjoy it. I did that 6yrs ago and still cant bring myself to selling that sled.
You have to remember that you are doing it for your own preference not someone elses, and when it comes to trying to sell and get all your money back....a lot of times it just dont happen.
I would say if its really what you want to do it cause you like that stuff, go for it! But then use it for a while and enjoy it. I did that 6yrs ago and still cant bring myself to selling that sled.
I agree with big10champ, unless you can get REALLY good deals on stuff you are not likely going to get out what you put in. Now if you can get decent deals and want to build up a personal sled that you are going to keep, it may be worth it to have a sled "just as good" for less money. Just the resell and get out what you've gotten into it part might not turn out as well as you think because come selling time the buyer will likely still look at it as the "older" sled with some mods to it and usually you are lucky to get any more than about 50% the value of mods back out.
indy_500
Well-known member
I don't think it's worth it, i have way too much into my sled and it's not hardly modded out at all. I know i'm not going to get my money back. Got about $2500 including purchase price of $1500 into a 99 xc 700 w/5000 miles, i hope i can get $2000 when i sell it! and that's IF it still runs good when i sell it. My motor mount right now is looking a lil shaky :/
Bring it down to the shop, we'll weld back together better than new!!
indy_500
Well-known member
just the rubber on the front left mount is cracked and the torque stop bolt is a little stripped and the rubber on the torque stop is getting deteriorated. If the sled makes it thru this winter with no problems, i might attempt my first top end rebuild and go ahead and change the motor mount and torque stop. The motor mount itself though still looks intact.
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Well.. Where do i start.... too an 06 polaris switchback, now has a 07 700 cfi converted to a carbed 700 still with all original wiring.. 09 raw chassis front end.. 09 tank, seat and console.. added led tail light, egts and got rid of all the awfull plastic in the rear.. and added chrome vinyl diamondplate to the tunnel.. if i knew how to get pics onto this site i would.. turned out awsome!
I took an 06 IQr and put a 06 HO motor in it, RMK gas tank, ext the tunnel to a 136 with a 2" Summit track, custom pipe, etc. Way to much to list, fuel pumps, wiring, etc. You will NEVER get out of it what you put into it but that is not the point. Just fun to build something, learn and enjoy it.
Only sold it to try something new this season.
Only sold it to try something new this season.
snow_monkey
New member
I like looking at old sleds that have been well maintained. If you can steal a solid sled out of season and bring it up to snuff before the snow flies you will do good. I keep my stuff nice and clean and draw top dollar every time. Clean stock stuff is easier to sell at least thats how I see it.