Random Thoughts from a Cluttered Mind
- Thread starter gary_in_neenah
- Start date
Managed to get 3 trips in and 1400 miles for the Season
Rode here in Illinois one time. The aggravating part was
watching and following the weather. Hopefully it can not
get worse and only get better. I also have read a lot of
negative things also and have a lot mixed emotions to what
I read and see. Problem # 1 too many in this sport that swipe
credit cards, take out loans, buy sleds and have never been
educated and brought up in the sport the way you should be.
I started on a 79 Jag 340 so I was for sure NO Ricky Racer.
My dad was the president of a Snowmobile club and I Still belong to a
Club and Help with Trail Maintenance Etc. Too Many don't belong
to clubs so they show no respect to the sport because lack of education.
So alot of the complaing would go Away. This sport will continue to go
in a negative direction if the trends continue. I want to personally thank
every Club Member,Groomer Driver, Volunter,Busniess Owner, and Every
(NON) Ricky Racer Trail Wrecker Trespasser Poser punk etc... that still
made me Enjoy the Northwoods and UP this year Thank You! And to all those that Dont get it,Dont Care,think They are Part of the "Enlightenment Generation X" Etc... Stay Away,Sell your stuff,stay off the trails that were
made by 1000 of volunteers if don't like what you get. And to Mother Nature
please be kind to us next year Happy Trails!!
Rode here in Illinois one time. The aggravating part was
watching and following the weather. Hopefully it can not
get worse and only get better. I also have read a lot of
negative things also and have a lot mixed emotions to what
I read and see. Problem # 1 too many in this sport that swipe
credit cards, take out loans, buy sleds and have never been
educated and brought up in the sport the way you should be.
I started on a 79 Jag 340 so I was for sure NO Ricky Racer.
My dad was the president of a Snowmobile club and I Still belong to a
Club and Help with Trail Maintenance Etc. Too Many don't belong
to clubs so they show no respect to the sport because lack of education.
So alot of the complaing would go Away. This sport will continue to go
in a negative direction if the trends continue. I want to personally thank
every Club Member,Groomer Driver, Volunter,Busniess Owner, and Every
(NON) Ricky Racer Trail Wrecker Trespasser Poser punk etc... that still
made me Enjoy the Northwoods and UP this year Thank You! And to all those that Dont get it,Dont Care,think They are Part of the "Enlightenment Generation X" Etc... Stay Away,Sell your stuff,stay off the trails that were
made by 1000 of volunteers if don't like what you get. And to Mother Nature
please be kind to us next year Happy Trails!!
I am amazed the amount of caring, educated and just nice people that are on this site. That is why I visit here about 37 times a day. It is comments like the ones in this thread that keep me coming back again and again and again.......... In the future I promise to try and not let the 1% get to me. A big thank you to all the groomer operators and volunteers that make this sport possible.
Hope you all have a wonderful summer.
Hope you all have a wonderful summer.
Snoluver1,
Everyone of us on this site has a talent. Some work with our hands, others with our heads but at the end of the day we provide a talent to those around us.
For those that would like to see some of Snoluver1's skills, I encourage you to visit the Make-A-Wish Thread at the top of this page. An incredible effort and a feel-good story with plenty of photos that has developed over the last couple of months.
Gary
Everyone of us on this site has a talent. Some work with our hands, others with our heads but at the end of the day we provide a talent to those around us.
For those that would like to see some of Snoluver1's skills, I encourage you to visit the Make-A-Wish Thread at the top of this page. An incredible effort and a feel-good story with plenty of photos that has developed over the last couple of months.
Gary
WOW what a year!! might not be over but maybe, I can honestly say I wouldn't mind meeting 98% of the members on this site and riding with them but not all together that would be one long line. Last year I rode with a member I never met before we loaded up ( Frosty) had two good (lack of snow) trips with him. This year I rode two trips with another member that I didn't meet until we loaded up (snomobuble) they were great trips also snow was perfect over a 1,000. miles in those two trips great smiles. Third trip with my 21 yr old son another great memory making trip also broke is the new 1200 renegade on this trip. Fouth trip was 3-3 -3-7 with the girlfriend / (wife) we've been together 10 yrs we rode Sun Mon Tues another great trip of smiles. In all I rode two trips out of Lando two out of Crystal Falls, rode any where from cisco, boulder jct , twinlakes , roussue , kenton , sidnaw, republic, amasa, gwinn, sagola, all in all trails were usually great, maybe 40 to 50 mile of not so favorable trails but thats ok with me .
2006 600 sdi renegade started yr with 5732 ended with 7733 = 2001 miles
2012 1200 renegade stared with 0 on third trip ended year with 918 miles
That was my best mileage yr for me I also ask a few tech question on here with good responces from member again THANK YOU
I also ask snow condition's With great responces from local members THANK YOU
Last but not least I stalked almost every thread on here all winter and gain knowledge on most .
Thank You John Dee for this site and all the members that make it what it is .
2006 600 sdi renegade started yr with 5732 ended with 7733 = 2001 miles
2012 1200 renegade stared with 0 on third trip ended year with 918 miles
That was my best mileage yr for me I also ask a few tech question on here with good responces from member again THANK YOU
I also ask snow condition's With great responces from local members THANK YOU
Last but not least I stalked almost every thread on here all winter and gain knowledge on most .
Thank You John Dee for this site and all the members that make it what it is .
skiroule
Well-known member
Tell you what Snoluver1, I'll trade any number of pages of my blathering for the skill to rebuild a diaphragm carburetor and actually make it work. I can rebuild em', they just don't work. There's a big difference!
Don't be surprised if I show up in the Land of Lincoln sometime this summer to collect my steak.
Thanks again Gary, this thread has made me feel a whole lot better about this winter.
Don't be surprised if I show up in the Land of Lincoln sometime this summer to collect my steak.
Thanks again Gary, this thread has made me feel a whole lot better about this winter.
Thanks, Gary.....didn't really mean to invite myself along, I was just funnin' (mostly; ya never know what might happen though!). It is indeed the 1200 I'm considering; haven't totally ruled out the 600 E-tech but with each passing day it becomes less of a possibility.
Your welcome at my humble abode any time Skiroule! Grilling season is almost upon us.
Thanks for the advice. Definitely not a boondocker so I'm sure the little bit of extra weight won't be a problem. I guess my only reservation is, I've had absolutely no engine troubles with my current '05 600 SDI with 10062 miles (worst problem I've ever had was the handwarmers taking a crap a couple years ago). It's been a steady, reliable old friend, gets great fuel economy, and it darn near breaks my heart to have to part with it (if I could keep it as a spare I would, but I just don't have the room or extra $$ to insure something that will sit most of the time).
Gary, sent you a PM.
Sorry Russ, I can't receive PM's on this site. I double checked the settings and it's set up correct for receiving but no such luck. This has happened before so I know it's at my end and not yours. Anything we can discuss out in the open?
Gary
Gary
Sure.....just didn't want to hijack a thread with it. I was interested in hearing about your experience with the 1200 -- the good, the bad, the ugly, anything you can tell me, as I'm giving it serious consideration. So far I haven't heard anything bad about it, but I'm just trying to get as much info as I can. Thanks.
OK, I understand. First off, you said you were considering the 600 E tec along with the 1200 4 Tec. On my first & last ride of this season my friend was on a 600 E tec. He logged 21 miles per gallon compared to my 16 miles per gallon on the 1200. This was typical trail riding probably averaging 30 to 40 mph through the winding trails and faster across the lakes and open areas.
Mine is the TNT with the shorter track. It weighs just under 500 lbs which is pretty light compared to other 4 Strokes but still "rasslin" with 500 lbs in deep snow is no fun. I've had zero issues with the engine, it's quiet, has a nice tone to the exhaust, and it pulls like a race horse with incredible torque. The Oil & Filter Change is easy, it takes about 30 minutes. There are only 2 or 3 Grease Fittings on the entire machine, on the rear suspension. Everything else is sealed. It burns Regular Gas and requires Synthetic Oil in the crankcase. The oil and filter change will cost about $45 per season.
Russ, there's not a lot of negatives for the 1200 4 tec. Room for storage is at a premium, but there's not a need to carry much on the 4 Stroke, no plugs or oil and the spare belt and tow strap are stored in the nose. Probably the biggest concern is the price on these machines. Especially with a winter like this last one. One of my thoughts in justifying my decision is that this is a machine that will run for a long time and it's built to last. It could be the last one that I buy (at least that's what I told my wife).
Since you have plenty of time before the snow flies again, take your time in looking. I found mine on-line which was listed by a local dealer, it was a leftover from the previous year and I bought it during the off-season which helped bring the price point down a bit.
I've attached a couple of pictures from last weekend. Good luck, Russ. Be sure to let us know what you decide on!
Gary
Mine is the TNT with the shorter track. It weighs just under 500 lbs which is pretty light compared to other 4 Strokes but still "rasslin" with 500 lbs in deep snow is no fun. I've had zero issues with the engine, it's quiet, has a nice tone to the exhaust, and it pulls like a race horse with incredible torque. The Oil & Filter Change is easy, it takes about 30 minutes. There are only 2 or 3 Grease Fittings on the entire machine, on the rear suspension. Everything else is sealed. It burns Regular Gas and requires Synthetic Oil in the crankcase. The oil and filter change will cost about $45 per season.
Russ, there's not a lot of negatives for the 1200 4 tec. Room for storage is at a premium, but there's not a need to carry much on the 4 Stroke, no plugs or oil and the spare belt and tow strap are stored in the nose. Probably the biggest concern is the price on these machines. Especially with a winter like this last one. One of my thoughts in justifying my decision is that this is a machine that will run for a long time and it's built to last. It could be the last one that I buy (at least that's what I told my wife).
Since you have plenty of time before the snow flies again, take your time in looking. I found mine on-line which was listed by a local dealer, it was a leftover from the previous year and I bought it during the off-season which helped bring the price point down a bit.
I've attached a couple of pictures from last weekend. Good luck, Russ. Be sure to let us know what you decide on!
Gary
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Thanks, Gary. What you're telling me is pretty much in line with everything else I've heard.
I admit I'm one of those weirdos who loves the smell of 2-stroke, but I guess in either case (E-tech or 1200) it will be a thing of the past since the E-tech has little to no 2s smell. Sounds like fuel economy with the 1200 is on the low end of what I get with my 600 SDI (16-20) and even lower than the E-tech, but since it will burn regular unleaded versus premium, the cost difference is probably not significant (same with having to change oil versus feeding the E-tech 2s oil). The biggest reason I'm thinking 4s is the longevity factor. So far I've had fantastic luck with my SDI (10062 miles, engine has never been opened and compression is still 140+) but, it's still a 2s. While I don't mind wrenching to a point, I'd rather it be preventative and routine maintenance rather than actually fixing a problem or breakdown. With the 4s the days of wondering when the crank bearings will go or when it's time to replace pistons/rings should be a thing of the past. And since I'm the dedicated caretaker of my wife's sled, my worries are double!
I got a quote for two 2013 GSX SE's from a dealer I only know about because somebody mentioned him here on JD. Awesome price, even factoring in the 10 hour drive it would take me to get the sleds. Heck, it was even better than a quote I got elsewhere for leftover 2012's!
I guess I'll just have to get my 2s fix by sniffing weedwacker exhaust..........
I admit I'm one of those weirdos who loves the smell of 2-stroke, but I guess in either case (E-tech or 1200) it will be a thing of the past since the E-tech has little to no 2s smell. Sounds like fuel economy with the 1200 is on the low end of what I get with my 600 SDI (16-20) and even lower than the E-tech, but since it will burn regular unleaded versus premium, the cost difference is probably not significant (same with having to change oil versus feeding the E-tech 2s oil). The biggest reason I'm thinking 4s is the longevity factor. So far I've had fantastic luck with my SDI (10062 miles, engine has never been opened and compression is still 140+) but, it's still a 2s. While I don't mind wrenching to a point, I'd rather it be preventative and routine maintenance rather than actually fixing a problem or breakdown. With the 4s the days of wondering when the crank bearings will go or when it's time to replace pistons/rings should be a thing of the past. And since I'm the dedicated caretaker of my wife's sled, my worries are double!
I got a quote for two 2013 GSX SE's from a dealer I only know about because somebody mentioned him here on JD. Awesome price, even factoring in the 10 hour drive it would take me to get the sleds. Heck, it was even better than a quote I got elsewhere for leftover 2012's!
I guess I'll just have to get my 2s fix by sniffing weedwacker exhaust..........
I will chime in here since the topic went to talking Ski Doo sleds. I have an 08 SDI with 6600 miles. I absolutely love this motor. I haven't touched the motor for any service work. I have touched the clutches, chaincase, and bearings but not the motor. I think it is the best motor Ski Doo ever put into a snowmobile, I wish they would bring it back because I would buy another. I am not sold on Etecs. Premium gas is required and higher mileage ETEC's are not dependable mostly due to the life of the expensive injectors. If I am going to dish out 10 to 12 grand on a sled I want it to last me a long time. I consider the Etec a 3,000 mile throw away sled. Thats why I am considering the 1200. I hear good things, 4 stroke dependability, lowest weight in its class, and the handling that we all know and love in the current Ski Doo's. It will be my next sled.
Gary do you experience any "throttle lag" that the people at Supertrax are so annoyed about on the 1200?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n9nkqYsZR8
Gary do you experience any "throttle lag" that the people at Supertrax are so annoyed about on the 1200?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n9nkqYsZR8
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Chazz,
I saw the thread over on DooTalk a couple of weeks ago. My first thought was, "are ya nuts, this thing will give ya whiplash!" But after watching the video there is a noticeable difference in the throttle response. I can't speak for the Cat & Yamaha but I suspect they're similiar to the E Tec in the video which has a much higher RPM when the clutch engages than the 1200. I can't be specific but the 4 tec engages down around 2500 rpms, much lower than anything I've ridden in the past. At slow speeds like 10 to 15 miles per hour across a parking lot the torque and engine brake remind me of an ATV. But once you're out on the trail it's a whole nuther animal.
As for the lag, the video doesn't lie. Would it stop me from buying one? Not at all. It took a couple of rides to become accustomed to the low engagement and the engine brake going into corners. Now I seldom use the brake and let the engine do the work.
I'll give credit where it is due, the guys at Supertrax found something that even I as an owner never noticed. Is it a Deal Breaker? Only you can answer that and have fun picking out your new sled!
Gary
I saw the thread over on DooTalk a couple of weeks ago. My first thought was, "are ya nuts, this thing will give ya whiplash!" But after watching the video there is a noticeable difference in the throttle response. I can't speak for the Cat & Yamaha but I suspect they're similiar to the E Tec in the video which has a much higher RPM when the clutch engages than the 1200. I can't be specific but the 4 tec engages down around 2500 rpms, much lower than anything I've ridden in the past. At slow speeds like 10 to 15 miles per hour across a parking lot the torque and engine brake remind me of an ATV. But once you're out on the trail it's a whole nuther animal.
As for the lag, the video doesn't lie. Would it stop me from buying one? Not at all. It took a couple of rides to become accustomed to the low engagement and the engine brake going into corners. Now I seldom use the brake and let the engine do the work.
I'll give credit where it is due, the guys at Supertrax found something that even I as an owner never noticed. Is it a Deal Breaker? Only you can answer that and have fun picking out your new sled!
Gary
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