I'm considering on buying a couple of two ups for extra sleds that can be used for one up off trail riding as well as a good extra sled for my family/freinds to ride? was concidering the t660 turbo or a pantera, I know the turbo will be heavy but was hoping the power would lighten the sled when offtrail. perfer a cat. but would concider a polaris, as long as it handles desent off trail. need someone that has rode these sleds off trail to chime in with some thoughts... thanks for looking. hello to all, haven't been on the site for a couple of years. nice to read some of your posts... Later.....
two ups. do they make a good off trail one up machine?
- Thread starter snowstump
- Start date
If you are going to do casual off trail like on two tracks and logging roads, they do OK. I had a 2002 Polaris 600 Touring and did alot of that type off trail riding with it. If you want to do any type of extreme stuff or deeper powder riding, it's going to be tough. That's alot of weight to be trying to throw around. It can be done but you will just be a little more tired afterwards.
Dave
Dave
I have never ridden either of these sleds, but have spent time in the backwoods with lots of different sleds and can say that heavy is heavy. No amounts of HP will make a sled seem lighter. Heavy sleds are harder to throw around, more prone to getting stuck and once stuck are a lot harder to unstick.
With that said, some casual off trail might not be problem as Dave_B said.
-John
With that said, some casual off trail might not be problem as Dave_B said.
-John
indy_500
Well-known member
I've ridden plenty of 2-ups in my "days" lol. If you just wanna go straight or ride logging roads or something, they are fine. Our 550 fan poo 2-up w/60 hp did a lot better in the powder then my 500 liquid 1-up sled w/80 hp. But they are by no means a "boondocking" sled. But, if you need to make it through a foot or 2 of powder to get somewhere, go for it.
Sold my singles 2 years ago so my wife and I could take the kids on the used 2 ups we found. When I rode my 2 up as a single, trying to keep up on guys weekend was futile. Bought a new single this year and I now realize how heavy the 2 ups are and how different they are to handle. my thoughts.
My wife's sister and hubby have three Polaris 550 Fan Touring sleds. They do not have electric start and have PERC so they are relatively lightweight (no batteries, no radiators or cooling systems) except for the 144" track which adds weight.
They ride 80% off-trail in the MI UP, break trail to their cabin, explore, etc. and they do well in deep snow. They are not the fastest with 60-65HP and they really need a deeper track than what Polaris puts on them, but they rarely get stuck......they have gone with us on a few trail rides and the biggest deficiency (other than the HP) is in the corners, they just don't handle like a short-tracker.
Nothing against AC but if I were looking for a used 2-up I would look for a Polaris Edge-based sled with the 600/700/800 engine. You get the Edge chassis benefits, the bullet-proof Liberty motor and a relatively high-powered machine (120-145HP) with reasonable weight. You might also compare weights on some similar sleds to see who offers the best combo of HP and weight....just a thought.
Good luck!
They ride 80% off-trail in the MI UP, break trail to their cabin, explore, etc. and they do well in deep snow. They are not the fastest with 60-65HP and they really need a deeper track than what Polaris puts on them, but they rarely get stuck......they have gone with us on a few trail rides and the biggest deficiency (other than the HP) is in the corners, they just don't handle like a short-tracker.
Nothing against AC but if I were looking for a used 2-up I would look for a Polaris Edge-based sled with the 600/700/800 engine. You get the Edge chassis benefits, the bullet-proof Liberty motor and a relatively high-powered machine (120-145HP) with reasonable weight. You might also compare weights on some similar sleds to see who offers the best combo of HP and weight....just a thought.
Good luck!
good info, does that 550 pol have any trouble turning the 144? maybe a 136 -1 1/2 would do? just brain storming a little.is the 500 L/C that much heavier than the 550 fan? I know that heavy is heavy. and after a couple of hours of tossing my zrt around I fall back and lick my wounds and dry the sweat... techique is the only way I can finess that beast and It sounds like If your planing on riding the two up much off trail you better be on your game, and know how to ride. and maybe lift a little weights... not 12 oz at a time, which is my specialty....LOL ... thanks for the input. I knew this was the place to ask . I am personaly going to up grade to a crossover for me and the wife. but I would like freinds that don't ride much to enjoy some off trail. So (light bulb above my head) how does a utility slead handle on trial? can they go off trail at pretty much any speed? that might get them in the powder with out always getting hung up. as long as they turn in the woods. mabey 10 in doolies up front. hummmm. my brain is melting I need a drink...thanks again LATER......
polarisrider1
New member
Let's simplify this, no they don’t if your idea of off trail is mtn. Technical or deep powder riding. If your off trail idea is forest roads and 2 tracks you should be fine. Depends how steep and deep you plan on doing.
polarisrider1
New member
Give it a try. If you have fun then all is well. Last yr. Two of the off trail guys I ride with took a wifes 2up sled out and rode the Kingston plains, both standing up and carving, we never laughed so hard! They had a ball. Fold the mirrors in before you try this. We talk about this trip a lot.
I think a small two up 600 or 550 L/C with a 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 should get the job done. the utility sleds are even bigger and harder to try to side hill or carve. having a utility sled would be nice to get inexperienced riders out with me and to use as a recovery sled . but it seems like thats not a practical use of my money. thanks for helping me sort this out before i buy... Later..... see ya on the trail. Peace....
gogebic_sledder
Member
My extra sled is a 07 IQ Touring 600 cfi. I ridden it in some pretty deep stuff, and have always been impressed how well it does. It probably weighs around 575 dry. It actually rolls on it side well in deep powder. But keep in mind when it does get stuck its a tank.
hows life been steve? (rp7x) wondering if you were still on the site. just adding a couple of sleds two the stable, and would like a long track that can haul more than one person when on trail and put some of my friends in powder when they come over. any hue. hope alls well with your family and crew. safe ridding in whoville . working at the humvee plant now. at least untill Obama freezes the military spending then back to panhandling LOL... be safe later...
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anonomoose
New member
Well...there are some variable here that need defining. "Off-trail to some" means tearing over hill and dale up steep and down ravines where steering is done mainly by standing and leaning one way or the other.
In this situation, as others have said...don't waste your time on a 2fer....they aren't made to do any of that.
However, if you are looking for a sled that will stay in the tracks of others, which makes a HUGE difference, or need to carry an occasional rider..kids mostly...or you need to get your gear 2 miles down the backroads which are not plowed or ridden on...then you can make some of these 2fers work remarkably well.
Yes they are heavy, but they are forgiving too...I own two of the cat non-turbos with 136 inch tracks and 1 inch lugs...and in all but the super deep...4 feet of untracked powder...they have been just fine. We pull the rear seat, throw 2 5 gallon gas cans in the back...duffle bags and more stuff than I care to mention going and coming and they put the one up sleds to shame...they are the sleds of choice for utility. Arm yourself with a good utility sled with longer track and longer lugs and you will be amazed where they can go, or what they can do...if but a bit slower getting there when you have to use it in a gang on the trails. Off trail...speed is not as important...getting there without getting stuck...is important.
As for weight...getting stuck with the lightest sled out there is no fun in deep stuff. It requires an army, or a good winch. Not fun...and after a couple sticks...the cabin and tv set starts looking far more entertaining.
What most of these sleds lack...especially the two ups...is good skis up front....but simmons has a nice 10 inch ski that transforms the lousiest sled into a decent performer in the powder...
Also there is NO substitution for experience when you are going off trail. If you hesitate, or go too slow...stick city! An experienced rider can make it happen when a novice will cause heart attacks on every turn.
More and more folks are learning about the utility sled options...and though they are heavy, and they don't turn worth a hoot...they have power like a mule in a harness....and that isn't all bad.
I am always taking folks who have little experience on sleds....showing them the back country and the views that few would ever see....because I like to do that, and love the high country myself, I use caution and give very detailed instructions...which sometimes gets followed, but hey...that's what they make shovels for isn't it?? After a good weekend ride, they are far better at getting around, and they are hooked...and always ready for another trip to the hills....
I am proud to have been the one to get them started.....it's good for the sport and if done with reason and care...mostly a pretty safe and enjoyable time is had by all.
Give it a try...worst that happens is you have to sell the sleds to a hungry market...which are always looking for 2fers...there are not enough of them.
In this situation, as others have said...don't waste your time on a 2fer....they aren't made to do any of that.
However, if you are looking for a sled that will stay in the tracks of others, which makes a HUGE difference, or need to carry an occasional rider..kids mostly...or you need to get your gear 2 miles down the backroads which are not plowed or ridden on...then you can make some of these 2fers work remarkably well.
Yes they are heavy, but they are forgiving too...I own two of the cat non-turbos with 136 inch tracks and 1 inch lugs...and in all but the super deep...4 feet of untracked powder...they have been just fine. We pull the rear seat, throw 2 5 gallon gas cans in the back...duffle bags and more stuff than I care to mention going and coming and they put the one up sleds to shame...they are the sleds of choice for utility. Arm yourself with a good utility sled with longer track and longer lugs and you will be amazed where they can go, or what they can do...if but a bit slower getting there when you have to use it in a gang on the trails. Off trail...speed is not as important...getting there without getting stuck...is important.
As for weight...getting stuck with the lightest sled out there is no fun in deep stuff. It requires an army, or a good winch. Not fun...and after a couple sticks...the cabin and tv set starts looking far more entertaining.
What most of these sleds lack...especially the two ups...is good skis up front....but simmons has a nice 10 inch ski that transforms the lousiest sled into a decent performer in the powder...
Also there is NO substitution for experience when you are going off trail. If you hesitate, or go too slow...stick city! An experienced rider can make it happen when a novice will cause heart attacks on every turn.
More and more folks are learning about the utility sled options...and though they are heavy, and they don't turn worth a hoot...they have power like a mule in a harness....and that isn't all bad.
I am always taking folks who have little experience on sleds....showing them the back country and the views that few would ever see....because I like to do that, and love the high country myself, I use caution and give very detailed instructions...which sometimes gets followed, but hey...that's what they make shovels for isn't it?? After a good weekend ride, they are far better at getting around, and they are hooked...and always ready for another trip to the hills....
I am proud to have been the one to get them started.....it's good for the sport and if done with reason and care...mostly a pretty safe and enjoyable time is had by all.
Give it a try...worst that happens is you have to sell the sleds to a hungry market...which are always looking for 2fers...there are not enough of them.
Ya abunch, 5 crumcrunchers 17,17.11,10,4 and the wife. looking at 6 sleds by the time I'm finished. had to sell the woodchipper to buy a sled. what was i thinking?? LOL......... That's a big grin when you get someone hooked. we try to ask as many family members as we can. always able to find someone to fill a seat. the boys are experenced and strong enough to trow the 2ups around more than I will. ****,I'll probably never ride them. think I'll stay light.xfire 6 or 8??
i have an 03 pantera that my wife uses. "off trail" would max out at logging road. the thing is like a goldwing and should stay on the trail. the rear trail isnt there either, plus, its tippy.
I have an xfire that i plan to put an ac 2-up seat on with the hitch for the little buddy when he's too big to ride in front of me. no pantera or any other type of 2-up for me...my back couldnt take getting unstuck anywhere.
I have an xfire that i plan to put an ac 2-up seat on with the hitch for the little buddy when he's too big to ride in front of me. no pantera or any other type of 2-up for me...my back couldnt take getting unstuck anywhere.