Anyone Snowmobile? Need advice.

[67rsconvert]

Thinking of picking up a used sled for my folks cabin in Idaho. My dad has a RMK700 or 800 and I like it but would like something that is a little more comfortable and hopefully still as quick. Most riding is groomed with some stretches of high bumps(2-3ft) so I need something that can soak those bumps/jumps up and that has reverse. I don't think a 500-650cc sled will fit the bill for me speed wise. I'll only be riding about 2 weeks per year.

Thanks for any advice!

[Rybar]

I am looking to buy one myself. Only one word to say: Ski-Doo REV platform with an 800cc and unless you do hillclimbing you wont need the long track. But they are by far the best sleds to ride. Let me know what you decide!

[monza]

Originally Posted by Rybar

I am looking to buy one myself. Only one word to say: Ski-Doo REV platform with an 800cc and unless you do hillclimbing you wont need the long track. But they are by far the best sleds to ride. Let me know what you decide!

I'll agree with that, except he won't be doing much mountain riding so might better to get a track type set up like a MXZ. Also the new REV is having some issue's mostly in the clutch.
Arctic Cat makes a great sled these days as well. I've had both in the last year and I like the Arctic a bit better. That says alot since I've been a Skidoo guy for ten+ years. (thats like a Chevy guy getting a mustang!)

If your looking for a groomed trail rider and it won't ever see deep pow mountain riding look more into the MXZ from Skidoo or Crossfire from Arctic cat. Get the newest you can afford, massive changes for the better on all sleds over the last few years (suspension, handling, weight, power)

Same as anything you get what you pay for...

[XcYZ]

Bring on the snow.

Where about in Idaho is your parents cabin? I've ridden in the Island Park area. I've also ridden the Snowy Range and Togwotee Pass area in Wyoming. There's nothing better than mountain riding!

[NOVA]

Originally Posted by XcYZ

Bring on the snow. There's nothing better than mountain riding!

I went to Colorado last year and rode with some friends (first time for me) wow it was fun, but do not get stuck if your coming from sea level and out of shape @ 10,000 Ft!

We also rode way back into this valley that was un touched by anyone else, wide open with deep powder what a blast just hit the throttle and go! it was perfect!

I was using a new Artic Cat, nice machine!

[67rsconvert]

Originally Posted by XcYZ

Bring on the snow.

Where about in Idaho is your parents cabin? I've ridden in the Island Park area. I've also ridden the Snowy Range and Togwotee Pass area in Wyoming. There's nothing better than mountain riding!

It is in Priest Lake....400 miles of groomed trails literally out the back door. I love it out there summer and winter.

Thanks for the advice so far. There may be some deep snow/mountain riding in the future as my skills improve but it would be a small amount of the total. Sidehilling is still a bit of an a$$ puckering experience for me. We usually ride for a few hours at a stretch and if the groomer hasn't been it can be a real bumpy ride, especially at the speeds my dad likes to ride at....he's 70 years old and still likes to hotdog! Here are some pics from riding last december up there.

[jeff hanson]

I've ridden quite a few different machines and would only consider a Cat or Ski-doo. In that order. Good luck, have fun! Let it snow!