To the Sled guys
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Category: General Correct Craft Discussion
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URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=32012
Printed Date: January-22-2025 at 1:52am
Topic: To the Sled guys
Posted By: phatsat67
Subject: To the Sled guys
Date Posted: November-12-2013 at 4:45pm
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As much as I hate the onset of cold weather when the first snow flakes fall it gets my blood pumping. Its time to smell 2 stroke and freeze your butt off all the while accelerating at warp speeds. That's right, Snowmobile season. I have a soft spot for the old sleds(maybe it's because they are cheap!!) haha. The steering insert piece broke on my 79 Kawasaki so it has sat for 2 full winters and almost 4 years since it has had a good old ride. When I first bought it at age 16 I didn't know a thing about how a 2 stroke worked. Had experience on a 77 Elan 250 and a 79 Scorpion Whip 440. The Elan died in a fire and the Scorpion was a buddies so I picked up my own. It turned out to be a nightmare but forced me to learn all systems and how and why they work. So 16 year old me through a partial over haul and boom I had one of the most reliable sleds I have ever known. The tank pick up back then was just a hose stuffed onto a barb with a section of aluminum line in the end to hold it at the bottom of the tank. Those are notorious for falling off. I re installed that with a long set of pliers and a zip tie(we will see how long it lasts). This was after I drained the tank of all the old fuel. I install fuel shutoffs on every sled I work on so that you can let the engine run the carbs dry at the end of the season so it was stored with the carbs dry. I filled it up with fresh pre mix and pulled the plugs out to prime the carbs with fuel by pulling it over 10 times or so. Reinstalled the plugs and pulled it over. The first pull with the choke on revealed no signs of life whatsoever. I gave the old girl another tug and it cracked right off and right up to the idle I set it at all those years ago. Needless to say I was ecstatic last night watching that beat up old sled run outside of the garage. It was like seeing an old friend come back to life again. In my 10 year ownership I have racked up over 2000 ride miles on mostly on public roads when there was actually enough snow to ride in central Indiana. So who else here gets their blood pumping to the smell of two stroke and the sight of a funny looking track in the snow??? Where do you ride? What do you ride? Bring on the white stuff. |
Replies:
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: November-12-2013 at 4:52pm
There she is in the bed of the truck before making the trip back to Indy this Sunday evening.  ------------- |
Posted By: bhectus
Date Posted: November-12-2013 at 7:16pm
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Well, down here in FL there isn't much snow as you can imagine but I do have a penchant for the sweet smell of pre-mix. BRAAAAAAAP!!!!!! http://smg.photobucket.com/user/uflbret/media/002.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  ------------- '02 Ski Nautique 196 w/ 5.7 Apex bowtie - Sold '87 Barefoot - sold '97 Super Sport Nautique - originally custom built for Walt Meloon '97 Ski Nautique '83 SN 2001 |
Posted By: gun-driver
Date Posted: November-12-2013 at 8:26pm
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Boats are great but you got to love the sleds. Zach your story brought back memories. My first sled was an '81 Yamaha 440SS manthat thing flew it just didn't turn well or handle bumps. Plus you had to pack as many tools as you could. But now the new sleds are rockets that handle like their on rails and swallow bumps like their not even there. Yea got to love winter 
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Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: November-12-2013 at 9:00pm
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Bret, bad ass. I have ridden my fair share of dirt bikes and quads but we lost our big riding area back home so I never perused them any further. Although I do prefer a rowdy 2 stroke rig to a 4 stroke any day. 2 strokes are like turbo cars. Paul, that thing looks wicked. I would love to pick up something newer some day for the capabilities but we will see what happens. I just wish I didn't have to travel to get good rides in. The new sleds do everything better but what is cool about the old sleds is they are still like rockets if you can get the tiny little lugs on the track to hook up haha. Friend of mine had a quick Phazer that was all original with low miles. He weighed about 90lbs or so more than I did. If we swapped sleds I could get the Phazer to hook up but the extra weight on my Kawasaki and it was bye bye time for the Phazer haha.  ------------- |
Posted By: tullfooter
Date Posted: November-12-2013 at 10:04pm
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Love sleds, just haven't had one in a while. My last sled was a 1980 Yamaha Exciter. You couldn't kill that thing. That thing was upside down, submerged, and who knows what else, and it kept running. I gave it to a buddy ten years ago. Now we run quads. I've got a couple Can Am Outlander Max's, a Honda Rancher, and a Polaris Scrambler. We run mostly on the ice, but sometimes find our way to northern MI in the fall.  ------------- Play hard, life's not a trial run. '85 BFN '90 BFN White Lake, Michigan |
Posted By: tullfooter
Date Posted: November-12-2013 at 10:17pm
This is outside of our local watering hole. This is a quiet day. Usually many more toys and people. ------------- Play hard, life's not a trial run. '85 BFN '90 BFN White Lake, Michigan |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: November-12-2013 at 10:37pm
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I don't do sleds, but if I did it would be an old box like Zach's. ------------- |
Posted By: harddock
Date Posted: November-12-2013 at 10:51pm
 my two stroke sled 1975 Merc Trail Twister 440and also have owned... 73 Skidoo 400F/A 79 Kawasaki Intruder 340L/C and 94 Arctic Cat 580EXT ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=4487" rel="nofollow - 1998 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: 74Wind
Date Posted: November-13-2013 at 12:51am
We get a major 2+ inch blizzard here every few years.... ------------- 1974 Southwind 18 1975 Century Mark II |
Posted By: tullfooter
Date Posted: November-13-2013 at 8:52am
I know. They close your airport if you get as little as 1/2".  ------------- Play hard, life's not a trial run. '85 BFN '90 BFN White Lake, Michigan |
74Wind wrote:Posted By: 62 wood
Date Posted: November-13-2013 at 10:46am
Ahhhhhhhh 2 stroke smoke!  Just don't get a chance to ride like I used to. Had an 02 Viper for 8 years and only put 800 miles on it. http://s37.photobucket.com/user/kten72/media/Viper011_zps0cc66464.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  So, I sold it and went back to a 97 Yami 700sx. Great sled for the cost.... This was my "first" 700 sx on a trip to the Black Hills a "few" years ago  ) http://s37.photobucket.com/user/kten72/media/Image111313081343_zps782b3f0f.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  This is what make winter tolerable!!!! . ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1117&sort=&pagenum=6" rel="nofollow - 64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: November-13-2013 at 7:03pm
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Good looking sleds Steve!! Tull, nice rig there and that watering hole looks like the perfect place to take a break during a long ride! Hollywood, I feel like you are pretty into old box. But seriously if you ever find something that old (preferably kawi) I will go through the motor and carb for you if it needs it. I love sled motors. Harddock, The trail twisters were freaking awesome. Then they turned into motorcycles ;). My cousin just picked up complete 80 John Deere Trail Fire. HW, few buddies of mine and I are planning to pay Harlan a visit up in IL this winter to do some riding and he has an extra sled. I will see if he wants to offer it up to you haha. ------------- |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: November-13-2013 at 7:29pm
Aww, thanks Zach. Seems like quinner's announcement guess is wrong.. Harlan is not far from me. Bumped into him at one of my local bars last winter. He rode there. ------------- |
Posted By: 62 wood
Date Posted: November-13-2013 at 7:53pm
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posted this pic before...... just because snow is on the ground and we have the sleds out doesn't mean "water sports" have to come to an end. http://s37.photobucket.com/user/kten72/media/sledrslight.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  this was on my "pogo stick" 600 Yami... circa 94. .. this was my old ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1117&sort=&pagenum=6" rel="nofollow - 64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: November-13-2013 at 8:04pm
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Hahahah nice Steve. That scares me. Old sleds like to go for a dunk if you water cross em ha. Hw I remember him telling me that now. Let's make it happen. Not the you're pretty part ha. ------------- |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: November-13-2013 at 8:27pm
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You are sending some seriously mixed signals. So that's 2 guys, 1 sled? I'm riding in back! ------------- |
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: November-13-2013 at 11:37pm
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Haha quinner will prefer that !! ------------- |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: November-14-2013 at 1:07pm
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Steve; 'a few years ago'........lol HW & Zack....many of us are 'reading between the lines' and wondering what the heck is goin' on. Seeing the sleds and snow and sunny winter days makes me miss the 1 or 2 days of our looong Cleveland winters... john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: November-15-2013 at 11:41am
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Hahaha J bear, Yes. If I could only be around on the big snow event days and spend the rest of the days in FLA like you have figured out I would be ok with that!! You always have to read between the lines with HW. ------------- |
Posted By: dwcar
Date Posted: November-15-2013 at 1:44pm
I got a chance to run mine this week with that front that blew through!! ------------- 83Ski |
Posted By: 62 wood
Date Posted: November-15-2013 at 2:20pm
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"HOUSTON"?!?!?!? ...we have a problem. nice!!! where is that at? ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1117&sort=&pagenum=6" rel="nofollow - 64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: dwcar
Date Posted: November-15-2013 at 2:55pm
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Vancouver last April. It was my first time to ride. It was a blast!! ------------- 83Ski |
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: November-15-2013 at 3:43pm
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White stuffff!! We all want it now but will be complaining by March haha. ------------- |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: November-15-2013 at 3:54pm
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By March??? With 1,yes Zach one ride under the belt before I had to put it away,it would not bother me one bit to skip snow this year if we can get the show on the road earlier next spring. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: November-15-2013 at 4:30pm
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Haha fair enough Gary. I ended up spending about 92 hours in my boat this year. Put over 40 on my buddies Malibu and spent some time in Teddy's, Vince's, and Mark's footer. Dad did 62 hours. He probably hasn't come close to that many hours in a season in 15 years. ------------- |
Posted By: Hollywood
Date Posted: November-15-2013 at 4:45pm
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I don't think I made 6 yet on my boat... ------------- |
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: November-15-2013 at 5:55pm
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HW, I figure you spent 2 or 3 on my boat! ------------- |
Posted By: 05 210
Date Posted: November-16-2013 at 6:41pm
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In the Winter, snowmobiling is the only thing that matters. In the Summer, all I do is think about Winter. If I could have only one toy, the boat would be gone.....seriously. My whole family rides,my BIL lives right across the street...his whole family rides. Haven't been able to rack up the miles like I used to but when there's snow the kids and I will ride every night locally and the whole family will go on weekends. I can ride right out of my backyard. Taken in the Lake Parlin Area of Maine  The "Scoot" neighborhood winter transportation  BIL's driveway on a typical winter Sunday. Looks like there is two or three sleds missing from that pic  "Somewhere" near the Forks, Maine  Kids....can't teach em anything. If you're out of the dust, you're off the trail lol  Club Trail near Caratunk, Maine. That day was the best riding I've seen in years. Look at that trail. Holiday weekend, not a sole around.  last March on a Spring ride on trails around my town with the wife and daughter BRING IT !! Mike  ------------- http:/diaries/details.asp?ID=2219" rel="nofollow - Air Nautique 210 Team 640 hours, not 1 regret |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: November-16-2013 at 6:59pm
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Jbear, See what you are missing!! The snow can be lots of fun!!!------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: Gary S
Date Posted: November-16-2013 at 7:58pm
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I never thought I'd say this but I think everyone should be up north with the snow. It must really be boring just sitting around. Missing out on things like,no one can drive,15m drive turns into a hour and a half. The exhilaration of shoveling and scraping car windows.Being able to just keep your beer outside to keep it cold. Yea I'd rather have to dress up in multiple layers just to get the mail.  One moreyear and I'll have a slightly different boat hanging there  ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1711&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970" rel="nofollow - 69 Mustang HM SS 95 Nautique Super Sport |
Posted By: 62 wood
Date Posted: November-16-2013 at 10:34pm
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Gary, you wimping out on us like jbear? To help get you in the mood, here's the pic looking west from our drive after the 2011 blizzard.  ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1117&sort=&pagenum=6" rel="nofollow - 64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: sethro
Date Posted: November-17-2013 at 1:00am
| That picture puts me in a mood alright....good grief that was a long night, and following day. |
Posted By: JDD33
Date Posted: February-08-2014 at 9:23pm
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Our winter fun! http://s897.photobucket.com/user/Devroude1/media/image_zps58a6d004.jpg.html" rel="nofollow">  98 yamaha 700 XTC powder special and a 89 snoscoot! ------------- Old school goin back to school! |
Posted By: 62 wood
Date Posted: February-09-2014 at 12:49am
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Just got back from an afternoon of riding. Awesome conditions, even in southern WI! ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1117&sort=&pagenum=6" rel="nofollow - 64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: February-09-2014 at 1:39am
gee wish I could have some of that fun! not.. john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: February-09-2014 at 7:25pm
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Hey Steve, with all the snow in your blizzard photo ill bet you could use one of these https://greenbay.craigslist.org/pts/4235116114.html" rel="nofollow - Snowblower ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |
Posted By: 62 wood
Date Posted: February-10-2014 at 12:59am
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John, Very ingenious, but I'm not sure that would get thru those drifts! I would have liked to try it in one of the lanes I plowed last week after the wind drifted it shut. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=1117&sort=&pagenum=6" rel="nofollow - 64 American Skier 62 Classic.. 73 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: February-10-2014 at 11:48am
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Wow, that cat is a serious machine. John that snoscoot is neat!! Looks a lot more functional than a Kitty Cat. ------------- |
Posted By: tullfooter
Date Posted: February-10-2014 at 5:18pm
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You just have to gear up for the snow. We've gotten so much snow that the quads have a tough time. This is from my friends balcony, on a pub/house crawl we did last week.  ------------- Play hard, life's not a trial run. '85 BFN '90 BFN White Lake, Michigan |
Posted By: phatsat67
Date Posted: February-10-2014 at 6:22pm
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Looks bad ass Steve. ------------- |
Posted By: JDD33
Date Posted: February-10-2014 at 6:29pm
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Oh Yeah! The Scoot is a blast! It's a shame they stopped making them. That little 80 CC scoot will haul me around at about 25 mph max! My 12 yr old son will ride my 700 and let the 9 yr old sisters take turns chasing him around with the Scoot! Too much fun! ------------- Old school goin back to school! |
Posted By: john b
Date Posted: February-10-2014 at 6:39pm
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Can you ride on the snowmobile trails with wheeled vehicles by you? In Vilas county Wisconsin they are not permitted on any public property summer or winter. ------------- 1970 Mustang "Theseus' paradox" If everyone else is doing it, you're too late! |