Wyman Pond Racing

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

RE: What a difference a week makes

Mini Member # 3

10, My review will sound similar to those posted below. This sled is awesome. It handles well. I have spent more time dialing this sled in then any other that I have owned. It is almost there. Why do I expect it to handle like a 121? The web sites say it can get pretty close and it is true. It does push a little in slow corners until you get on the gas. Then it behaves. Over the bumps, it is second to none. I can feel the advantages of 137 inches. In fact, it has you longing to take it off trail and ride all the hill climbs and the single track trails you pass. It will change your riding behavior. It does hit hard coming down on the skies off a jump. I felt this a couple of times coming down the hill climbs. Gas milage and oil consumption has been better than expected. The motor is quiet and smooth. It is quick to 50mph. I like it.

The weaknesses are in the electronics. Faulty warning codes and now a speedo that is limp are are common place for this model. These issues would drive a tech head crazy. I am hoping that they are behind me.

3

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

#388, I am sure the Doo 4-tec will have a similar price tag, maybe a max of about $1k less if at all, so I don't think $$$ will be the siding factor.

I'll be watching all the reports myself. I would have to say that of all brands Ski-Doo and Yamaha are the only two I'll be considering at this point in time.

Maybe we can get a 2-fer DEAL next season.

#10

p.s. you coming up riding Pres. day?

Sarge 388 · Sasquatch

I might as well give my 2 cents as well #10. Last season, I rode the e-tec as well as the 4-tec. By now everyone knows I'm a 4 stroke guy and will probably never go back...however, #3's sled would be the only 2 stroke I would ever consider. It was a dream to ride. I've always loved the positive steering of the Doo's and this years sled felt alot stronger than last years demo ride. The new seating position puts you in a quad like stance...maybe even higher. The stock rear skid soaks up the bumps better than my aftermarket AD boivin IMO. I love the gauge package even though the speedo was broken? It does take getting used to coming off the throttle, the motor settles down very quickly and gives you the "did I just hit the kill switch?". Being built like a Sasquatch and 6'3", the bars indeed would need to be higher. I loved the sled if you couldn't tell, my only drawback is ski doos reputation for motors and the lack of HP's. Being fair though, coming off a raped ape Yamaha 4 stroke, it would be hard to match the torque you feel when hitting the happy flipper. Considering Yamaha just came out with a slightly newer Apex for 11' and a 13k plus price tag, I will keep my fingers crossed for the much anticipated 1200HO 4-tec from SkiDoo in 11'. If that sled comes out, I will most likely be on a Doo for the 1st time in my sledding career.

Caboose · Bitch Rider

#10 et all,

Speaking of trailers....is yours functional, registered and safe?

Mine is a solid 2 out of 3 and should be used as a last resort.

While I'm on the subject... who is in for a Monday ride at Groveton?

I am still available to leave either Sunday or Monday. I figure 200 Miles up and around the Connecticut Lakes to the Canadian Border and back.

I called the Polaris Dealership in Lancaster and they are open for NH registrations on Monday at 7:00am so I will have to stop briefly.

#7

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

Thanks Guys! I've been very curious but great to hear all the positive news.
Hopefully next season they'll be a new baby in my trailer.

#10

Johnny Rotten · WPR God

First, kudos to #3 for solid purchase. Riding the new gear from the different factories is a big plus from this club. Also a big thank you to #3 for his generosity letting each take a rip on a 2010 machine.

Ski-Doo has set the standard, there can be no doubt. All other manufacturers are working to catch up. I have only read about Polaris' latest effort, and I have not ridden the newest A/C chassis but hear it is very good. The only other factory (imo) that is in the ballgame is Yamaha. We all know they are now working on weight and suspension to try and catch up.

The XP/eTec combination is now the gold standard in modern snowmobiling. They should have saved the CK designation for this setup because it is truly a Competition Killer! The Renegade crossover rear suspension was everything I had hoped for in a skid. Great traction, stablility, no bottoming, not as "agile" as the F7 suspension but they are a different class of sled, but still quick to turn, corner and run flat out. I agree w/ #7 that the "braking" effect of coming off the throttle needed to be learned, but once taken into consideration it is a very comfortable and predictable characteristic.

What impressed me most was the way the front suspension handled the corner stutter bumps. You would feel a series of dull thuds but unless you focused on it, the sled would simply track straight through the corner wherever you aimed it. None of the harshness came through to the seat or handlebars.

As the Pres states, the gas mileage (loved watching him skip fill-ups a la #388) and never even a concern for oil throughout the trip (even during break-in period) absolutely made me jealous. This is a 2-stroke folks. Yamaha has work to do. There is only defense is the long term maintenance, but as they continue to shave weight and eek out performance, we will see if all that work will jeapordize long term reliability. Ski-Doo did most of the work with electronics and programming and a few very fancy sensors. If those are tough or are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace with a good diagnostics tool, they have beat the band.

I am accostomed to a warm sled, it was never particularly frigid during this trip so I would need to rethink my apperal as #2 has stated even though #3 took steps to add protection the wind hits you right in the chest. Love the sit/stand transition and the firm seat. #7 is spot on that you could ride this sled forever and not get worn out. I love that #3 removed all the gaudy SD graphics leaving only the well done engine designation decal. I believe I would have left the bogie wheels but actually the unintended "bead-blasted" look of the black/yellow I think looks excellent. Plus its now the only sled like it. That gets good points. I can imagine other SD young guns thinking - damn, I want that look.

So well done #3, this is the sled it was going to take to get you off the Star. You waited for it, you recognized it when you saw it, and you pulled the trigger. I cannot find fault and would not pretend to say otherwise to defend brand loyatly. To the victor go the spoils.

One of the highlights of the trip was to see #3 take up the reigns of Trail Boss again. Just wish he would use his communicator more when leading (#3, you just speak into the little microphone, its that little black thing in front of your lips).

Awesome! #10, you could not possibly not love this new Ski-Doo!
#5

Caboose · Bitch Rider

My 2 cents on #3's

I rode it through some of the toughest bumps on the trip near Passion. It handled them like a Lexus. I found it to be extremely well designed. The traction products he added made you feel safe at any speed you want. I had never ridden a long track before and loved it.

I was comfortable going full speed immediately. You ride up high like you are on a bar stool (is there a place I'm more comfortable?). 1 inch handlebar riser might help.

The engine was fast and responsive. In my estimation faster than my 800. When you let off the gas the engine sound like you accidently hit the kill switch. It's like it's trying to shut down. Maybe that's part of the efficiency savings.

Overall, clearly, the nicest sled I've ever ridden. It was amazing how I went fast and hard into the corners immediately. You could ride this 300 miles 3 days in a row and be fine on this one. Sledding is becoming too easy.

Strange note, the reverse button doubles as the electric start switch???

The 1200 will be 90lbs heavier than the E-Tec so plan on that.

#7

Pres · Tag Hgugr

# 10... Here are my (# 2's) observations of the 2009 Skidoo Renegade etec 600 Ho

I was blessed to get what seemed to be 5 to 10 mile jaunt. The renegade was a fun treat during the 14th annual trip. All members had there turn during the trip to ride this fun new toy. # 3 was off the trail more this trip than probably all other trips combined.

I never once thought about the long and wider track, it just felt normal. Steering was positive, this sled did what it was told with no surprises. The steering was a little heavy @ really slow speed, but then again my sled had the same characteristic as i was searching for that ideal set up. The front and rear Suspension felt very plush with plenty of reserve for that big hit. Bottoming out does not seem to be an option.

The etec motor was very familiar 4500 rpms and up, The motor much smother below 4500 rpm's as compared to my carbed 600 ho unless the temps are 15 degrees F. The outstanding gas consumption of 22 real mpg...vrs my 10mpg just blows me away.

# 3 just needs to install a stop sign(tall windshield) and he will have one sweet ride that i can only dream to own some day.

# 2

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

Thanks! I was eyeing a GSX in Red with the longer track too.

I have been very curious of #3's report or response on the new ride, I am excided to hear about, very interested to have a discussion about the longer track from someone I know that rides like we do and thier opinion for our type of trails and riding.

#3, looking for your Magazine like response write up of your thoughts....

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Bob's Ski Doo in Easton has a 2010 GSX 1200 in the showroom in white for $9999. It is truely awesome to look at and sit on.

You have to try #3's E-Tec Renegade, it's really different in a good way. I think you'll end up going with the longer track after you try his out.

#7

WPR10 · Senior WPR Member

GSX 1200, Nice! .....my next sled.....

Caboose · Bitch Rider

That white sled is the brand new ski doo 1200 GSX that we saw when we were leaving the Holiday Inn. I bet anything that is the same guy.

http://www.quebecrider.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1198&st=100

Caboose · Bitch Rider

Look at all the snow they have!!!

Caboose · Bitch Rider

This is a post from Quebecrider.com from Saguenay Bill's running thread from 1/29/2010.

«It snowed over night, woke this morning to what must have been 50 mph winds and the sound of plows in the Holiday Inn parking lot. Farmerold, 182Ray and I headed out at 9 30 AM toward Claremont. About 40 miles out stopped for a moment and some sleds stopped and joined us. It was SnowTrails Television from Michigan. They put us on camera and interviewed us, great bunch of guys. Yes, the three of us will be on the Cover of The Rolling Stones!
Approaching Claremont, we decided to go the extra dozen miles to the Castle-Casino and have lunch. WOW, what a place! We had a three course meal that was huge and out of this world for $15.50. This place is grand and huge, you ve got to see it yourself. They don t grow buildings like that in Maine.
As for trail conditions, well, a perfect 10 would be too low a score. Winter has returned. There was up to a foot of new snow in some areas. It was smooth and packed from sled traffic. Trees were white. Fluffy white stuff was blowing all around us. We are right back to where we were before the rain, although I can t speak for all trails, just the ones I were on today for about 250 miles. It was perfection. We met lots of groomers out today also. Had some drifting in fields on the way back, but the drifts were soft.
All of you impatient souls who left when it rained, come back. You erred on the side of impatience.
Mike

Just our luck with the rain. Maybe next season we'll have more luck with the snow.

#7