Just putting out a feeler for others around here and maybe set up a Snowmobile meet. I live in Thorp (Ellensburg) and do a lot of riding out of the Taneum campground. I’d like to get more familiar with the Snoqualmie Pass area so maybe something up there? I don’t have a machine set up for any hardcore backcountry stuff, just looking for some spirited trail riding and such.

 

I’ve got a few extra snowmobiles and a 4 place trailer, if somebody without a machine wanted to come up.

 

Gary

I don't live around there but what type of sled do you ride?I am always interested in snowmachines also.

I don't live around there but what type of sled do you ride?I am always interested in snowmachines also.

 

Mostly old junk and we're pretty much Artic Cat people here, between my Dad and I we've got a collection going, and since he and Mom are off long haul truckin I get to ride whatever I want. :-p

 

Current list of runners:

'74 AC Panther 440 F/C

'81 Kawasaki Invader 440 L/C (heavy mods)

'86 AC El Tigre 6000 530 L/C

'87 AC Cougar 500 F/C

'94 Polaris Indy 500 EFI

'95 AC Cougar 550 L/C

'96 AC EXT Powder Special 580 L/C

 

Wating in the wings:

'69 AC Panther JLO/Rockwell 440

'75 AC Panther 295 Wankel Rotory

 

I'm planing on spending most of my time on the '96 Powder Special 580 this season, but that old Kawasaki and my '86 El T 530 have very fond places in my heart and I'm sure they'll get a spin or two. I love the looks I get passin people up on trail hotdoggin my old junk.

 

Gary

Sweet! I like old school stuff too,but have had quite a bit of newer ones though. The first machine I modified was a 1980 Kawasaki Drifter 340cc F/A.Ported both cylinders and shaved the heads a bit.Was alot of fun for such a small machine. I really want an old rotary/wankel sled.That one that you have in the works sound really cool.Not too many around.

I have some vintage Skidoos and some newer ones...

 

I've found that the old TNT 340's are faster (acceleration) than the newer sleds.

 

Too bad they're not collectors items...

Yeah, the Kawasaki Invader is the most powerful 440 I’ve ever ridden, the engine pretty much stock and runs 9000rpm all day. I put some lower gears in it that move the peak power closer to trail speed, lost a little top end but pulls out of the corners like a monster. I spread the skis 4” to help it go fast through the twisties (my fav) and rolled the rear suspension out of the tunnel about 6” to get the track down in the deeper stuff.

 

My brother had an old Skidoo single cylinder machine, we called it the “Bumble Bee”, all boogie wheels and chugged along like a little tractor. We also had a Scorpion Bull Whip 440 that scared the crap outta me, you better be hanging on when you launched it.

 

Gary

Gary-

 

I don't have a snowmobile but I'd love to go riding sometime with you. I'm on the west side of 90 but am always looking for good reasons to cross the passes.

 

-chris

I don't live anywhere near there, but I'm glad to hear about others interested in snowmachining. The Powder Special 580 is a good machine...pretty much started the mountain sled category, which I'm very thankful for. I'm a sucker for the old sleds too. I have the most fun on my 79 Yamaha Enticer 300 (like the one in my avatar). The thing is so light, and has surprising pickup for a little single-carb twin. If you happen to know where I could get a secondary clutch for it, that'd be great, as the one on there is toast. I also ride a 98 Yamaha Phazer Mountain Lite, which is nearly as much fun as the 79. I enjoy the challenge of keeping up with my buddies' 800s on my little Phazer.

 

Here's some pics of where I usually ride at (no, none of them are me...I'm too much of a chicken and don't have the money to be contstantly breaking my sled):

http://yukonpowderhounds.com/photos/2004-04-10_haines_summit.html

Hey Chris, have you done any Snowmobiling before? If you promise to treat it kindly I'm sure I could lend ya a machine. If I set anything up I'll let ya know.

 

Looks like we should have good snow by this weekend, I'd like to take machines out for a first season shake down (and the kids are buggin to get up there), but moneys real tight before Christmas and I'm not sure I can afford the extra fuel right now.

 

Gary

Hey Chris, have you done any Snowmobiling before? If you promise to treat it kindly I'm sure I could lend ya a machine. If I set anything up I'll let ya know.

 

Looks like we should have good snow by this weekend, I'd like to take machines out for a first season shake down (and the kids are buggin to get up there), but moneys real tight before Christmas and I'm not sure I can afford the extra fuel right now.

 

Gary

 

Gary-

 

I have been snowmobiling before. But it's been a few years.

 

Sounds like you're as busy as me for the rest of the year. Maybe we can touch base in Jan and se how the snow's been.

 

-chris