Chuck403
Active member
The better half and I decided to give snowmobiling a whirl this winter. Didn't want to go new in case the sport wasn't for us. Scoured Kijiji, and came across 2 Mountain Max 700's. Even though they are ancient ('97 & '99) they have been very good to us. We knew we liked the sport, and we're going to buy new machines for next year.
We stopped in at different dealerships for a look-see at what they had, what the machines actually looked like in person vs online pictures, sit on them to see how they felt, etc. Terrible service from the sales guy at skidoo. Once he found out we weren't buying until next year he pretty much dismissed us. We weren't worth his time I guess.
Checked a Polaris dealer out. Sales Dept was much better, he took the time to point out oodles of things on their machines, answer questions, and even though he knew we would not be buying for months yet, stayed till after closing never trying to rush us out so he could leave. Props to him for that.
Next stop was Yamaha. I have been a life long Yamaha fan. From an old IT 400, dirt bike, 2 old 2 stroke 175 cc trikes, 2 old 200 cc 4 stroke trikes, a Kodiak 450, and our current Grizzly's never a problem with any of them. (Dirt bike and trikes didn't have an easy life. Young, no fear, or common sense, and they kept on ticking day after day).
I was scared away from the Yamaha sleds though. Horror stories of the weight, and the MSRP online were what did it. More researching, a realistic look of the riding we will be doing, and of course, the Yamaha reliability reputation I stepped through the dealers doors. First sled I see is a 2016 Viper MTD black with gold trim. Gorgeous machine. Next I see the price tag. I about hit the floor. $9500 written on a neon piece of paper taped to the hood. Once again talking with the sales guy, first thing we told him was we were looking for next year. Didn't phase him a bit. Answered all our questions, showed us everything, we arrived there near the end of their business day, and while we were talking to the sales guy, lights started getting turned off in the Parts Dept. and other areas of the showroom. He said don't worry about that, I have keys to lock up after we're done. Take all the time you need.
After some more looking, talking, we decided screw it, let's go for it. filled out the credit application, and on our way lol. As we are both beginners, that sled, bone stock is more than we would ever need right now. I then had a light bulb moment. instead of buying a competitor's 600cc machine, getting good enough on it to upgrade to an 800 someday, and forking out big coin for another new sled in a few years when upgrade time comes, buy this Yamaha, and when the time comes where I feel I'm wanting more jam, I'm only out ~3k ish for a turbo vs 15k for a new 800.
Brought them home yesterday. Now just praying like crazy for some snow to get out there and have some fun. We lost our snow here a couple weeks ago with chinooks, and rain.
No reviews to give yet. They loaded up into the truck and trailer nice, sound nice, and look nice. lol. Hopefully some seat time comes quick.
We stopped in at different dealerships for a look-see at what they had, what the machines actually looked like in person vs online pictures, sit on them to see how they felt, etc. Terrible service from the sales guy at skidoo. Once he found out we weren't buying until next year he pretty much dismissed us. We weren't worth his time I guess.
Checked a Polaris dealer out. Sales Dept was much better, he took the time to point out oodles of things on their machines, answer questions, and even though he knew we would not be buying for months yet, stayed till after closing never trying to rush us out so he could leave. Props to him for that.
Next stop was Yamaha. I have been a life long Yamaha fan. From an old IT 400, dirt bike, 2 old 2 stroke 175 cc trikes, 2 old 200 cc 4 stroke trikes, a Kodiak 450, and our current Grizzly's never a problem with any of them. (Dirt bike and trikes didn't have an easy life. Young, no fear, or common sense, and they kept on ticking day after day).
I was scared away from the Yamaha sleds though. Horror stories of the weight, and the MSRP online were what did it. More researching, a realistic look of the riding we will be doing, and of course, the Yamaha reliability reputation I stepped through the dealers doors. First sled I see is a 2016 Viper MTD black with gold trim. Gorgeous machine. Next I see the price tag. I about hit the floor. $9500 written on a neon piece of paper taped to the hood. Once again talking with the sales guy, first thing we told him was we were looking for next year. Didn't phase him a bit. Answered all our questions, showed us everything, we arrived there near the end of their business day, and while we were talking to the sales guy, lights started getting turned off in the Parts Dept. and other areas of the showroom. He said don't worry about that, I have keys to lock up after we're done. Take all the time you need.
After some more looking, talking, we decided screw it, let's go for it. filled out the credit application, and on our way lol. As we are both beginners, that sled, bone stock is more than we would ever need right now. I then had a light bulb moment. instead of buying a competitor's 600cc machine, getting good enough on it to upgrade to an 800 someday, and forking out big coin for another new sled in a few years when upgrade time comes, buy this Yamaha, and when the time comes where I feel I'm wanting more jam, I'm only out ~3k ish for a turbo vs 15k for a new 800.
Brought them home yesterday. Now just praying like crazy for some snow to get out there and have some fun. We lost our snow here a couple weeks ago with chinooks, and rain.
No reviews to give yet. They loaded up into the truck and trailer nice, sound nice, and look nice. lol. Hopefully some seat time comes quick.