[Bagadonitz]

Some history. My last snowmobile was a 91 Jag 340. I last rode that in probably 1995.

This past summer I picked up a mint 2000 Powder Special 700. I bought this sled in another province, Alberta. I have since moved back to sea level and after my first ride on it, I have realized that it needs a serious tuning, rejetting and new clutch parts to go with the lower altitude that the machine is not set up for. I'm afraid to ride it again until I get this all done cause it was so rich that the milage just was horrible (~60 miles out of a tank) and I'm afraid I'll toast a mint machine.

Before I spend money getting it tuned up however, I'm giving a recheck to what I want. In between time when I have had sleds, I have done a lot of sport bike riding, enduro riding and the like. I have come to love crisp handling over out right top end. Also, although only 31, I have garbage knees, and being 6'4", on the short rid I did, my knees were bend too much, for too long.

I love snowmobiling and the group I ride with includes a 07 IQ 600 Cleanfire. I don't want a Polaris, but I want that level of power and moreso that kind of handling. For that reason I'm considering looking for either an 07F6 or 07 Crossfire 600. For the adjustability, leaning more towards the F6. Riding includes everything from ditch banging, trails, lakes to powder when we can find it. Being out of the game so long, would I be disappointed in the "performance" oriented F6 LXR or should I be looking at the "hybrid" Crossfire? Or should I get the clutch parts, rejet it, throw a reverse kit at the PS 700 and be happy with it and wait to see what next year brings with the new chassis in other model lines?

The snow is awsome here now and I know I could easily get what I paid for the PS 700 so it would be a good time for me to get rid of it (either trade in or private sale).

Decisions, decisions.

 

[g1lby]

I would go with the F8SP and blow them away.

 

[Bagadonitz]

800 is so much more then I need (from a ride and payment standpoint ;-) )

 

[dewalt17]

I have a F6 coming off an '06 X-fire 600. They are both AWESOME sleds but I prefer my F6. Where the X-fire shines is in the deeper snow and it's light weight feel. But everywhere else, give me my F6, this new chassis is the real deal!!!

 

[Redd]

Bagadonitz: I went to the new F series for the sole purpose of the ergonomics. I have bad knees and hips and probably should be giving the sport up, but am too stubborn to do so. It has not disappointed me so far. The riding position is excellant. Since you are 6'4" and have bad knees, I think you would find it very comfortable as well. It is a very natural riding position. You instantly feel comfortable with the machine, almost as if you have been riding it for thousands of miles. It handles the ruff stuff very nicely. Almost like floating on a cloud. It puts a smile on my face every time.

Get rid of the Powder Special. You will never get it to where you want it. It is meant for the steep and deep and will be difficult to turn into a good trail machine. Even at it's best, the new F Chassis has made it obsolete by a huge margin. If you can sell it, now is the time.

As far as which F to get? I have an F5 and I am perfectly content with the power, but for me that is barely even a consideration. If it will go 60 MPH I am happy. It will do 75 plus, so I'm good to go in that respect. I considered an F6, but for the extra $1400.00 Canadian, I couldn't see the point. What would I do with the extra power anyway? Why anyone would want more then an F6 for trail riding, totally boggles my mind. But that's just me. I respect others need for speed!

I guess the other thing you need to consider is whether you want to take a chance on a first years model. As I am sure you have read, there is lots of room for improvement, but there always is. I am becoming more comfortable with my machines little personality traits. It is mostly because it is new and I am not familiar with it. I have not had any serious problems yet, but then again there are only 70 miles on it. Time will tell.

You should be able to get a ride on one. That will help make up your mind real fast. If you are not serious about buying one, DON'T ride one.

Good Luck Redd

 

[Bagadonitz]

Well I'm going to hold off on the reverse kit for the PS but I will replace the clutch parts and rejet it and get it tuned up as recommended. I wouldn't be able to sell it in good conscience without doing so anyways.

I went and looked at the F's today while ordering the necessary parts and I still want the F6 but being in the middle of building a new house, I can't justify the quid right now. I love the look of it so much I wouldn't even sit on it as I wouldn't be able to resist. The dealer knows what I'm like and came out and tossed me the keys to the F8SP out in the yard to take for the day but I wouldn't do that either. LOL.

Appointment made for tune up at great back yard mechanic for Saturday morning. That'll give me Saturday night and Sunday to see how I feel on the PS with it runnign properly. Then I can reaccess. The crazy part is, when I bought the PS, despite getting a great deal, I really bought it because the wife wasn't warm to the idea of me plonking down for a new one (the seasons here are hit and miss - might be perfect, might not get a ride some winters). She went along with the PS purchase. After complaining a bit about the PS, she told me today to go buy the new one. About 20 minutes after I had talked myself out of it. At any rate, I'll give the PS a few more runs. If it becomes acceptable after a tune up I'll throw the reverse kit at it, if not, it gets a forsale sign put on it lickey split and I make payments on the F6 for 5 years, with 2 months riding season each if I'm lucky ;-)