How To: Build a sled on a Budget

[@nombr]

I really like how you are just giving advise here and not necessarily trying to sell a certain product. Good on you Dan!

[@curtisbush9630]

Thank you for this. It makes me feel better about my setup. Working on a tight budget still getting out to ride. Great channel keep it up!

[@reekinhavok420]

I'm still on a 2005 153 m7 lol I'm cheap though

[@Stevenjweber]

This is the most effective way to sell, you can’t make it overly selfishly obvious. Right?

[@Dexter1867-z5z]

Awesome advice. After riding last weekend I had myself talked into getting something brand new (doesn’t help when your riding partners are all on the latest and greatest). Instead I decided on just updating what I have currently, and tailoring it for me and what I want and need, and saving a boat load.

[@bobthemagicman]

I really look forward to Mondays because of these videos. Another great one, thanks Dan & Next Level team!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Glad you like them!

[@olavnordstoga4774]

Just wanted to add in on the appreciation. Your techniques videos has really helped in a big way to get started as a newbie. Also, I enjoy all your videos, as you're very good at presenting and explaining stuff. Many thanks.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thank you for the kind words. Really appreciate the support it means a lot.

[@arusteddevelopment658]

Gold on the compression test advice! Love the videos

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching

[@kylel5801]

It was good meeting you in Finley, ND on Wednesday. Enjoy your videos and advice

[@rossmckenzie544]

Thank you for this vid. Just picked up a 2013 m1100 turbo 162”that has only 900 miles on it (near mint)from a dealership in Utah that was on consignment and brought it back to Bozeman,MT.I gathered as much info as I could about the previous owner. He did a pipe and stage two turbo upgrade. So maybe 210 hp? But I got it as budget sled for 5k after beating them down from 6.5k. That being said, thanks for all the insight. I now know exactly how to set this sled up for me. Keep em’ coming!!

[@MultiGnarbar]

Such an awesome channel for a new rider. Much appreciated. Let it snow

[@justforlaughs8988]

Dude I love your channel man I just currently finished building my sled from the ground up I took an IQR chassis I pulled the 440 race motor out found 800 motorand completely built that from the ground up add dropped it in I setup my clutching put a fresh pair of C&A pros on went through the gearbox and all the gaskets,bearings and seals how to custom pipe made for it put some new vforce 3 reeds on it and the new track this thing is a monster I forgot to mention I also datastage to port and polished job but what a huge difference next year I might throw 163 3 inch paddle skid in it and I have been trying out some turbo kits I would really love to get in the the mountains but I absolutely loved making things your own keep up everything you're doing I love it!!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thats awesome buddy, sounds like a rad project. Definitely agree that its super cool to make things your own. Built not Bought.

[@justforlaughs8988]

@@NextLevelRidingClinics what would you recommend for a turbo kit? Have you had experience with any other companies besides boondockers kit you have on your beast of a sled?

[@mmardell9262]

Thank you for showing this! I have a used sled and now I know what to look for.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Tuchodi8004]

Old video but good. Is my old 2014 cat m8000 too old to keep and add power and try and ride with current 2023 sleds ?

[@DemopVWgarage]

great advice Dan, just so people know you can have a sled long term and still have it in great condition. My 2011 assault has 3600 miles on it and the tracks almost perfect.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thats awesome buddy, thanks for watching

[@johnvandiest9319]

I have a 17 Pro 800 that I just bought rear fox coilovers for. Hoping all the hype on premium shocks is real because they cost a fortune. Also great vids man, keep it up!!!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Good suspension definitely makes a big difference. Thanks for watching

[@lucahoganyt4435]

If you really want a budget mountain sled, Arctic Cat. A procross chassis M800 is usually under $5k CAD now for an older one, the motors are super tough, there's an abundance of aftermarket parts and upgrades, the geometry is pretty good from the factory, they can handle turbo kits, twin pipes, single pipes, they're very easy to tune if you know how to use dynojet software, and even though those sleds have dropped in value a lot, they've plateau'd over the last few years and for the most part you could actually recoup your investment of aftermarket parts if you go to sell it. Or if you want even cheaper, you can find an old firecat chassis M8 or M7, throw a solid single pipe on it, maybe some upgraded front suspension parts and it's good to go

[@waynepriest6403]

Good job Dan - While there are many that love to dream about the elite level of sleds and custom works, most on the snow have limited resources and/or budgets. Thank you for speaking to the "masses". When you held up your low handle bars, I remembered from the past, you talked of cutting them down in width (and sort of hinted at it in this video - but didn't say it). [Granted, I was looking/listening for it]. Pls share the why's and how to figure out how much to cut, or determine to leave as orig. I'm assuming this has to do with personally rider ergos, but that's the end of my understanding. Thank you !

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

It really comes to rider size and personal preference but we like to cut 1" of each end of the handlebar.

[@mikeshoultz1989]

Another great video 👍🏼 You should do a video on how to get the very most out of stock shocks. For those of us who don’t want or can’t afford different shocks. From Monotubes on up.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

We did a video on that exact topic last winter. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnS6p6mrgN2fp6s

[@troyemery9888]

another gr8 video >Dan...much appreciated

[@kevinskalicky393]

Great video Dan!

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks Kevin

[@i2rtw]

Great vid, Dan! Clutch spring and the rubber bushings in the skis isn’t something I ever think about. Concerning spark plugs, at only a few dollars per machine, might as well replace them every year.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

For sure, thanks for watching.

[@lukealdrich4780]

Wow, these videos are great, very informative! 👍🏼 stoked, thx.

[@matthewjohnson9824]

All good advice Dan. I just signed the paperwork this morning on a carry over 2020 800 163. It was little over 11k - that is a lot of sled for the money especially for my riding skills. I can't justify 15 - 16k this season. I can now add a couple of bags, can, tether and durapros and still have a ton less money than if I bought a 21 850.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Congrats on the new sled, thats a great machine. Hope this video helped with some mod ideas.

[@Swanslayer]

so excited just got a 2017 polaris axys rmk 800 pro

[@jered450]

Appreciate this video. Trying to decide if I want to sell my current and purchase newer or just upgrade my 2012 to do what I want it too

[@JacobLAChristenson]

I got an old ultra got for free and decided to build it oldschool. I've hot less than 2,000 into it here is a list of parts 163 track actual M10 suspension with air shocks fox air shocks used and rebuilt up front Skinz seat mountain fit hood light weight trailing arms suspension light weight brake rotor 800 xcr cylinders and pipes drop and roll tyson chain case and much more fun build. Love buying on a budget great way to get into mountain riding at a fraction of new.

[@peterwalter5106]

Very informative love the vids man

[@Parker565]

Hey Dan was wondering if you’ve gotten any seat time with the IceAge elevate spindles for the axys? Looking at a set for my 163 Khaos.

[@dylanjoyal9257]

Awesome video

[@cherb23]

My dad got a 2019 pro rmk 155 3 inch snowcheck in that lime yellow color they have for 14200 canadian dollars. He rode it for like 60 miles and sold it to me for 10000 canadian so im very happy with it. The reason he sold it to me so cheap is he knows i'll keep it for 20 years at least. I have 400 miles on it now so i'm hoping it runs like a old arctic cat.

[@jonsoderkvist]

Thanks for all the great content. I've been mountain riding for only two seasons and during that time I've learned a lot about how I want my sled mostly when it comes to ergonomics but also clutching. Suspension I'm not so sure. (I have a 2018 Pro RMK 155) I haven't touched the rear chocks and the front chocks I usually ride with them on the softest setting since it helps me when side hilling. What is the gain to switch out the adjustable Walker Evans chocks that came stock?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching Jon, first thing I would recommend is to watch this suspension setup video to get some tips on how to setup your stock shocks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnS6p6mrgN2fp6s

[@jonsoderkvist]

@@NextLevelRidingClinics I should probably service my shocks is the first thing I'm taking with me from watching that video. Thanks again.

[@bradclarke6016]

i feel attacked every time someone suggests narrowing up my assault! good video dan

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

We love our narrow front ends but they aren't for every riding style and terrain. If you are happy with yours the way it is keep doing your thing and rock it as is.

[@let_it_ride9216]

Narrowed mine and I trail ride upper Michigan had monster performance do the front shocks I love it I will never ride a wide sled again

[@bradclarke6016]

@@let_it_ride9216 there are benifits both ways. In my opinion i can sacrafice a bit more effort into riding for the added big bump resistance. more travel. Added resistance to paneling out ect. However the be penalty is often in those real right trees. give and take

[@tchevy75]

So budget minded!! Would you start with a pro chassis or axys chassis? Is there that much difference?

[@JADC48]

Hi Dan, thanks for the awesome video. When looking at a used sled, how many miles do you think is too many?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thats a really hard one to answer. It really depends on how it has been ridden, maintained and stored.

[@jordanlittle5391]

Look at what that sled usually has on it when dead iv seen 600 liberty's die at 4500 and some go to 6500 so if your paying alot and it has 3800 you might not make the whole season on the other hand if seen rx1's with 50000miles that run great and the chassis is dead

[@thatbigblock7007]

I like new sleds, but I have a 2000 700 rmk 136, and has slp full exhaust, jetted, clutched, slp head, hotseat 50-34 helix, and I only have 2,500 into it and it’s a blast

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thats awesome buddy. Keep shredding have a great winter.

[@bobthemagicman]

Hey, can someone explain to me the clutch kit comment Dan made? I don't understand why you would change your clutch kit based on elevation? Air/fuel ratio makes sense to me but not the clutch. Thanks!

[@Fatonzzz]

The sled loses power as it goes up in elevation, even with perfect air/fuel compensation. Clutching is about getting all the available engine power into the track and holding your engine at the rpm that equals peak HP when the throttle is held open. On my sled that rpm is around 8300rpm. Too heavy weights at elevation and the engine may not rev high enough. Use mountain weights at sea level and your engine will over rev.

[@bobthemagicman]

@@Fatonzzz That makes total sense. Thanks!

[@ericwolf2903]

I just want a trail sled that is going to be cheap but I'd like to have a higher suspension I don't want to go to Old but I don't want to spend a lot of money. I like Polaris and I like skidoos I don't know what year I should buy when it comes to having enough height for trails that might be a little rougher. Can you give me some suggestions? I really wouldn't mind having a 2010 or little bit and newer. I love the way you explain stuff in your videos also

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching Eric. Thats a tough one to answer, I would do some research on local classifieds to see what fits with your budget. On the suspension side as we said getting your stock suspension serviced is going to be money well spent.

[@danielware4316]

If your looking for a front end for an older axys, try the t-rex fab. There great and there dirt cheap.

[@codyherbert608]

this guy is fire with the low handlebars! cant stress that enough! Gotta be able to shift your weight. I swear Dan is an older version of myself, ive been trying to convince my buddies of all these cheap little add-ons as ive been running them for a couple years. my old 2017 axys 800 154 might not be the biggest, baddest machine on the hill but im so comfortable on, i can go anywhere the big 4 stroke 270hp can and still play in the trees, jump, have all-around fun on... simply because ive built it to work for me

[@billallen4793]

Plus all you need to do is put a hairdryer on it and have 250hp and still run pump gas, or more on race gas ⛽️, nitrous oxide can be fun but having such a limited supply on-board, and fckng with n02 bottles is a pain in the a$$! ..from Wyoming USA 🇺🇸 🤠

[@sledstorm4703]

The prices for used sleds in USA is so good compared to us in Norway. Because of taxes and such, a 2016 axis 800 in 2022 is 10.000$😯 New 2022 matrix slash starts at 22500$😵‍💫

[@Matticus1701]

Do you prefer the slp comp can or the slp regular can?

[@ericwolf2903]

Thank you for the reply

[@Russellgallelli]

What about timing keys to increase HP? To risky or just make sure you get good fuel and high enough octane ?

[@gtiguy1992able]

Got a 2010 Polaris assault 800, for 700 bucks but needed the mtntk fix kit and new cylinders so I’m out 1800 on it

[@projectswithbrent1206]

Bruh, I bought a 250$ sled...The thing runs AMAZING

[@goshdarnitman]

Love how bike guys have turbo busa culture and our sled culture is more laid back lol

[@rockymtnpursuit]

What are your thoughts on Kurt’s gear down kit? Worth the money?

[@danielware4316]

They really help you tack up better. It makes a pretty significant difference.

[@luminalaztec919]

Oh KSL what a great Utah treasure.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

haha no doubt

[@Xfactor7430]

Where can I try a snowmobile..? When corona restrictions are gone ofcourse🙂 I'm from Denmark, Scandinavia.

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

A big factor i look for in any used toy is where its stored. IN DOORS ALWAYS... anything stored out in the sun and rain and or uncovered I would avoid. You don't want weather getting in your throttle cable or sun rotting the seat or water getting into switches and wiring harness. Even sleds trailered on salted highways uncovered are probably the worst. Calcium they treat roads with is salt water brine. Very corrosive stuff. I haul it sometimes in a tanker. Aweful stuff.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thats a really good point. Sun and moisture definitely take their toll on a machine. Thanks for watching.

[@crodles]

are you going to install 4" bars?

[@blackoutt5272]

I ride an m8 16 and the OEM elements go out way to often! Do you think I could switch to another brands elements or do you have any suggestions on after market?

[@taylorreid1739]

what are elements

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

We don't have any specific experience with Arctic Cat's but we can say that typically OEM hand warmers work well. So unless there's a really compelling reason to change to aftermarket we would simply replace the warmers.

[@hrshy491777]

I have an 03 Ski Doo Legend that I wanna do a complete rebuild eventually. Anyone know what I could do?

[@craigauten1662]

What should be my first upgrade on a new sled ?

[@boser1212]

Get your bars at the correct height and storage. Not much is more important than having what you need with you ridding.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Here a few tips to get it set-up kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHTTnquGe81jjac

[@donnieburns6164]

Thank you.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks for watching

[@Cody-ye3ye]

Where can I find used sleds I’m finding it hard to find used snowmobile

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

It really depends on your area. In the West, KSL and Mountain Sledder Swapmeet on Facebook are the best resources we have found.

[@graysonjudd6634]

Kinda wish I had seen this when I bought for the first time 2 years ago. Though looking back that was a full impulse buy and it probably wouldn't have helped.

[@sylfix2680]

tethers aren't stock on all snowmobiles?...

[@samuelfink1619]

my question: benefits from air shocks to oil shocks?

[@danielware4316]

All shocks have oil. Stock suspension has a spring, air shocks use compressed air instead. On a fox air shock you have more adjustablity, better bottom resistance, and they have more agressive valving.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Air shocks are typically lighter and with the air spring you can easily change the spring rate for different weight riders. Coil spring shocks are an overall simpler setup and require less maintenance.

[@kurtdavis2927]

What is your recommended procedure for doing a compression check

[@carson.608]

Disconnect the coils from both spark plugs, remove one spark plug and screw in the compression tester until its tight enough to seal, then hold the throttle wide open and pull it over 5-10 times and read the gauge. Repeat this for the other side of the engine but be sure to put the spark plug back in on the already tested side to avoid making a mess of fuel.

[@coldsmoker9387]

I'd like to see a budget pro Ryde complete build

[@robtucker856]

Hey Dan, awesome channel, huge huge respect I've been watching you ride since the wedge chassis in the early slednecks movies when I was a kid. I have a 2015 Pro RMK 800 155 on the Pro Ride chassis and with the Khaos being released I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to bring my old girl closer to mimicking the playfulness of these new machines without having to throw down on a new one for a few more years. So far I've tried upping my front track shock preload and lowering the rear preload but it just doesn't give me the reaction I'm looking for, which I know is the nature of these sleds. My next step is going to be trying to mount my skid in the lower holes that the assault uses. I've seen lots of kits out there for the Axys Pro RMK on trying to achieve this but nothing for the old pro rides. What are your thoughts?

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

If you havent already check out the suspension setup video we did with Jack Struthers, theres lots of good info in there on how to adjust suspension to make it more playful. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnS6p6mrgN2fp6s

[@mikegatherall3774]

Used sled - less tax ..more money for parts and gas! Don’t feel as bad when you find a tree or rock either.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

For sure. Thanks for watching Mike

[@rileyeyben87]

I’m guessing it’s time to rebuild my shocks then it has 19000 miles on it on stock motor never rebuilt

[@tystensland204]

I have an 2018 stock frount end I want a new 36 inch one Where do I send my check And I'd love some used shocks also Hook it up Dan please im up in Coeur D’Alene idaho area and snows flying

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Thanks Ty, check out www.nxtlvlshop.com/

[@shawnmclaughlin7418]

I ride 10 year old sleds that's all I ride with everybody who either buys new or it's a couple years old or they trade often and I find Myself I Don't give a shit if I Run into a tree or break a ski or break anything cause I barely put anything into it I Don't have to Wait for insurance claims I Don't have a payment alot of people Feel Really Bad that they just can't have new and Let Me tell You any 10 year old sled from today is a fantastic awesome Go Ride your ass off All Day and it'll still take your friends who have the newest and Greatest if you're a Better rider You will punish them All Day. But here's my biggest take away on 10 year old sleds you have to negotiate your tail end off because people want top dollar for there junk and you have to be savvy enough to take that $4000 price tag they want on a 10 year old sled and drop that in half that's the secret.

[@B.C.EpicExplorer]

carbides are pointless where i live we just run the wear bar and thats it.

[@flamingosaredumb7693]

Noice

[@tnort101]

Just a short PSA for everybody…. WRAPS ARE NOT MODIFICATIONS!!!!!

[@snowmobile488]

Full throttle powersports has dirt cheap leftover polaris sleds. No, i dont work there or own it.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

Good to know. Thanks for sharing

[@private_noob8449]

bro 7 grand is worth more than me i wish i could get a longtrack for like under 2k lol still looking to

[@EILevine]

As long as manufacturers keep offering 0% interest loans, I'll keep buying em new

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

:) not a bad plan. There's a lot to be said for putting the first miles on any machine.

[@Icutmetal]

@@NextLevelRidingClinics Yep; it’s definitely the way to stack the deck in your favor when it comes to “uptime.”

[@jaredgulaga8367]

For me: how to build a sled with three thousand dollars, including the price of the sled :)

[@i2rtw]

Maybe look for 700 RMK in the vertical edge chassis. You might even be able to find an 800 RMK Dragon in your price point.

[@jaredgulaga8367]

@@i2rtw thanks haha, I was kidding tho. I’d buy a M8 or a M1100 turbo before a dragon, cant imagine the old Polaris’s are all that reliable.

[@i2rtw]

@@jaredgulaga8367 The 700s are at least as good as any their vintage. There were some initial problems with the early 800s but we have two dragons still going strong.

[@aleklukacs6170]

Great video for beginners. But if you’re already into sleds and a gear head nothing helpful here

[@susanhenderson2322]

No left over old model sleds available with covid cancelling travel holidays all the dealers are sold out.

[@NextLevelRidingClinics]

We are hearing that a lot at the moment. Crazy times.

[@darrrenbetker4266]

there isv NO building on a budget.