Reviving 50 YEAR OLD Vintage Snowmobile !! (TWIN TRACK CONCEPT VEHICLE)

[@JeremyRhydes]

Name the greatest vintage snowmobile ever down below!! And let us know what we should do with this thing!!

[@joshuahuber9090]

75 skidoo 245rv

[@MrGlobbyOllie710]

75 Pantera .. 88 polaris indy classic 400

[@brandonpettipas-elkins5062]

1990 Polaris Indy 500

[@johnr1361]

Yamaha enticer

[@jeremy9467]

Scorpion 440 range whip

[@jimdaniels3542]

I had one of those as a kid. Mine had the ccw 400 on it. Tillotson HD or HR carb depending what engine you had. They were fun, dangerous but fun

[@letters2elliott461]

we had one too...seems so small now...but it was like a high tech rocket back in late 70's

[@greggory448]

Looks like they didn't turn to good

[@CoinsAndCapsaicin]

@@greggory448 no old snowmobile turns very well. Pretty wide turn radius on the majority. At least from my own experience, anyway.

[@lydiafithian5543]

AW man, that brings back memories!! My dad had a dealership that sold these along with Skidoo and Polaris. I don't remember the engine size but that thing had power and speed. If you check the front ski for rods, that changed the turning ability to turn on a dime! You need better rods on the skis for that! I really wonder how many are still around? Thanks for the trip down memory lane! Loved that machine!

[@Siggrim]

Not many, they command an enormous sum for running ones in alot of places. My Dad and I had a huge Vintage Mercury Sled collection with some prototype models from the 50s. The enthusiast market for those is filled with collectors who are in their 50s-80s with some cash to burn. Couple things to note, Swap Meets are a great way to get ahold of parts for these. and talking to the guy who knows a guy who knows a guy, usually gets you to a barn in the middle of some woods filled with treasures.

[@JeffBrazier836]

The 34 TT was a 340. The 44TT was a 440. They were CCW engines.

[@matsjohansson3645]

Skidoo Alpine, Aktiv Snotric Ockelbo Trioman, dubbel band skoter.

[@Manwitch60]

Bombardier used Tillotson carbs back in the '70's... we had 6 Ski-Doos with those. That Raider is mint! Thanks for showing her off.

[@traxxasJohn]

Brings back memories. My Grandfather had a single ski double track skiddo he used for hauling logs in the winter. I remember riding on it with my dad back in the early 70's. It didn't turn well, but would climb the dunes in the Muskegon Michigan area with ease. The newer snowmobiles of the time couldn't compete on the bid dunes. Love the old stuff

[@jonhathaway2537]

wow. amazed it has a starter. and it fired up pretty nice and ran good. cool find.

[@flatfender1947]

My dad and I had 6 of them at one point. 2 double Eagles, 2 44TTs, 1 34TT, and 1 Hawk. Also had a 1st year production Raider with no motor. Fun sleds to trail ride in. I also had a Manta which handled like a sports car. The designer was Bob Bracy who had previously designed formula 1 cars for Lotus/Ford in the late 60's.

[@mino4258]

We had one about ten years ago. Ours was a 340 like yours but my dad's buddy had the 440 and it was a beast! It was way too rough to ride any distance but man was it neat. Had a guy drive from northern Ontario to central PA to add it to his collection. Last I heard its still running strong. Enjoy it man they are def fun machines!

[@edsautter51]

Neighbor sold these in the 70's. I don't recall this model but remember the 440. It was a rocket in the day. I rode many miles on the passenger seat. The 440 had a larger windshield and the rider got all the snow straight in their face.. It was awful. Many memories, thanks for keeping this old ride alive.

[@curtismarean6963]

I had one of these, it was like a tank for snow. When you have the motor all tuned, it can be a beast, and a lot of fun simply because it's different.

[@bhoss7133]

Awesome sled man! Even more awesome when someone (like you guys) get them running and save them from the scrap yard ! 👍🏾👌🏽🤙🏾

[@powerhousesmallengineperfo3110]

That's awesome....I'm actually picking away at restoring the same sled

[@djkremer]

Love seeing old stuff get revived and rediscovered… 👍🏼

[@xipingpooh5783]

It’s Awesome!!! I saw one in Vermont when I was a kid snowmobiling with my dad. That was 1975.

[@kirkthejerkthe1st]

We test rode one of these back in the day. The dealer wouldn't deal on it so my dad passed on it. In the spring the dealer called and lowered his price. We never did buy it. I believe they went out of business shortly later. BTW, Tillotsons were a very common carb on snowmobiles back in the day, maybe even the most used ones. Easy to work on too.

[@rnbelieu]

and still are

[@mikemillett8220]

I used to have 2 of the 34TT with the 340cc engine and a Raider Double Eagle with a 440cc engine. The engines were made by CCW ( Canadian Curtis Wright. sold them back in the late 80's.

[@HenryJMuckenfuss]

My best friend got one new in 73, and I had a Johnson 25. That Raider was awesome on the ice, we rode almost daily in the winter on Big and Little Paw Paw lakes in MI.

[@SuperMario133]

That sled is so cool!! I had two of them in the past that we found that were sitting for many years.

[@sssprt67]

I had two Radar twin tracks many MANY years ago when I was young. They were the most fun out of all our snowmobiles!!

[@stantaylor3350]

I knew someone who was one of the drivers for a Raiders team that was trying to get one of the 50 sleds to get into the I-500 race in Sault Ste Marie Michigan. It never made it through the time trials. Had a 650 twinn in it. The guy I knew said that when it got to about 80 mph, it would through the tracks off. They couldn't figure out how to keep the tracks on.

[@Oldmane-420]

My father purchased a 1970 Moto Ski, Capri, 300 Hirth engine. Seems as though anyone with some fabricating and mechanical know how we’re building sleds back in those days. The dealer who sold the sled to my father also sold a machine called a Caribou, when I first saw your machine that’s what I thought yours was. They looked very similar to your machine, but no skis, it steered like a skid steer. Lock up one track and it would spin like a top. Top sped was like forty miles an hour and the thing weighed over six hundred pounds! Worked great on ice or packed trail, but don’t go in deep powder(read, more than twelve inches) unless there were lots of strong backs around to drag you out. Wildest machine I’ve seen. Another of my fathers sleds was a Ski Doo Alpine twin track 399. Engine was swapped for a JLO 762 cc factory race engine. Parts store called JLO’s manufacturer trying to find parts for the engine and that’s when we found out it was not meant for public use and was originally built as a “racing team” only motor. My father corresponded with someone at JLO and got some spec information and such from them as well as the story behind the development of the engine. It was meant for racing only, we never did find out how it made its way to British Columbia in western Canada and under the hood of the Alpine Ski Doo( sure wasn’t installed by Bombardier)! What a sleeper sled, twin tracks were known to be slow and barely had enough power, but after custom machining some new gears for the drive chain we used to smoke the stock “muscle” sleds of the day. Biggest motor available in factory sleds at the time was 634 cc Hirth engine which was used by a couple of sled manufacturers.

[@geniousgeorge4973]

We used one to pull a toboggan on the lake . I think it was a 440. We did it on almost bare ice that was a foot thick and clear . I am talking getting pulled at 80 + and crack the whip . The last person who had managed to hang on got to drive the sled and we would start all over again. That was a blast . When you did fall off you could skid about 50 yards on the ice. Those cleets and track worked great for not being studded . The back seat should not be used! Lol!

[@miketrstenjak6199]

I remember riding next to one of these machines!! Me being a kid I was on the old beat up ScorpionII and Pops was on his 34TT in immaculate condition shining like the sun!!! I never got to ride it as it was his Pride and Joy!! Always garage kept!! I remember having a couple tears rolling as I watched him sell it!! Loved that sled!!! This one looks awesome!!! Thanks guys for the trip down memory lane!!! I haven’t thought about the old man in a while!!! Thanks.

[@StepvanDan]

I LOve the Rader sled i put a john deer 440 in mine ,miss that sled she was fast and nice and warm ,thanks for sharing ,big hugs from MN

[@FlashtcChateauguayPQ]

I used to work for a dealer sold Raiders Polaris and Caparals but that was the one I liked the most , it was like you where in a speed boat...lol I just loved it and you where wandering if you could flipt it yes you could if you had a pasenger on...but no damage done . Take care of that toy and too bad they stopped making them , they where real fun

[@SV11408]

WE had the same exact machine when I was young. Loved riding/driving it.

[@rubbabubba6489]

I remember seeing them things at the LG winter carnival when I was a kid. I believe they had an accessory tow behind for more seating if my memory is correct. More Raider vids! Maine trip?

[@Dg-zt3lv]

Definitely got to see more of that thing. So awesome 👌

[@tomsawyer247]

What a great design with that carb right smack in the dustiest place on the machine brilliant.

[@cboy1017]

Judging by the snow accumilated on the carb, it would never collect water..or burn it haha

[@tomkarau]

AWESOME!.. I rode a couple of different Raiders as a kid.. they were unbelievably fun to drive.. looks like you guys are having an absolute blast!!!

[@russelltatro2835]

Back in the 1970 era, my dad was infamous for bringing home the strangest snow machines, he bought 2 raiders, before that he had 2 Bollens diablo rouge's, they had too tracks in the front with a sled type seat in the back, Actually quite a cool machine, would love to see one of them again.

[@heartland96a]

There are clips of them being run by one of the snow mobile clubs. Not a fast machine but definitely different

[@MrGary10k]

I asked my Dad if he ever saw one of these back in his snowmobiling days. He said a friend of his owned one. He said it was fast, just don't get it stuck! He rode a Yamaha 433 at that time. You have a cool sled man.

[@Roddy556]

So many ways to make a snow machine it would be neat to see more outside the box ideas.

[@gbacon3270]

Oh the memories. We had three of them growing up and an amphibious six wheeler. Had alot of sick days from school.😼

[@patefutch6168]

I really want one now lol seems like it would be nice for those midnight in the middle of the woods,in the middle of nowhere by yourself type of sleds or for camping

[@pedropotomas]

Great video! I actually just saw one of these for sale on Craigslist today lol it was red, white, and blue. Pretty neat little sleds!

[@JeffBrazier836]

I lived in Northern Maine and we had a 34TT. We found that when it was running it was a lot of fun. The problem with the steering is relatable to a jet ski. You gave a jetski the gas when you needed to steer. When you wanted to turn a Raider, let off the gas or pull the brake. That lowered the front and gave some grab. Ours kept freezing up overnight. After running it for a while, the front bearing would be warm. The resulting water would freeze solid overnight and the sled wouldn't move the next time you used it. It got to be too much of a problem in the -0 temps.

[@hakanbergman8265]

Hello from Sweden. The weekend is starting good whit our vlogg.

[@jobos98]

I rememder them when they were brand new. Cool looking machines

[@MrRyerdon]

Always wanted one, you got lucky finding one in good shape usually they have sat outside forever and are not doing so good. Enjoy it

[@chocolatechip337]

awesome find... old school are always the best..

[@timwaggoner3339]

Let’s see some air lol. Or attempts at hill climbing? Cool video!!! Most of the video I was right there feelin the fun you guys we’re having and remembering the fun I’ve had in my younger years. The other feeling was just a little jealous. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@JeffBrazier836]

Nooo. No air. It will break your back. Lol. I'm 63 and have just had my 4th back operation. I don't think it was the Raider, but I do remember how hard they landed. 😂 😂

[@my357mags]

I had a 1974 Eagle Raider 44TT when I was a kid. Had allot of fun in it! Those are not the proper rear foot pegs for the passenger, they didn't have foot pegs. I also had a wheel kit for the summer & it could be licensed for the road. You should try and find a Manta twin track! 👍

[@magoo351w]

My dad was a salesman for Raider.... we had two earlier models. 290 model and a 340. Black stripes... and BALLS out fun!

[@davedavies6518]

Looks like something out of Star Wars on some outpost snow planet. Looks like a lot of fun.

[@bryanreeme8584]

I believe that's what my dad took me on for my 1st ride, northern Michigan, quickly rolled it, never forget the track still rolling while it was pinning my 5yr-old leg😬.. great memories!

[@johnpatterson4272]

These bad-boys were 'the grail' of snowmobile lore back in the early 70s. My Dad had a '71 Ski-doo Olympique 335, that machine was as tough as nails and could fly down the dirt roads in the days when natural snow was plentiful. The Ski-doo had the same 'oversteering' quirk as does this Raider. As a 10 year old I loved these one-up machines because a kid could operate them alone without hands-on parental guidance. You're correct these machines were a rarity to see, I lived in central Ontario Canada and literally saw every snowmobile manufacturer represented at the time. Even the odd ones like AMF-Harley Davidson, Sears, Ariens, Mercury, Boa-Ski, Chrysler, Coleman, Eaton's and Hustler to name a very few. The Johnson-Evinrude factory was only 10 miles from where I grew-up, yet no local dealer (usually lawnmower sales) sold Raider snowmobiles. Thanks so much for getting this wonderful piece of North American history to work again.

[@trappenweisseguy27]

My dad was working for Massey Ferguson back then and bought 2 of their snowmobile’s around 1976-77.

[@johnpatterson4272]

@@trappenweisseguy27 Sweet! Hopefully you still have them.

[@trappenweisseguy27]

Nah, they were gone in 2-3 years. I think my father bought them to make a profit because of the employee discount but I think he actually took a loss on them. They were run one time. Pretty fast machines to me. I have no idea whether they actually made them or not but I thought I’d add another oddball to those you listed.

[@JeffBrazier836]

Ha. You reminded me. We had an Evinrude Bobcat snowmobile with the opposing twin cylinders. Always a little nervous with that spark plug aiming at your crotch. That thing was without a doubt the toughest snowmobile I ever had. Ugly, but dependable.

[@johnpatterson4272]

@@JeffBrazier836 Made in my home town of Peterborough, Ontario those bad boys were everywhere; albeit for being so young at the time I couldn't figure out why. Evinrude-Johnsons were plentiful in the early 70s. Oddly, they disappeared from the trails and dirt roads by the early 80s, never to be seen again.

[@mattderr1013]

That Raider is awesome. Definitely want to see some more with it. Does it ride a little rough. Looks like it might not have a ton of suspension

[@TrailratUSA]

I tried one of these new in 73. Factory reps were giving test rides on a lake. It looked cool but even at 13 years old I knew I would crash and roll. It seemed slow compared to the Yamaha GP 292 I ended up with. No regrets with that it was light agile and fast at the time so I could keep up with most BIG 440s of the time. Except the El Tigre.

[@williambrodmanvi5944]

Ode' 2 the 292!!! My 52lbs in moon boots along with my 292 could stay a top the 7/8" crust while adults with 440's were up to their waists in 4' of snow! I had the untracked mountain all to myself there was no where I couldn't and didn't go! While the adults couldn't even get close enough to reach swings of frustration in my direction! As they were too busy sweating and digging to gain of their next sled length of forward progress! That 292 really was the machine i really became one with and its been a love for power sports ever since!!!

[@neilkratzer3182]

When I grew up. Ok a little while ago in the early 70's my dad had customer had a dual track snowmobile made in the 60's that was dual track but it covered the whole bottom and it was made for pulling. Guy said it would top out around 18mph. He used it to pull logs in the winter time. Extremely heavy machine too.

[@davemoyer505]

That’s badass! Love the dual tracks! I’m working on a ‘72 Yamaha presently. It runs, but needs some tlc. Love the old sleds and old bikes! Good video👍🇺🇸❤️

[@daveneal7577]

I had one, it was cool on hardpacked snow you could jam on the throttle and go into a spin and it would keep spinning until you let off because of the growser bars on the twin tracks.

[@markopalikko6986]

Awesome! I had 1973 Boa Ski and the no filter carb would spray my snow suit with gas. I loved it.

[@maineman207]

These things are so cool. Almost bought one a couple months ago but passed it up. I’ve regret it ever since

[@keeferheydude99]

Love it. Grew up snowmobiling and never came across one of these. Cool.

[@keeferheydude99]

Oh yeah. Rods down the center of the ski's renewed and a reroute tube on the intake to keep the snow out of it and you'll have a sexy machine

[@jimr5703]

First sled my dad bought: Mercury Marine Model 250. Twin high mount headlights, muffler under the seat, rear high mount fuel tank, steel reinforced track, 436cc 25hp twin. We nicknamed it 'The Submarine'. It was so HEAVY the weight was not listed in the specs for fear of scaring customers, and it pretty much FLATTENED rough terrain for other sleds to follow. Good that it had a reverse system 'cause it would get stuck quite often on small hills and large drifts.

[@Lord_Swede]

More videos with the raider is a must. Maybe put a rotax 503 in it with dual carbs

[@92nbush]

I had a one with a 440 ccw in it it'd go 75mph down the road which felt like 150mph sitting so low to the ground. I made custom carbides for the skis.

[@Therberg2500]

There is one of those in Western NY near Buffalo that has one of those that he restored to showroom condition, I saw it at a vintage snowmobile show in 2/22. It was remarkable the detail he put into it!

[@shawnmoore5621]

How do you keep the carb from sucking in snow with no air filter on it?

[@nybergsgarage]

many vintage sleds had no air filter... they ate snow and they liked it.

[@georgek5664]

The Alouette snow mobiles were the first twin tracks from Quebec and F1 champion Villenov blew the competition away at the race's in all classes.

[@k2dlt]

Alouette's were made in 74 ,Raiders came out in 71

[@THX-vb8yz]

I remember that. What a cool sled that was!

[@dalelaurent9883]

Gilles Viileneuve is his correct name. Watched him race sleds in Beausejour Manitoba back before he got into cars. One of the greats.

[@tibrin7696]

Gilles was and IS still to this day one of the most fearless, pirate level drivers ever. He has his bust at the Ferrari headquarters and Enzo considered him a son. They still celebrate his life every year in italy. Il Piccolo Canadiese!!

[@slackersteve2004]

its crazy what a lil carb cleaning will do. great sled find

[@staudtj1]

A friend's Dad owned two Raider Twin Track snowmobiles in 1971. They were in Gaylord Mich. A lot of fun to drive but would only hold one person.

[@justadbeer]

Lol. That's a good find for a collector. I remember those well. A friends dad had one. They were cool looking (in there time) but rode terrible and were death traps. The twin tracks had grouser bars which acted like ice skates when you get on the lake. If you flipped it, the driver had a good chance of getting injured.

[@keithruhl3545]

I had one of these. Bought it brand new for $1300. Canadian. Had a 440 ccw(Canadian Curtis Wright) engine. My Wife rode inside on the seat while I would sit on the back and lean over her and drive. After about the 2nd year of ownership I had nothing but problems with the carburetor on it. Ended up selling it for $600. I still have some photos of it.

[@sumnerwebber8633]

Man, I had one of those in the 80's ! Man I wish I still had it!

[@joenanny2004]

That little to track machine is cool

[@RAM-19]

Went for a ride in one when I was a kid (they were new then)...begged my dad for one...never got it (thanks Santa)...haven't seen one in years...this is 👍...please do more vids with this thing...its awesome. From my melting igloo on the mountain in alberta Canada 🇨🇦 D. P.S...JAM A MODERN 800-850 IN IT...BET THAT WOULD BE A BLAST.

[@MrSzero13]

Awesome content, love the raiders i had one up in Tawas Michigan growing up, i even swapped the motor for a 440 from a Yamaha 440 SS and she moved great, i love the cockpit feeling, idk almost feels like a starfighter lol.. AND you do stay alittle warmer. i had this big waterproof winter snow blanket inside with me so i was padded and warm it was so much fun just riding across lakes and making my own adventures in it, i miss it .. And also .. when you said you never heard of Tillotson i made a face like really ?? there super common they even make bad ass motors too but there carbs are actually super well made as well ... Any how new SUB HERE love to see more on this

[@scarletpariah6563]

That's a very cool throwback!

[@murraymclean5177]

I saw that when I was a teen. Thought it was the neatest thing ever. Still do! 😄😆👍🏻

[@chrisczekala182]

I too had one 340, I think it was a kohler motor cool machine I wish I still had it for vintage runs.

[@timwoytula5416]

I saw one these , in 1980 in Fort Nelson British Columbia Canada . I sat in it , but that's all , it was the same 340 tt . thank you for sharing this . I always wondered , I always remembered this and now I know 👍

[@mr.miraclemantm.6455]

My Uncle and a friend each had one of those. They were a blast to drive when new. Not so safe riding on the back at higher speeds.

[@coastalcleaningandmaintena2884]

I wonder why they stopped that death cab looks so comfy u just keep adding foam for suspension. I love it.

[@chadkohler793]

Man I love these sleds, always wanted a raider

[@ChiTownGuerrilla]

Call it "Sleigher!" 😁 Can smell the twosmoke through the screen! I love the sit in design, looks like a motorized SLED! HAHA Can't wait to get on something motorized again.

[@jaykatcher1769]

Excellent find and save…this a set of fat skis/carbides on it and cleat the track then hold on ✌️

[@sumatai1]

Awesome guys!! Thank you for sharing

[@eb5864]

That is so badass I want one now thanks a lot Jeremy

[@mrfingers4737]

How many necks were broken by those things?

[@erbewayne6868]

I knew a guy that had a Raider in the early 70's. It was very fast and stable.

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

My uncle had one. I tried to buy one in 1974. There were 3 different models. Hawk, Eagle and Double Eagle. I got to test drive the Double Eagle but the guy who test drove it before me bought it while I was driving it. The early models didn't have much suspension but I think both the Eagle and Double Eagle did. The 1974 Double Eagle was a darker yellow. I saved up to buy one in 1975 when they were red but the dealer only got one. That was probably lucky for me because 1975 was the year with no snow. The snowmobile trails never opened. Many of the snowmobile companies got out of the business. 1976 wasn't a good year either. There wasn't much snow and it wasn't good riding snow. The trails would be torn up in a couple of days. Riders wouldn't stay on the trails and would ride through the fields causing damage to hay fields and many farmers wouldn't allow trails on their land the next year.

[@country4lyfe365]

They're great for hunting. You can drag elk out with this thing. I have one with thee matching trailer sled. They're ment for hauling suplies.

[@Mac181]

That thing got alot of potential

[@ussfero72]

Sweet! Had one as a kid! Careful with those tracks!

[@stevensawyer2489]

Definitely cool looking. Dual trac. Insanely cool.

[@technicianumber1288]

Man I had one of those over 30 years ago, was the double track, single ski model, they're awesome machines for what they were at the time

[@WhiteManXRP]

dude, hilarious... a modern day Raider is exactly what we need.. a bit longer and wider with more power would be sick.....lol delorean rear end style is classic... good score guys.. love it

[@larryedwards459]

you guys are the best,

[@benhawke7231]

You need to put some skids on the skis. Also you might want to check the Reed valves if it's got any.

[@jan-olofharnvall8760]

So, that’s like a snow beetle, the motor being in the back and all😁🇸🇪

[@tylerseabook9423]

You guys should get a Diablo rouge they were neat sleds

[@zeth15943]

It would be a fun machine driving threw dense wooded areas

[@adamk4537]

That thing is awesome. Right arms!

[@Reaperman4711]

It looks a lot like the old GI Joe snowmobile

[@russrecker5344]

Watched twice ha! Cool little machine. We had a few Gilisons that were pretty fun but singe track. The 440 chaperel was fun too!

[@binderdundit228]

Totally awesome sled. Wow!

[@squangan]

When I was a young child in the early 70’s I rode on an Autoboggan which was a snowmobile. I have never seen one again except in pictures.

[@sonorousbelchpipe1021]

Hey, it got smiles from all three of you. And a lot of KZbinrs I imagine, me included. That's what's important! The Raider would not look out of place on the set of Battlestar Galactica, the original series. Awesome find and truly a blast from the past! Now all we need is an all-electric modern copy with decent range. One problem is batteries don't do well in the cold. Or propane powered like factory forklifts. Winder what kind if hp could be generated though? Just something different than the 2-part oil/gas mix and less harmful/noisy to the environment.