We’re smack dab in the middle of the snow season, and some of you might be realizing you’re not satisfied with the standard snowshoe method for getting around. Trying to drive around in the snow can not only be frustrating, but dangerous. Even if you’re a confident driver, it’s everyone else you have to be wary of. That’s why so many people switch to snowmobiling, especially for short or unpaved routes.
At their most basic, a snowmobile can help you get around, but they can also offer so much more. You’ll have some questions to ask yourself before heading to Bright Power Sports in Lincoln Park so you can check out the models we have available right now.
The foundation of your purchase should be centered around what drew you to getting a snowmobile in the first place. This is because not all sleds are built the same since different riders have different needs. For example, take the utility worker. When the snow starts to fall, you can’t necessarily stop working a large property, but it gets harder to travel across layers of snow. If you’re carrying lots of tools and need a frame that’s more durable, you might be looking at a mountain or utility snowmobile.
Then again, some snowmobile owners make the investment to ride all the great trails offered to sled riders in the winter. In this case, you might be more interested in a sport and recreational model. You’ll also find snowmobiles that give you a balance of these two styles, as well as models made for longer rides and high-performance. In fact, the best way to figure out what kind of snowmobile is best for you is to simply create a list of tasks and activities you’ll be doing with your sled. This way, a trained professional can look at your list and guide you to the sled that’s best for you and your needs.
While figuring out a particular type of snowmobile is important, you can also consider what kinds of features will suit you best. Consider the engine. The most common snowmobile engines are either two-stroke or four-stroke. The two-stroke engine is generally going to be simpler, have a higher power-to-weight ratio, and be lighter. The four-stroke engine often provides a broader range of power for those who need a little extra something to power through their tasks and activities. There’s not necessarily an engine option that’s better, it’s just about what’s going to help you the most.
You can also check out track length to improve performance. Longer tracks with deeper track lugs, like you’d find on a crossover snowmobile, give you more versatile performance for on- and off-trail riding. However, shorter tracks can give you tighter turns and better handling. Again, it’s about what’s going to work best for you.
There might be other features that would help you, including a second seat, extra storage, and comfort features. It all goes back to that list of priorities and needs and finding features and sleds that’ll be the right fit.
While you’re jotting down your list of needs, make sure to include a budget as well. As with any major investment, you won’t just need to budget for the snowmobile. There are going to be other expenses as well, including accessories, safety gear, club memberships, travel expenses, and storage fees. This will help you choose a model that’s not going to put you in debt.
If you’re looking to save money, you might want to consider looking at used models. Just remember to take some other factors into consideration as well. This includes getting as much information about a particular model as you can, like online reviews from previous owners of that model year and maintenance reports. You’ll also need to perform an inspection, as thoroughly as you’re capable. You might even want to hire a professional to inspect your sled as well.
There are some other things you’ll want to know before making a final investment, namely that you need a special license to ride a snowmobile. You’ll also need registration and some states and provinces also require that you take safety classes before you can be licensed. Check out local provisions for owning and riding a snowmobile so you won’t find yourself in legal trouble.
Finding the right dealer is also an important part of the buying process. Understanding the snowmobile market requires a deep understanding of the products and some people even receive special training to help you find the perfect sled. You’ll want to find a snowmobile dealer that really knows what they’re doing and has your best interests in mind, which is why you’ll want to stop into Bright Power Sports. Our Lincoln Park dealership proudly serves the cities of Detroit and Macomb, as well as Wayne County, Oakland County and Livingston County, Michigan.
