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Sled for 13 year old daughter

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5K views 27 replies 19 participants last post by  bullwhipman  
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
So I have some time but I want to start looking for a sled for my daughter. My wife and I both ride backcountry's and do more and more off trail in the UP but still trail ride. What would you guys think a good starter sled would be for her? She has rode my wifes 600r backcountry but I'm not spending 10k on a sled for her lol.
 
#5 ·
I had a hard time with this myself, some 13 year olds would be ok on a 800 and some you want on a 300 Freestyle, and some not on a sled at all. Arm strength is a issue also. I did the 300 Freestyle first, than a 550 MXZX, past few years on 600 MXZX. Today I would just start out on the 600 MXZX I think.
 

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#6 · (Edited by Moderator)
I would also look for a used 900 ace. It’s a sled she’ll have for many years. I started my 11 year old son on a 380 then a 550 then a 900ace. If I had to do over I would have just bought the 900 ace to begin with. I don’t know where your from but Winters Rec in Sauk Centre Minn has some used low mileage 2020 900 renegade’s at a pretty decent price.
 
#7 ·
In the same boat with my Daughter ,but all trail and would like a fan cooled ,I'm also looking for a 4 wheeler for them .Man it's tough out there I haven't found anything worth bringing home, or way over priced.The only thing I found was a nice good priced ZX chassis but she has put 80 miles on my sled and just thought at least original REV to keep the interest high.I liked my ZX but that was 20 yrs ago !!
 
#9 ·
Another plus on the ace is the different modes and the learning key. My daughter went from eco to sport in a few years pretty much rode every weekend in northern Maine. The best part is that they can last and grow with them. My daughters has 11k miles and I have no doubt she’ll put another 10k on it with few issues.
 

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#10 ·
Another plus on the ace is the different modes and the learning key. My daughter went from eco to sport in a few years pretty much rode every weekend in northern Maine. The best part is that they can last and grow with them. My daughters has 11k miles and I have no doubt she'll put another 10k on it with few issues.
MXZ600NUT hit the nail on the head. You may only need the learning modes for a short time but they will keep a new rider out of trouble.
 
#12 ·
I'd look at anything in the 380-550 range. I have a few 300 freestyles with 1.6" Cobra's on them and you'd be surprised, even with my at 200+lbs where they will go without getting stuck. 550, 600 Small block carbed, or 900 ace would all be nice machines for them. In the event the machine still has a bit too much power, I've put hose clamps on the handlebars as a throttle limiter. Closer you put it to the pivot on the throttle, more it limits the throttle.
 
#13 · (Edited by Moderator)
Another plus on the ace is the different modes and the learning key. My daughter went from eco to sport in a few years pretty much rode every weekend in northern Maine. The best part is that they can last and grow with them. My daughters has 11k miles and I have no doubt she'll put another 10k on it with few issues.
MXZ600NUT hit the nail on the head. You may only need the learning modes for a short time but they will keep a new rider out of trouble.
Yep, that's why I bought my son a 600 ACE. The sled (computer) baby sits him and keeps him at 25 mph or less. This year I'll have it bumped up to learning mode 2 for a 44 mph speed limit. I call it Bravo mode. I even enjoy riding the little 600 ACE because it doesn't feel like a 4-stroke. It handles light like a 2-stroke. Per the specs it weighs the same as a 600 E-Tec. Tooling around on that little sled brings me back to my childhood, it feels like I'm 10 years old again riding my little Bravo. At the same time it has no problem hauling my fat butt (240 lbs) up to 60-65 mph.

Anyways, if anybody near the twin cities has a few acres and wouldn't mind my kid coming over a few times I'd appreciate it. Right now it's the lake, the in-law's place up north, or bust. Our area has just gotten too developed and there's too many obstacles in our yard to make it a viable option, that plus it ain't that big.
 
#14 ·
Anyways, if anybody near the twin cities has a few acres and wouldn't mind my kid coming over a few times I'd appreciate it. Right now it's the lake, the in-law's place up north, or bust. Our area has just gotten too developed and there's too many obstacles in our yard to make it a viable option, that plus it ain't that big.
Tired to PM you but says you cannot accept it. Maybe your inbox is full?
 
#23 ·
She really looks at home on that sled. My daughter hated the weight of the 900ace, I liked it for the learning key, but she really liked the 600 etec MXZX. One thing I hate is chokes/carbs for anyone that doesn't understand carbs.
She was! Thanks for all the input. I like the 600 ace idea and forgot they even made that sled. I think a 900 might be to heavy but honestly I've never rode one so I have no idea.

Do you think the 600 carb throttle pull would be to much for her? I know there is a significant difference.

Maybe I can get a deal on the new EFi 600 they just released. I just didnt really want to spend 7 or 8000 for her first sled aside from the ole 380 shes been on haha
 
#24 ·
She was! Thanks for all the input. I like the 600 ace idea and forgot they even made that sled. I think a 900 might be to heavy but honestly I've never rode one so I have no idea.

Do you think the 600 carb throttle pull would be to much for her? I know there is a significant difference.

Maybe I can get a deal on the new EFi 600 they just released. I just didnt really want to spend 7 or 8000 for her first sled aside from the ole 380 shes been on haha
I rode a 900 ACE for a short bit. It handles lighter than a 1200 but you can still tell there's a triple cylinder 4-stroke behind the side panels. The 600 ACE is great, the only negative is the funky ITC throttle. On the bold that's probably your best bet. If she's used to your wife's 600R BC she should have no problem handling the new 600 EFI BC. Like other's have mentioned starting out at only 7 something (dealer price) it's not like they're going to depreciate a ton.