Other advice on my first ski

[slamb33]

I would try to be patient and wait for a good ski to come along for you. There are a few nice ones on sale on here right now, you might want to consider looking into shipping also...

 

[RSKI]

I like that one in Billings as it already has a bunch of parts on it that seem like the usual upgrades, that would save me a bunch of money. As far as this one for $3500 what do you think would be a price that I should jump on? It's close enough to my location that I might just go look at it and make an offer based on your thoughts. It is a single owner as I mentioned so that is a plus, but no trailer. I need a trailer so I need to consider that. The one in Billings has a nice trailer with new tires.

Thanks for all your help slamb

 

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

The thing I like about the other one I posted a link to is that it was already set-up with some goodies plus it includes a trailer, but if your looking for as cheap as possible for a Round Nose Superjet with some mod's, here's another one in your region:

( http://denver.craigslist.org/boa/3050193200.html )

 

[slamb33]

no sweat happy to help.

the one in billings is 4500 with trailer, right? this one: http://billings.craigslist.org/boa/3059721793.html

as far as this one for 4500, I would say it is a pretty good deal with the trailer. the only thing I would want to add would be possibly a handle pole and steering system.

if you could get him down to 4k with the trailer I would say that would be a great deal.

which is the one for 3500, do you have a link?

the one above for 2500 is also a decent looking deal, I would want to see detailed pics before driving to see that one. let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[RSKI]

http://lincoln.craigslist.org/boa/3030230554.html

I like Mike's thinking with the one in Billings, I'm not sure what the parts all cost but I'm sure I couldn't spend 1K on this one in Lincoln and make it like the one in Billings? I assume it would take much more time and money than that. Plus the trailer issue. By the time I quit dragging my feet it will be gone anyways haha. Oh well. Don't want to get carried away and spend too much or get something I wont enjoy.

 

[slamb33]

The one for 4500 with trailer is a better deal... Assuming of course there are no issues with it. This one looks fine, but you will want a pipe and head and foot holds before long, and the trailer is worth $400 easy. They both look pretty clean though.

Once you add in the cost of a trailer the difference is only $600 or so. That might get you a used factory pipe. Then you have all the other goodies.

The one for 3500 probably isn't a TERRIBLE deal, but not as good as the one with trailer.

 

[RSKI]

Well I have a hitch on my TDI Golf and I just ordered the wiring kit for the trailer lights, so I might have to make a trip up there. It would be pretty awesome to see Montana again, get a ski, and get 45mpg, at least on the way there that is.

 

[slamb33]

Yeah man get after it! I would be interested to hear how it impacts your mileage. I don't notice a huge difference in MPG with/without trailer on the highway, it probably won't change it too much for you.

Keep us posted.

 

[RSKI]

This may be a stupid question but I should probably pick up a gauge to check compression then? Where do I get one and is there a specific thread size/pitch to fit these engines? If I start looking around Billings for a shop to check it out am I looking for a Yamaha dealership or something more specific? I'd like to get an inspection lined up before I go. If I can get that set up I could probably just have them check compression I would assume.

Thanks man

 

[98gti]

I doubt you will get a seller thats going to go through the hassle of taking their ski to a shop to get checked out, I sure wouldnt, not with as fast as these things sell. If you dont buy it the next guy will. I could be wrong though, it just depends on the seller I suppose. You need to just find someone that knows alot about skis to go with you.

 

[RSKI]

You're probably right. As far as finding someone that knows SJ's to go with me on a 12 hour (one way) trip, I don't think that will happen. If I was headed to FL I could probably talk one of you guys into meeting me over there. Anyway, I sent him an email asking if he's checked compression. If I end up getting it I'll probably try to round up a gauge before I go just to double check.

 

[slamb33]

there might be a member on here that is local to the ski who would meet you, check the riding groups section.

otherwise see if you can find a shop or dealer near the seller (even a kawai or sea doo dealer) that can give it a once over. I don't think it should be that big of a hassle for the seller to go with you for a 1hr or 30min inspection so long as it is local to him.

worst case take a compression gauge and check the hull yourself. As long as it pulls hard when you test drive it, the engine should be okay.

 

[Sparkplug]

I didnt see anyone mention the way the engines feel power wise sj vs sxr.

Ive only rode a stock sxr. It had the same characteristics as all the kawis ive rode other than a 550sx. All mid to top. No bottom end snap.

701 superjets flat out have more bottom end than a sxr, and thats all I and alot of people are after.

Just my opinion.

 

[RSKI]

Thanks for the info sparkplug, the snap on the low end sounds attractive to me. I want it to be quick, doesn't necessarily have to be fast toward the top end. That's what I loved about the slightly modded seadoo XP (maybe a '94) that I spent some time with. I wouldn't mind having one of those. Just a lot of fun to tear around on. I think it's hilarious when some guy pulls up on his $15,000 supercharged sofa and the xp just completely embarrasses him off the line. So much more fun to drive too. Maybe I should just start with one of those, they're everywhere!

Most of you guys hooked on standups are probably thinking... an xp? This guy's an idiot! Oh well, the one I rode was a blast!

 

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

...12 hour (one way) trip...

Figuring I've driven from North Central Illinois to Denver in 13-1/2 hours (averaging 70 MPH while trailering 2 snowmobiles), 12 hours must put you on the South East quadrant of Nebraska? If I would have known that I would have been looking elsewhere for you, but I suppose you can drive there and back in a weekend so that's not too bad.

 

[RSKI]

I just did a quick google search and it was 12 hours and 15 minutes. Central Nebraska. Depending on how many state patrol cars are between me and my destination, I think I could make it to Billings quite a bit quicker than google suggests.

 

[slamb33]

the old small XPs up until about 96 (and the spx after that) are kinda fun, they were the smaller 2 seat set up before the couches all got HUGE

stand up is still the way to go, waaaaaay more fun

I went from a seadoo spi (same small xp hull mentioned above, with a small motor) to an HX (small one seat seadoo) to stand ups...

I will never go back to a couch, not even a small one.

 

[RSKI]

That's what I've been hoping to hear. Fun is the main goal here! Still haven't heard back from Billings yet. Might call him today. I've made it past the initial impulse buying stage that I encounter all too often. I have finally conquered it! ...ya right

 

[slamb33]

Sometimes you have to go with the impulse man, I know exactly what you are referring to. A lot of times I buy during that stage and am very happy that I did. Other times I get through it and am happy I didn't buy, but sometimes I regret not buying...

I recently waited on contacting a seller that had a sick 800cc Rickter for sale on here and missed the chance to buy it, and I've been regretting that for weeks now.

 

[RSKI]

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/boa/3003789609.html

not bad... no trailer though.