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![Profile picture of Neenah Gary]()
Neenah Gary posted in the group The Picture Page
Sunrise over Lake Winnebago on September 16th 2026
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop
OK “Shop” people, I need some feedback. A number of you have faithfully followed my various sled build threads over the years on John’s site but there may be some of you that haven’t. For those that have, there may be builds you have missed, builds you may have forgotten, and there are at least a couple that never made their way into any build…Read More
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Brian, I’m thinking your memory is better than mine. You probably remember stuff I don’t. I’m going to have to do some thinking to summarize a project that may have taken several months, or even years, in just a few paragraphs. In addition, there were a few sleds that, while I had the best of intentions of making them a project, it never…Read More
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![Profile picture of euphoric1]()
Doesnt have to be anything crazy Kelly, I’m sure all of us would appreciate a walk down Kellys resto memory lane. even if only pictures.
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![Profile picture of euphoric1]()
Kelly, later this month my wife and I will be going to the Wide Open Wisconsin show and last year a swear the swap portion of the show had almost doubled in comparison to the year before. I’d like to help you with finding anything you might need for Kawabunga project or anything you might need to ice the cake of other projects you have done. If…Read More
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Thanks for the offer Brian. Yes, there is a messaging feature here and it works well. From what I gather, it’s a good show. If I come up with anything you might run across in just passing by a vendor, I’ll let you know. in any case, have fun at the show!
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop
Hood is painted. The light plays tricks on this color and my phone. It’s actually a little darker than it looks in the photo. Should look sharp with the 82 graphics.
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop
A few days I mentioned a special project I’d like to take on in the future and I may be one step closer to it now. I have a deal pending on this beauty: a 77 Liquifire 340. Hopefully it will work out. Now I know you might be thinking: “All the hype for this?”. But don’t let its unassuming presence fool you, my plan is to try to put a very pe…Read More
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Well gang, this deal fell through. After we had agreed on a deal, the seller changed the terms and I just couldn’t meet those terms. Disappointing, but I’ll find another one or maybe a Cyclone somewhere. In any case,, I’m still determined to find one and make it a future project.
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![Profile picture of Heckler56]()
I see he lowered his price to $200 on FB.
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
He must have it listed somewhere other than Marketplace. It’s still on MP for $300 in Bayfield, WI. Unless it’s a different sled, which is unlikely, there’s no mistaking this sled. Thinking I was actually dealing with two people and the first person was all excited about the deal but the second person turned out to be a real tool. Do you have…Read More
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![Profile picture of Heckler56]()
The price is now listed as $400, marked down to $300. Yep, a real tool.
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Thanks David,. That is the sled. He could have had this sale locked up but apparently doesn’t understand the concept of electronic money transfer or cashier check in advance of pickup. It will sell eventually for less than I offered him. Genius at work.
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![Profile picture of Heckler56]()
A pair of 440’s Liquidfires for $500 (wants gone asap)
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Yeah, this listing has been tormenting me for some time. It’s a good deal. He won’t separate them which is probably OK because you would probably need both to make ome sled. This is one problem with living up here on the fringe. it’s just too far to pull a trailer to pick up both. If I were still living in the Twin Cities, it would be a piece…Read More
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![Profile picture of Neenah Gary]()
Neenah Gary posted in the group General Discussion
Your First Time with Your First One…..(No Not That)
We’re Talking Your First Ride on your First Snowmobile.
Jump Over to the Forum ^^ to share your story!4 Comments-
![Profile picture of Heckler56]()
Birchwood Wisconsin maybe about 1971? Parents let my brother and I rent a Homelite snowmobile by the cabin. So narrow and tippy I kept rolling over trying to ride the side of the road. Hooked for life!
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
I guess it wasn’t the first ride experience that most people think of. I got my prized possession (a 68 Johnson Skee Horse) that I bought in pieces back together and I put it through its paces on the stubble of a combined oats field. It was probably 80 degrees at the time but it went pretty good on the slippery straw and if I closed my eyes I…Read More
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![Profile picture of Jake7893]()
1980 Yamaha Enticer. I don’t recall much about the sled, but the bellypan was a ONE-WAY sign that was riveted on due to the original rusting out or falling apart. I remember that being a pretty cool part of opening the hood.
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![Profile picture of Jake7893]()
Then I upgraded to my Yamaha SnoScoot. Kick start. Everyone wanted to take a lap on that thing. Very fun sled as a kid.
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop
On the Kawasaki Project:
I did manage to get the skis finished a while back but just getting around to posting a photo. Kawasaki shocks are not to be found but with the help of a couple of shims, Arctic Cat shocks work nicely.![]()
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop
Sitting out on the deck tonight enjoying an incredible lake evening and wondering how far out in advance I can realistically plan projects. As you all know, I’m not exactly a picture of youth. I ask this question because my plan was to work the Drifter F/A next year and finish it in the winter of 27/28 and the latest acquisition is has raised…Read More
13 Comments-
![Profile picture of Hermie]()
If you still have the drive and you still have your health then why not do something you enjoy doing? Keeping moving and doing things is what keeps you going as you age. So are you going to give us any hints on this image?
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
I agree with you on the moving thing. I live in an area where a significant percentage of the residents are older and I see so many people that aren’t aging well. I think this is at least partly due to not continuing to stay active. Sometimes moving may not always feel that great but in the long run, it’s good for you. Something else that I thi…Read More
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![Profile picture of Eagle1]()
Ya my parents are getting close to 80 and have garden large enough to feed whole neighborhood. And still take care of pool and too. They only finally bought a riding mower this June!!! I swear I probably take more naps than they do!!🤪
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![Profile picture of Eagle1]()
…also there’s a few of us in/near Appleton that could help enable your addictio…I mean dream. 😁
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Always appreciate offers to help with the “dream”
. At first glance it seems to difficult to make happen but desparation may dictate otherwise. -
![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Good for your parents!! People like that are my inspiration to keep at it.
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![Profile picture of Neenah Gary]()
To paraphrase a song from Toby Keith, How old would you be if you didn’t know your birth date? And there’s your answer my friend.
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
YES!
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![Profile picture of euphoric1]()
Kelly I agree completely with the comments listed and think no matter what it is to keep doing what ones doing because there will come a day when one wont be able to anymore and I believe it plays a huge part on ones longevity. Its clear you have the passion, the drive and are a true master at you craft. It is also clear you truly enjoy what you…Read More
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![Profile picture of Heckler56]()
There was a 90 year old member of my RV group. Former Vietnam pilot. He sold what he said is his last rv. This guy did circles around everyone modifying these Airstream vans. Bought one, made mods (beautiful woodworking skills), sold it 3 years later. He did this in his 70’s & 80’s. All of it by himself. But he bowed out when his vision began to…Read More
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![Profile picture of Heckler56]()
Hit the enter button before I was done. He modified several vans over the 20 years. Kelly, you are that guy with snowmobiles. I am still looking for my unicorn (although shoulder surgery put a stop on everything this year). Thank you for being you…
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
You guys pretty well nailed it with your comments and examples of people making the best of life in their later years. Jimmy Buffet wrote a song titled: “Growing Older but Not Up.” It’s words I’ve tried to live by.
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That is exactly what that RV gentilemen would say 😂
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop
Ah, summer. Baseball, barbeques, and…..Snowmobiles (of course). It’s been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That’s what I’m going with on this one. Supposed to be a parts sled but thinking it may be too nice to tear it down, just for parts. Seems to happen a lot.
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3 Comments-
![Profile picture of euphoric1]()
Cant see the whole hood but looks to be in not too bad shape and looks like you picked up a few other nuggets that could be useful in future projects, one has to wonder what other barn finds are out there yet just waiting to see the light of day once again.
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
The hood is actually very nice, much better than what I started with on the current project. The engine in the sled is seized (oil injection failure) but he threw in a good 440 and another Cat/Kawasaki 440 in case i wanted to rebuild it. I thinking barn finds will continue to be discovered for some time to come. There will always be someone that…Read More
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![Profile picture of Mezz]()
You’re gonna need to build a Kaw Barn now!
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![Profile picture of Neenah Gary]()
Neenah Gary posted in the group The Funny Pages
Who do you know needs a shirt like this?
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![Profile picture of Mezz]()
Tracker!😁
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![Profile picture of Mezz]()
Mezz posted in the group General Discussion
My new rear bumper for the 2026 Kawasaki Ridge Platinum Ranch Edition. For some reason it didn’t come with one. Chose this heavy duty beast with LED lights in it. The bumper is a product of Extreme Metal Products-EMP. Thank you to Chad and his service department at M&M Powersports for their top notch service.
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6 Comments-
![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Nice setup, looks like it’s ready for winter. Could be another record breaker.
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![Profile picture of Mezz]()
Bite your tounge young man!😱
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![Profile picture of euphoric1]()
Funny thing Kelly and Mezz, we have been having “super El Nino” year pounded into our minds lately yet when you look at other weather outlets they are too predicting the “super El Nino” but their prediction effects are all over the place, some doom and gloom and some are very hopeful. As I’ve said before they have a hard enough time with 24 hour…Read More
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![Profile picture of Mezz]()
You’re right, being pounded with the doom & gloom. Though I will say, after having been through the 2nd snowiest winter on record last year, I am not wanting a repeat performance. It is way too early to tell what this winter will bring despite the numerous model runs. One thing for certain is a very strong El Nino will be in play, it’s just a…Read More
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![Profile picture of euphoric1]()
Mezz, kinda selfish or me I do apologize, I couldn’t even imagine what it must be like residing there and I’m not going to lie but I don’t take that into consideration when I hope for a hell of a winter in the north woods as I am only thinking of the riding. I also plow snow here in my neck of the woods, been doing it for close to 30 years and…Read More
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![Profile picture of Mezz]()
No need to apologize, I hope you have a hell of a winter. As you know, your hell of a winter and ours here in the Keweenaw are 2 different animals. I can’t move like I use to & it is a challenge to deal with shoveling, blowing & plowing twice a day. The plowing is the easiest part but as you know, time consuming. I plow for myself & a couple of…Read More
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop
Some not so deep thoughts on a Sunday night.
August has arrived and it means that I’m starting to make some noises about getting my project painting done. The first step in setting up my “paint booth” is to move some sleds into the house garage to give me some room to paint.
I don’t normally see most of these sleds on a regular basis a…Read More
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![Profile picture of Snowtrailsusa]()
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
this is more true than you would believe.
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Minnesota Kelly posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop
A little project diversion here. Finally picked up this little beauty today. Looks like the 2027 project is locked in. Long drive, but it was worth it. Nothing like that new sled smell. Gotta love the free-air sleds.
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![Profile picture of Neenah Gary]()
A couple of questions here; What Is It? Without graphics, I can’t tell. Those handlebars look awkward, kinda like those on the bicycles of the 70’s. Anyway, glad to see you’ve got something to keep your head in the game for another year and congratulations on a new member of the family! We hope the Mrs. approves of another “rescue” at the table.
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Sorry Gary, i guess I was a little short on details. It’s a 1980 Kawasaki 340 Drifter F/A, a one-year build sled and the only free air sled Kawasaki ever produced. The bars probably do look a little goofy but they feel right when you’re sitting on the sled. Kawasaki did take a page out of the bicycle book though and mounted the bars in a block…Read More
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![Profile picture of Neenah Gary]()
Tell your Mrs. all of us on SnowTrails appreciates her support. For you to rescue an old snowmobile that’s been abused and left alone in an old barn is admirable on your part. A little TLC, and a case of Hamm’s will go along way in bringing her up to speed on “Kelly Time”.
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![Profile picture of euphoric1]()
handlebars remind me of John Deere snowmobile handle bars
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![Profile picture of Mezz]()
It’s in pretty decent shape! 2 Kaw’s in a row, you’ll be in the groove when it’s this ones turn. Nice!
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Yeah it’s weird, considering Kawasaki wasn’t even on my radar a year ago and now I have two. The Drifter F/A is a unique animal. I’m thinking the windshield was an option. The shop manual I got with the sled shows it without one. Personally, I like it better without. I don’t think I’m even going to have to touch the hood, unless I want to add…Read More
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![Profile picture of Neenah Gary]()
I found this photo over on Bookface. Not much for graphics is there?
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
No, just a tiny “Drifter F/A” decal on the side. I think I mentioned this before, but it’s interesting that a windshield must have been optional. I’ve seen several photos now of this sled without one, including the cover of the shop manual.
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![Profile picture of Neenah Gary]()
Neenah Gary posted in the group Kelly’s ”Time Machine” Shop
That sure looks like something Kelly would be riding……how bout it K Man?
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![Profile picture of Minnesota Kelly]()
Yep, at least part of that is true. Thinking I waited a little too long to own one.
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I can honestly say there are no builds that I have forgotten, however the couple that never made it into any of your posts would sure be nice to see, even if just pictures and not any in depth coverage but…. be ready for the questions LOL! revisiting and introducing us to past projects would be cool! I for one am all in!