1971 Ski Doo Elan

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

Besides repairing the sled, we wanted to make it ride, steer and go even better in deep snow than a stock Elan.  Since I was only 7 at the time I was too young to ride on the trails so we wanted to make a sled to go boon-docking through the woods.  Once we painted the hood, it came out so cool and so many people commented on it that we started to bring it to vintage sled rides and shows.  I started winning trophies and awards like you wouldn’t believe. I still ride it all the time.  I am now 11 and it is still my favorite sled to ride.

What motivated you to start your project?

This Elan was my first sled and after the track came off I didn’t want to scrap the old machine so we made the decision to repair it and make it even better.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the sled?

The coolest to me was how the suspension worked because I was just 7 years old and it was all custom.

What are you most proud of?

How good it works in the snow.  How I got to learn how to weld, bend and cut sheet metal and to paint.

What do other people say about your snowmobile?

Some people say it is the coolest sled ever. But the best is when they ask if they can buy it.

Videos

27 Comments

  • Ben H says:

    Cool Build Michael! Keep up the good work.

  • Dave darla says:

    This sled is awesome!!! I have seen it in real life. Micheal is a very smart and awesome young man. His dad has taught you a lot. Keep up the great work. Can’t wait to see your next invention.

  • Beth says:

    This looks great Michael! Good job, very proud of you.

  • Linda Peterson says:

    Love this Michael! Looks like its a dream to drive and ride!!!

  • Dani says:

    Great job Michael! You should be proud!

    • William says:

      I Just have a question about the suspension. I am looking to swap something like it into mine. Just wondering how you did it.? Thanks

  • Brett Kenison says:

    What did you use to make that front yellow skid plate?

    • michael says:

      the skidplate came off a 1996 mxz 670. I think it was made by holeshot. they used to make that kind of stuff. it had to be cut down to fit but fit pretty well when we were done. sorry for taking so long to reply, I wasn’t checking back very often.

  • Dave Poidevin says:

    why will it not hold a adult, suspension looks beefy enough? I doo like it

    • michael says:

      The suspension is strong enough to hold up to a lot of abuse, but it has been sprung for my weight, (about 90 lbs). the shocks are tipped down to soften them, and the mounts are made so as I get heavier they can be stood up which will stiffen them. they also have adjustments to stiffen the preload on the springs. sorry for the delay in responding I didn’t realize people were still commenting- asking questions.

  • leonard gagne says:

    I am 65 years old been riding many many sleds since I was 8 had two elan loved them. This blows them away. By far nicely done every right to be proud good job

  • Stanley says:

    Very Nice Build!! Enjoy Enjoy Enjoy

  • Eric Tracey says:

    You should be very proud of yourself young Man. I know men that have been in this sport a long time and couldn’t do that. Keep it up you have a very bright future ahead and Dad you must be very proud.
    Your very talented.

  • Mike bailey says:

    Can you please email me we are trying to convert a moto ski to sliders
    [email protected]

  • Chad says:

    That is a very cool looking sled. How did you make the drivers work for the newer track. So cool!

  • Matt M says:

    Amazing sled. Great job

  • Gregg says:

    Can you build more. I’m looking for two elan.

    • Dean Floen says:

      Sorry for the late reply. I am amazed that people are still commenting. As to your question about building more, we have been building some for friends and some customers. They are pretty time consuming, but the results are awesome. Usually, the customer will supply the sled to be modified and some of the parts to be used in the build, track, skid, engine etc. Some were built to a “Rolling Chassis” and the customer chose to finish it. Not all are Elans. Others are silver bullets, olympics, Johnson wide track, the latest was a 76 motoski nuvik. We have built one that has a complete hand made tunnel and bulkhead with a 2 inch track on it. I looks like a 1963 ski-doo on steroids! In fact it was the first one built. Each one has been custom fit to the rider. We do not have a ‘kit’ to do this. It just depends on the customers wants and needs and we try to make it happen for them. No 2 are alike, they may look similar but are not identical. I am currently enrolled in Machinist schooling so my time is in short supply right now, but will probably do some more in the future. Keep in mind they are time consuming to do, and you will probably have more into it than most people are willing to spend. This is the reason we have not gone into production on a bigger scale. Once again, thanks for your comments and I am sorry for not checking back sooner.

  • Jason Gall says:

    Its been a few years… Will you sell it now?

    • Michael Floen says:

      I am surprised people are still commenting in this. I haven’t been checking back enough I guess. I am now 18 and I still ride it all the time. I have a 2022 600 backcountry that is not rode as many miles a year as this Elan is. I don’t think I will ever sell it, Thanks for asking though! Just so you know we have built some for other people to their specs. It does get pretty time consuming and not all of them are Elans. Some are complete sleds builds and some were just rolling chassis. I am currently in Vo tech working on a machinist degree so time is a little short right now, but will probably be building more in the future. Thanks again for asking to buy it, that is the ultimate compliment to me!

  • William says:

    I Just have a question about the suspension. I am looking to swap something like it into mine. Just wondering how you did it.? Thanks

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this build

- (0 ratings)
Submitted by: Michael Floen

Submit your email to win fantastic prices. This is completely optional. Visit our email submission page to enter.

Specifics

Classification: Wild
Make, Model & Year: 1971 Ski Doo Elan
Fondly known as: Elan X
Time spent: 200
Snowmobile cost: Free
Money spent: 300
Engine: The original engine was a 250cc single cylinder then upgraded to a 335 single cylinder.
Intake: The engine is fit with a custom carburetor adapter to hold a 38mm round slide Mikuni with a K&N filter with a snow sock from Dennis Kirk.
Exhaust: Stock exhaust.
Drivetrain: The primary clutch is a 102c Comet that has been modified to fit the single cylinder crank shaft. Secondary clutch is original. The chain case uses double row chain turning a custom made drive axle with 7 tooth drivers which drives a 13 x 15 x 1.5 paddle track.
Tunnel/Chassis Modifications: Tunnel has been modified to fit a rolled back and down drive axle. The back has been cut off to get rid of rust then extended 7″ beyond stock. The back of the running boards have been trimmed off and a rolled edge was welded on to strengthen the tunnel. The same rolled edge was welded on the front of the tunnel/belly pan for support.
Suspension: The front suspension uses stock skies and springs with modified spindles and custom shocks, all being controlled through hand made tie rods. The rear suspension is hand make and uses single arm and 2 shocks that are calibrated for my weight. The slide rails are from a 2009 Renegade with some of the tabs cut off.
Brakes: Uses factory brake at this point with hydraulic brake plans in the future.
Finish – Paint: The hood was really rough, the factory vents were broken out so we installed 2 N.A.C.A. Ducts out of a 1990 Mach1 hood. Finished body work and painted all colors including stripes. We had custom Elan X graphics and flames made to put on the hood and tunnel then clear coated the graphics into the hood. We also made a custom stainless steel windshield trim for the base of the windshield.
Accessories: We made a fiber glass duct that is bolted to the engine to direct hot air up behind the windshield for heat. We made a custom seat riser with padded storage and a custom seat. We also made a custom receiver hitch built into the back of the tunnel for towing things.

Share