Snagged the "Triplefire 500"

[AirborneX4Special]

That thing looks like someone's summer project rather than prototype from yesteryear. The factory 436cc mill would break the chassis in the hands of an aggressive pilot, so I don't see any legitimate engineering budget funding a serious future in the increased (and mostly unsprung) weight and horsepower of that setup as something viable.

I guess it looks sort of cool. The question remains if there is enough paper around needing retention.

[400brian]

I thought the Wildfire was the sled for 1985.

Back before 2007 ( pre-HOF ) We thought the WildFire ( that's what we called it ) could have been the IFS Liquifire to be brought out in '85.

Since then, Stan Hayes, or one of the other Deere guys has suggested that they actually had the IFS figured out a bit earlier than '85. The rear suspension might have needed a bit more work, but it has been suggested that they could have introduced IFS in '82 or '83. If I'm remembering that wrong, my apologies.

[S_Kyle]

I am not an expert by any means butt... I think the wild fire that has surfaced was built on a 82 sportfire chassis. In my mind that would have made it an 83-84 model. Most likely the 84 by the time they got all the kinks worked out of the design. I belive the A arm that has yet to be found was supposed to be earlier yet. The patents for the strut IFS are dated 83-85 but with a 78 hood, so I really don't know the time line.

[Horicon Joe]

It turns out this sled was sold to a private individual from a dealership in Ohio.
I will not share any more information than that on the web.
Not looking good for any factory involvement on either side with this news.
Yes it could be true that Polaris or JD sought out this sled from this individual
in order to make this build but not likely in my opinion.
Rainville …… you stated "Most of the history I have on this sled is verbal".
I think it might be time you share with us the non-verbal evidence you have on this sled
in order for us to stay with you on this story. We can help you research that
actual evidence in order to get to the bottom of this.

[JoeRainville]

Joe,

I got the same info from a Cat collector in PA this morning, and have name of the builder, Bud Fischer, and the shop Fischer Cycle in Ashtabula, OH. Documentation on it's way, and I will be glad to share it. Looks like I have a shop built custom. Glad the truth is coming to light, dissapointed that the past 4 owners took the bait.

At least now I can ride it without fear of trashing a prototype sled.

-Joe

[Horicon Joe]

I can tell you that the owner lived about 38 miles from the address you show.

[tmartin]

That is a pretty clean looking custom and i bet it is going to be a great rider and head turner when you light up that polaris triple. As a Polaris tech I was skeptical as was said previously about the mid 90s polaris secondary and the churched up motor. Most of the Polaris prototypes or first year builds were very plain at least under the hood. Still a great find thats sure to put a smile on your face when you open it up and I bet its one of very few at least for now. Thanks for sharing the story.

[JoeRainville]

From "Junkyard Dog" on VS:

I am the second owner of that sled. Bought from a J.D. employee out of Ohio.

Polaris did not build that sled. It was built by two JD R-D employees in late 79 or early 80.

I bought the sled from Fischer cycle several years ago and always assumed it was built there. Then not long after that a collector from out East contacted me wanting to buy it. He told me that it was built somewhere in Ohio by a couple of JD R-D guys along with another Yamaha powered one. Who knows.

Then JRC got ahold of me wanting to buy it and he seemed to know all about it as a JD built sled. I didnt sell it to him and lost his contact info so when I decided to sell it I posted an ad and he called me and bought the sled. I dont know what if anything else he discovered about its origin. Actually, to tell you the truth, I never cared. I do know that whoever did the work is very very good at what they do as everything about it looks professional and factory including the pipes which had no paint on them when I got it.

I will tell you that its one of the coolest vintage sleds out there no matter who built it, and another thing, IT TOTALLY RIPS!!!!!! Also, I dont remember who told me but they said it was called The Three Pointer. Pretty much all I know . I bet Fischer cycle could clear it up. In the meantime, WOW, is it ever disappointing how some of you act on here. I dont visit very often but sometimes need a good laugh which I usually get from the many so-called experts on here, but in this instance I saw no humor in the way some of you are acting.

[Horicon Joe]

VS http://vintagesleds.com/bs/index.php/topic,71793.0.html


Just trying to stay on top of this and understand all comments.

Joe you are quoting Junk Yard dog as saying ......... "I am the second owner of that sled. Bought from a J.D. employee out of Ohio."
and he said ...... "I bought the sled from Fischer cycle several years ago and always assumed it was built there."

Can you clear this up? I don't see the first comment on VS "I am the second owner of that sled. Bought from a J.D. employee out of Ohio."
Where was this factual statement found? The two sites don't seem to match each other?

He is saying that he is the second owner and bought it from Fischer cycle??? That would make Fischer the first owner would it not?

Just trying to keep it real.

[I500]

Then JRC got ahold of me wanting to buy it and he seemed to know all about it as a JD built sled.

Trying to stay out of this one but just need to add this.
We were up at JRC,s place in Balsam Lake when Jon offered this sled up for sale to us . Not once did He say that it was JD built sled but referred to it as a sled that somebody dropped a Polaris motor into. Dont get me wrong here but this is still a very cool sled and would be fun to rip around on. Just enjoy it for what it really is ...
One cool Custom JD Liquifire

[JoeRainville]

Joe,

I have no addition information at this time. I copied what was posted, but it look like the first post was removed from the thread, most likely by the author.

I have played phone tag with Junkyard Dog this weekend, but we did speak for a few minutes on Saturday. With some help from other collectors, and JYD, the story of who actually built the sled is coming to light, as well as who was involved with the build, and when. Seems she was also updated over the years, as Dan pointed out with the clutching.

When I have this put together with proof, I will be happy to tell the complete story. It would also help piece it together if you shared your findings. I posted the serial number as I want to the the truth behind this neat custom that I am still pleased to own. I have nothing to hide, and want to accurate document the history so this does not happen again.

And, as Chuck said, I am going to enjoy this girl for what she is. I might just enjoy it a bit more with a few upgrades.
-Joe

[The S Man]

There ya go Joe, "It is what it is" . Still very cool, maybe some time we could meet up and have pics taken of our two rabid Deere's, that would be great!

[bernie tetreault]

my name is Bernie. I built a 1980 sled like the one you have,back in 1993.with a 500 Centurion Polaris. it had a 605 kit.it was a kick ass sled.

[bernie tetreault]

i do have pictures of the 1980 jd.and it was not bilt by polaris but by me.

[bernie tetreault]

for more info you can call, (phone numbers removed for privacy)