MF Ski Whiz: The first generation
69 to 72 images and  identification tips.
Spotting Features: Of the first generation machines are, Round Headlights, starts with the first production and continues through 1972 Next check out the dashboard. A dash made of metal mesh is a detail that starts in 1969 and ends with 1971 bogie wheel models.. No provisions for gauges although they could be installed in a homemade hole. 1971 introduced a plastic dash that had indentations for the gauges. This style dash  is supposed to be  on 71 slide rail machines and continues through all 1972 machines. Speedos, tachs and cigarette lighters are common additions.There are exceptions to every rule!
Model Differences: There are two different chassis: the short track machines feature a black 3.5 US gallon fuel tank and a one piece seatcover.The track on these sleds are 119" long. The long track version has a 5 US gallon tank with a red fiberglass cowling covering it. The seat will have three distinct pieces, the base, the backrest and the top of the rear glovebox. The track on these machines are 131" long. There are no widetrack machines in the first generation.  The machine pictured here at the right forground is a long track machine, while the short track is third in line.
Short Track Machines:
300s          297 JLO  single           69-72
350ss         340 JLO single            70-72
399t           399 JLO twin 1carb     71
Most 350ss are short tracks but I have seen several examples that are long track.
Formula I    399 JLO twin 1 carb     72    Formula II      Same w/sliders          72
Never seen this one.  Email me a photo.
Formula III   399 JLO twin carbs     72
Formula IV    440 JLO/twin carbs     72

ALL MACHINES BOGIE SUSPENSION   EXCEPT:    the Formula II
Long Track Machines:
297                  297 JLO single        69
Some 350ss       340 JLO single    70-72
380           372/380 JLO single         69
400sst              340 JLO twin      71-72
500sst              434 JLO twin         70
500sst              399 JLO twin       71-72
500 Special       440 JLO twin         72

          All machines single carb


ALL MACHINES BOGIE SUSPENSION
        EXCEPT:  The 500 Special


  Corrections made to this page 01-29-03
Early machines came equiped with a varity of clutches from Salsbury, Drummond and St.Lawrence all which had some sort of problem. MF designed thier own drive in 71 for the 72 model year. An image appears to the left. This clutch was used all the way through the 75 model year.

The twin carb set up on the Formula 3&4 was difficult to syncronize properly and this resulted in many a burned piston. Many customers [probably on the dealers advice] quickly dumped the twin carbs for a Tillotson HD mounted on a standard manifold.  Thus a hard set up to find.
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