B
I have built and tested many M series sleds since they were released. As well as own two turbo M sleds and an 07 M1000. This is my take on a days ride in Revy in some good snow areas for the 09 M1000.
Well let me start by agreeing with Snowest on the best new improvement of the year from Cat for mountain sledding, the POWERCLAW. It is not too cool for handling on the trail/hardpack or going downhill (yikes!!!) but in the deep stuff, holy smokes, it is better than the 2 1/2" Camo Extreme I have had on my last 3 M sleds. I can not believe how the new tunnel, running boards, rear suspension, two wheel rear axle, and that track work together in the powder. It just keeps going and going when you think you are getting stuck, whip it one way or the other and gain traction and speed and keep climbing. What a difference there. It like 30 more HP or a major trackspeed increase. Very impressive.
As for some of the other changes: Yes, I feel the weight difference. It is dramatic in my opinion. Felt extremely nimble. I got cocky and was doing some downhill whip turns back up the hill and never got tossed or stuck all day. I can't remember the last time I didnt get stuck all day.
I do think the rear axle setup is kind of cheap and could use some improvement. One would be better access to adjustment of the track tension. Good thing I brought lots of extra tools! I much prefer the MMP rear axle set up, just wish it wasn't so costly in comparison!
My last own personal M1000 was an 07. The running boards on the 09 are fantastic and no need for Snow elimator type boards IMO. Had no buildup that could not be kicked out easily. The turn up on the back of the boards is perfectly placed and as long as you keep it clear of snow, is very very useful.
Wow does this sled sidehill with no effort. In one word description it would have to be "FLUID" all the turning and sidehilling makes you feel at one with the sled.
Now the motor. I miss my untouched fuel curve settings (never got the update on my last ECU). Why? Because it was easier to modify with a BD fuel box. This fuel curve is much more intricate and will take more work to dial in to my liking. Granted I was still working off some extra oil in the gas tank all day, but this sled needs some psychiatric help when it comes to fuel. It is very finicky at odd points during the RPM and load range and does not seem to give the kind of static readings I was getting with the last two years M1000 sleds. Obviously due to tweaking of the factory fuel curve. That would be an outstanding thing for a rider making no changes from stock (pipe, can, intake etc.) and leaving the fuel curve alone. Not so much for a light modder.
Please post your findings on fuel curves here rather it be a BD box or PL or Attitude box etc. I am sure there will be a lot of riders wanting some info on that. I will do the same.
Factory WTFs? 1- Where are my secondary shims between the Diamond drive bearing and the secondary? Better thought out scenario with rear axle. WHERE ARE OUR NEW AND IMPROVED SKIS WE WERE PROMISED? And come on please, this BOSS seat from Cat is like a frigin piece of plywood. My azz might never adapt. The best thing about the seat is the storage. But make sure and do somthing similar to what I did if you have one, use packing foam or bubble wrap as a lightweight dry stuffing to keep your items from bouncing in the seat. It worked outstanding.
Overall, I love this sled
.....again. I also think people in general of smaller stature or maybe not enough confidence in a bigger sled being able to fit the type of riding they do (I.E. trees and boondocking) will need to rethink the reasons for riding 600, 700, and 800 class sleds after riding this years M1000
BB
Well let me start by agreeing with Snowest on the best new improvement of the year from Cat for mountain sledding, the POWERCLAW. It is not too cool for handling on the trail/hardpack or going downhill (yikes!!!) but in the deep stuff, holy smokes, it is better than the 2 1/2" Camo Extreme I have had on my last 3 M sleds. I can not believe how the new tunnel, running boards, rear suspension, two wheel rear axle, and that track work together in the powder. It just keeps going and going when you think you are getting stuck, whip it one way or the other and gain traction and speed and keep climbing. What a difference there. It like 30 more HP or a major trackspeed increase. Very impressive.
As for some of the other changes: Yes, I feel the weight difference. It is dramatic in my opinion. Felt extremely nimble. I got cocky and was doing some downhill whip turns back up the hill and never got tossed or stuck all day. I can't remember the last time I didnt get stuck all day.
I do think the rear axle setup is kind of cheap and could use some improvement. One would be better access to adjustment of the track tension. Good thing I brought lots of extra tools! I much prefer the MMP rear axle set up, just wish it wasn't so costly in comparison!
My last own personal M1000 was an 07. The running boards on the 09 are fantastic and no need for Snow elimator type boards IMO. Had no buildup that could not be kicked out easily. The turn up on the back of the boards is perfectly placed and as long as you keep it clear of snow, is very very useful.
Wow does this sled sidehill with no effort. In one word description it would have to be "FLUID" all the turning and sidehilling makes you feel at one with the sled.
Now the motor. I miss my untouched fuel curve settings (never got the update on my last ECU). Why? Because it was easier to modify with a BD fuel box. This fuel curve is much more intricate and will take more work to dial in to my liking. Granted I was still working off some extra oil in the gas tank all day, but this sled needs some psychiatric help when it comes to fuel. It is very finicky at odd points during the RPM and load range and does not seem to give the kind of static readings I was getting with the last two years M1000 sleds. Obviously due to tweaking of the factory fuel curve. That would be an outstanding thing for a rider making no changes from stock (pipe, can, intake etc.) and leaving the fuel curve alone. Not so much for a light modder.
Please post your findings on fuel curves here rather it be a BD box or PL or Attitude box etc. I am sure there will be a lot of riders wanting some info on that. I will do the same.
Factory WTFs? 1- Where are my secondary shims between the Diamond drive bearing and the secondary? Better thought out scenario with rear axle. WHERE ARE OUR NEW AND IMPROVED SKIS WE WERE PROMISED? And come on please, this BOSS seat from Cat is like a frigin piece of plywood. My azz might never adapt. The best thing about the seat is the storage. But make sure and do somthing similar to what I did if you have one, use packing foam or bubble wrap as a lightweight dry stuffing to keep your items from bouncing in the seat. It worked outstanding.
Overall, I love this sled
.....again. I also think people in general of smaller stature or maybe not enough confidence in a bigger sled being able to fit the type of riding they do (I.E. trees and boondocking) will need to rethink the reasons for riding 600, 700, and 800 class sleds after riding this years M1000BB
yeah that seat is hard, hopefully after a season it will fit your *** cheeks perfectly 
