144" vs 155"

[polaris_rmk_shift]

Hello everyone im new to the forums. Im in a little bit of a dilemma. I bought a 2009 Shift 600 RMK 144' last year and loved it. The only problem is that next year i want a 800. I found a left over 2009 dragon rmk 155'. The only worry i have is the track length difference. Am i going to feel much of a difference in track lenght? I do all types of powder riding.
Any imput would be great.

 

[sleddin pete]

I've got both a 144 600 and a 155 700 Dragon.

Deep snow the Dragon 155 has more float and is more forgiving to throttle variations.

The 600 144 is also a great sled and a little more fun on the trail/hard pack days.Goes good on the real deep days you just have to stay on the throttle more.

If I was to buy another 600 I would definately trade the better trail riding of the 144 for the deep snow performance of the 155.

Guess it all really depends on where you live/what type of riding you will mostly be doing.

Regardless make sure you get some ice scratchers.They'll keep your sled running cooler in low snow conditions and make your Hifax last longer.

Pete

 

[duchunter]

My wife rides a 07 600 RMK 144 and I have an 08 700 RMK 155 and i have to say the 600 does just fine but if I where to get my wife another 600 I would get a 155 as I think it is smoother on the trails and will do better in the deep stuff, my 700 does awesome!

 

[ADRENALINE]

You don't say where you ride other than powder, like how much powder? I like the 155, I've ridden some 144 sleds and they act about the same. Realize you are only adding 4.5 inches to the trail and with the newer (06 up I think??) the rear of the rails are tipped up for this exact reason, the best of both worlds, they act like a 144 on the trail but in the powder you have a 155. Go with the 155!

 

[Ollie]

Go with the 155.

 

[pumpnlead]

Go with the 155.

x2. I just turn my suspension adjustment down to soft for the trail ride home and it is smooth sailing.

 

[94fordguy]

You don't say where you ride other than powder, like how much powder? I like the 155, I've ridden some 144 sleds and they act about the same. Realize you are only adding 4.5 inches to the trail and with the newer (06 up I think??) the rear of the rails are tipped up for this exact reason, the best of both worlds, they act like a 144 on the trail but in the powder you have a 155. Go with the 155!

I believe they started that in 2002 if not before, my sled has em tipped up stock, turns just as good as a 121 on hardpack

Yes, the extra flotation is much more forgiving in the deep and rides smoother on those 'less than freshly groomed' trails

 

[ADRENALINE]

I believe they started that in 2002 if not before, my sled has em tipped up stock, turns just as good as a 121 on hardpack

Yes, the extra flotation is much more forgiving in the deep and rides smoother on those 'less than freshly groomed' trails

Yeah, wasn't too sure on that one, I used to ride slow doo!

 

[600xc4me]

Go with the 155. I have on 08 800 155, buddy has an 09 800 144, and I like my 155 a lot better. And we ride the flat lands. It carves better due to more traction, maybe not tighter circles, mind you I managed one last year where the inside diameter of my circle wasn't more than four feet. It carves way faster and is over all just more fun. If your into wheelies the 155 is better, believe it or not. The 144 jumps on the bumper way to fast, taking weight off the track, and it comes down, the 155 is longer and takes more time to get up there, but once your there, its not coming down so easily like the 144. Then there is deep powder flotation. The 144 gets you there, but the 155 allows you do wind through trees in deep snow, slowly, without getting stuck. Over all I would never trade my 155 for a 144.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYLIVNdH7HE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBrIKPs3cTA&feature=channel

Don't mind the bogging in the second vid. My voltage regulator quit right at the end of that vid, so it was running like crap till it totally gave out.

 

[snowdog484]

I would say back country technical riding a 144 or 146. If you like the steep and deep the 155. If your your answer is both styles then I would go with the 155. IMO I would never go longer than 155, I like track speed. Truthfully i liked the 151 range.

 

[F-Bomb]

What you gonna do with your 09 600 144 shift?

I have both a very sweet 09 155 with "ALL OF THE CANDY" Carl's 800 twin piper and a super light, super fun Carl's 660 144 (also IQ RMK RAW with 09 plastic) that I ride together so many days I actually get time on both. I'd argue that there is no set answer for your question. Some days the 144 is ten fold the fun of the more powerful and longer tracked 800 while other days you just need more track. One thing is absolute...you can and will "FEEL" the difference but once you get used to riding the 155 it's still sporty and enjoyable (depending of course on your skill set and performance preferences).

I'd ask you this...You stated that you enjoyed the 09 600 but it sounds as if you are wishing for more gumption? If it got you were you wanted to go, you had a blast riding it, but you simply want to go faster quicker further and funner DO THIS ON THAT SLED. Call Carl's and buy a 660 big bore for your existing 09 600. (voice of experience here...if I had your current sled and those were the parameters it is exactly what I would do myself)