07 700 dragon vs. 09 800 dragon

[summitpeaking]

I've got a buddy that owns an 07 Dragon 700 and wants to possibly buy an 09 Dragon 800, both 155".

How does the handling/chassis/ergos/etc. differ from an 07 to an 09? I'm not a Polaris rider, so I haven't kept up on the improvements between years much.

 

[AndrettiDog]

Do a search, these two sleds get compared a lot here on the Po 4M.

I had both and the chassis are the same but power delivery is different. 800 torque "engages" quicker but the 700 isn't far behind on the top. The 700 just takes longer to "spool" up. I never had one issue with either motor but the 800 has been a heartbreaker for some. Best 700 ever made in my opinion.

 

[snowmobile6]

I have an 08 700 dragon and agree with what bugIto said above, the only major change is the cosmetic plastic on the front end otherwise the chassis is the same. The 800 motor has had far more problems than the 700. The 700 is a gas, oil and go sled i have never had any down time with it and absolutly love it best sled to date besides the pro of course. If it was me i would by the 700 all over again

 

[MORSNO]

I don't see much of an advantage in selling the 07 700 for an 09 800. The 800 does have more torque that helps for climbing, but the 700 is so solid why spend money on a 09 sled that isn't a big improvement. Save your money for a used Pro in a year or two.

 

[akgiauque]

I don't see much of an advantage in selling the 07 700 for an 09 800. The 800 does have more torque that helps for climbing, but the 700 is so solid why spend money on a 09 sled that isn't a big improvement. Save your money for a used Pro in a year or two.

Look at the 800 CFI engine failure thread. I bought a 2010 800 CFI in 11 loved it but was ready every trip for a catastrophic failure. Had a great time on the sled but felt relief when I made it to the truck every time, that took some of the fun factor out of riding for me. Sold it and bought a Pro and I am looking forward to a great time without paranoia of eating a piston.
I had a 2003 700 and loved that sleds power. There is a difference in ponies but more in the ride from the Gen 2 to the IQ chassis. With a 07 vs 09 the chassis is the same so the ride will be the same. I would vote to keep the 700 or go Pro but why risk the 08-09 800 crap shoot.

 

[lars53]

Early 07 700's lost pto crankbearings (I had one) updated late in the year. 800's had their share of top end problems. Stock vs. stock 8 takes 7 out of the hole, other than that they run pretty equal. Only reason I'ld jump to the 09 is for the better front bumper. Doesn't seem worth it to me. my 0.02

 

[X2Freeride]

Save your money on the trade and go with a SLP 777 Kit on the 700.