08 RMK 700 or M8??

[jbird902]

Hey Im posting in Polaris and Cat section to see the responses. I am looking at a 08 RMK 700 155 or a 08 Cat M8 Std 153. Both stock and around same mileage (1000 on RMK 1500 on M8). M8 is like $500 cheaper. What do you guys think between these two sleds. I am pretty new to the mountain sleds, but want the best combo of reliability and performance I can get.

THanks for the help


I also found a 09 RMK shift 600 144.. Are these in a different category than the upper two?

 

[MORSNO]

What kind of riding do you want to do?

Lot's of variables between a 600, 700, 800. Most power for long climbs=153" M8. Great all around sled=155" 700 RMK. Easy to throw around sled=144" 600 RMK.

My biased opinion would be the 700 RMK. Very dependable motor, good gas mileage, good chassis, goes anywhere!

 

[jbird902]

I guess I have ruled out the 600 as I know Ill want more after I get it. I like the engine reverse of the RMK vs Mech on the M8. I know performance wise these two will be close. The biggest thing for me is really reliability now. I know that cat 800 motor is solid. I actually like the RMK chassis better, but the polaris motors scare me. Am I wrong to think the Cat is a more reliable engine Should I be worried at all with the 700?? It is all stock except for a slp can.

 

[Spaarky]

Well, you listed the two of the most reliable two stroke motors on the planet. Is the Cat an HO? I think it is too old to be an HO. Personally, I like the Poo chasis better... but I am very biased. The 8 will have more snort, and be very reliable. The Polaris 700 has been one of the most, if not the THE most reliable motor cfi, carb, you name it. You could run nails through them and still live.

I would not be afraid of either sled. It will come down to personal preference. See if you can ride before you buy.

It may also come down to what the care has been for the sleds, and condition.

Downfall of the Poo.. voltage regulator/stator... Cat.. the Diamond Drive

 

[Demo250]

I've ridden both. You have probably picked the 2 most reliable mountain sleds ever built. (Excluding 600s)

The Cat chassis is awesome, sidehills great, very nimble.
The Poo chassis is also awesome. Sidehills awesome and also very nimble. Has the advantage for on trail performance. Everything else is pretty equal.

Take a look at both. Maybe one will be in better condition. You really can't go wrong with either.

 

[HIDY]

M8 For Shure

 

[JustinB]

I was/am in your same boat. In all the reserch I have done people who ride like I do like the M8 power and the IQ handling (easier to tip due to hight center of gravity) Here is How I broke it down

07/08 AC 800's Reverse and diamond drive suck and add weight.

2007 M8 is @ 142 hp @ 505 lbs found them from$ 4500 - $6000

2008 M8 is @ 142hp @480 lbs Found them from $4500- $6000

2009 M8 is @ 148 hp @464 lbs Found them from $6000 -$9000(Elect. Reverse)
Dragon 700's WE shocks suck and the voltage Reg

2007 D7 is @140 hp @482 lbs found them from $4800-$7000

2008 D7 is @140 hp@484 lbs(rmk was at 489 lbs) same price range

09/10 RMK7 is @ 140 @ 486 Didn't find any of these for sale.

I found a 08 RMK 700 with the SLP Performance package for $4800

So this should (according to slp) bump me to 153 hp & 471lbs

add the Timbersled BB Front end (-5lbs)

 

[Polaris RMK M.M.R.]

The two sleds are very similar in power to weight ratios and both are very reliable motors. However I don’t trust the diamond drives. Know too many people who have had problems with them. The PERC reverse on the Polaris is a big advantage over the cat. Plus the Polaris will destroy the M8 in gas and oil mileage, giving you a much greater range and more time to play. I personally like the IQ chassis better than the M chassis too. In steep climbs I would have to give it to the cat, but a higher center of gravity and better balance/handling give the IQ much more freedom and ease when boon docking or side hilling, putting less strain on your body due to less effort required. Polaris stock RMK skis are very nice too; no need to get SLPs or any other aftermarket skis like a lot of cat guys I know do. Then there are the little things I personally prefer like the Polaris Temp gauge, seat, and rider position. I bet this sounds bias since I ride a Polaris, but you really can’t go wrong with either because there both really good sleds. But I’d say go for the RMK!