I need advice from the experts! I have the chance to buy a 2006 RMK 600 144" with 300 miles for $3,000. Is the 2006 RMK 600 a good reliable sled? I'm looking to replace my current buddy sled which is a 2003 Arctic Cat 1M 600 with this. Just don't want to buy another sled that takes tinkering after every ride!
2006 600 RMK 144"
- Thread starter dyrengd
- Start date
5
550iq
Well-known member
The issue with the long tracked 06 IQ's was cooling: the front radiator was a joke (with most being removed), and, the killer, a rear heat exchanger location that allowed thawed snow (water) to be pitched forward by the track and ice-up in the tunnel. Collecting about 4" of ice in the tunnel during the day's ride is just wrong. I believe that by 08 the cooling issues were dealt with by tunnel mounted heat exchangers. Had an 06 and would not go back, for any price. There is better technology out there.
5
550iq
Well-known member
Concerning the 600 HO engine, it is bullet-proof, also, this is a capable snowmobile as it will run in the snow. The 06 600 HO engine is carbed, the 010 engine is fuel injected (CFI). I had close to 4K miles on my 06 600 and it never missed a beat. I replaced the reed valves with V-Force reeds at about 2000 miles, this being the only engine work. Moving up to the modern chassis is a good thing, the $3000 price may be steep. Just be aware of the cooling issues. At the time, my 06 IQ Switchback (converted to an RMK) was the best snowmobile I ever owned - then came modernization. It is hard to look back. Sorry to sound negative but the ice build-up in the tunnel diminished the experiance. Cheers.
We had a whole fleet of 06 600 IQ's. Universally excellent sled for it's day. Nice balance of decent power, handling, and reliability. Quite a bit more sled then your 03 cat in terms of off trail riding. We turned about twenty into Carl's 660 and they were very cool sleds. The combo of the small block and that 144 track was a pretty nice setup. Lots of Carl's customers put 159's on em for the deeper mtn crowd. Me I liked the hotter feel of a 144 with that same amount of snort. 3 g's for anything reliable and that vintage is a fair deal.
A couple clarifications. The 06 was an IQ but it didn't have the RAW chassis. That happened in 07 (not 08) and addressed the ice build up and excess weight of useless stuff on the 06. 09 had a FI motor, but only on the 155". The 144" had carbs. I'm considering an 07 for my wife (and a little playing for me too). The 06 was a little heavy. If the sled is in the right condition, I think $3000 isn't bad, especially with 300 miles.
The 06 600 RMK is a good sled and would be a good improvement over your 03 cat. Yes it is heavier than the 07 and up IQ's but its still a good sled. I had one with and slp exhaust, air horn kit, vents and vforce reeds and once the clutching was set up the thing flat out ripped. I think it is a steal at 3000 for only have 300 miles, its bearly broken in. If your looking for a newer sled that is reliable and easy to throw around i would by it. if you want a lighter sled with the newest technology look for a good deal on a 07-10 600 rmk with either the 155 or 144 track. Good Luck!!
BUY IT!!
I would buy that in a heartbeat if its for $3000! You can't go bad with a 600 rmk as a buddy sled and a 900 for yourself!
I would buy that in a heartbeat if its for $3000! You can't go bad with a 600 rmk as a buddy sled and a 900 for yourself!
I would buy that in a heartbeat if its for $3000! You can't go bad with a 600 rmk as a buddy sled and a 900 for yourself!
The 900 was a good sled IF AND ONLY IF the correct mods were made. I.E.- motor mounts, clutching, etc.... With that said, the 600 is a solid sled, my 07 144 600 rips and was rebuilt at 5400 miles, now 8600. Not a beat missed or a hill unclimbed. My favorite part is the nimbleness with the almost instant trottle response.
Sled is a 2007 RMK 600 144. SLP Air horn, 2 degree timing key, Fox Float shocks in the front, and WE from a dragon in the rear.
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