2010 D8 vs 2011 ProRMK

[Weatherbyman]

Couple of questions for opinions:

Purchase a 2010 D8 at a very good price or wait for the 2011 ProRMK? It looks like with the difference in price, you could use the money to lose about 2o lbs max from the D8 with a Holtz skid and Pipe/Can, but that is about it.

155" or 163" Track? Pros and Cons of each vs the other. I assume the 163 does better in the Steep and Deep, but how about on harder packed snow/trails getting to and from the riding area?

I currently ride a 2005 900 and it is a PIG/TANK that doesn't like to do anything but go fast in a straight line and I am kinda worried about the 2010 D8 being somewhat the same, where the reviews on the 2011 on SnoWest have been saying it is the second coming.

Opinions and thoughts are appreciated.

 

[AndrettiDog]

I have a 2009 D8 and have ridden the 900. They are night and day. My D8 doesn't feel like a pig and runs great. In fact, I think the strength of the D8 is boondocking. It doesn't climb as an XP and I think it is because the D8 is tipsy and the XP is very stable. Don't be afraid of the D8. Get solid input not the bashing that you hear from so many people that really don't know.

 

[crf118r]

I have ridden all three. I owned an 05 900 and currently own an 08 D8 (really, there is no comparison!!) with all of the upgrades. I rode the 2010 and 2011 back to back, and stock to stock there is no comparison. The 2011 has it all! It is VERY controllable and reacts well and is very predictable. Most of that is suspension IMO. That said, I was missing my sled a bit, but I attribute that to set-up. Mine is dialed for my riding style and I am having a hard time justifying the new dog. Don't get me wrong, If mine sells it's a no brainer! Overall I think with the new sled price tag vs. a used 08-10 you could be almost = on the hill bying an older one and doing susp, bars, etc. Just my opinion.

 

[Weatherbyman]

Thanks for the input guys. I think I am going to wait and see what the prices are going to be for the 2011s next week and make my decision then.
I may just stick with the 900 for another season and get some of the money I put into it out in fun! Lord knows I could'a had a "stock" D8 with all the $$$ I put into my 900 this last year or so!

 

[440dart]

get a pro rmk man should be an awsome sled if the engine is any good, if it turns out good i think i will end up with one with a 174 or a s/c nitro or what ever yami comes out with.

 

[Weatherbyman]

Right now, I am thinking I will keep my TANK (2005 900 RMK) for another season and then Snow Check a 2012 ProRMK. You never know what will happen with the new European engines. Maybe they will outperform the E-TEC. And, maybe, they will come out with some cool color combinations.

 

[iluv2fly]

I saw the new 2011 pro rmk today at the dealership. It was sitting next to a 2010 and I was not impressed with the new front end of the 2011. The old chassis looks much better but that is just my opinion.

 

[PalousePoo]

As far as your track length question, you need to really look at the snow conditions you MOSTLY ride in. I've seen a 153 M8 outclimb a 162 M8 when there was a good base due to faster track speed. When I first bought an 08 163 dragon, it felt like it took more energy to carve a downhill turn than the 07 155 700 D I had. But once this year in deep wet snow, I was glad I had a 163" Everything is a compromise, sometime or another.

 

[LeftField]

Track Length

The 163 track seems to be the popular ticket, not sure if it's because of performance or extra profit.

I just came off a 144 and a 159 moving to a D8 with a 155. I also frequently ride an M8 162. Riding in western WA, I'd not likely go back to the longer tracks. I went with the 155 because it was lighter, cheaper and it takes me anywhere.

It depends some on your riding style, weight and skill level. I like to boondock & weigh around 160 w/ gear. I've found as my skill has increased I need less track. If you like to boondock and want a little extra margin, the longer tracks didn't ever seem to hurt my maneuverability much and allowed me to go a little slower picking a line without a stuck.

I'm always a little gun shy about a first year model.

 

[AndrettiDog]

The 163 track seems to be the popular ticket, not sure if it's because of performance or extra profit.

I'm not sure which magazine I found the stats, but Polaris sold a ton more 155's than 163's.

 

[crf118r]

If you're a tall and or heavier guy you will want a 163" (mountain riding of course). Too short and the rear will seem a little loose or squirrely. It's all personal preference ultimately. Anyone can learn to ride anything.