2012 600 144 vs 2012 600 155

[Toad face killah]

I am interested in buying my wife a used 600 pro chassis. I was originally set on a 600 155 track but now am considering possibly going with a 144 because the price is right and a few people have had praises for the 144. I want the 155 because of the added flotation for her and the added mountain features are a big bonus in case I ever end up riding it or if a buddy takes takes it out riding. My concern is that the 144 just isn't the same mountain sled that the 155 is. I know the tunnel and bulkhead are totally different. the running boards on the 144 suck. and the 144 is a bit heavier. What else is missing on the 144? does the 144 rear skid have the coilovers like all of the 155s and 163s? not sure if the downgrade is worth it for a few bucks. She does a lot of trail riding now but thats because shes been on a 550 rmk and off trail wasnt much of an option. My hope is that with a nice mountain sled she will be able to go more places off trail with me and allow me to have more fun on the days she rides. thanks for your input

 

[CROW]

155 for sure

 

[maurfello]

No question 155".

PRO RMK 800

 

[mountainhorse]

Although they look very similar...there are a lot of subtle diffs that make a big difference in how she'll like it... IF you are going to ride in deep snow.

The rear suspension is completely different on the two sleds... the 144 has the torsion spring suspension... The 155 has the coil over suspension.

Back in 2012, none of the RMK's had the new style "Powder-Trac" running boards on them.

The steering post angle is diff between the two.

The bulkhead is the same...but the tunnel is different as you mentioned.

The track is different as are the suspension rails.

Other subtle diffs too.

All this adds up to give the two sleds diff character.. Is one better than the other...
Well...That all DEPENDS on truly how much time the sled will spend in the deep stuff in the mountains... on trail or off trail...will you be riding it also at times??

The 144's suspension does ride better on trails.





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[Sheetmetalfab]

144 has
Old school skid
Running boards
Crappy shocks
Low seat
Old handlebar controls
Ect.

 

[sleddin pete]

Spend the extra now and buy the 155,bigger 2.4 paddles and the added floatation over the 144's 2" paddles will make her a better rider.Not much of a tradeoff in trail manners with the longer track.The running boards are much better on the 155 also.If the 155 is a Pro RMK it will also have the better shocks.
My wife came off a 07 RMK 600 144 and her 155 track Pro RMK has improved her skills dramatically making for a better time for both of us.

 

[mountainhorse]

They are diff machines that both have their strong and weak points.
Heck... I'm sure some will chime in here to say ..."Get the 800... the More power is better" (which I do NOT agree with for all riders and experience levels)

IMO... If she sits more than stands...Trail more than off-trail... then she will enjoy the 144 more. If she is off trail more than on trail... the 155's will serve he better.

If she was on the EDGE or IQ 550 Trail RMK before (You didn't say) ... then the 2012 144" 600 RMK or 155" RMK/PRO-RMK is MUCH better, as far as off trail capability, with 40 more horsepower and a much evolved chassis with narrow body and better character off-trail.

The Ryde-FX shocks come on both of the sleds unless you are talking about a 600 PRO RMK 155" which is diff than the 600 RMK 155" ... and the RYDE-FX are pretty good till they wear out at the 1500-2000 mile mark for most riders... In fact, I prefer their ride to stock Walker Evans shocks.
Both sleds, the 144" and 155" have the same width 39" - 41" front suspensions.

The 2012 RMK 155" and 2012 PRO RMK 155" are different as well...The PRO model has taller handlebars with a diff bend for mostly stand up riding, a different master cylinder, heater and light controls mounted to the console, Rebuildable Walker Evans shocks BUT.... NO second cooler on the bulkhead.
The Standard-RMK's (144 & 155") have the extra bulkhead cooler.

Handlebars can be changed easily... and... the Pro tapers on the PRO RMK's are too tall for many shorter riders... men or women.

There are a lot of aggressive women riders that will ride circles around a lot of men riders out there... just need to be honest with yourself if you are wishing she rode one way or the other... or she really will be riding a certain way.... Different tools for different jobs.

2012

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[550iq]

But, the 144 can be outfitted with modern Switchback Assault shocks and 42" front end and a small block studded track. Also, a 2-up seat and a nice cargo rack can be outfitted. And if you need to run miles of trashed out, minimal snow to go riding, the 144 will go and not fold and burn up like the needs-snow Pro. Further optional mods include the ability to install a 151", 156", or 159" track. The Polaris RMK Pro: one trick pony, capable of running only where there is adequate snow. The 144: Available to run anywhere, anytime. We will be taking a 600 144 RMK and turning it into a 600 Assault Switchback for Iron Dog duties this winter. Try doing that with a Pro RMK. Two different animals that only share a brand name.

 

[goridedoo]

What kind of price difference are you looking at?

 

[hd4rob]

I'm in the process of putting together a '13 600 rmk 144" for my wife right now. Switching track to a 146"x2.5" challenger extreme, driver switch from 2.52 to 2.86 with center extrovert. Nextech skid float conversion. 36" zbroz a-arms, skinz airframes or b&m boards. Pro seat. Switching rails to straight 146" ice-age instead of the stock rear tipped up ones. Upgraded front shocks and center track shock. And all kinds of little things as well. We just picked this up as a brand new two year carry over for $7200. Selling the take off parts and trying to find as many takeoff replacement parts as I can with this one. Btw, I'm in need of stock 2.86 with center extroverts for a chaincase machine.

 

[hd4rob]

I'm also going to try to stand the steering post to a more vertical position and run the low pro tapers on there.

 

[Toad face killah]

thanks for the responses. they were more in depth then I anticipated. After all of that, I think the 155 will be the better option. we will see.

 

[The Fourth Wolf]

I have a 12 600 144 for my wife.

Get the 155.

 

[pindallout]

My Wife runs the 2012 600 155" it is the way to go. She is 130lbs and absolutely loves the sled.
The place where I work has a 2012 600 144" and she has ridden both and hands down picks the 155" every time. All the subtle differences MAKES the difference. My .02c.