2012 Handling Help

[ktm131rob]

Truth be told I am not a cat guy in the least bit. I have a good friend that rides them and specifically a 2012 m 8000 162"

He likes it, recently he has been riding a ton in tight trees and steep terrain (where I hang out) When working on his riding technique he is really having a problem keeping, initiating and paneling out that sled.

Without saying that its the rider what are some of the ways you guys have improved those characteristics? He doesn't know if he can spend the money on a new cat which I know from experience handles awesome in the trees (and is what he needs) So I am trying to get him some options.

Thanks in advance.

 

[summ8rmk]

2016 newer front end...
Move rear skid to the 2014 newer mounting location. Need to buy adapters for the rear drop brackets.
Done.

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[ktm131rob]

2016 newer front end...
Move rear skid to the 2014 newer mounting location. Need to buy adapters for the rear drop brackets.
Done.

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Sources for parts?

 

[summ8rmk]

Sources for parts?

On sale
https://mountainvalleymachine.com/p...climb-suspension-rear-arm-relocation-bracket/


Country Cat for the front end.

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[ktm131rob]

On sale
https://mountainvalleymachine.com/p...climb-suspension-rear-arm-relocation-bracket/


Country Cat for the front end.

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Thoughts on tracks? What bolts up with those drivers?

Is it a pretty big improvement to adjust the skid mounting?

 

[summ8rmk]

2.6" or 3" powerclaw depending on riding.

The '12s handled poorly for a mountain sled. The rear trenches bad in stock form.
The front makes it sidehill like a tank. No fun in the trees.

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[ktm131rob]

2.6" or 3" powerclaw depending on riding.

The '12s handled poorly for a mountain sled. The rear trenches bad in stock form.
The front makes it sidehill like a tank. No fun in the trees.

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Yeah I know they were not known for being great in that environment. My buddy loves sledding, and is leaning toward a new cat ( I am a axys guy, hoped on the new cat right at home great sled two thumbs up) He keeps asking what he can do to improve this thing and he is not mechanical at all. So I wanted to get him some facts.

 

[summ8rmk]

As far as a newer sled.
I honestly would go to the best dealer in the area and ride what they sell.
Axys or Cat, both great tree sleds.
Doo has a home also, just not the best on one ski.

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[Big10inch]

Yeah I know they were not known for being great in that environment. My buddy loves sledding, and is leaning toward a new cat ( I am a axys guy, hoped on the new cat right at home great sled two thumbs up) He keeps asking what he can do to improve this thing and he is not mechanical at all. So I wanted to get him some facts.

The good news is, the basics of the sled are the same today as they were in 2012. You need to relocate the skid, swap to the 16 front end and I would stuff a 3" power claw under it. Clutching is the other big difference, the Team clutches on the 16-17 are a big improvement over the 12. The 18+ primary is even better. You can fit narrow boards and pull the bodywork in a couple inches. Still kinda fat but a big improvement for sidehilling.


So if he were mechanical, $2000 and some hours working on it would net him a pretty killer tree machine. That's used parts, your labor. If you have to pay someone, or buy all new parts the bill is going way up. Look for an 18 Mtn Cat, a nice used one would be a great sled to chase the Axys on. Heck even a 17 Mtn Cat is a formidable snow weapon, I have seen used ones for ~$8K

 

[ktm131rob]

The good news is, the basics of the sled are the same today as they were in 2012. You need to relocate the skid, swap to the 16 front end and I would stuff a 3" power claw under it. Clutching is the other big difference, the Team clutches on the 16-17 are a big improvement over the 12. The 18+ primary is even better. You can fit narrow boards and pull the bodywork in a couple inches. Still kinda fat but a big improvement for sidehilling.


So if he were mechanical, $2000 and some hours working on it would net him a pretty killer tree machine. That's used parts, your labor. If you have to pay someone, or buy all new parts the bill is going way up. Look for an 18 Mtn Cat, a nice used one would be a great sled to chase the Axys on. Heck even a 17 Mtn Cat is a formidable snow weapon, I have seen used ones for ~$8K

Yeah I agree with that, the labor would be us and a few beers. So a new sled is what I am pushing him towards. What’s the biggest difference in 2017 and sleds.

 

[Big10inch]

2012 to 2017 is the ProClimb. They all have the super reliable Suzuki 800 engine. They were turds in 2012 but improved every year. 2016 had the biggest updates, 3" track, Fox Evol shock package, new front end geometry, Team clutches. These things transformed the ProClimb into a serious mtn machine. 2017s were mostly the same except for the snowcheck Mtn Cat models. These had a couple features from the '18+ Ascender chassis. Running boards and body work 2 inches narrower, dropped chain case for better track angle plus the goodies from 16.


The 18+ Ascender gets new bodywork, narrower and much easier to use. New engine, Cats copy of the Suzuki. All mtn models have the dropped chain case. New primary clutch with roller bearing for lower engagement rpm.

 

[ktm131rob]

2012 to 2017 is the ProClimb. They all have the super reliable Suzuki 800 engine. They were turds in 2012 but improved every year. 2016 had the biggest updates, 3" track, Fox Evol shock package, new front end geometry, Team clutches. These things transformed the ProClimb into a serious mtn machine. 2017s were mostly the same except for the snowcheck Mtn Cat models. These had a couple features from the '18+ Ascender chassis. Running boards and body work 2 inches narrower, dropped chain case for better track angle plus the goodies from 16.


The 18+ Ascender gets new bodywork, narrower and much easier to use. New engine, Cats copy of the Suzuki. All mtn models have the dropped chain case. New primary clutch with roller bearing for lower engagement rpm.

Thanks for the info, I just dont know what made cats better thru the years. when you thought about 2000 bucks in upgrades was that including a track?

 

[summ8rmk]

Powerclaw track are the most expensive tracks. New estimates:
162x3 = $1,200.
Front kit with shocks = $1,500+
Skid relocation $75
Primary clutch $600+ weights
Secondary ? $400?
Narrow boards = $300+


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[ktm131rob]

Powerclaw track are the most expensive tracks. New estimates:
162x3 = $1,200.
Front kit with shocks = $1,500+
Skid relocation $75
Primary clutch $600+ weights
Secondary ? $400?
Narrow boards = $300+


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Thats not worth it in my mind. I appreciate the help.

 

[xfiredude]

2013 skid location-$0
2013 tierod location on spindle-$0
Used gripper skis-$200
A little drilling and grinding will go a long way, well, better anyway.

 

[89sandman]

The cheapest way to make that sled 1000 times better is the 36 front end, after that I'd do the skid relocate and a track. Just the 36 front end will make it like a new sled.

 

[boondocker97]

Narrower running boards coupled with pulling in the lower panels and re-riveting is an improvement on top of what the others have said.

 

[jim]

Any money put into that machine will be throw away...it is older and even great mods will not increase its value much.

He is better off updating to a newer year and putting the 2k into that.

 

[ktm131rob]

Any money put into that machine will be throw away...it is older and even great mods will not increase its value much.

He is better off updating to a newer year and putting the 2k into that.

I get it, I know sleds have made a huge leap in the last 4 years as far as mountain setup is concerned. It’s not my money I ride newer sleds. It’s just good to be able to tell a buddy flat out hey this is your best bet with facts.

 

[summ8rmk]

I get it, I know sleds have made a huge leap in the last 4 years as far as mountain setup is concerned. It’s not my money I ride newer sleds. It’s just good to be able to tell a buddy flat out hey this is your best bet with facts.

Just seen a set of 36" fox evols on facebook for $250.
If u can find arms, spindles and tierods used. Maybe under $700 for the front end upgrade? That would make it worth it.

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