I ride an 05 700 rmk edge. I'm thinking about getting a new sled, and seeing all these bad reviews on the 8's, I'm wondering how they compare to the 7's? Durability? Power? All the pertinent information that might help me make an informed decision.
700 vs 800 question.
- Thread starter yep
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Search on this. I know of two other topics that give some good info. There are pros and cons to both.
Personally, coming off of a 07 D7 for the last 3 year's, and now running a 2010 D8, i would go with the 700. With the money you will save you can bump up the hp on the 700 to outperform our poor performing 8's. I never had a bit of problem with my 700, ran with all the 8's i used to ride with, and i don't think their is much power difference, especially with the way the 8's are running right now. Just my .02.
700
07, D700 RMK. 2,800 hard miles. Here is what I have done with it. Pull cord, pin throttle, eat snow, repeat.
I have worn out the cluch, bent the skies, bent the running boards, bent or cracked most of the rear suspension, cracked the cowling, broke the sway bar, and bent the stearing post. My piont is, I ride hard. The engine has never failed me, still runs good and has never been apart. I have no hesitation in taking it out into the boonies and here in Alaska we have some serious boonies. If I didn't love this sled so much I would be riding an M8. Buy a Polaris 800 only if you feel lucky.
07, D700 RMK. 2,800 hard miles. Here is what I have done with it. Pull cord, pin throttle, eat snow, repeat.
I have worn out the cluch, bent the skies, bent the running boards, bent or cracked most of the rear suspension, cracked the cowling, broke the sway bar, and bent the stearing post. My piont is, I ride hard. The engine has never failed me, still runs good and has never been apart. I have no hesitation in taking it out into the boonies and here in Alaska we have some serious boonies. If I didn't love this sled so much I would be riding an M8. Buy a Polaris 800 only if you feel lucky.
I was in a similar situation to you last year, hard decision. I decided to upgrade when I got a great deal on my 08 D8, and after riding my wife's 08 D7 chassis.
The sled you have is a great sled. If you are talking about buying brand-new and you want to stay with Polaris, I would wait and see what they come out with for 2011 sleds. If you need more HP in the meantime, just add goodies to your current ride, IMHO.
That being said, I like the new chassis better once I got used to it a bit. Having a hard time getting miles on it with the lousy snow year we are having. Lots of people are having trouble-free miles on these 800's, but some have no end of problems. So far Polaris is standing behind them. What happens when this season is over, and the extended warranty is over? I suspect we are on our own after that. So if you buy new, get an extended warranty...
The sled you have is a great sled. If you are talking about buying brand-new and you want to stay with Polaris, I would wait and see what they come out with for 2011 sleds. If you need more HP in the meantime, just add goodies to your current ride, IMHO.
That being said, I like the new chassis better once I got used to it a bit. Having a hard time getting miles on it with the lousy snow year we are having. Lots of people are having trouble-free miles on these 800's, but some have no end of problems. So far Polaris is standing behind them. What happens when this season is over, and the extended warranty is over? I suspect we are on our own after that. So if you buy new, get an extended warranty...
I have a 07 700 dragon, 2900 miles and it runs great, I also have a 08 800 163 over 4000 trouble free miles (now has 10 update seems good so far) and 09 800 155, 1200 miles no 10 update yet and they both will run circles around the 700. The 700 will give the 800's a run for there money in a race but put a hill in front if them and so long 700!!! I keep hearing about 700 out performing the 8's, but I also have heard of ufo sightings. hmmmmm
^^^^ Very true. I love my 07 D7, but it is a 700 and does not have the grunt of an 800 for climbing. That being said, my 700 has ran flawless for 4 seasons now!!! I don't see an 800 in my future until I feel confident in them...some run great, some...not so much.
Thanks for the info guys. That helps out. hopefully I'll come to a good decision.
I
IDAHO HOT SHOT
Well-known member
I would say that if you are a smaller guy, the 700 would be ok. I weigh 200lbs before I get dressed and it was a little to small gor me, even with a pipe. It had decent power, but when climbing and compressing the suspension, it would bog the motor. I was told that lighter weights would fix this but never got around to trying it. I would say spend the extra cash and get an 800. If you wait a little longer, there should be a bunch for sale due to the release of Poo's new mtn sled.
Right on, thanks for the info. Sounds like they're durable but a little under powered for me. I'm a big guy. I think i'll get an 8. Maybe wait a year. Thanks again.
