800cfi big bore? go or no go?

[Iowa__Freeriders]

in the process of changing some things on my 2010 rmk 800 144", thinking
possibly a big bore? carls cycle 860 or one similar, planning on going out west
this winter 4-5 times and thinking a couple extra ponies wouldnt hurt. what are peoples thoughts on the big bore or any other suggestions? any input is appreciated. only add on currently is Full SLP exhaust. no other engine mods.


-Thanks snowesters!

 

[sledhed]

860 Carls CFI-4 motor is torquey for sure. I ride one. I would not have paid the coin for one if I were buying it new but it also makes the motor reliable (but they want you to replace pistons every 1000 miles and they are sole-source). I picked up the whole sled used for a good price. Carls has pulled the motor kit ($5000?) off their website, have the PRO kit on their web site now.

If I were you I would be tempted to jump to a Pro chassis, if you have an extra $5000, sell this sled, buy a Pro, and throw the leftover money into some of the many go-fast options for that motor instead. And put in one of the kits like Mtn Tek makes to help it last longer (and give a little HP boost too if I recall).

If you pick up a used 860 cheaper you could go that route instead but I have not seen many of these used and of course buyer beware on used.

That said, I love the motor in the bowls, when my D800 would start powering out and I would turn and/or sidehill, the 860 keeps pulling like a tractor... turbo would get you more ponies, but this is nice for pull-n-go torque...

There are some used Dragon / RMK turbo kits in swapmeet for a lot less than $5000. Put the kit on, dial it in, come out west, kick some backside...

 

[Iowa__Freeriders]

thanks for the info! i too saw some rmk turbo kits for sale in the swap meet, one of my buddies said that if u turbo it you need new pistons, head and a bunch of other parts? is this true or is it a true "bolt on and go" kit? i did some more reading on the big bore as well and it looks like that is going to be a little more work and $$$$$ than i expected. so turbo could be the way to go?
thanks!!! -Nolan

 

[Iowa__Freeriders]

also have a question on the RSI bars, I just put a set of them on my rmk but the bars are not long enough to support the handlebar cluster. ordered the RSI cluster relocation kit. NOW my question is where do I get the brake assembly? any input would be awesome thanks!

 

[sledhed]

I have zero experience with turbo kits, but depending on the kit, with low boost (pump gas kit) you should not need to change the head, and everything else should come with the kit, of course with a used kit you will need to use the original owner and possibly the kit manufacturer to get it set up right. Some sound like they are almost bolt-and-go. I have thought about going turbo instead of big bore especially for spring riding, but I do like the pull-and-go grunt of the 860 big bore... This is what the Polaris 800 should have been like from the factory...

And I don't have any input on the RSI either, never done that changeover. I am ok with the stock bars and controls setup.

 

[MajorDirty]

I had the exact same problem with the RSI bars. I did the cluster relocation kit. Found a good deal on used bars and brake lever/hose from an 09 Dragon, and never used the RSI bars. If you could find a used brake lever, you'd be set.