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900 RMK's compared to other IQ RMK's in the handling department, some thoughts.

mountainhorse

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For those of you that are considering building a "full blown" 900 projects... here are some things to ponder before you do..

I like the 900's and the way they make power.

And That being said:

Though even if you were to build two identical RAW chassis sleds ... identical except for a 900 compared to a 800CFi... the 800 would hands down be easier to maneuver and more nimble due to less gyroscopic effect from the MUCH heavier 80mm stroke of the 900 compared to the 70mm of the 800. The larger the gyroscopic effect the more resistant the sled is to a change in direction or angle.

I like the torque that the 900's put out...they make power in a different way than their smaller cc brothers ... I like way they make power ... I just wish I didn't have to pay the price in the handling department.... there is a trade off in everything... It is all about finding the balance....

A 900 does not require that you wind it up and take run at a hill as much as smaller machines... they have that low end grunt you cant get with a 10mm shorter stroke.

For example... straight hill-chuters love the 1200 Turbo cats... but Chris Burandt/Brad Rasmussen prefered the 800cc turbo engines in the same chassis because of the improved agility of the smaller stroked engines.

A more nimble sled is easier to "correct" when you hit a bump or chunk of ice when sidehilling or swinging around a tree or doing switchbacks to get up a really steep hill.

It all depends on what you want to do...but you will never get a 900 engine sled to be as nimble as an 800 nor will the 800 be as nimble as a 600.... It's just the way it is. Physics (given the same mods/setup when comparing)

IMO...
For a hill drag IQ or hill climber... a 900 in a RAW 162/174" with a turbo and Dans crank.

For a "swiss army knife" of a Polaris sled... An 800 CFi 155" (Turbo even better)

For the ultimate boondocker... a 600 (64mm stroke) based, 144" tracked lightweight machine with 38" ski stance, and all the goodies.
I wish the 727 was offered in a CFi version.

I love the unerdog... and I really like the thought of showing up the "800 guys" with the Ole 9er... what extent am I willing to go to try to make this happen is the question and will the dollar investment make the end product worth while or not when compared to the same investment in something eles... this is a question only the owner/rider of the sled can answer.

I've been receiving lots of emails and PM's asking "how do I make my 900 handle like my buddies 800... I really want to show him up with my sled". With the attractiveness of the 900's because they look very similar to the RAW sleds AND they are MUCH less expensive to buy (not less expensive to own)... people are looking for a more cost effective way to get a great sled....But to get it up near the overall handling of the RAW chassis sleds... the $$ you have to put in them is pretty scary.
 
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Mh I completely agree never gonna happen. big $$ to get close but only close . Do you think the raw chassis with a 900 would be any improvement in handleing over the 05-06 IQ ? I rode both today and the 800 dragon does have a light feel but the engine makes me miss the 9
 
The RAW chassis is an improvement... the tunnel gains less weight because of the full length coolers and the chassis is lighter overall.

In theory... an identically set up 900 in a RAW would be about 25 lbs more weight than the small block.

When does the shop move happen Kreg?
 
I guess I'm just a big enough guy that I can throw the 9 around without too must effort. Granted the 800s are quite nimble feeling, they feel like i'm riding a moped compared to a cummins. The powerband is much different. I will say myself, the turbo 800s are pretty hard to compete with. they are just nice and light and quick. Still don't have the torquey bottom end though.
 
I just got a new 700 155 a few weeks ago. I must say it handles alot better than my modded 900 does with all the light weight parts on it. Doesn't have the torque, that is for sure. I do, however, enjoy riding the 700 more.

I don't think you could do enough to the 900 to make it handle as well as the RAW chassis. I also LOVE the full length coolers on the 700. No more 40lb block of ice in the tunnel. I had alot of fun on my 900, but I am not missing it now that I sold it. 2800 trouble free miles, I might add. Jesse.
 
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The RAW chassis is an improvement... the tunnel gains less weight because of the full length coolers and the chassis is lighter overall.

In theory... an identically set up 900 in a RAW would be about 25 lbs more weight than the small block.

When does the shop move happen Kreg?

Well it was supposed to have already happened but realtors ,buyer, etc. are idiots so now maybe the 28th will be the closing I have 20 days after that.Should be a fun few weeks !
 
This is not a "KNOCK" on the 900's... NOT at all...

Just an "eyes wide open" point of view on what the character of the sled will be when finished.
 
MH, I'm not knocking my old 900. It was alot of fun, handled fairly well, and pulled like a train. I personally don't think you could spend enough money to get the chassis quite as balanced or handle quite as well as my new 700. Like you said, you can get them close, but they just wont be quite there. Jesse.
 
I hear what you are saying and it is no doubt true. You can do allot of things but it will never ride AS light. It can ride very well but unarguably wont be as nimble. One thing you said..."showing up the new sleds" that really sticks with me because the looks on there faces is worth every penny I have ever sunk into this thing.:beer;
 
I think you guys are right on about the differences in the sleds.
I own the 2006 900 RMK 166" and ride regularly with a 2007 700 Dragon 155" (camo ext)
2008 800 Dragon 163"
All the sleds are piped and run good and when we switch rides and later talk about it.... we all found the same results the 700 is the funnest and easiest, the 800 feels more nimble than my 900 and the 900 is a tractor.
I also like to see the expression on riders faces when the see the hated POS 900 perform.
 
Couple questions...

1.) How much of it is chasis, and how much is the additional weight of the motor/physics? Obviously you are talking two completely different chasis,shocks, tracks... ect. That being said they have a lot of similar charachteristics.

MH.. when you say an additional 25lbs, are you saying the motor itself, no pipes, electronics, ect the 900 weights 25lbs more?

2.) How many of you guys that prefer the smaller more nimble sleds weight more than a quarter pounder with cheese. Frankly I am a big guy and some torque and power can make things much easier for me.


What would be easier? dropping a 900 in a RAW chasis or changing a 900 chasis to RAW form or as close as possible.

Its time next summer for another project and the 9T has me interested. So, I am gathering as much info as possible.
 
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rmk 900

I have just bought an 900 05, and so far i love this thing. It has plenty of tourque.
Just sold my 02 700 ves , that sled did run very good, but the grunt of the 900 is VERY good and it made the ole 700 run like a snowblower compaired to the nine. Hope i will stay cleared from trouble then:D
My old 700 run 5000 km and never have had an issue!!!
 
I love the pull of the 900, but as stated before it lacks in the handling that the newer IQs have. We ride with a 09 600 and that thing handles easy as hell, but when we decide to do a little climbing that little 600 gets to watch from the bottom. I love them and are going to stay with the 900s for awhile.:D
 
I rode a 05 900 166 for 2 seasons. Had all the usual mods. I felt like the 225 spring on the front of the rear suspension was a big help. My opinion, and I may be wrong, but I felt like the weight was too high. I thought the sled handled ok, but it wasn't very forgiving. To any potential 900 riders I would say to get yourself in shape before you start riding. It is not the sled to ride yourself into shape on. I liked the sled, had they built it in 07 I probably would have bought another. Still the best climbing and power eating sleds I have seen other than the turbo's. Very much so if you are a big guy. 250 plus, that is the sled to have.

If you have a nickle, I have 3 pennies, and there is my 2 cents.
 
i understand as well, but there would be a cold day in hell before i sold my 900..or a bad wreck, lol...

sure its a huge beast, but so am i..i forsee a Turbo 975 for it one day..that will make it feel light ;)

long live the 9..
 
how's the handling compared to a modded out mountain max..?

i have a deliema..either i dump $2500 into my sled..or get my dad's 900 and dump $2500 into that.

will the 900 feel lighter than my mountain max due to the newer chassis? my mountain max is already pretty light..probably 480 dry.. but it's the old trailing arm style chassis..
 
Couple questions...

1.) How much of it is chasis, and how much is the additional weight of the motor/physics? Obviously you are talking two completely different chasis,shocks, tracks... ect. That being said they have a lot of similar charachteristics.

Yes... a pre-RAW IQ-RMK IS different...The RAW chassis is a much more evolved design in light weight...

Here is what I said abov
e
Though even if you were to build two identical RAW chassis sleds ... identical except for a 900 compared to a 800CFi.

Meaning... EVEN IF the chassis and setup were IDENTICAL except for the motors... the 900 would feel much different than the 800.


MH.. when you say an additional 25lbs, are you saying the motor itself, no pipes, electronics, ect the 900 weights 25lbs more?

Again, If the sleds were identical, except for the motors[900 vs 800 cfi's]... the 900, with all of its bigger pipes/cans and heavier motor would be at least 25 lbs heavier.

2.) How many of you guys that prefer the smaller more nimble sleds weight more than a quarter pounder with cheese. Frankly I am a big guy and some torque and power can make things much easier for me.

Torque of the 80mm stroke is undeniable... As I said above, I like the 900's power and how it makes power. A big guy on an 800 will be able to throw the short stroke, lighter sled around with more precision.


What would be easier? dropping a 900 in a RAW chasis or changing a 900 chasis to RAW form or as close as possible.

Hands down... dropping the 900 into the RAW chassis... the RAW chassis bulkheads are still drilled for the 900 motor front cross bar mount. The rear mounts can be either the 2006 900's or the Holz/Struthers rears like Sean is showing in another 900 post. Plenty of other details... but easier.

Its time next summer for another project and the 9T has me interested. So, I am gathering as much info as possible.
...
 
MH.. when you say an additional 25lbs, are you saying the motor itself, no pipes, electronics, ect the 900 weights 25lbs more?

Again, If the sleds were identical, except for the motors[900 vs 800 cfi's]... the 900, with all of its bigger pipes/cans and heavier motor would be at least 25 lbs heavier.

Motor vs. Motor... anyone know the weight difference? no pipes, electronics, ect... doesnt really apply for me

Torque of the 80mm stroke is undeniable... As I said above, I like the 900's power and how it makes power. A big guy on an 800 will be able to throw the short stroke, lighter sled around with more precision.

Agree and disagree, I think its personal preference. Personally, some extra grunt helps me more than light weight. I have no problems tossing a heavier , less nimble sled around, but sometimes need the extra kick in the pants to get out of sticky situations.
 
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