Advice on M7/M8

[CoreyCK]

Looking for a bit of advice here guys.

Looking to buy a sled this season, Used to ride a 98 Powder Special 600efi then sold it for school; Last 2 years been riding a buddy's spare 01 RMK 800 and its time to buy my own now.

Was looking at sleds in the $2000-$2800 range but all thats out there are older Mtn Cats and other 00-04 Trailing-Arm sleds. With another $1500 I could probably get past that.

Been looking at a 2005 M7 162 Challenger stock with a pipe and 400miles on a new motor for $3800.00

and

2007 M8 153 with 3200 miles and a new top end for $4000

These prices seem fairly common all over the internet.

Was wondering if there was a big advantage with the M series sleds between these years???

And if there was much power difference between the two?

How would the M7 turn the big 162? I'm used to a 800 with a 144" track.

Im looking for reliability and climbing mostly since everyone I ride with has a 07 revs, or newer sleds.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[av8er]

comparing 1m to m series

1m beats you on a rough trail at 30 mph, can go 60 mph on same trail on the m series, older m7 is around 130-135 HP stock. 0 m8 doesn't have much more maybe 140-145 stock. the power claw track makes a big difference on these sleds, also a m7 pushes a 162" just fine.

 

[RACINSTATION]

I think you should be able to find a clean M7 for around $3000.00 I don't know what the market is doing up there, but here you can.

 

[CoreyCK]

Alright Thanks guys

 

[RobertTrivanovic]

Also keep in mind the M7 doesn't have reverse, which is really inconvenient sometimes.

 

[boondocker97]

I would take an m7 over the 07/08 M8s. Lighter and the diamond drives are more durable. A few tweaks and the 700 motor is a runner and still durable.

 

[CoreyCK]

Sounds Good.
I'm going to look at the M7 today after work, Anything in particular I should go over besides the usual: Cracks in tunnel, missing lugs, bent bars....

 

[flatspeed]

Sounds Good.
I'm going to look at the M7 today after work, Anything in particular I should go over besides the usual: Cracks in tunnel, missing lugs, bent bars....

Compression test it (cold) if you can. 120+ psi is good, any big variation between the two is bad.
things I found on my m7 after I bought it were slop in the steering, coolant bottle barely held the cap on (worn out), Outer foot rails had cracking between the teeth..not sure if these are common m7 issues or not.
the stock intake and pipe work best on it (without fuel controller) aftermarket cans are ok. If it is modded then factor in the cost to get it back to stock. ask when the last time the dd oil has been changed. 500 miles or yearly is the norm.

Otherwise bomber sled, been super reliable, highly recommend.