Anyone ridden an 09 XP vs. 09 M8 - no BS

[chrisleav]

There hasn't been much mention about reliability... Doo's are in the shop a lot more than anything else! If you get an '09 M8 Sno Pro, you can get the weight down to 440- READY TO RIDE with just a few mods (boss seat, pipe/y-pipe/can, flo-vents), you have the Power Claw track, adjustable handlebars, and a machine that will outlast any Ski-Don't! With the Boss Seat and adjustable handlebars, there's nothing to complain about as far as ergonomics. Sno Pro's come standard with Fox Float shocks in the front and more Fox's under the tunnel, and I should probably mention that Arctic Cat's '09 suspension and Holz suspension are basically IDENTICAL... smooth riding indeed. The XP has a weight and power advantage, but you can fix that pretty fast on the Cat!

Sorry to ski-doo fans, they're decent machines except for the reliability factor! 90% of the work done in our shop is on Ski-Doo sleds!

 

[SSWIM]

There hasn't been much mention about reliability... Doo's are in the shop a lot more than anything else! If you get an '09 M8 Sno Pro, you can get the weight down to 440- READY TO RIDE with just a few mods (boss seat, pipe/y-pipe/can, flo-vents), you have the Power Claw track, adjustable handlebars, and a machine that will outlast any Ski-Don't! With the Boss Seat and adjustable handlebars, there's nothing to complain about as far as ergonomics. Sno Pro's come standard with Fox Float shocks in the front and more Fox's under the tunnel, and I should probably mention that Arctic Cat's '09 suspension and Holz suspension are basically IDENTICAL... smooth riding indeed. The XP has a weight and power advantage, but you can fix that pretty fast on the Cat!

Sorry to ski-doo fans, they're decent machines except for the reliability factor! 90% of the work done in our shop is on Ski-Doo sleds!

No bash here, but how many 09 Revs have you worked on???? Again, no bash. The only failures we have seen is an 09 M8 that burned down due to water pump\oil pump failure.


Sam

 

[mcgyver]

There hasn't been much mention about reliability... Doo's are in the shop a lot more than anything else! If you get an '09 M8 Sno Pro, you can get the weight down to 440- READY TO RIDE with just a few mods (boss seat, pipe/y-pipe/can, flo-vents), you have the Power Claw track, adjustable handlebars, and a machine that will outlast any Ski-Don't! With the Boss Seat and adjustable handlebars, there's nothing to complain about as far as ergonomics. Sno Pro's come standard with Fox Float shocks in the front and more Fox's under the tunnel, and I should probably mention that Arctic Cat's '09 suspension and Holz suspension are basically IDENTICAL... smooth riding indeed. The XP has a weight and power advantage, but you can fix that pretty fast on the Cat!

Sorry to ski-doo fans, they're decent machines except for the reliability factor! 90% of the work done in our shop is on Ski-Doo sleds!

I would love to know how much $$$$ we are talking to get an 09M8 down to 440 ready to ride????

to me, RTR is full up gas and oil........ready to ride.... Not to bash, but honestly, I call BS on that being a 'pretty fast fix' to get to 440.....not saying it can't be done. but you are talking about removeing 100 lbs from the stock ready to ride weight...

you certainly aren't going to drop 100 lbs with a boss seat, can, ypipe/pipe and flowvents....

 

[Wyoming T/A]

we weighed a 09 162 sno pro nice and light at 543 full of fuel-oil and ready to ride---440 bs

 

[Slick]

we should get to spend the day saturday with a stock 09 m8 163--should be a fun day--i've heard they are real stout--we dont have a 163 xp to compare but 4 xp's with 154's and the snow should be deeep so we'll probably get a track lenght schooling for sure---

Gee, hard to figure which is gonna win in your families eyes. LOL.. I'll bet everyone will be shocked with your findings.

 

[chazzer]

Jay

I really like my rev XP! Suspension feels alot better, as in longer travel. Pound it harder on the trails.

When I ride it it feels so small, light and nimble. Never rode a new m8 but rode a few 1000's and I am not a huge fan of the chassis. Feels flat and large comparing to what I am used to. The cat 1000 feels shy on power so i dont know about the m8.

If you are going to mod the thing then go with the cat. But do some bolt on chit and ride a an XP. You'll have so much fun on that thing! I know i do.

Oh yeah. No real problems either with 1500 on the odometer.......

Chaz

 

[Freak]

m8 because when you run into one thats been turboed you will want to do it to yours. XP no good for turbo....

 

[snowmobiler]

There hasn't been much mention about reliability... Doo's are in the shop a lot more than anything else! If you get an '09 M8 Sno Pro, you can get the weight down to 440- READY TO RIDE with just a few mods (boss seat, pipe/y-pipe/can, flo-vents), you have the Power Claw track, adjustable handlebars, and a machine that will outlast any Ski-Don't! With the Boss Seat and adjustable handlebars, there's nothing to complain about as far as ergonomics. Sno Pro's come standard with Fox Float shocks in the front and more Fox's under the tunnel, and I should probably mention that Arctic Cat's '09 suspension and Holz suspension are basically IDENTICAL... smooth riding indeed. The XP has a weight and power advantage, but you can fix that pretty fast on the Cat!

Sorry to ski-doo fans, they're decent machines except for the reliability factor! 90% of the work done in our shop is on Ski-Doo sleds!

the topic said .....NO BS.LOL.

 

[Idaho Slim]

I am a stanch DOO XP & Rev fan. But wanted to give a fair shake to the new M8, well we had the chance.

Wrecked my wifes XP the first day out at Cooke during New Years, so we rented a 09 M8 155 for her the first day, and a XP 600 Etech 144 the second day.

The results between the 2 could not have been more diverse. We are not trail riders, but after riding the M8 on the trail (heavily used and wash board bumps) back to Cooke, I had a headache, my back was thrown out, my neck was kinked, and I had to poop - all because of the BONE-jarring ride, without a doubt the worst handling/steering - roughest riding sled I have ever experienced, (Except for the Lumber wagon of H2otoyz ) In the deep pow & hills for the minimal riding I gave it, it was average. Tough to lay up on a rail, and the power was average for an 800, power band was smooth, but whoopty doo, nothing to brag about. But the M8 had a really beeg trunk!

Second day we rode the Etec XP. From the moment we hit the throttle, its pedigree spoke loudly. For power, it equaled the M8 and it was only a 600, the ride was so different and smooth over the trail, I could hit 50 and not even think about it where on the same bumps with the M8 I would have to slow to 10mph just to be able to breathe! The sidehilling was instant and easy. An effortless wonderfull sled that we did not want to quit riding.

 

[sumX08az]

Have a very reliable 08 XP 146 with over 1500 miles. Rode 09 M8 in deep heavy snow.
The M8 was great, but for me the XP was a better fit, and thats what should be important for you. Internet hype will make you crazy. SkiiDoos have a huge reputation for reliability among many long time riders, and mine has been no exception.
Specifics-
you mentioned a light front end, and the M8 definitely is lighter in the front end, and hence seems easier too roll over and carve- but a little harder to keep at the balance point. The power comes on smoother and the ride is cushy, like most Cats, or a Cadillac. My biggest beef was that maybe because I'm tall, I still had to conciously stand up. I can't understand that on a 2009 sport sled. I haven't had sore thighs since I got my XP. The M8 adjustable bars are the bomb! The powerclaw track worked great in deep heavy snow.
The XP ('08)is definitely more sporty, raucous, and responsive. It will work you harder, so don't buy it if you don't want to put forth the effort to play hard and seriously rip it up. When our group stops to rest, I use the time to
play, cause I can't stop the fun. (Sorry- I LIKE it) It carves like a rheostat switch, you can go as low as you want. I drag my shoulder all day, and hit the gas hard and it will pull you up with a snowdrift in your lap. And downhill fishook turns are no problem. That may also be true on the M8 but only had a half hour on it. I like the adjustability of the clutch. This thing does not get stuck in the worst situations, have to do something ridiculous to stick it.
If you ride dirt bikes on the tank and standing up you'll feel at home, although it is very comfortable and roomy on a cruise- if you have to. Once I was standing the M8 actually was more comfortable because you didn't feel you could be pitched over the bars if you let your guard down. The XP can give you that feeling when you're tired and you keep playing hard.
Either one would be fantastic if you're comfortable on it.
I want to ride an Assault now- looks like a good alternative to the XP.

 

[GlennRMK]

I am very happy with my 09 M8.

I would like to ride an XP just to compare

I personally really like the Blue and white X model. Very nice looking.

Unfortunately no one I ride with has one.

I rode with one person last year that had one and he blew a belt and it didn't seem that impressive. Thats been my only experience.

I know they had a lot of problems last year but I'm assuming things are better now?

The lower weight factor is appealing but if it doesn't handle like it then what is the point? Everything I've read says they don't handle well which is dissapointing to me. I never liked the REV at all, so I don't know if I would be more comfortable on the XP or not.

Also, I would have to say the XP would ride better on the trail. The 09 M is a lot better riding then an 06, but I would think the XP would be better. The M is a terrible trail sled. I hate trail riding though, so thats not a factor for me

 

[Throttle Junkie]

I don't understand all this hard to handle, hard to sidehill, ill handleing XP. I came from an old wedge and got right onto the XP and it did not feel awkward, weird or hard to handle, it felt like a snowmobile. I have ridden the new XP, Cats, and Dragon...They all are nice. In my mind if anything the Cat and Dragon pull up to easy one their side, not that's it bad they are just easy to override, but when i jump on them none of them feel like WOW the handleing on this this sucks. I love the forward style of the XP and how you sit high and once you stand up from sitting you are in position to ride, you don't have to move your feet forward or change position at all..plus the handle bars are right there, The dragon is close to this just not quite as forward as the XP but still nice. The new Cat is also nice but sorry Cat guys out of the 3, (Poo, Doo, and Cat) the new Cats have the most "old school" feel to them. Rider not forward, sitting low...they feel alot like my wifes Edge to me. Still easy and nice to ride, but have the old school feel to them.

 

[trench]

In the deep stuff...

Any real comparo's in the deep and steep between these two sleds.
I heard the 09 m8's are dooing better this year...

 

[trinitypowder]

I would give you my opinion, but you can probably figure it out Besides, I don't feel like hearing from SLICK.

 

[Throttle Junkie]

Any real comparo's in the deep and steep between these two sleds.
I heard the 09 m8's are dooing better this year...

If that's the case the 09 M8 has to run ALOT better than the 08.

08 M8 VS XP is not even a contest.

 

[Slick]

I would give you my opinion, but you can probably figure it out Besides, I don't feel like hearing from SLICK.

Wow, can't me off your mind eh TP. You're a lot better equipped for talking about me than talking to me, thats pretty evident. Relax, you'll mature with time and experience.

 

[Carbon Dreams]

The changes to the 09 Cat make it a winner. The track alone is a huge improvement. Not even close to the '08. The key to all sleds is setup. I like my sleds stiff, so some would hate how mine rides. Reliability is a huge factor, hence why I still choose Cat. I don't care for the XP "feel". It just doesn't suit my riding style. It is a good ergo sled with a loyal following. I would suggest riding all of the brands before you buy. I, personally, am impressed with where Polaris is going with the Dragon.

The thing to keep in mind is...who is your best dealer? And, what sled do you envision lasting the longest and having the most room for after market mods?

 

[snowyo]

I drag my shoulder all day, and hit the gas hard and it will pull you up with a snowdrift in your lap. And downhill fishook turns are no problem

This is exactly why i love my REV.it's so predictable.

Dragon pull up to easy one their side, not that's it bad they are just easy to override,

No friggin **** these things are seriously way unpredicatable,bought the wife a 700 dragon and it's got a stellar stove up front for a 700 ,but the chassis is just STRANGE....feels like a nosediver...lay it over and it wants to stay there....and i'm not impressed with the walker shox....but it's hers and it goes decent.....just rather ride the doo.

srry i know this was a m8 vs xp thing but ya know......

 

[drc270]

I am a stanch DOO XP & Rev fan. But wanted to give a fair shake to the new M8, well we had the chance.

Wrecked my wifes XP the first day out at Cooke during New Years, so we rented a 09 M8 155 for her the first day, and a XP 600 Etech 144 the second day.

The results between the 2 could not have been more diverse. We are not trail riders, but after riding the M8 on the trail (heavily used and wash board bumps) back to Cooke, I had a headache, my back was thrown out, my neck was kinked, and I had to poop - all because of the BONE-jarring ride, without a doubt the worst handling/steering - roughest riding sled I have ever experienced, (Except for the Lumber wagon of H2otoyz ) In the deep pow & hills for the minimal riding I gave it, it was average. Tough to lay up on a rail, and the power was average for an 800, power band was smooth, but whoopty doo, nothing to brag about. But the M8 had a really beeg trunk!

Second day we rode the Etec XP. From the moment we hit the throttle, its pedigree spoke loudly. For power, it equaled the M8 and it was only a 600, the ride was so different and smooth over the trail, I could hit 50 and not even think about it where on the same bumps with the M8 I would have to slow to 10mph just to be able to breathe! The sidehilling was instant and easy. An effortless wonderfull sled that we did not want to quit riding.

MY NON BRAND BIASED OPINION having ridden all three manufacturers 800s
I will have to call B.S. on this post.
All 3 800s are very close in power, the dragon is deffinately heaviest but makes best power stock.
XP is deffinately lightest and most R.T.R. out of the box
M8 is solid but needs mods-seat, pipe, bar risers etc.
Dragon- not yet proven reliability yet
XP - proven not reliable
M8- proven reliable

Each has there own signature and feel, and will not say one is better than
another.
MY OPINION-buy whichever brand offers best local support and service

 

[Bacon]

I am a stanch DOO XP & Rev fan. But wanted to give a fair shake to the new M8, well we had the chance.

Wrecked my wifes XP the first day out at Cooke during New Years, so we rented a 09 M8 155 for her the first day, and a XP 600 Etech 144 the second day.

The results between the 2 could not have been more diverse. We are not trail riders, but after riding the M8 on the trail (heavily used and wash board bumps) back to Cooke, I had a headache, my back was thrown out, my neck was kinked, and I had to poop - all because of the BONE-jarring ride, without a doubt the worst handling/steering - roughest riding sled I have ever experienced, (Except for the Lumber wagon of H2otoyz ) In the deep pow & hills for the minimal riding I gave it, it was average. Tough to lay up on a rail, and the power was average for an 800, power band was smooth, but whoopty doo, nothing to brag about. But the M8 had a really beeg trunk!

Second day we rode the Etec XP. From the moment we hit the throttle, its pedigree spoke loudly. For power, it equaled the M8 and it was only a 600, the ride was so different and smooth over the trail, I could hit 50 and not even think about it where on the same bumps with the M8 I would have to slow to 10mph just to be able to breathe! The sidehilling was instant and easy. An effortless wonderfull sled that we did not want to quit riding.

That's a good one. Doo you take off those yellow blinders at night or doo you sleep with them on too?