Best handling sled for heavy riders?

[FattyMatty]

I'm trying to decide between an 09 xp 800 and an 09 dragon 800. Which of these treats heavy riders (280 lbs) best for boondocking and overall predictable handling characteristics in the backcountry? Any concerns with strength of chassis or whatever that should rule one out with a heavy rider?

Thanks!

 

[907to406]

I would stay away from the Dragon 800's just due to the long history of motor problems. I've never owned an XP but use to ride with a bunch of guys that did and they weren't big guys at all but rode hard and it wasn't uncommon to find cracked/broken braces and frame parts on their XP's every so often...I would look into an M1000 or even a yamaha with a turbo. That being said go with the longest track you can get.

 

[Demo250]

x2 on neither of those. Dragon is a pretty strong chassis... motor... not so much.

I'm only 170ish lbs (prolly like 195 with my pack and gear) and I broke every piece imaginable on my XP.

I'd recommend a Cat with a 162" track. Go for a 2010 or '11 M8 maybe... they have the newer 800 HO motor that makes nice power. Or an M1000.

 

[apex jeff]

largest guy I know rides a m1000... and quite well!

 

[harrysmith500]

I like my dragon.... I put a fix kit in it as well.

I bought it as a 155" but swapped it To a 163".

Whatever you get, make it at least a 163".

 

[nelson450]

xp

Great sled approx 275 with gear u wont be disappointed,set up with roosterbuilt set up,08 thru 12 no broken parts.

 

[IDspud]

I'm 280 and wouldn't ride either one, my vote is also for the m1000.

 

[pylon]

big guys have an easy time making yamahas work really well for them and they are strong enough to last . XP's fall apart with big aggressive riders on them

 

[mtnxr]

I am about 295lbs geared up and have riden a SC Apex for the last 3500 miles with virutually no problems. Yamaha's are crazy tough and you can find boosted ones for pretty fair money.

 

[2XM3]

6'6" and about 295 geared up, turbo pro...best sled I ever had. My apex,even with $$$$ and minus 85 pounds +174 was really not a good choice for boondocking, yes it could go anywhere but you were just flat wiped out at the end of the day, just way way to big and heavy...The pros amazing, its like a part of you, goes anywhere and super easy to unstick. The Apex on the other hand you learn quick to not go anywhere where you may stick it...lol But it was a very good machine, just really depends how/where you ride.

 

[CO 2.0]

If you plan on keeping the sled stock, for your size, I'd go with a 2009 M1000 162. The torque on the M1000 is ideal for big riders over the 2010/2011 M8. Our M1000 still shines with big riders on it. Stay away from the Dragon 800. Pile of crap motor. I blew my 09 Dragon up 3 times in 1500 miles.

 

[hivoltagesledhead]

I am about 280 geared up and ride an xp with no problems. Put some tunnel braces on it and some fat boy springs and away you go.

 

[manlye]

For the money they are going for your best bang for the buck by far is the m1000

 

[1-800Oregon]

I'm about 250 with gear. Last year I rode a m1000 didn't love it, like the torque, but to me it didn't feel right. I have a 180 turbo nytro this year a like it much better. I don't care fore the Dragons and have never rode an XP.

 

[fatboysmith1]

I am 350 with gear...yamahas are definately the strongest built sleds i have ridden. however u need a turbo. i rode a skidoo 1000 162 for 3 years, hauled me around pretty good, and i didnt have a hard time throwing it around. i was going to pick up an m1000 but found a good deal on a dragon. havent had anytime on it yet, updating to 2010 motor, we will see how she does.....me on the skidoo could keep op with my buddy on his 04 cat 900 159, he is about 180lbs

 

[Himark]

6'6" and about 295 geared up, turbo pro...best sled I ever had. My apex,even with $$$$ and minus 85 pounds +174 was really not a good choice for boondocking, yes it could go anywhere but you were just flat wiped out at the end of the day, just way way to big and heavy...The pros amazing, its like a part of you, goes anywhere and super easy to unstick. The Apex on the other hand you learn quick to not go anywhere where you may stick it...lol But it was a very good machine, just really depends how/where you ride.

Well put!