Best sled for the dollar?

[800CatRider]

Hey,

Just sold my 07 rev and I will be picking up another here very soon.

Iv narrowed it down to a couple in my area. A couple 08 XP's ranging for 1500-2000 miles, an 09 dragon with 1000 miles, and a couple 08 m8's that have updated tunnels, SLP pipes, and some other goodies. Really considering the dragon, but I've heard a lot of horror stories and that they are underpowered. Is the underpowered part true? Now I know the XP's have strong engines, but what are they like reliability wise?

All comments and opinions are appreciated.

 

[jzanc532]

I would definitely not buy a dragon, they aren't under powered imo but they are super unreliable. If you get one put "the Fix" kit in it for PMS.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

Whats the price range,

 

[800CatRider]

the M and XPs are between 5000-5500, The dragon is 5500 as well.

And wyoboy, Whats the HP like on the 08 M8? If its comparable to the XP I think that is the sled I want to go with.

 

[seth25]

Hands down the M8. Reliable engine, great chassis. See if you can get an 09. Weight savings and improved rear tunnel.

 

[800CatRider]

Well the 08 actually has everything from a 10. Hood, seat, full tunnel (not just the back half) y pipe, can, billet accessories, camo extreme 162.

 

[jakey-boy]

that m8 will destroy both of those sleds and be 5 times more reliable. Easy decision especially since the 08 has the SLP pipe and the upgrades that make it a totally different sled then stock.

 

[cbc24]

im on the same boat man sleds are cheap down there!!! i got a range of 6000$ and theres a 04 summit 144 with 1600 miles for 5500$ or tommarrow im looking at a 07 m1000 with all the 2010 stuff on it with 1800 miles with new pistons for 6300$... in canada they seem to be alot more

 

[snowmobiler]

i seen brand new 08 m1000s for 5500.

 

[TGitt]

The Dragon will eat pistons like there's no tomorrow, the XP likes to go through cranks. A buddy of mine has gone through two complete engines in his 08 XP. The M8, super reliable and just a fun sled. Especially with the updates.

 

[4Z]

Another vote for the cat.

 

[Bagger]

Well, I dont' know about all others lunching on parts, but given those choices, I would go with the cat. Sounds turn key, great sled and capable/reliable. Shouldn't have to do anything but put in gas and grin!

Bag

 

[PJ-Hunter]

I'd go with the XP or the M8.

and the M8 will NOT DESTROY an XP!!! Both sleds are compareable and both have common issues that general maintenance can avoid.

With the M8, have the diamond drive checked out. They are known to fail and do so quite often. The XP should have all of it's updates by now and should be a solid sled. If not, you need to have the drive shaft checked and see if the crank has been updated. There was a bad batch of cranks but they were on the X models. It was all covered under warranty or recall so if done, you are GTG. Any dealer should be able to enter the sled VIN and see what has been done. They will also be able to tell you if anything NEEDS addressed.

 

[diggerdown]

Too many horror stories on the dragon motor. I like cats and ride with doo 's. both the M8 and XP probably need a new clutch by now, difference is the doo is much higher priced, as are their belts. Straight up the hill the XP usually beats the M8. Take them across side hills and around trees, the M8 has it all over the XP. Like most on here I'm probably too bias to make the decision for you. The slp kit on the cat will probably put it ahesd of the doo on straight up climbing, but in stock form the XP usually gets the edge. Cat's trouble free engines and a easy handling sled makes the M8 the logical choice......in my mind!

 

[AZ800]

Just don't get the Dragon unless the engine has been fixed. Got a buddy with an 09 800 Dragon. Blown motor twice in 1100mi, bone stock, and he can't give it away. Great sled when it runs.

 

[m8sandman]

i like the M but it has the mechanical diamond drive which is weak to say the least...

 

[suitcase]

Im a polaris guy all the way and I would say with those yrs. to chose from the XP would be my choice. Stock to stock I am a believer in the xp, proved to me many times. Unless you want to pump some money (a fair amount LOL) into the D8 to end the issues.

 

[AKLankford]

One more for cat.

I myself have never seen/had any problems with a diamond drive (excluding 09 w/o bearing update). Chain case or DD if youre going to be putting alot of horsepower (turbo) on them of course theyre going to break.

A chaincase has left me/buddies stranded a whole lot more than a diamond drive has. JMO

 

[shell_guy]

Im a polaris guy all the way and I would say with those yrs. to chose from the XP would be my choice. Stock to stock I am a believer in the xp, proved to me many times. Unless you want to pump some money (a fair amount LOL) into the D8 to end the issues.

Assuming you don't want to sidehill or easily do downhill u turns.

 

[tranquillicer]

xp??

If your looking at an '08 XP as an option why not stick with the doo but in an '07 chassis? I think the rev chassis was a better handling sled and although the 800 was basically the same engine at least there was not the clutching/belt/drive shaft/y pipe bolts/dash pod/ handle bar warmer, issues with the '07...ya I had both of them. Other than that I'd be suggesting the M8