Best year for the 700 RAW?

[94fordguy]

Just to pose a question from someone who doesn't spend a whole heap of time in here... Is there such a thing as the "BEST YEAR" for the 700 RAW RMK? I know the subtle changes over the years; wide vs. narrow front ends, spindles, tank & seat.... Is there anything else different from the different years for the 700s that really stands out from the 07+ sleds?

What are your thoughts on this topic?

Thanks

 

[richracer1]

IMO, the '09 - '10 models, but then I've never rode the earlier versions.

 

[AndrettiDog]

I owned an 07 D7 and 09 D8. The only real big difference between 07/08 and the 09/10 D7's were the plastic, seats and a few other small changes. I think the plastic upgrade on the front end is worth it. But if you can get a smoking deal on a 07 D7, I wouldn't hesitate too much. Same motor just some upgrades here and there and the front end plastic.

 

[MORSNO]

I agree with BugIto, not many changes other than the spindles, front plastics, seat and tank shapes, etc. I'm not sure, but they may have also went from dual to single ring pistons somewhere along the way? I'm partial to the '07's, I still have mine and don't plan to upgrade yet. The 07's seem to be the sled that everyone wishes they still had after they sold them. Very dependable and many were dyno'ing at over the posted 140hp without any mods. The 07's also have the best Dragon decals! There used to be a thread called "How to make your Dragon rip" by Freak on the old forum that was full of great 700 information, that you may be able to find.

I think you would be happy with any 07 or newer 700. Depends on the price, condition, and extras that may come with the sled really.

 

[Rick!]

I really liked my '10 over my two '09s, one '08 and my '07 Dragon. All were 700's. The rails on the earlier ones were less bendy, the '07 track was an underachiever IMO.


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[94fordguy]

Perhaps a stupid question, but how well would you guys consider the flotation to rank on a 700 155 sled? My 900 has the big 166 on it which is absolutely great for flotation in the deep stuff and low-speed forgiveness, does the 155 in the 7 have a reputation for loosing it's footing easily? I am a 'healthy' rider all geared up, lol

Basically my thought if I was able to afford to get into a newer smaller sled would be to run it on the lower snow days, but we do a fair amount of boondocking and tight-slow tree riding... the 900 166 is great at this as it tractors around, but the extra weight is noticeable to say the least WHEN you don't need the extra float.

 

[MORSNO]

Perhaps a stupid question, but how well would you guys consider the flotation to rank on a 700 155 sled?

I haven't had a problem with mine , but I'm also running the older IQ front end with more surface area than the newer narrow front. Obviously my 155 won't have the floatation of a 166, but it works well...even for a big guy like myself, 6'3" 240lbs. The 700 seems to pull over pretty easy in tight spots so that helps also. My wifes 600 is even easier to throw around, even though the weights are very similar. Must be something to do with centrifugal force of the motor and clutch.

 

[defysgravity]

Just an observation. Friend of mine bought an 07-7 and I'm holding it in my garage for him. I grabbed the back end to pick and move it and it seems "almost" as heavy as the back end of my 9. I know as the years progressed they have gotten much lighter, but what has been the major change to lighten them up in the rear end or are my arm scales needin' re-calibrating....

 

[94fordguy]

Just an observation. Friend of mine bought an 07-7 and I'm holding it in my garage for him. I grabbed the back end to pick and move it and it seems "almost" as heavy as the back end of my 9. I know as the years progressed they have gotten much lighter, but what has been the major change to lighten them up in the rear end or are my arm scales needin' re-calibrating....

My guess there would most likely be differences in suspension setup. My buddies 900 is the same weight as mine within maybe 2-3 lbs and mine feels noticeably lighter to pick up... I suspect it is from the weight transferring from one end to the other more easily (my suspension is set softer than his).

Thanks for the responses guys... good info

 

[94fordguy]

Ok, here's another question for you guys on this topic.

From the little bit of reading I have done on the 700s over the last couple years, about the only thing I have seen that has any kind of pattern related to it would be to watch the throttle body boots for cracks to prevent a lean condition when removing/installing the airbox. Are there any other things I need to be aware of regarding "chronic trouble-spots" for the 7s? I image every motor -good or bad- has one thing or another that they are most known for succumbing to, what would that be for a 07 (or newer) 700-CFI?

Thanks again for your input... I am seriously considering picking up a low-mileage 07 as a 'low-snow' sled to split the miles with my aging 900... It's right about to turn 4,000 miles

 

[MORSNO]

-good or bad- has one thing or another that they are most known for succumbing to, what would that be for a 07 (or newer) 700-CFI?

Thanks again for your input... I am seriously considering picking up a low-mileage 07 as a 'low-snow' sled to split the miles with my aging 900... It's right about to turn 4,000 miles

Perm-a-grin, it's something that is chronic...sorry, I couldn't resist! I'm also still running the original boots, but I'm not yanking my airbox out all the time either, causing extra stress. I'm sure they'll need replacement eventually. Not really a motor issue, but you do really need to seal up the airbox with silicone to keep snow out of the intake and engine. I also got rid of the factory foam intake filters, just like your 900 came with, and installed SLP pre-filters. You'll love the gas mileage and flickability (is that a word?) of the 700, but miss the awesome torque of you 900 beast.

When you have some time, send me a PM with how you installed and wired in the reverse lights on your old Aluma. Thanks

 

[94fordguy]

Thread resurrection alert, lol


Well, I found an 09 700 that I want to pull the trigger on and intend to pick up as soon as the seller has time to meet me.... I'm actually excited. I love the ergonomics of the IQ chassis so the light weight of the 700 RAW should be a welcome advantage on those dreaded "Low-Snow" days (yes, they do happen) or if I just feel like going light for the day, lol.

One more question for those in the know...

Is it possible to swap the stock Digital only guage for a Analog/Digital guage like the one I have on my 9? I think the idea they had to ditch the big needle was idiotic as I like to be able to watch both displays for maximum info. Is it Plug and play with that style and what would happen to the mileage reading if I did that?

Thanks again all!

 

[richracer1]

When you do get it, change the gears from the 19/41 to 19/42. I also have an SLP single pipe system & clutch kit available for that engine as well.

Now I haven't rode a Poo 900 so I can't compare, but if you really want to make that 700 run, SLP's 777 or Carl's 770 kit would put a grin on your face. The SLP 777 kit in mine is absolutely awesome and that was with the 40:1 pre-mix - which I'm done with now.

 

[Polaris RMK M.M.R.]

Is it possible to swap the stock Digital only guage for a Analog/Digital guage like the one I have on my 9?
Thanks again all!

I believe it’s possible. I’ve seen a few '09 D8s at the gas station with the Analog/Digital on them. I wish my Analog/Digital from my '07 switchback was on my '09 D8 too... why did they get rid of it?

 

[440dart]

Make sure to throw a camo on that sled throw a 174 on there you will be happy i know i sure was i wouldnt waste your time and money on a slp single i ran one for a month or so bought a fuel box instead of the reprogrammed ecu i didnt even have to add fuel to it all it did was add noise. Alot of people i think when they add a slp pipe they add a clutch kit to go with the pipe and thats what i think alot of people are feeling. Just clutch the hell out of it you will have better gains + camo

 

[94fordguy]

Well now I own it!!!

Holy cow does this thing run smooth, not one quiver at all... like riding a cloud onto the trailer, lol

101 Miles on it, not a single scratch, and it even smells like a new sled

 

[MORSNO]

Congratulations on the new sled, it's not even broke in yet!

 

[94fordguy]

Thanks Morsno, I'm really excited.... The guy I bought it from said had had a clutch kit put in it so hopefully that will help it rip... I know it engages about 4300 RPM or so... higher than I was expecting.....Otherwise she's BONE STOCK

A few pics

 

[mountainhorse]

That thing will make you very happy... enjoy the heck out of it.

Keep it clean and keep the clutch belt maint up and you will be very happy.

Only a few things.

Better Boards

Ice Age "new style" rail braces (cheap and strong)

Add intake area to the console ( I like the FNI windshield and console screens, and next to the speedo)

Make sure the headlight and airbox plenum are well sealed

Primary clutch... make sure the side clearance is in spec, set deflection, wash belt and clean clutch sheives,

Secondary, add two delrins under the spring cup.

For more protection, add a SPG bumper

You may try swapping shocks from your SnowChecked 900 to get a freebie comparison.

Make sure that you grease the heck out of the rear skid... use only synthetic grease, I recommend Redline CV2 for all snowmobile grease points.

Check the toe in and Camber settings, adjust if necessary.

Pull the ski pivot bolts and spacers and grease the heck out of them 2x per season (true on ALL Polaris sleds)

Even thought it is like new... I suggest a new fuel filter

Vents are nice... but no need to go hog wild.

Add 2 extra HRP hood straps to hood in middle near shock tower wells.

Keep the track tension at the factory setting and set it again at the 300 mile mark and check every 5 rides after that.

I had the same sled and it made me very happy, no pipe, no box... great sled.




.

 

[94fordguy]

Thanks a ton Mountainhorse, Those are some GREAT suggestions for the new toy