Big block 2 smokers a thing of the past?!

[Danbot]

BRP stopped making their 1000 with the introduction on their lightweight XP chassis,
Polaris gave up on the 900 and now has a new lightweight chassis
Cat is surely due for a new chassis soon, will they drop the mighty 1000 when they do?
Seems like the future isn't going to offer us any long stroke smokers in mountain machines. I find this disturbing to say the least!

I rant because I think next year will be time for me to buy a new sled, and I am lost on what it might be, I'm not overly brand loyal. The Pro RMK looks, and sounds like a great machine so far, but that 800 doesn't impress me. Someone better start fabbing the "Pro RMK 900 bolt in kit" or I might have to get an M1000

 

[94fordguy]

I csn understand Dan... I've been considering putting up a thread asking of the 900 guys impressions of the new pro. I personally love the low end torque of these long stroke 900s and I don't look forward to downsizing from my 'tractor', it's hard to go backwards in power.... the idea of a 120 lb lighter sled is appealing tho. I REALLY hope that Polaris will go big again, but I am not sure that we will see it happen... the 800 class is so popular on the hill and after the beating Poo took over the 900 after it's introduction, I am not sure they would take the risk for a smaller sales group. I hope I'm wrong tho.

 

[sw]

Personally I like the 900's, but it would be a step backwards to put this motor in the evolved chassis. Power to weight! Among other things, is why. Definately saddle up on some of these other sleds-and see what ya think...you might be surprised. Interesting post!

 

[Z-Man]

Personally I like the 900's, but it would be a step backwards to put this motor in the evolved chassis. Power to weight! Among other things, is why. Definately saddle up on some of these other sleds-and see what ya think...you might be surprised. Interesting post!

I'm sure they work great but I like more torque. Here's what I have in the garage now.

05 Polaris RMK900
01 Suzuki GSXR1000
03 Honda VTX1800R
03 Honda VTX1800C
90 Suzuki LT500R Quadracer

When Polaris makes another 900 or 1000 I will think about a new sled. Until then I will keep upgrading and making this one better every year. If the engine dies then it is going to IndyDan to be rebuilt better than new for less than the cost of a new sled.

 

[Danbot]

Personally I like the 900's, but it would be a step backwards to put this motor in the evolved chassis. Power to weight! Among other things, is why. Definately saddle up on some of these other sleds-and see what ya think...you might be surprised. Interesting post!

I haven't ridden a Pro RMK, but tried many IQ's with the Liberty 800, and like I say... they don't impress me. The Cat (suzuki) 800 is a way better motor if you ask me. I think a new Pro RMK with a 900, or something evolved from it would be a PERFECT mountain sled.

 

[sks rider]

I'm sure they work great but I like more torque. Here's what I have in the garage now.

05 Polaris RMK900
01 Suzuki GSXR1000
03 Honda VTX1800R
03 Honda VTX1800C
90 Suzuki LT500R Quadracer

When Polaris makes another 900 or 1000 I will think about a new sled. Until then I will keep upgrading and making this one better every year. If the engine dies then it is going to IndyDan to be rebuilt better than new for less than the cost of a new sled.

Youve got quite a stable.

 

[sw]

I agree Suzuki motors are some twisters, The Libertys' no slouch either. When I look at the MN. map the roads leading into and out of Thief River and Roseau are pretty much the same. With Cat motors soon to be made domestic and economy being what it is, I think it would be something if, in some way they (Cat & Polaris) might combine forces and with combined knowledge, set yet a new standard in motor/chassis developement, while keeping cost down. Let's face it, a snowmobile old or new likes to take money out of wallet!

 

[Danbot]

I agree Suzuki motors are some twisters, The Libertys' no slouch either. When I look at the MN. map the roads leading into and out of Thief River and Roseau are pretty much the same. With Cat motors soon to be made domestic and economy being what it is, I think it would be something if, in some way they (Cat & Polaris) might combine forces and with combined knowledge, set yet a new standard in motor/chassis developement, while keeping cost down. Let's face it, a snowmobile old or new likes to take money out of wallet!

Yeah that's right, Cat is starting domestic engines now eh? I wonder if they will replace their whole engine lineup with domestic, or start with 1 or 2 models. I think alot of eyes are on Cat for 2012 to see what they will do.... refine the M some more, or take the modular chassis leap. I actually enjoy riding an M when I swap with a friend... the feel of the M isn't all too foreign coming off an IQ.

 

[94fordguy]

Well as my 900 is in the shop getting new driveshaft bearings installed as well as a full chassis inspection for a mysterious vibration, (right before a major trip) I have the dealer's demo '11 PRO RMK 800 163 sitting in my driveway ready to go for a ride tomorrow

First impressions getting it on the trailer

- I hate not being able to 'open the hood'
- This thing really is light
- strangely excited to ride tomorrow despite not being on my own sled

I've only spent about 10 minutes on a friend's 155 back in December and it was an impressive machine to ride, hoping to see what this 163 is made of tomorrow

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

Yeah that's right, Cat is starting domestic engines now eh? I wonder if they will replace their whole engine lineup with domestic, or start with 1 or 2 models. I think alot of eyes are on Cat for 2012 to see what they will do.... refine the M some more, or take the modular chassis leap. I actually enjoy riding an M when I swap with a friend... the feel of the M isn't all too foreign coming off an IQ.

You could buy a new pro, yank the stock motor and sell it and call brad(1200 psi on here) and get one of his 225 hp 1100 cc billet twins built just for the pro....if thats not enough he does offer a turbo(350+ hp) for it as well.............

 

[Danbot]

You could buy a new pro, yank the stock motor and sell it and call brad(1200 psi on here) and get one of his 225 hp 1100 cc billet twins built just for the pro....if thats not enough he does offer a turbo(350+ hp) for it as well.............

Very true, it's nice that there are options, but that's probably a what?....$26,000 option if not more lol. Beyond my budget for sure.

 

[94fordguy]

Well as my 900 is in the shop getting new driveshaft bearings installed as well as a full chassis inspection for a mysterious vibration, (right before a major trip) I have the dealer's demo '11 PRO RMK 800 163 sitting in my driveway ready to go for a ride tomorrow

First impressions getting it on the trailer

- I hate not being able to 'open the hood'
- This thing really is light
- strangely excited to ride tomorrow despite not being on my own sled

I've only spent about 10 minutes on a friend's 155 back in December and it was an impressive machine to ride, hoping to see what this 163 is made of tomorrow

I've posted a review from today's ride here: http://www.snowestonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=258466

I didn't want to completely steal Dan's thread

 

[Z-Man]

You could buy a new pro, yank the stock motor and sell it and call brad(1200 psi on here) and get one of his 225 hp 1100 cc billet twins built just for the pro....if thats not enough he does offer a turbo(350+ hp) for it as well.............

http://www.snowestonline.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2642283

 

[snwman77]

Well the ski dont 1000 was a flop and so was the poo 900, under powered and heavy. As for the M1000, a 2010 and newer M8 well get around better and is more snappy, So I dont see the need for anything bigger then a 800. I have not been on a poo 800 but what I heat they run very good and as for a ski dont the 800 engine its very strong but it sucks to ride!!!

BRP stopped making their 1000 with the introduction on their lightweight XP chassis,
Polaris gave up on the 900 and now has a new lightweight chassis
Cat is surely due for a new chassis soon, will they drop the mighty 1000 when they do?
Seems like the future isn't going to offer us any long stroke smokers in mountain machines. I find this disturbing to say the least!

I rant because I think next year will be time for me to buy a new sled, and I am lost on what it might be, I'm not overly brand loyal. The Pro RMK looks, and sounds like a great machine so far, but that 800 doesn't impress me. Someone better start fabbing the "Pro RMK 900 bolt in kit" or I might have to get an M1000

 

[Aussie Niko]

I'm thinkin pop a turbo apex motor into a pro rmk

 

[Z-Man]

I'm thinkin pop a turbo apex motor into a pro rmk

Way too heavy.

 

[KJ55]

Well the ski dont 1000 was a flop and so was the poo 900, under powered and heavy. As for the M1000, a 2010 and newer M8 well get around better and is more snappy, So I dont see the need for anything bigger then a 800. I have not been on a poo 800 but what I heat they run very good and as for a ski dont the 800 engine its very strong but it sucks to ride!!!

Your info just seems to be random and just stuff that you heard on youtube comments. The 900s were awesome motors that with some investment they are very strong. It is a very noticeable power increase from my dads skidoo 800. Most people do not understand how good the fusions were because they never rode them. You should try one.

Back to topic: I love the power of the big bores. It is a blast on the big trails and it is nice not having to have it wide open all the time to get the power you need. Maybe they can really develop the 800 because i think that is our only hope (probably a DI motor).

 

[Z-Man]

If people were satisfied with the power of the 800 there would not be turbo kits for sale everywhere you look.

 

[MacDawg productions]

If people were satisfied with the power of the 800 there would not be turbo kits for sale everywhere you look.

lol. I love 900 haters. They just have no idea the torque these things make. Instead they just hate. I've ridden with a lot of different sleds out there, and for some reason, I'm always taking the gnarliest and steepest line. And my 900 is delivering the power I need to get there. I came around the trail the other day on our way out of our favorite bowl, and there was a 2011 Skidoo freeride 154, on its side with 8 guys petting it. Blown chain case. The sled had less than a hundred miles on it!! Just goes to show every color of machine has there problems out there. It's just about mitigating them. I for one, have had my fair share of trouble shooting and "updating" parts and fixing blown motors on my 900. But if you ride your sled like you should, you WILL find your self sinking money into it at some point. Look at dragstrip tracks. Guys are dropping rear ends, popping trannys, motors and all sorts of stuff. We ride in subzero temps. Parts, and brains run fragile after a while!!

 

[POLZIN]

lol. I love 900 haters. They just have no idea the torque these things make. Instead they just hate. I've ridden with a lot of different sleds out there, and for some reason, I'm always taking the gnarliest and steepest line. And my 900 is delivering the power I need to get there. I came around the trail the other day on our way out of our favorite bowl, and there was a 2011 Skidoo freeride 154, on its side with 8 guys petting it. Blown chain case. The sled had less than a hundred miles on it!! Just goes to show every color of machine has there problems out there. It's just about mitigating them. I for one, have had my fair share of trouble shooting and "updating" parts and fixing blown motors on my 900. But if you ride your sled like you should, you WILL find your self sinking money into it at some point. Look at dragstrip tracks. Guys are dropping rear ends, popping trannys, motors and all sorts of stuff. We ride in subzero temps. Parts, and brains run fragile after a while!!

Cant agree MORE ! The way I ride now is really pushing a stocker to the limit. I rode a stock dragon for an hour and blew a belt.

I also cant afford 12k for an 800 stocker that needs 4k in improvements .For 5k I have another 900 both with indydan bottom ends and all the goodies.