Buying used 2011 or 2012

[idahosledhead]

I have been looking at acouple of used 800 RMK Pros, a 2011 and a 2012. Are the engines really that problematic? If you read some of these threads you'd think you're lucky to get 100 miles out of the Clean Fire 800.

I amost pulled the trigger on a new non-current 2011 XP, but after reading and looking at the 800 PRO, it's clearly a better mountain sled.

Are there any other problem areas I should be looking at on the 800 PRO when buying used?

 

[The Fourth Wolf]

I've got 1000 miles (all last season) on a stock 12 Pro 800. I turned my oiler up 2.5 turns and run an oz per gallon extra premix. No issues with fouling or smoking. Sled ran beautiful.

If I was buying a used sled I'd let my decision be guided by the seller. I prefer to buy used machines from anal people. Generally, I avoid buying from the 20-something cornice huckers. Their machines tend to get pounded until they break then slapped back together because younger guys don't usually have much money, but not necessarily.

Middle-age guys don't tend to ride as hard, are less apt to take risks and tend to take care of their stuff better because their finances are generally better, but not necessarily.

Regardless of age or apparent income, if the seller has an immaculate garage then he's anal about his mechanincal stuff.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

what 4th said is good info...If I was buying used..I would pull the pipe and plugs and look at piston skirts, i would look for damage to the tunnel full length and right behind the sec clutch and the chaincase, look over both clutches for damage/wear(especially where the belt sets in the primary for grooving), and just overall for signs of damage such as fit and finish on the plastic(frt end impacts)if all checks out should be a great machine, turn up the oiler to burn1 qt per tank of fuel, and add a pint to every 10 gal you put in the tank...

 

[edavis0202]

Don’t believe everything you read online. The issues with the motor are few and far between compared to units sold. You can line 10 PRO’s up in a row and I bet at least one will have an issue. If the issues were as bad as every says they are, it would be like the 900 all over again. The problem area in these sleds is in the mid range, when you are putting along…there where the lean spots are. When they are wide open, you’re getting more oil and fuel delivery.

Turn up your oil pump or dump 10-12oz in at every ride and enjoy it. If you are worried about engine issues, don’t mod it.

 

[PalousePoo]

for piece of mind, buy one with warranty remaining, or add warranty through a dealer, but don't let them charge you alot, shop it around.

 

[Sled208]

I was wondering the same thing as the OP. This thread has me more worried yet. I damn near bought a 2012 PRO that was a rental sled and has 2,000 miles on it. I cannot believe that 99% of the owners of these 800's have the oil pump turned up or have a clue about needing to add oil unless Polaris put out a letter. I guaranty the rental sled never saw any extra oil.

 

[jakey-boy]

I would find one with warranty or a new motor or last but not least plan on putting in something like the RKT fix kit. IMHO fun sled but i personally still think the motor is a gamble and at $4000 to replace I would be careful about jumping into anything just to save a few $100.

 

[idahosledhead]

Thank you for the advice gentlemen.

I pulled the trigger on a 2011 snow check version with 730 miles on the clock. Reggie Sellers at High Mark Recreation advised me to add a little oil in the fuel at each fill up. He also said to add some Lucas fuel injector cleaner every 400 miles or so.

In any case I'm stoked about the new sled. This is my first Polaris after a couple of Cats, and a few Ski Doos before that.

 

[Rev Kev]

You will enjoy the Pro, it is an amazing sled. My 2011 has just under 2000 miles, and zero engine issues. I let the engine fully warm up before hammering on it, and have turned up the oil pump, and add oil to the gas as well. the thing I have found, from reading posts here on SW and other forums, is take care of the engine, and it will take care of you.