comming off cat 8 going to a pro 6 thoughts????

[jakey-boy]

When I bought my first pro in 2012 I was coming off of an 09 m8 pump gas turbo. The turbo was fun when it worked but was tired of dealing with it. Dealer didn't have a 800 pro for me to demo so I took out their 600. I was surprised at the places that sled would go. The mid-range power was great and the chassis was amazing. I figured heck if the 600 is that good the 800 will be even better and I was right. Since I got my 800 I have rode with a few 600 pros and they really are not very impressive. In the trees they are alright but when it comes time to go up there's a definite difference. Plan to be slightly disappointed in the 600 every time you run into an 800 on the hill.

Also from what my dealer has told me the 600s were failing in larger percentages per unit sold than the 800s so I really dont think you are gaining much in reliability if you plan to ride it hard.

Best bet if you don't want to deal with warranty & want reliability is buy an 800 and replace the pistons with one of the many fix kits out there that add power and reliability. Or just ride it with warranty and odds are you will be one of the majority that has no issues.

If the 600 was way lighter or way cheaper or anything it might be a valid option but for $800 & 5 lb difference I just dont see how anyone can justify it. I wouldn't recommend that sled for my girlfriend or baby sister. Just my opinion though. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[jhurkot]

I rode a 2013 600 pro geared down to 2.42 and was amazed how well it ran. Yeah you're not gonna win a hill climb competition or push through 6 feet of fresh snow but if you like to ride trees there is nothing wrong with the 6.

 

[Mort2112]

3800 miles on an '06 600 and still testing at 118# per side and never been opened. Funny thing is, I'm 6'4'' and 265 geared up and my 6 does just fine for a girl's sled. It's no 8 for sure, but it is a kick in the pants to ride. One day, if the financial gods are ever kind to me I'll get an 8, but until then I'll just stick with this one.

 

[allied1]

Coming off a cat 800HO, at 7-9K you're going to want a turbo in your 800 Pro real quick!

 

[goforbroke]

I'll agree with internet hype on reliability. I know 7 guys that bought 2014 artic cat 800's, 5 have had to get new motors (3 of them get new cats every year and was their first ones to go down ever). Last year 2 of the etecs went down in the first season. Still haven't had or known (as in talked with the owner directly, not second hand) a polaris cfi 2 motor to go down. I know they do go down, but I think internet blows it up.

 

[starrsleds]

agreed with go for broke on the fact that there all probably a little flawed. I m just really nervous of the Polaris because my 03 700 broke a crank in a nasty spot to get drug out of and my dad broke 2 cranks on his 01 800 (granted 9000 miles on sled now) Engine issues is why I switched to cat first non Polaris sleds I have ever owned. I know its hard to beat a cat ho engine. im just pretty bummed that there is absolutely no faith in these motors with everybody having to rely on warranty or put pistons in every year. Shouldn't we as consumers be getting a better product?

 

[sledneck_03]

well gonna drink the cool aid and finally switch to a pro. last Polaris was an 03 700 rmk 151. Switched to the m series in o7 and love them to death but my 10 m8 is dated and its time to update. Love the cat but just have to scratch the itch of the pro. my question is to you Polaris guys is how is the durability on a 2013 pro 600 and what is power like? I ride roughly 2000 miles a year so am super afraid of the 800 reliability so its not an option (no im not gonna buy a new one and let warranty cover it trips are too expensive to have a buddy or my dad dragging it out.) 99% of our riding is done in the black hills of sd at roughly 6000-7000ft, and one yearly trip to the big horns of wy at 8500-10000 ft. any input would be great as to what to expect and as what I should look for on a 600. thanks guys!

Buy a pro 800, put a piston kit in it (mtntk, rktek, bmp) and check the crank bearings and forget about it.

The pistons are crap, solution: put in better pistons.

I turned my oiler up three turns too.

Love this sled.

 

[Reg2view]

Yeah, we deserve better. Great chassis, clutching. Flawed motor design and execution. At least poo is consistent with big bores. Pick your koolaid.

 

[starrsleds]

well I bought a used 2013 600 pro rmk! go pick it up sat. should I do anything to it or check anything out? sounds like turning the oil pump up is a good idea to start with! pretty excited!!!!!

 

[mountaincat 800]

Good for you on your decision. You are 100% correct. Consumer's should get a better product. I also switched from the Cat HO and am concerned about reliability. But I'm not gonna sit around doing nothing waiting for it. Just had to bite the bullet and jump in. I think I'll just sale mine before 1000 miles and get another one. You put on more miles than I do though. Good luck.

 

[bkpa]

well I bought a used 2013 600 pro rmk! go pick it up sat. should I do anything to it or check anything out? sounds like turning the oil pump up is a good idea to start with! pretty excited!!!!!

Sweet Ride! You will enjoy it! I haven't done a thing to any of mine. Where did you find it?

 

[starrsleds]

got it from the ski doo dealer here in town he took it on trade. its only got 240miles on it!!!

 

[OuraySledder]

well I bought a used 2013 600 pro rmk! go pick it up sat. should I do anything to it or check anything out? sounds like turning the oil pump up is a good idea to start with! pretty excited!!!!!

I would turn up the oiler. Check the bearing for the driveshaft that is behind the secondary clutch. Make sure the shaft is not spinning in the bearing but actually turning it. Check QD pulley bolt torque, the new spec is 45 lb/ft. Check the track tension, it needs to be tight, 3/8 to 1/2" of drop with 10 lbs of weight hanging. I did my 800 at 300 miles and it needed tightening. Inspect your front a-arm glue before every ride.

Good Luck... Enjoy!

 

[ak]

Great sled my suggestion would to get a 2014 quick drive belt and carry the 13 for a spare.

If you don't want to buy a belt make sure the recall on the quick drive bolts was addressed.

Make sure the drive shaft is clamped.

And keep and eye on the lower a arms the glue is weak on the 2013. Personally I would replace them with alternative impact are timber sled arms, you only need the bottom ones.

Other than that, gas oil and go!!!!!!!

 

[zippymt]

thumbs up for the 6

We have 4 2012 600's in our group. One down side is. Is that your wife's sled.? And we here it a lot. Group is all average size mid 40 men that have ridden western Mt all of our life.that being said we don't hill climb period. We explore. If you are not on a 10 or newer 800 the 600 will school you all day in the powder. We are very happy with the down size. More rider talent than being saved by the power. One sled blew at 3 miles. Air in oil line after that just ride and put like in every 4 to 5 hundred miles.