Hi all, and thanks in advance. I'm considering stepping down from an 800 to a 600, but newer of course. Are all 600's designated as HO? If not, what is the difference? Pretty leary about going smaller, but have heard only good things about the newer 600.
considering 600
- Thread starter alankb
- Start date
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volcano buster
Well-known member
I believe the "HO" designation was for the newer carbed small block 600's. They put out an advertised 120 Hp. The Cfi 600 was supposed to have about 125 Hp. but I believe they yo-yo'd on power as they went from 4 injectors to 2 and then maybe back to 4.
I have been leary of the 800's. My wife has an Edge 600 and I have loved riding that sled. Several guys I ride with bought 600 Cfi/155" RMK's so I bought one too. I like the challenge of riding more than the ego of having a bigger sticker.
I have been leary of the 800's. My wife has an Edge 600 and I have loved riding that sled. Several guys I ride with bought 600 Cfi/155" RMK's so I bought one too. I like the challenge of riding more than the ego of having a bigger sticker.
Thanks
That brings up another question...is the 600 actually a smaller block? They look the same to me, but everyone says the 600 is lighter and more nimble. Is it due to the engine being lighter?
AL
That brings up another question...is the 600 actually a smaller block? They look the same to me, but everyone says the 600 is lighter and more nimble. Is it due to the engine being lighter?
AL
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550iq
Well-known member
600's do not fare well on this web site as most viewers are in the Rocky Mtns and the 600 cannot overcome the altitude power loss. If you too run at high elevations, the 600 probably won't work for you either. But like us here in Ak where 4000ft is about norm, a 600 can make a go of it. But like everything, once you master the 800, a 600 will feel weak. Other than that, a 600 will do well, especially if it shows up in a Pro chassis next year.
Well he..
I thought I had made my mind up, but I have definately mastered the '03 800. Probably could overhaul it on the trail, but man when she runs!!!! I'm getting to where I enjoy speed more than hills, but enjoy both. I'm in No. Utah so plenty of mountains. Starting elevation is usually 6000'. I was thinking that the newer technology could make up for the lost cc's.
AL
I thought I had made my mind up, but I have definately mastered the '03 800. Probably could overhaul it on the trail, but man when she runs!!!! I'm getting to where I enjoy speed more than hills, but enjoy both. I'm in No. Utah so plenty of mountains. Starting elevation is usually 6000'. I was thinking that the newer technology could make up for the lost cc's.
AL
Funny, I see guys jump off 9's and 8's BB's onto 6's and kick eveyones A$$.
If I had to pick between my 8 and my wifes 660, it would be her's anyday of the week and twice on Sunday's.
The fun factor of the smaller sled is off the chain. Wish it didn't take me so many years to figure out less CC's equals more fun.
If I had to pick between my 8 and my wifes 660, it would be her's anyday of the week and twice on Sunday's.
The fun factor of the smaller sled is off the chain. Wish it didn't take me so many years to figure out less CC's equals more fun.
I went from a 2000 800rmk with twin pipes to a 2007 600 rmk ho with a single slp and can't believe how strong the 600 is. It will go anywhere the 800 gen 2 and edge chassis will and then some. It will stomp the pants off of my buddies souped up 900 too. Really fun machine once you get used to the iq chassis. I ride in so Idaho/ no Utah as well.
I love my 09 600. I could stop facing downward on a minor slope with 1-2feet of powdery snow underneath and whip it around and back up to the top without any trouble at all.
The sled is pretty easy to pull over and it climbs to the top of the snow like a champ. I've never gotten stuck because of my sled not having the guts. I got stuck once on a good sized hill trying to carve a trail around a stuck sled to give it a runway(with 3ft of fresh powder and it was my first time riding it completely my fault) and then 2 weeks ago I got stuck twice cuz I bent the a-arms and didn't realize it so it kept diving down the size w/the broken arms)
I've always rode about 4-6k feet so not sure what another 4-5k feet of elevation would do to it, but I would recommend it to anyone especially someone from an older generation of sleds. Completely reliable, 1,500miles pull cord n go and it doesn't use much oil at all. And it is a complete night and day difference between that and my dads xlt. The xlt feels slow and tractorish compared to the throttle response on my sled.
The sled is pretty easy to pull over and it climbs to the top of the snow like a champ. I've never gotten stuck because of my sled not having the guts. I got stuck once on a good sized hill trying to carve a trail around a stuck sled to give it a runway(with 3ft of fresh powder and it was my first time riding it completely my fault) and then 2 weeks ago I got stuck twice cuz I bent the a-arms and didn't realize it so it kept diving down the size w/the broken arms)
I've always rode about 4-6k feet so not sure what another 4-5k feet of elevation would do to it, but I would recommend it to anyone especially someone from an older generation of sleds. Completely reliable, 1,500miles pull cord n go and it doesn't use much oil at all. And it is a complete night and day difference between that and my dads xlt. The xlt feels slow and tractorish compared to the throttle response on my sled.
It depends what kind of riding you like to do and also how much you weigh. I really like the 600 as it is very dependable and easy to throw around. I very seldom get much above 6500 feet where I ride and am not into point and shoot hill climbing so it does everything I want. I never had an 800 though. Maybe I don't know what I'm missing but am perfectly happy with the 600.
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volcano buster
Well-known member
When Polaris started into the Liberty twin motors, they were the "big block" motors as they were just physically bigger (without knowing dimensions). The 600's dropped to the small block VES motors in about 2001 or 2002 depending on chassis. These worked so well, that the 2007 700 IQ motor was based on this platform and then the 800's followed. The difference there was that the 800's needed more room for the big pistons so they went with the mono-block (single block of cylinders with two holes instead of separate cylinders). The motor isn't all that heavy and the reduced gyro effect of the 600 is pretty noticeable when you are rolling the sled from side to side when on the throttle.
I'm a 200 pounder, ride the 600iq's in N. Utah. The only time I can't keep up with the 800's is when there is 2' of fresh new powder. Other than that, it will keep up with the 800's just fine in the hands of a skilled rider. I also own a turbo, and a ski doo xp 800. The 600iq is hands down the most fun all around, trouble free pull and go.
SkiB is Spot on. We both have 600's..Mines actually a 660 and every day I ride I kick myself in the azz for not getting an 800. The sleds are awesomes and IMO Polaris's most reliable motor....but they dont have the power.
Early this winter I "test rode" an 06 600HO for someone and decided that the new suspension and handling goes a long way to make up the loss of cc's.
I put my 01 800 up for sale and bought an 06 600 151 and i couldn't be happier. Yes there are moments when you wish you had that extra power but you quickly learn to adjust/compensate. I can't think of any place i cant go with the lil six that i went on the 800. mine has a black painted hood with no decals and people have asked me if it is a 7, 8, or even 900.
And i ride in Idaho 8-9000' is common.
plus i'm not wondering when my 800 is gonna break down...
I put my 01 800 up for sale and bought an 06 600 151 and i couldn't be happier. Yes there are moments when you wish you had that extra power but you quickly learn to adjust/compensate. I can't think of any place i cant go with the lil six that i went on the 800. mine has a black painted hood with no decals and people have asked me if it is a 7, 8, or even 900.
And i ride in Idaho 8-9000' is common.
plus i'm not wondering when my 800 is gonna break down...
The 600 is awesome. The only time I have issues is when there is not a great base, and when we are really rifding high up(11000ft+). Can't wait to ride it this spring though. Great secondary sled for sure.
Love the 600
I have a 6 two 7's and an 8, all iq's. And I used to have an 06 600 bought it brand new when they first came out. The 07 chasis is an upgrade but all in all the 600 is the fastest reving motor of them all. Very responsive and super fun to ride. Like it's been said before you gotta know your sled and what it just can't do. A rider makes the sled not the other way around. A natural 600 is never going to have the tourqe of an 800. But as i'm finding out the 800 may never have the reliablity of a 600. I put 5000 miles on my '06 before selling it, very very reliable sled. My '07 is headed the same way they just keep running, oil it, gas it up and pull the trigger!
I have a 6 two 7's and an 8, all iq's. And I used to have an 06 600 bought it brand new when they first came out. The 07 chasis is an upgrade but all in all the 600 is the fastest reving motor of them all. Very responsive and super fun to ride. Like it's been said before you gotta know your sled and what it just can't do. A rider makes the sled not the other way around. A natural 600 is never going to have the tourqe of an 800. But as i'm finding out the 800 may never have the reliablity of a 600. I put 5000 miles on my '06 before selling it, very very reliable sled. My '07 is headed the same way they just keep running, oil it, gas it up and pull the trigger!
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sledhead004
Member
It all depends on what type of riding you want to do and what elevation you ride at. My wife rides a 600, its a really good sled, but a far cry from the 800s. i ride 6500 to 10,000 feet. For me personally it would not do the job, not enough power. You could turbo one and have a good sled. if you are at lower elevation I would say go for it, but up at elevation and a three foot powder day no way! I've ridden with a 660 and they are impressive.
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SaskRMK
Active member
This is my first season on an 09 600 RMK and no complaints! I weight 180 pounds and do my riding at prairie altitudes and from 5-7 thousand. All of my friends with 800's and 900's have already burnt down motors this season and for the horsepower difference i honestly don't beleive having your sled down is worth it.
I enjoy riding the 600 because i feel it has developed my skills quicker and made me depend on working harder rather than the CC's doing the work for me. At the end of the day my 600 drives onto the deck under its own power and were winching up the 800's and 900's.
Sure some days i wish i had the extra horsepower but i have come to terms over having the lower horsepower sled in my group of friends.
I enjoy riding the 600 because i feel it has developed my skills quicker and made me depend on working harder rather than the CC's doing the work for me. At the end of the day my 600 drives onto the deck under its own power and were winching up the 800's and 900's.
Sure some days i wish i had the extra horsepower but i have come to terms over having the lower horsepower sled in my group of friends.
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