Does a new sled make you a better rider????

[06 RMK 900]

I Have been riding a ZR 580 for the last five years (trail sled). Last year I was asked to go to the black hills and do some boondocking and one of the guys let me drive his FX Nytro. I will be honest I was stuck alot and wanted to go back to my old sled. I think part of the reason I was getting stuck so much is because it was my first time on a mountain sled and because it wasn't mine I was affriad I was going to crash it. Well needles to say even after all the stucks I wanted a mountain sled so I went out and bought me a 06 RMK 900. I have been driving it around home now and i'm starting to relize and get the feeling on how to carve and side hill. I don't think it's necessary to have a new sled you just need to have practice and get the feel of the sled that you ride. I gues I will have to just wait and see if a new sled really helped me until Tuesday when we take a road trip to West Yellowstone.

 

[goinvertical]

hmm...

As a paraplegic, and someone who has ridden, and still rides all my buddies sleds, I will have to say my IQ greatly decreased my "sticks". My Father and his friend,whom are of the older generation have had a little trouble being convinced that their new sleds require a learning curve. The "friend" has almost given up on sledding as he says he just cant keep the thing rubber side down. I have adjusted it numerous times for me,as I am a "sit-down" rider,just like they are. I dont try to convince them that they need to stand and be aggressive,with less input, to make the machine do what they want. I personally think,as they do, that they would be more at ease on an older gen. sled. The manufacturers have forgotten the older generation. Remember, these "older" guys love power too, so they dont want some mid-displacement,entry level machine. These are the same guys who taught me to ride and boondock. My Dad rides a 700 Dragon and wishes he had a 600, the friend rides a 600 IQ and wishes he had his old 580 Powder Special. As I have said, I personally ride their sleds and make adjustments to suit me as I am trying to achieve stability and confidence for these guys who dont stand up much. Anyone who rides the newer "rider forward" machines will tell you, they can be very tippy and nervous in their handling. I know, I have ridden almost all of the man. newer sleds,most of which have been the long tracked,big cc mountain machines. It almost pains me to see my Father and his friend struggle and not enjoy sledding like they used to. No, they refuse to "downgrade" to an older chassis, altough, that would be the wisest choice for them. Sorry Dad On another note, I have also seen these older fellas do things and go places they never used to, so..... I guess I will continue to adjust,tweak, and try to convince them that SOME aftermarket parts might benefit them. Remember, the 'ol farts (me included) dont really wannna' spend alot on aftermarket parts. We just wanna ride like we used to. Take it for what its worth, but all the manufacturers have forgetten the older generation of mountain boondockers. And before someone says, "then stick to the trails", shush it. Our group only rides trails long enough to find an area where we can squeeze our sleds thru and find that untouched powder filled meadow or hill.

 

[anziconda]

I was out yesterday with some guys that have new sleds an 09 m8 153 and a 09 revxp 800 163. MY 03 vertical escape was laying it down, and i have to say i was pleased to be at the top of the hill looking down at those stuck sleds. Maybe polaris's best sled ever IMO. still hangs with the new stuff for 1/2 the price.

hmmmmm...not too good of an advertisement for the new m8 or the xp....I think the sleds need a new and improved rider and then would easily hand the ve's *** to it.

 

[thefullmonte]

The rider has a lot to do with how well any sled will perform. Many people out there with crazy talent.
You also have to look at what kind of rider you are.
For example, I come from a MX background. I'm a very physical rider who prefers the stand up riding style. So I really like how the new IQ sleds work.
I have friends that still prefer the edge chassis. And because of their riding style. They make those sleds perform just as well.
IMO my 08 d8 made me a better rider, but it doesn't always work like that. I used to love my 03 800 rmk. And as much fun as I had with it. I know now that it probably wasn't the right fit for my riding style.

 

[meierjn]

I borrowed a 2007 Summit 800 while my 1998 Summit X was in the shop last winter for an engine job. After riding it around I hated going back to my "old iron." Now that I am back on the 670 again it dosn't seem so bad. I guess what I am trying to say is you get used to what you have and have to make use of what you have. Several wise men (and women) have said "practice makes perfect." There is always somthing new to learn or somthing you can improve on. Just have fun!

 

[CrazyCanadianCat]

I was out yesterday with some guys that have new sleds an 09 m8 153 and a 09 revxp 800 163. MY 03 vertical escape was laying it down, and i have to say i was pleased to be at the top of the hill looking down at those stuck sleds. Maybe polaris's best sled ever IMO. still hangs with the new stuff for 1/2 the price.

Just one question Jmgsnowman... would you consider yourself a better rider than these fellows on the new iron? At any rate ,that has to be a good feeling!

 

[rockdog2112]

newer chassis do make tossing the sled around easier....just pure physics there. lighter and lower center of gravity. HOWEVER, 99% of the time that does not do too much for you. changing directions in mid carve....yes....rockin' a big climb....no.


if you want to be a better rider there are two way to do it.

1) ride with folks that are way better then you and watch what they do differently then you....ask questions.

2) ride with people who suck so bad you look like a vet pro......your choice.

the sled does not make the rider. a good rider is a good rider on an unfamiliar sled too.

So far option #1 is working out real well for me. It's great to have a couple of guys that are willing to take the time to teach. I still think that having some of the newer technology doesn't hurt. They handle so much nicer.

 

[Wish]

Riding

Riding has completely changed for me this year, I made the jump from a 99 Summit X to an 08 XP this year....and I can't even express the difference in my riding experience! I wouldn't say I'm a better rider but I can do things I wasn't able to do already and I've only been a few times this year. The newer technology allows a rider to do more, however I still think it boils down to sled setup for each rider and of course.....skill. The new sleds just help make things easier

 

[Jmgsnowman]

riders

Just one question Jmgsnowman... would you consider yourself a better rider than these fellows on the new iron? At any rate ,that has to be a good feeling!

Not necessarily, these guys can ride. Its possible i have some crazy in me though. But also lets keep in mind these are new sleds to these guys (although they both had previous models of these sleds). My vertical escape and i are very comfy together.
I like the new sleds also, but i dont know that they can climb any higher or carve any better, maybe do it with a little less energy expended, but I am not afraid of a workout. I can throw my escape around just as good if not better. Just my .02

 

[01_MC500]

My Dad rides a 700 Dragon and wishes he had a 600, the friend rides a 600 IQ and wishes he had his old 580 Powder Special. QUOTE]

i'll trade you my 01 500

 

[ElectroTech]

I bought a new Assault this year, coming off an 03 700 RMK. The new sled just seems more connected to what I want. The biggest difference I noticed is that at the end of the day I am not nearly as tired. Its a fit issue, if the machine rides/handles/performs differently theres no doubt that the machine plays a big part in the riders perception of his abilities, meaning that the machine doesnt make you a better rider just amplifies your current abilities. Certain riders may be better off on an older style sled, certain better off on a new sled. The biggest difference I believe is handlebar and seat height giving the new iron an advantage. If you take an older sled and put a highrise seat and raise the bars 8 inches the gap would certainly close.

 

[BackCountryBob]

What ElectroTech said. As an old pfart I agree that the major difference in the new generation sleds is the rider height seat/bar risers and weight. I have ridden many sleds and started to mod my sleds for weight loss and seat height. 02 HMX-800, Buck high rise seat and riser made the sled a keeper. Then an AXESS high rise and 3" riser on my 04 REV (this year). This plus a 35#weight loss--Wow I ride with the XP boys, no payments and no need for waranty claims.

But over the years the old adage still holds true "50% sled, 50% rider"

BCB

 

[Wolfrun]

You guys are right. My old 700 RMK will still eat some of the new 800s for lunch but by dark I'm heading home all pooped out. There is a lot more wear and tear on your body on the old ones.

 

[Raff_9001M]

When switching to a different chassis, how long did it take before you felt very comfortable on it? I made a switch from a 1M Mtn. Cat to an M series and after 3 or 4 rides am still having trouble making the M do what I want.

 

[wasatchrider]

it does not make you better it just makes thing easier

 

[swashbukler]

When switching to a different chassis, how long did it take before you felt very comfortable on it? I made a switch from a 1M Mtn. Cat to an M series and after 3 or 4 rides am still having trouble making the M do what I want.

When I first switched to the stand up style, I had a heck of a time. I was always stealing my wifes sled. It took almost the first whole season for me to get comfortable, and by the second year I loved the stand up style. Now this year my new M1000 is in the shop, so my buddy feeling bad for me, let me ride his 03 ZX chassis and it was a learning curve all over again. I think I will wait for my sled to get out of the shop.

 

[karnedge]

IMO.. it does make YOU better.. maybe not better then your buddy on a 01 skud.. but if you ride new, you should do better then if you ride old.. not like sex ,older is better newer is just faster.lol

 

[Dogmeat]

I have only been out to the mountain 3 times this year but I am already hearing about who has the best sled. Is it the Arctic Cat M8 or M1000? The new Ski-Doo XP? Or the Polaris Dragon?


All that aside, do any of these sleds really make you a better rider? I know a guy that has a '03 Polaris Vertical Escape and he can out ride alot of the new sleds hands down. What do you think? Does your new sled make you a better rider?

In all honesty ....

%95 of what I am able to do on my 2006 900 RMK that has all kinds of mods on it now I can do on my 1999 700 RMK that is pretty close to stock for all practical purposes ...

The difference? The 900 is an awful lot more comfortable for me to do the same things on than the older sled is because of the rider position.

The 900 might be slighty better climbing hills than the 700 because of the longer track and more torque, but like I said, for all practical purposes I can't do anything on the 900 that I can't do on the 700 ...

But, also being perfectly honest, I'm still pretty much a novice rider too ...

 

[spring snow hero]

Are you sure about lower center of mass? With how much more suspension the news sleds have (especially in the front) it would seem to negate any improvement in engine location.
I love my IQ, it's way better than the Edge and Gen 2 but that's only because I like to jump and ride hard so the better suspension designs are the difference, but carving and side hilling I think the previous generation was equal if not better.

take a peek at the location of the crank on a new dragon/m/xp versus older chassis' you will see that it sits under the secondary instead of in front of it....the crank gives you 90% of the gyroscopic effect. the suspension may infact sit a bit higher, but the rotating mass is more centralized and lower. the rider sits higher and in better leverage position.

it won't make you better per say, but it will make it more responsive. put me an an xp after all my years on older chassis and I will throw it to the gorung like a pro wrestler.....not because I have to, just because that is how my chassis like to be treated

the trick is to ride what you have to the end of its abilities. the sleds of 5 years ago will go most everywhere todays will with the right pilot.

 

[wasatchrider]

As a paraplegic, and someone who has ridden, and still rides all my buddies sleds, I will have to say my IQ greatly decreased my "sticks". My Father and his friend,whom are of the older generation have had a little trouble being convinced that their new sleds require a learning curve. The "friend" has almost given up on sledding as he says he just cant keep the thing rubber side down. I have adjusted it numerous times for me,as I am a "sit-down" rider,just like they are. I dont try to convince them that they need to stand and be aggressive,with less input, to make the machine do what they want. I personally think,as they do, that they would be more at ease on an older gen. sled. The manufacturers have forgotten the older generation. Remember, these "older" guys love power too, so they dont want some mid-displacement,entry level machine. These are the same guys who taught me to ride and boondock. My Dad rides a 700 Dragon and wishes he had a 600, the friend rides a 600 IQ and wishes he had his old 580 Powder Special. As I have said, I personally ride their sleds and make adjustments to suit me as I am trying to achieve stability and confidence for these guys who dont stand up much. Anyone who rides the newer "rider forward" machines will tell you, they can be very tippy and nervous in their handling. I know, I have ridden almost all of the man. newer sleds,most of which have been the long tracked,big cc mountain machines. It almost pains me to see my Father and his friend struggle and not enjoy sledding like they used to. No, they refuse to "downgrade" to an older chassis, altough, that would be the wisest choice for them. Sorry Dad On another note, I have also seen these older fellas do things and go places they never used to, so..... I guess I will continue to adjust,tweak, and try to convince them that SOME aftermarket parts might benefit them. Remember, the 'ol farts (me included) dont really wannna' spend alot on aftermarket parts. We just wanna ride like we used to. Take it for what its worth, but all the manufacturers have forgetten the older generation of mountain boondockers. And before someone says, "then stick to the trails", shush it. Our group only rides trails long enough to find an area where we can squeeze our sleds thru and find that untouched powder filled meadow or hill.

if you guys want a newer sled that is not "tippy" you should be ridding ski-doo.