HELP! Decision time. What sled to buy?!

[slikjr]

Ok, I am going to post this in all 3 brand forum and see what I can come up with. Please chime in with your opinions on the 3 below. All 3 are basically the same price. Please be as objective as you can and keep the "bias" out of it ahahah.... if that's possible. I don't have any history on the sleds so we'll assume they are all on engine number one for argument sake. I appreciate all the input.

08 Polaris Dragon 800, 155", 2073 miles.
07 M8, 153", 1896 miles.
06 RMK 700, 159", 1039 miles.

I know the 800 Popos have a bad rep; is it bad enough to stay away from them? This is my favourite of the 3 based on looks for sure! I don't know of anything bad about the M8 but probably bottom of the pile on looks IMO. The 700 Popo has same rep as 800 as far as I can tell. I dunno... please chime in! Much appreciated!

 

[98670x]

Whats the price difference between the M8 and D8? I dont know anything about the 700, ...........Id probley go with the M8, my buddy has one with 5000+ kms with no rebuilds, still runs like a top

 

[skibreeze]

M8, I still have a stack of Poo pistons in the garage to remind me of why I parted out my D8.

 

[xc6rider]

Go with the M8..... Of those, it would be my choice no problem.

 

[slikjr]

Thanks guy! It's the M8 by a long shot as far as votes go. I will admit, I want the Dragon the most.... but, from the rep of it vs. the rep of the M8, I know it's not the smartest choice ahahah. Need to be smart I think!

 

[2XM3]

Forget the D8, motors a crapshoot/zero resale and at 2000miles its shot, D7 is a great sled,so is M8

 

[Bossman]

Which sled to buy

Here are some things to consider about each of the 3 sleds-
06 700 RMK is a small version of the dreaded 900 laydown motor, 755cc, heavy, plauged with belt and underhood heat issues.

07 M8 is heavier than the Dragon 8, has very poor programming, so is down on power and throttle response, also has alot of chassis flex, resulting in poor handling on the trail.

08 Dragon has had some electrical issues that are by now resolved on a sled with that many miles. It most likely has had the dual ring piston update done along with a reflash (or 2 or 3), which still does not make it a good motor by any means. If you can come up with another $600, buy "The Fix" kit from PMS Polaris and have a Polaris dealer download the late 2010 flash. Feed it as much oil as the M8 drinks and it will most likely last as long.

I have owned both the 07 M8 and the Dragon, no question about what I would do.

 

[slikjr]

Ok so.... Have taken the 06 Popo 700 out of the equation. Also, I have taken the Dragon out of the question. Just too many bad things about it. I don't want to invest in a sled that has a "known" problem. I know I know...they aren't all bad, but why buy something that has that serious of a known problem. Not worth the chance.

Now, I have found a few 2008 and newer RMK 700s that I am looking at. Also a few 07+ M1000s and a few 07+ M800s. I guess I'll see what the best deal to come along is, and go that way. Any word on the three sleds listed here? The Cat 1000 reliable? I will only get a stock motor, no mods on any of them.

 

[MORSNO]

Now, I have found a few 2008 and newer RMK 700s that I am looking at. Also a few 07+ M1000s and a few 07+ M800s. I guess I'll see what the best deal to come along is, and go that way. Any word on the three sleds listed here? The Cat 1000 reliable? I will only get a stock motor, no mods on any of them.

The M1000 is a big heavy sled, most prefered the M800 over the bigger sled. I'm biased for the RMK 700's. The 07 and newer CFI 700 is a reliable engine and will go everywhere a 800 will go. It obviously doesn't have as much torque for big climbs as an 800, but it will get you where you want to go, and back.

 

[sledking]

Just something to think about is the 07 cats were known to have issues with they're diamond drives. I got a friend who we had to tow out of the mountains cuz his drive locked up. Other than that they are great sleds