I might buy a 2006 RMK 900. Good Idea?

[BertyBoy]

Hey Guys, fairly new to sledding but I want to upgrade from my 95 ski-doo 670.

I found a nice 2006 900 RMK with 300 miles on it for sale, basically looks new.

I've been reading about them alot and kinda been getting some mixed results.

Is this a good sled, or should I stay away from it? I honestly need to know straight up, what the pro's and con's are, cuz to me it looks like a steal.

Thanks guys!

 

[BIGGDAWG]

first off read the stickies at the top of the forum,
if you like working on your sleds then the 9 might be for you
if you don't like to wrench then run away fast and don't look back.

 

[BertyBoy]

Ya, the only thing is my buddy has one with 2200 miles on it and has never touched a thing on it. Says its been the best sled hes ever bought.

I dunno what the hell to think, it just seems like every single sled on the planet has 10000 issues with them, a guy just needs to get lucky to have no problems.

Every sled I have been looking at, this guy says don't buy, and the next guys says buy it before shes sold.

The 2006 900 did fix alot of problem that the original 2005 had correct?

 

[94fordguy]

The '06 did address some of the problems of the 05.

First and foremost, the pistons and crankshaft, both vastly improved over the '05 sets. Also mentionable are the spindles, (08+ are much better though), the stator and a few other things with the motor, including motor mounts.

With the '06 there really aren't a lot of other durability issues with the mechanical parts, it's more focused on the electrical. Both years were susceptible and one of the main headaches was with wires chaffing or getting yanked and broken inside the insulation resulting in shorts and gremlins. Going through and checking the routing of the wires will help prevent some of those headaches.

Throttle body boots and the oil cable should also be inspected to ensure they are in good condition.

Mountainhorse really hit a lot of good topics in the Read Before You Buy thread in the stickies.... if you look out for those key points you'll be in pretty good shape.

My '05 has all the '06 updates and I absolutely love the sled.... can't beat the bang for the buck if you go into it with your eyes open

 

[Z-Man]

My 05 was with stock crank, stock pistons 1664 miles and zero issues ever.

 

[BertyBoy]

My 05 was with stock crank, stock pistons 1664 miles and zero issues ever.

Thats pretty good, but by this post were you implying that it blew up at 1665 or something? Lol, or did you sell it?

 

[Z-Man]

Thats pretty good, but by this post were you implying that it blew up at 1665 or something? Lol, or did you sell it?

Nope, but I like to tinker. I modified the hell out of it and stuck in the 06 pistons to be safe.
http://www.snowestonline.com/forum/showthread.php?t=240943

 

[BertyBoy]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm basically stuck with the decision between:

2005 Ski-doo Summit 800 -151 x 2.5, 1800 kms

and

2006 Polaris 900 RMK - 151 x 2.25", 293 Miles

Both priced at $5000(canadian). Help me make the decision guys, if it's just wiring problems on the RMK, I can definitely live with that, but if there are mechanical issues with the clutch or motor, I would probably rather have the ski-doo (I think they are overall pretty solid).

What do you guys think?

 

[Z-Man]

I'd buy the polaris but I don't really like the way the wider track on the Ski-Doo handles. There can be mechanical and electrical issues but not everyone has them. Cover the hole in the top of the pull start so antifreeze and crud don't go in there, check all the wiring to make sure nothing is rubbing and if it is cover with plastic wire protector, then cover all the wiring that gets near the exhaust with heat tape. Get the primary clutch balanced right off and your crank won't have problems.

If you get the Polaris you could probably ride two seasons at least before any work to the engine.

If you get the Skidoo it is going to need a top end in the near future.

 

[94fordguy]

I don't have any first hand experience with Skidoo, but with the Experience I have had with my 900, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another... and there are lots of guys in here who know these machines inside and out to help with any problems you may encounter....


The 900 will be a heavier sled, but you also get more power and significantly more low end torque to go with it.... The Doo's have a very fragile front end that does not absorb hits from rocks/stumps well... the bulkhead on the 900s (IQ in general) is pretty much the strongest in the industry and even Doo owners will tell you that.... A-arms are pretty robust as well, but they will fail before they cause damage to the bulkhead (as it should be).