I am noticing the 2013 RMK 800 gets most of the updates except for the belt drive. Is the belt drive and fancy carbon fiber worth the extra 1200 over the standard RMK for 2013. I know there is 17lbs weight difference also, just wondering if it is worth the extra money.
Is the Belt drive worth it over the chaincase?
- Thread starter iluv2fly
- Start date
Just got back from 3 days riding with Dan Adams. We talked a lot about sleds and whether the 2013 was worth the trade in of my 2012. I wasn't really that stoked for the 2013 upgrades. He told me the belt drive was a major improvement. Throttle response was much crisper and instantaneous. Also, he said that the handling of the sled was noticeable improved especially transitioning from side to side. Actually I was planning on selling my 2012 Pro and replacing it with another brand/model entirely. Now I will be snow checking a 2013 Pro 163 and trading in/selling my 2012. There are some subtle and not so subtle upgrades which added together make it worth taking the loss on trade in. I have a short list of upgrades that I will be doing that are going to give me a ready to ride weight of under 500lbs with an entirely stock drive train including the engine.
If you remove the six idler wheels that are included with the RMK but not the Pro, then the weight difference is even less.
Just sayin'
Just sayin'
I rode them back to back on Feb 11th.
We had a 2013 Pro 155, 2012 Pro 163, and a 2012 Assault 155 (comp track).
I could notice the difference. Seat of the pants different.
The 13 WAS EASIER TO RIDE...and our snow SUCKED, which IMO made it easier to find and feel that difference.
Easier to carve in marginal snow conditions.
Better throttle response.
It was CRISP and instant. There was NO bog or spot that needed cleaned up.
The belt drive was quieter than the chaincase. Brakes were also more quiet.
It didn't hug the ground as much when going through the whoops and bomb holes. It FELT lighter than the 12. 14 pounds isn't much of a difference, but there must be a center of balance difference that I was feeling. I felt more in control.
It felt lighter when airborne.
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The biggest deal with the belt drive is weight and rotating mass.
At this time it's not going to be an option.
I would imagine the aftermarket will offer different belts and cog/gear ratios at some point. If I ran an aftermarket company I would jump on this now.
As for the ability to bolt one up to an older PRO with a chaincase. It should be fairly easy. Probably a couple hours. Geometry has not changed.
As for the ability to bolt one up to an older PRO with a chaincase. It should be fairly easy. Probably a couple hours. Geometry has not changed.
Not alone, but with the shocks and 163" length also, the 1200 extra are definitely worth it!
Geometry does not change. Drop and roll is still pretty tough if Not impossible.
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W
wje_153
Active member
Dan Adams can hardly ride a sled.
J
jhurkot
Well-known member
So did you actually get to ride one? You'd think he would have some on hand for his customers to try.
My guess is by the start of next winter there will be diferent belts/pulleys to regear, i will also bet with the belt drive it will be easier to do a 3" since all you need will be a new base plate for the belt drive and maybe a longer belt....and..as of right now..no one makes a 1200 belt drive kit for the pro..so to upgrade you will need the jackshaft, mnt. plate, pulleys,belt,rotor and bolts from the 13 setup, I have been told the driveshaft will work but the 13 uses an aluminum driveshaft(more weight loss)....it is glued in(same as the 12 chaincases) but that really isnt that big of a deal....
