Looking for suggestion on my first sled

[UTTMaster]

I am looking to buy my first sled and really looking forward to being a part of this community to learn more. I have ridden many sleds over the years, but never owned my own sled. I am looking to purchase one this year to run my trap lines here in Utah. Man... trying to decide on what is going to be the best sled is tough! I only have a budget of about $2500 to purchase one and am really worried about buying someone elses problems or a sled that is not going to hold up and leave me strained in the back country. Any suggestion would be GREATLY appreciated. Currently I am looking at a couple of sleds now. A 04 Artic Cat M1, 04 Polaris RMK Vertical Edge 800, 00 Polaris 700 XC SP and an 2005 Ski Doo Summit 1,000 Highmark. Suggestions??

 

[boondocker97]

For sleds in that price range, buy one that appears to be in the cleanest and best overall shape. If they are dirty or have lots of little things broke or missing then they probably haven't had good maintenance. Also look for one that is still stock. That will eliminate the chance of getting someone else's headache by about 90%.

Is the Cat 1M a 600, 800, or 900? Ask about crank/bearing issues on the vertical escape. The 1000 ski-doos are pretty heavy machines so the power/weight ratio, handling, and digging it out when stuck might not be the best for a newer rider.

 

[UTTMaster]

Cat M1

The Cat M1 is a 2004 Artic Cat 900 EFI M1 with a 153" track. with 450 miles. Original owner and asking $2800 for it. Thanks for the suggestions I really appreciate the help. I am a pretty good sized guy. 6' 7" and about 200 lbs so want to get something that will get me around well. I don't plan on hot footing it, just need something good and dependable. I also have a bad back so thanks for the suggestion on the 1000 being heavy.

 

[mysledblows]

The 1m is a good sled. Buddy of mine rode the heck out one for years. If interested I happen to have his 990 mod shop motor sitting in my trailer with a 4-sale sticker on it. That would give you plenty of power

 

[UTTMaster]

How heavy is the M1?

 

[jchew]

Any m series cat. Very dependable, capable and not too heavy.
I sold a m-6 and m-7 this fall for $2500 each. Around 1500 miles on em.
They're out there

 

[cowboy181d]

I would look for an Polaris 600 IQ chassis. Carb or injected are both great setups around here they go for about 2500.00-3000.00 for an shift model. Stay away from the 800 rmk's they can be a ticking time bomb, I have seen some go a few thousand miles with out going POP and I have seen them go a few hundred and go POP.... Or look for any year of Polaris 700 can't kill the things, I got a 2003 three 700 edge rmk in my fleet that has almost 8,000miles on it riding on the original crank and I have worn out one top end (replaced it at 6,000 miles just cause it was finally starting to feel tired by the end of the day). The cat M series sleds seem pretty good I ride with a few guys who have them seem like great sleds.

And I know that with ski doo's you need to have every piece of Doo branded riding gear before they will let you ride them...... (sorry Doo guys I seen no one had ribbed ya about it for a while) All I know about Doo's is avoid the 1000's because they are heavy aside from that they are also good sleds.

Now days it really boils down to what you like everyone makes a good sled.

 

[idahoskiguy]

Be sure to include the 600cc Mtn Sleds in your search, they great values and tend to be in better condition, lighter, easier to ride and cheaper than the 800s.

Many great sleds can be had in your area for your price point, be picky and look at as many as practical.

 

[Mafesto]

Be sure to include the 600cc Mtn Sleds in your search, they great values and tend to be in better condition, lighter, easier to ride and cheaper than the 800s.

Many great sleds can be had in your area for your price point, be picky and look at as many as practical.

What he said

 

[madmax]

The 1M cats were great sleds in thier day and pretty light weight, however, the chassis feels light a tank to ride, not a great starter sled. It pretty much rides you, you don't ride it. I had three of them and they were once the best machine out there. I had stock motors, 990 and 1150 in them.
I would not recommend any one buy or even consider a 1000 summit or a 900 RMK, so scratch those two off your list.
The Edge 800 Polaris was an awesome machine, but like already mentioned the motor was a ticking time bomb.
The dragon would be a good starter machine, Rev 800 or M7/M8. Look on KSL classifieds in the sled section. There is a lot of pretty good $2500ish sleds right now. Try and find something with under 3,000 miles.

 

[AZ800]

Yeah don't waste your $ on an old 800-1000cc machine for your use. You don't need the hp based on your intended use.
M6, IQ chassis Rmk6 or 600 rev summit Sdi if possible with 150" track.
If it's not quite enough machine, gear down and clutch it.
Or a M7 or 700Dragon/Rmk would be even better.
As said above, best combo of, stock engine, low miles, condition and gut feel for the Owner is what you're after.

 

[Raff_9001M]

I owned a 2003.5 9001m. I liked that sled. Trouble free for sure. 600cc may be a good sled for you, but with your height and size that could be an issue. 450 miles for that age sled is pretty amazing. Make sure the information (speedometer, odometer, warning signals) cluster works. If I remember right, there is grease zerk for the speedo bearing that was difficult to get too. One more thing, with a bad back, maybe the power of the 900 will get you out of a few stucks..............or get you into a few more. Personally I would go with an 800. You'll less likely be searching for a another sled in a year or 2 when you wish you had more power. Just some thoughts for you. Good luck.