looking to buy- got some questions

[seanpistol]

hello SnoWest-

I'm looking to purchase a sled pretty quickly and would like some input from you guys. I know I want a Rev, I have previously owned an 02 Summit 800 and spent a lot of time on a 2000 RMK 800 155"- spent some quality time on an 05 REV 800 155 so I am real excited to upgrade.

I am in Utah and spend most of my time in the deep with minimal trail riding. Am I correct in thinking that the 07 Rev has the track that digs trenches? Is an 05 or 06 the best year to purchase? I've thought about maybe purchasing an 07 Rev if I can find a deal and put an upgraded track on it. How much work is it to change a track out in the garage? I have never done it before, but as an aircraft mechanic I know how to turn a wrench.

What sleds come with an E-start? Do all X-models or is that just an option? All Revs have reverse, correct?

Any other input you guys can share when looking at what models to buy? I'm trying to find something with either low miles (sub 1300) or a freshly rebuilt motor and low-ish miles on the chassis. I've also considered 800 dragons that have been rebuilt with the "fix-it" kit, but I still think the Rev is the best bang for the buck.

 

[seanpistol]

I guess another good question would be asking about when the top end needs rebuilt. I would assume 1500-2000 miles, but what's typical on these Revs? I have seen some for sale with 1600 miles that says they run great, but feel that I can go longer before I need to fork out cash for a rebuild if I purchase a sled with 2400 on the chassis and 200 miles on the rebuilt top end.

That being said- how much effort is it to rebuild the top end. I don't know much about snowmobile engines but how hard can they really be?

 

[bohrer54]

Glad to hear you want to upgrade to a rev, they are great sleds and were really ahead of there time,

Changing out the track is not very hard at all, it can be done in less than two hours the first time. the 07 challenger track does trench, best track option is the camo extreme. the 06 powder max is probably the next best track.

Top end usually should be rebuilt from 1500-2000 miles, it is not very difficult but you need to becareful of the wrist pins needles on the stock sleds, they are not caged and the needles like to try to find there way into the crank. Always go back in with caged bearings.

E start is an option on all the ski doo sleds,

Revs mostly all have reverse, but some do not.

If your interested in a rev I just posted mine in the classifieds, it is a great sled and would meet all your requirements. Check it out, but the rev summit is a great sled all the way around.

Some things to look for though, 04 and 05 need the stock rings replaced as soon as possible due to flaking issues, 06 is usually the best bet stock, 07 needs to have the bearing clearance issues fixed and track swapped, The nun needs to be checked on all rev sleds. Stock boots need to be checked often due to cracking and leaning out the sled. Aftermarket reed boots are better but not except from cracking.

I have done a lot with the revs so if you have any more questions about them feel free to ask.

Good luck

 

[NEWDUCK]

1. The 07 X and XRS came with the bad track. Easily changeable. I put an 06 track on my 07 and made a huge difference.
2. 06 is the best year to purchase as it is known to have the least amount of problems. But the 07 will out perform it. Id take an 07 over an 06 myself tho.
3. E start is an option. And a sweet one at that.
4. Yes all have reverse.
5.As far as a d8 with a fix kit vs a rev its all about what feels comfortable to you. Im way more comfortable on my rev than my 09 assault but The assault feels like it can hold a side hill longer... so take that for what its worth.
6. Theres no special number for top end rebuilds. I did mine seems every 500 miles or so while my buddy who I rode with all the time and had the same amount of miles I had did his at 2000 and his pistons still looked great.


Good luck!

 

[winter brew]

'06 was the best year REV in my opinion. The '07 went to the 800R and had a few issue with the engine and clutches....basically came down to poor quality control. A '07 with an updated engine is a great sled except for that "lite" track.
The '06 had no issues, a well refined chassis and engine with the "good" track that wasnt overly ported.

 

[Reeb]

'06 was the best year REV in my opinion. The '07 went to the 800R and had a few issue with the engine and clutches....basically came down to poor quality control. A '07 with an updated engine is a great sled except for that "lite" track.
The '06 had no issues, a well refined chassis and engine with the "good" track that wasnt overly ported.

I can't believe I'm saying this....but...listen to this ^^^^ guy.

The Challenger Lite track trenching issues can be rectified by mounting the front arm 1" higher in the tunnel. problem solved. With that being said, the track pattern/stiffness/lug design is less than ideal when matched next to a standard Challenger or Challenger Extreme.

Motors and clutches were an issue when new, but since then(we are talking 6-7yrs here) every 800R has been replaced at least once, as well as the clutches(tolerances sucked but were fixed by seasons end)

I replace top ends and cranks at 2000 miles. Most times, when a bottom end lets loose, the cases get screwed. And no point in replacing a crank without a top end. Refreshing both early are also a much better option than shortblock replacements.

I'd stick to looking for '06's but you can find '04-05-07's with certain mods that basically bring them up to the standards that everyone holds the '06's to.

I will not get rid of my 06 Rev. Bulletproof sled that will stay in my stable for years to come.

You pretty much hit the nail on the head with your thoughts right off the bat. Good luck and have fun!

 

[seanpistol]

Thanks for the input. I have found the sled I want to purchase, talked to the guy and got my fingers crossed it won't be gone by Tuesday when I can go pick it up.

It's an 07 with 1000 mi on the chassis and 200 on the new motor. Clutches balanced and dialed in. $3k worth of Fox shocks. Timbersled skid. WRP seat and snow eliminators. 156 2.5" camoplast track. 10" bar risers (I'm 6'3" so that's what I would have done anyway).

I'm drooling over this thing. I'll let you guys know when it's in the back of my truck.

 

[Reeb]

Very nice pick-up! post pics when you get her home!

 

[seanpistol]

Here she is! Bought it from a guy that works at a Ski-Doo shop in Idaho. 07 Rev 800 with 1065 miles on the chassis and 200 on the new crate motor. 156 Camoplast track with 2.5" paddles on a Timbersled skid with 10" wheels. Fox air shocks, lightweight A arms, WRP seat and snow eliminators, scratchers, vents on the side panels, 10" Powermadd bar risers, primary and secondary clutches balanced and set up for low end power. Real happy with this purchase!

 

[seanpistol]

is there a good writeup on here on how to move the steering column up? I thought I had seen one before, can't seem to find it.

I am going to put a flap on the back of it and a CFR ski rack, then ride the crap out of it!