M7 or '06 800 REV?

[rmkdave]

I sold my 900 Mtn Cat and am looking for a replacement sled. I wanted something that handled better then the 1M chassis since we spend more time in the trees then high-marking.

I hear great things about the M7. But, I'd like reverse and there are no dealers around here for parts, etc.

I also hear great things about the '06 REV. But, they seem to run about $1000 more. I do live very close to a respected dealer (Felkers) which would be handy.

So... what would you do?

 

[wasatchrider]

they are two completely different animals
either is a good sled
depends on what you like you either love a rev or hate it
had an m7 i loved it im worthless on a rev to much work for me

 

[River Ratt]

I've ridden the 06 Rev summit X for the last 4 seasons, this is the best stock Doo for clutching and suspension set-up, they worked good out of the box, but the guy who just posted is correct, they are two different animals, My friend had a M7 so we would switch alot, here is my take. The Rev is way smoother on the trails, the M7 is way better for Boon Docking, My Rev was not too far behind the XP's and M8's for hill climbing. Both are good sleds, but it will take some time to learn how to ride a Rev, but once you figure it out there a lot of fun. I think the Cat engine is more reliable than the Doo. My crank went at 3500 miles, and this is fairly common for a Doo. Also Ski-Doo primary clutch needs more maintainance than the Cat Clutch. As for the M7 it will be 4 or 5 years old now and if the Diamond drive has not been replaced then beware, they are not cheap to repair. Also Beware if the M7 has the Attack 20 track, you will find it great in powder only conditions, any type of hard pack trail or shute you have to climb you will just spin out.
So both sleds have Pros and Cons, just look for one that was well maintained by previous owner. Have fun on which ever one you deside on.

Cheers.

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

I would go rev 9 times out of 10 for those given ones. I LOVE the M7 and they go really well, but the rev is gonna just overall outdo it in the deep snow. the 06 rev is also the best year they build, most reliable and they run WELL. The rev chassis is definately a LOT different then the M, but with the right setup is a lot of fun and easy to ride. Coming of a 900, your used to a big meaty powerband, the m7 is much higher end only, while the doo motors pull a LOT harder in the mids, will be much more what your used to.

also, the fact that felkers is your dealer, go doo.. you got awsome support right there. a well clutched doo 800 is thing to respect, and they can do it and do it well.

 

[James T Kirk]

In my experience an M7 motor will outlast a doo 800 many times over. have been around several M7s with over 6000 hard miles with no rebuilds or diamond drive issues. 05-06 diamond drive was way more durable then the new ones you hear about having problems.

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

now thats just silly.. if you dont rebuild a motor after 2500 to 300 miles, they dont run very good and make crap for power. I ride with 2 m7's and they are both really good maintinace free sleds, but after about 3k they both needed fresh top ends as they started loosing a bit of compression and not having near the power. also, they dont hang with the 800's.. plain and simple. they run good, but not that good.

 

[James T Kirk]

Why rebuild simply based on milage when compression is good and it runs strong? sounds like a waste of money to me. Didnt notice much difference in my 06 M7 after a fresh top end at 6500 miles, it ripped before, it ripped after. Wish I'd kept it...

 

[sandorsnow]

Why rebuild simply based on milage when compression is good and it runs strong? sounds like a waste of money to me. Didnt notice much difference in my 06 M7 after a fresh top end at 6500 miles, it ripped before, it ripped after. Wish I'd kept it...

You're pretty lucky. I completely understand your point, but you need to look at it differently. Look at it like insurance, don't necessaliry need it but is it worth the risk of not having it? 2 stroke snowmobile motors will fail, it's just a matter of time. So do you spend a little $ every couple of years and have a reliable sled? Or do you push your luck and have it fail at the start of the season, then waste all season waiting for parts and trying to put it back together? I replace my top end on average every 2 years regardless. Plus it gives me a chance to inspect the rest of the motor and sled. That's a lot cheaper than having to do a total rebuild. I've had great motors with good compression fail for one reason or another. Give it time, it will happen. But 6500 miles, that's awsome you got that far.


Back on topic, I have a rev as a backup and hated it for a long time. My buddy has an m7 and it was very easy for me to ride, but the 700 just felt underpowered. I struggled with the rev for a year then took the sway bar off and it was game on. I love the torque of the 800.

The rev, like stated before you'll love or hate, but if you can learn to ride it, it's one of the best sleds out there.
The m7 is a easy to ride, solid motor, all around good sled.

Good luck to ya.

 

[snowdingo]

M7?
REV?

They are both awesome sleds, both been around for a while and well known. They handle completely different though. See if you can get some seat time on both, and see which one handles best for you.

 

[sledneck434]

i would go with a cat if your smart, but if your really smart you would get a polaris, now thats a sled!

 

[Chris6060]

i would go with a cat if your smart, but if your really smart you would get a polaris, now thats a sled!

I'm assuming you mean that "special" kind of smart regarding the Polaris? Aha, just kiddin'. I have nothing against anything in the sled market, to each their own!

On topic; I'm 15 and around 160 lbs with gear and ride a 2005 M7 that originated as an M6 with a full D&D Exhaust, BDX intake and a 156" x 2.5" Challenger Extreme. TONS of power for me, I can pull it over great. Love the sled, always have. I've only ever ridden a REV once, was way too much for me to handle, with me being so light. I love my M7 and it's running strong at 4500 KMs. Good luck with your choice.

 

[rmkdave]

Thanks for all the replies. I'll let you know what i buy.

Dave

 

[Jaynelson]

I would go Rev....more power, more traction, night and day better suspension, higher seat and bars....basically all the things people would mod the M7 to have. The M7 is a good reliable sled tho, if you like the way they ride (which I don't), it will work just fine.

 

[Ryan-41]

If your doing a lot of tree riding...Go with the M7. They handle a lot better in the trees!!

 

[700rmker]

Both are solid and proven sleds. The rev being a 800 does make more power than the m7. Some people like the m series, some like the revs. Personally i like the revs especially since i'm a solid 215 lbs. i have no problem throwing it around through the trees. If your a smaller guy you might feel more comfortable on an m chassis. But you got to remember there is no replacement for displacement.

 

[rmkdave]

Well I picked up a mint '06 M7 EFI 162 tonight. I appreciate the feedback that everyone offered up. The biggest deciding factor was availability. I found a lot more good deals on M7's then on the REV's, especially 06 REV's.

I also considered the comments on reliability and learning curve in my decision.

Thanks again-

Dave

PS- Time to change my user name...