M7 vs M8 vs M1000

[Joa]

Based on lots of discussions with experienced sledders I’m considering getting another sled and using my RX-1 as a backup this season.

My priorities: #1 reliability, #2 handling in the trees (not really into hillclimbing except as it relates to boondocking), #3 price, #4 weight.

For a used sled what would you all suggest between the M7, M8, and M1000?

 

[Skinner]

Based on lots of discussions with experienced sledders I’m considering getting another sled and using my RX-1 as a backup this season.

My priorities: #1 reliability, #2 handling in the trees (not really into hillclimbing except as it relates to boondocking), #3 price, #4 weight.

For a used sled what would you all suggest between the M7, M8, and M1000?

Based on that I would suggest the M8. I have all three in the trailer. I love the power of the 1000, the balance on the M8, & the light weight of the M7.

On Number #1- M8 or M7
#2-M8 or M7
#3-M7
#4-M7
But the balance of the power, weight, and the reliability of the M8 is hard to beat. JMHO

 

[cjfarm11]

I would go with a clean m-7 anyday. Clutch kit and a head and you will be right beside a stock m-8 all day! To me my m-7 handles better and is way funner to ride. M-7 hands down.

 

[Braaap12]

I have an 09 m8 and my buddys dad has an m7(cant remember the year) The m7 has d&d y-pipe,pipe and can. My m8 has a y-pipe and can. The m7 will stay right beside me for a fair bit but at higher speeds I slowly pull away. Only thing I like about the M8 over the m7 is REVERSE. But for the price A m7 or m8 is the way to go

 

[Joa]

Good stuff guys, keep it coming.

As far as the M7, I've heard that the '06 had some desirable improvements over the '05s. True?

Any other "must have's" for these sleds?

 

[iluv2fly]

I had an 06 M7 153 and sold it for a 09 M8 162. The 09 M8 is better in every way in my opinion.

 

[SilverGriz]

Joa...get the M8 and leave the RX-1 at home. See ya when the snow flies.

 

[snowmobiler]

a m7 162 wont be far behind

 

[76FOMOCO]

m7 + turbo =>09m8 but with 50+ hp.=

 

[89sandman]

i would go M8. reverse alone is worth it. you could save quite a bit buying the M7 though. the power difference for a lighter person would not be that great between the 7 and 8. but from experience if you put a heavier rider on the 7 it will not perform up to par with the 8. would ride any of the three any day and love it. the 1000's are a kick in the pants to climb with but the 060 belts are expensive, they seem to like to eat them sometimes and they aren't quite as reliable as the 7 or 8. the new 160hp M8 sounds like the ticket, i guess i'll buy one of those think once you get an M the rx-1 ton will have a for sale sign on it!!!

 

[JOP]

Joa~ The 06 M7 had all the left over emission credits dumped into it due to discontinuation. Hands down, 06 M7 will lay the smack down on the M8 and will run right besides the M1000 with a whole lot more Fun! Many have witnesed this First hand. Good Luck Bro! Like Silver Griz said "leave the RX1 at home" and I'll see you on the Snow! JOP

 

[JOP]

m7 + turbo =>09m8 but with 50+ hp.=

Ya' what he Said!!!

 

[Joa]

Man, the guys I've ridden with are vicious about my 1Ton Hmmm...

 

[Skinner]

man, the guys i've ridden with are vicious about my 1ton hmmm...

lmao!!!!:d

 

[akmc800]

M7's can be had for retarded cheap and bullet proof. I went from an 03 mc 800 with a long mod list to a stock m7 and wasn't happy untill I learned the chasis. Night and day differance and if your under 200# you can hang out with most of the crowd. m8's same deal more torque and weigh about the same(07-08's where almost 30#s heavier but the 09-10 cats within pounds). The power from the m1k is nuts for stock but alot heavier than the other two, but coming of an RX-1 its like dropping an anchor from your back

 

[kane13]

I had a rx1 and now i ride a m8, i have rode with m7's they do not have the same torque as the m8 and i think you will miss the torque the rx1 had the m8 will feel better for ya. If you are a bigger guy go with the m1000 you will have all the torque the rx1 had and a way sweeter ride, the m7 will be ok for ya if you are under 180lbs or so but they are getting old now, so unless you can find one with under a 1000kms and in good condition get a 08 or newer m8 or 1000 there are lots around. It all depends on your budget, oh ya and if you buy a stocker you are going to want mods so factor that into the price. I think a 09 m8 would be your best investment or maybe a 2010 if you want to go for broke.

 

[vdog0531]

there are some killer deals on m1000's right now. i've seen 07 m1's going for 5 g's. as people are saying, light mods on a m7 or 8 and they will hang with a 1000 but light mods on the 1000 blows them away. the 1000 responds much better to mods and you can run the same belt as a m8. the chassis is identical and the extra power is worth the money

 

[Braaap12]

I agree, as much as I love my m8 it wont even come close to touching my buddies 08 m1000

 

[SLEDIOT]

I have an 06 m7 and an 09 m1000. True on the light and nimble for the m7 but. With a little bit of loot you can make a torky 1000 light enough to make worth the while. An aftermarket pipe setup, an aftermarket air intake with removal of the whole airbox/plenum and a headlight delete kit these 1000's lose alot of weight!!! My 1000 we figured out mathematically with the weight savings comes in around 440lbs. M m7 with all the same goodies is around the 420 mark. it has a big bore 900 in it and still just abrely keeps up with my tuned 1000. Food for thought you need to do way more mods to a m7 to compete with a well tuned 1000. The "feel" of weight difference can be overcome just with power............

 

[Frostbite]

Joa, wow does your dilemma ever sound familar! This is strange, I am sitting at Priest Lake on a wireless laptop chimming in to your question and I too am still trying to figure out what to do with my RX-1. It runs absolutely wonderful, has every mod but a turbo and I love it, but after riding the new sleds I'm just not sure what to do with the old girl.

You are certainly in the right camp now. There are many RX-1 owners now riding the new cats. We were all looking for Yamaha reliability in a lightweight sled and the cat motors just seem to have less issues than the other brands.

It really boils down to money. If you are selling your RX-1, I'd buy a 2010 M8 with a 155-160 hp stock. The 09 M8s were SO much better than earlier versions that it was worth it to me to buy an 09 vs. getting a killer deal on an earlier model and trying to reach the standard set by the 09s.

I find myself doing stuff on my new M8 that I had no idea I could do on my Rx-1. I now take much more technical lines, I can turn around and shoot back up a hill at the half way point, it seem slike my riding skills went up 10 times with the change.

I thought I wanted a M1000 until I rode one. The 09 M8 and M1000 Sno Pros I rode last winter were stock except for SLP pipes (and a fuel controller on the M1000). I was looking for a lightweight flickable boondocker too and the M8 felt much more nimble to me. I don't try to but, I always seem to make the M1000 guys mad when I say this, and Granted, the M1000 could have been set up much better but, the M8 surely could have been as well.

Since you aren't much into highmarking either, I think a 09 or 2010 M8 is where you should focus your efforts.

Good Luck buddy.

Frosty