New guy, new sled questions

[tdanks76]

I know this is probably covered all the time but I'm new and I don't know too much about snowmobiles.

I used to race dirtbikes (still do) in the Midwest. Never though I would buy a snowmobile until I moved to Driggs, ID and realized most of the year is covered in the white stuff. Anyway, I'm looking at buying a new sled particularly the Polaris Assault or an M sled. Staying away from Ski doo just because I witnessed some problems with them last year.

My main question is concerning the 146 track on the Polaris Assault. With this track am I going to be able to hang with my buddies on their 150-160 tracks? I like the Assault just because it has parts that I recognize: ie: pro taper handle bars, walker Evans shocks. What do you guys think? What do people usually ride out here around the Tetons?

Keep in mind I'm new to Snowmobiles but have my whole life experience in Dirt bike racing and freestyle. I did ride a couple times last year in Towgatee (D7 163) so I'm not totally lost in the dark.

 

[RX-1MT]

Go with a dragon rode with a couple of them last year they run good i would try to stay 150" and above!!
Just my thoughts

 

[donbrown]

There are many variables to whether one "rider" out performs another.

I know the debate will never end but I gotta write about it.

Rider experience is most important

Riding conditions

Clutch / track setup

Sled set up

1. An experienced rider will know where on a hill and when to position a sled to get more performance.

2. The more powder the bigger the track you need to stay on top of it. If not you need to carve into it to grab some hard pack. With that said ... in hard pack the large track won't help and is harder to turn.

3. Given the same sled setup the only variable being the track length and clutch. Shorter the track the more RPM's the track will turn. Longer the track the less RPM's you will turn. I have a 900cc sled with a 166 track on a sled and I get 55MPH out of it on flat fields. Anyway there are guys on here where a 160 inch track have come apart (delaminated) above 60MPH. The manufacturer of the 166 track I have warns going above 50 MPH.
Now a 144 track will easily cruise at 80 MPH all day and will leave any track above 155 in the dust on hardpack. BUT the 144 track may not throw as much snow as a 166 track and be slower in powder.
The shorter the track the easier it is to turn especially without knowing how to throttle a turn.
(Some rails on a sled are turned up towards the rear to turn easier)
TRACK TECHNOLOGY. A newer track design of 2007-09 will outperform technology before 2005 and older technology before 2000. Again given the track you are comparing is designed to ride in the same conditions.
CLUTCH SETUP... On most sleds this makes or breaks a sled's configuration. Depending on where you ride ... go to a shop the REALLY knows how to tune a clutch and let them set it up. Clutching is a combination of gears, helix angles, weights, belt material and angles, HP, torque and rpm, track type, terrain, type of snow, and rider competence coming together. There are people on here that change their clutch setup each time they go out to ride optimized with snow conditions.

SLED SETUP. Little things like lefty throttle, riders seat, snow eliminators on running boards, spring and shocks , WEIGHT, all add up to make one sled better , more or less reliable, agile and fast.

Hope this helps.

So why an ASSAULT?

 

[Ron]

I know this is probably covered all the time but I'm new and I don't know too much about snowmobiles.

I used to race dirtbikes (still do) in the Midwest. Never though I would buy a snowmobile until I moved to Driggs, ID and realized most of the year is covered in the white stuff.

Unless you want to buy a sled this year and another next year get a 163 for the deep dry powder you have in Nov,Dec, Jan, Feb. In the Powder you need the track & like was said why the Assault? Cool looking Assaults but get the Dragon 8 with 163. It won't take you long to adapt from bike to sled, especially the Dragon.

 

[sled-fiend]

I think the track on the assualt is more designed for hardpack conditions, like the rest said go with the RMK 155-163". Good luck, have fun!!

 

[2000TCMC]

If you will be riding in deep powder I would stay away from the Assault. the track is 12lbs heavier than the 155. Personally after riding the prototype 09 M8 last year I would go with an M8 162 SnoPro. The D8 would be my second choice either sled is going to perform well and handle great you will have a blast. Changing the bars to something you like isn't difficult or expensive. At 465lbs the M8 is real easy to boondock and throw around. The new tunnel is shorter on the 162 than it used to be for the 153 didn't feel that long when riding but stayed on top of the POW real nice. New track works great too.

 

[tdanks76]

Why the Assualt? Well.. .I'm not a sled guy and basically I just saw parts that I'm familiar with. Thats it... I lived my life on two wheels and this whole snow machine thing its almost brand new to me.

I just don't want to be that guy where everyone is like; "Why did you buy that." Sorta like buying a four stroke trail bike to ride freestyle motorcross. All your information is really helpful and I really appreciate the replies.

Thanks

 

[donbrown]

Why the Assualt? Well.. .I'm not a sled guy and basically I just saw parts that I'm familiar with. Thats it... I lived my life on two wheels and this whole snow machine thing its almost brand new to me.

I just don't want to be that guy where everyone is like; "Why did you buy that." Sorta like buying a four stroke trail bike to ride freestyle motorcross. All your information is really helpful and I really appreciate the replies.

Thanks

Polaris lost lots of customers when it came out with the 2005 900 sled. Lots and lots of problems. The 2007 Dragon 700 brought lots of them back to Polaris.

For those leaving Polaris ... most went to Arctic Cat , The Ski-Doo XP and the wildest crew went to the Yami's and put big turbos on the machine to minimize the weight concern.

Most sleds today 2008 and newer are so good the differences are in the suspension setup.

As a new guy you lack the experience to know which sled will work best for you ... and the only way you are gonna figure it out is ride them all.

As a general thumrule sleds at 800cc and above have more power than you need and more maintenance ... along with less engine life. Some guys here will tell you to start doing piston replacements after 2000 miles on a sled of 800cc or bigger. At these power levels it is required to get a good set up or somethings gonna break.

I don't know your biking experience nor you physical abilities and goals about riding style so to recommend one brand or type over another really doesn't help.

Most people don't know how to throttle a sled and learn best on a smaller displacement like a 600 to 700 cc sled. These sleds require less maintenance and will easily last over 4000 miles without pulling jugs.

With all this said ... ride every sled you can ... at the DEMO shows asking more experienced riders what they think. I know there are sled shops that will let you drive a demo sled for a day. Ride them all. I know there are places where you can rent a sled for $100 a day. Do it. Plus look at all these videos around here and see what is going on.

If money is no object get a 2008 or newer sled of 800 cc or bigger and you will keep up until things get technical ... hopefully you won't get hurt.

If you want newer but learn some get a 2008 600 or 700 cc sled and you will be able to handle it better because you won't over power it.

The larger sleds will out climb but you will keep up or beat them in the trees, flatlands, lakes.

The newer suspensions on the Polaris and Arctic Cat take riders beyond a riders ability than a sled 5 years ago. The new Ski Doo chasis is the lightest stock and in a straight line in powder will go the fastest and farthert but some don't like the frame and rider position.

So I was in a similar position and went with a large sled ... only to buy another sled of smaller track and displacement because of my inability to synchronize balance with power.

So to leave this conversation on a recommendation:
(Which I said I wasn't)

Look at a used sled with new engine (bearing work on crank shaft)
Best bang for the buck 2003 RMK 800 Snowcheck 159 without VES $3000
and all the upgrades
AND
2008 RMK 600 155 for $4500.

August is a good time to buy. Sleds are in the way at most shops and sheds.

If you are mechanically inclined a 600 sled with a big kit 660 , 685 etc. will keep up or beat a 800 stock sled in most situations.

 

[diggerdown]

Ride the sled just like yu rode the dirt bike and have a ball. I'm partial to the M8. A good dealer will make the most difference for you. The M or the dragon will take you places you did'nt think possible. Which ever way you go, get enough track. Minimum of a 153.

 

[76FOMOCO]

Polaris lost lots of customers when it came out with the 2005 900 sled. Lots and lots of problems. The 2007 Dragon 700 brought lots of them back to Polaris.

For those leaving Polaris ... most went to Arctic Cat , The Ski-Doo XP and the wildest crew went to the Yami's and put big turbos on the machine to minimize the weight concern.

Most sleds today 2008 and newer are so good the differences are in the suspension setup.

As a new guy you lack the experience to know which sled will work best for you ... and the only way you are gonna figure it out is ride them all.

As a general thumrule sleds at 800cc and above have more power than you need and more maintenance ... along with less engine life. Some guys here will tell you to start doing piston replacements after 2000 miles on a sled of 800cc or bigger. At these power levels it is required to get a good set up or somethings gonna break.

I don't know your biking experience nor you physical abilities and goals about riding style so to recommend one brand or type over another really doesn't help.

Most people don't know how to throttle a sled and learn best on a smaller displacement like a 600 to 700 cc sled. These sleds require less maintenance and will easily last over 4000 miles without pulling jugs.

With all this said ... ride every sled you can ... at the DEMO shows asking more experienced riders what they think. I know there are sled shops that will let you drive a demo sled for a day. Ride them all. I know there are places where you can rent a sled for $100 a day. Do it. Plus look at all these videos around here and see what is going on.

If money is no object get a 2008 or newer sled of 800 cc or bigger and you will keep up until things get technical ... hopefully you won't get hurt.

If you want newer but learn some get a 2008 600 or 700 cc sled and you will be able to handle it better because you won't over power it.

The larger sleds will out climb but you will keep up or beat them in the trees, flatlands, lakes.

The newer suspensions on the Polaris and Arctic Cat take riders beyond a riders ability than a sled 5 years ago. The new Ski Doo chasis is the lightest stock and in a straight line in powder will go the fastest and farthert but some don't like the frame and rider position.

So I was in a similar position and went with a large sled ... only to buy another sled of smaller track and displacement because of my inability to synchronize balance with power.

So to leave this conversation on a recommendation:
(Which I said I wasn't)

Look at a used sled with new engine (bearing work on crank shaft)
Best bang for the buck 2003 RMK 800 Snowcheck 159 without VES $3000
and all the upgrades
AND
2008 RMK 600 155 for $4500.

August is a good time to buy. Sleds are in the way at most shops and sheds.

If you are mechanically inclined a 600 sled with a big kit 660 , 685 etc. will keep up or beat a 800 stock sled in most situations.

Finally somebody with a good analogy, pick the 600 or the 700 for you first year or so (to learn how to ride and keep yourself out of trouble) then sale it and move up with the new found skill. Too many times I see guys ego’s get there inexperienced azzes in a very bad place due to the power of the new sled they just bought with no skill to bail out. (been there and done that and you will do it soon enough)

 

[snowmobiler]

the assault is a freestyle jumpin sled.the ms are mountain sleds that ride like crap on the trail.

 

[donbrown]

Why the Assualt? Well.. .I'm not a sled guy and basically I just saw parts that I'm familiar with. Thats it... I lived my life on two wheels and this whole snow machine thing its almost brand new to me.

I just don't want to be that guy where everyone is like; "Why did you buy that." Sorta like buying a four stroke trail bike to ride freestyle motorcross. All your information is really helpful and I really appreciate the replies.

Thanks

When you really get into this sport you will have two sleds.

The big monster 800cc sled for plowing and climbing chutes and then the other sled called "the wife's sled". You know the older modded RMK or the newer 600 - 700 mostly stock sled.

Why the second sled ... because the monster sled is gonna overheat or be too much power in poor snow conditions especially during warm spring days. Plus if you ride it like a beast the big sled is gonna break. You'll be waiting for parts or the shop won't fix it for a month. Or the big sled and mountain kicked your *** yesterday and you are sore as hell. So to go for a warm up ride you'll take the wife's sled out. And probably have more fun with out the beast.

I only said polaris sleds earlier BUT newer M8's are a very good sled.

 

[76FOMOCO]

does L.A. even make it into snowest as state?

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

I ride a dragon 800 163, this year I bought my son a 08 rmk 600 with a 155 track. he is 16. It is fuel injected so no jetting needed, and it RIPS for a 600..I am amazed at where this sled will go and what it will do...so as a beginner with lots of MX expeirence I think it would be a great first sled for you...if you run short of power on it carls cycle can fix you up with a big bore kit that rocks and will smoke most stock 800 sleds out there...and as everyone has said..try and ride every sled you can..it is the only way to truely find what suits you...you said you rode a dragon 7 last year? was it an 08 or 07? the 08 sleds handle quite a bit better then the 06- 07 sleds due to factory upgrades in the suspensions....good luck and let us know how it works out....

 

[donbrown]

does L.A. even make it into snowest as state?

Ya we have beaches , babes , cycle shops and ATV trails. Everyone see a picture of LA to the beach but from the beach you will see LA and in the background mountains going to 11,000 feet.

BUT all the real riding is up in the Sierras about 250 miles away.
The closest snowmobile dealer is 150 miles away in Bakersfield.

Here are the clubs for California http://www.cnsa.net/

 

[poorider]

I wouldn't advise the assault either, go with a rmk or dragon (or m8 if you aren't partial to polaris), they will feel more like a dirtbike in nimbleness than the assault will. one thing people are forgetting to mention is the assault will be quite a bit wider ski stance which will make it a lot harder to carve in the hills and sidehill. Also if you are going to be using it in powder conditions, the rmk or m8 will take you way farther and wont be stuck near as much. If you ride for a while and decide you want to jump your sled all day and not much else then think about a sled like the assault or a x fire or some other crossover sled with a wider stance and shorter track.

Great beginner's mtn sled: rmk 600 155, will take you where you didn't dream possible when you rode a dirtbike....want more go 700 155

 

[Bubba700]

I ride in the areas near to you. For the dirt bike feel the Dragons are closer IMO. When on the trail in your more up right , everyone that rides mines says it feels like a quad. Go with the the 155 short enought to jump but still has enough track to get you around. A couple things you might wanna add is your size, If I was you I would look for a 08 Rmk 700, less troublesome shocks over the WE and with alittle gearing and setup it will go everywhere the 800s will. The other thing to look at is what dealer your going to go with. You have a great Artic Cat dealer in Driggs, cant pull the name off the top of my head (its late)Its racin station and they are on here a bit. Located on the high way just north of Browlims but on the opposite side of the road. Stop in they do good work. If you go with the poo your going to have to work with Action in Idaho Falls. Few things to think about. For your location personaly I would prob get the cat since the dealer support is closer. The M are sweet with a few tweaks.

 

[jafraune]

Just from expericence talking....I rode 600's the first times that I was riding in the hills. I really made me learn how to handle the powder with a shorter track lower cc machine. After a few years on my 600, I went up to a 900. the 900 was definetly a different animal. But the 600 really made me apprieciate the 900 and all of its capabilities. I think that the 600 with the shorter track made me a better rider because I learned more technical aspects of getting up a hill (not just point and shoot like with the new huge sleds). In retrospect I do not regret at all riding a 600 in the hills when I was just starting out. Goodluck

 

[Bubba700]

Just from expericence talking....I rode 600's the first times that I was riding in the hills. I really made me learn how to handle the powder with a shorter track lower cc machine. After a few years on my 600, I went up to a 900. the 900 was definetly a different animal. But the 600 really made me apprieciate the 900 and all of its capabilities. I think that the 600 with the shorter track made me a better rider because I learned more technical aspects of getting up a hill (not just point and shoot like with the new huge sleds). In retrospect I do not regret at all riding a 600 in the hills when I was just starting out. Goodluck

Great point, alot of this depends on his size. His size and the fact that most of the riding around driggs is at least 7 to 8k so riding a 6 in that area is a bit small if he is an average size guy also. The snow in that area is amazing ( Grand Targhee is in this guys backyard and it is voted in the top 5 for snow quality every year he is going to need something a little longer than avrg) when it piles up in that area it dumps in feet not in. Lucky smuck

 

[christian]

all newer chassis rock, stick with what your friends got an it will be easier.

Its not like marriage your not suppose to be loyal, I try to jump ships every year!!!