New to Sleds Need Help

[POWDR]

I have been riding dirt bikes for years, but I am a wildland firefighter and have no time to ride. I have decided to play in the snow.

I have been searching forums to try to find the answers to my questions. However I figured it would be easier to ask the experts with experience. I would like to be able to tow up to 2 skiers up to some backcountry lines as well as just play in the trees and pow.

I have settled on a 700 or 800 with a 144 or 151 track. What is confusing me is that everywhere I turn it seems certain machines have issues that can be rather pricey. I am looking at some RMK 800's anywhere from 99 to 02.

I am also going to look at a few ski-doos tomorrow 2002 and 2003 700 and 800 summits.

What I would like to know is if any of these are known to have particular problems. I have heard about RMK crank problems. Other than that I don't know. Also, is there any maintenance I can do to prevent known issues.

I realize this is somewhat broad, but any experience I can draw on from you guys will help me choose the right sled for me.


Thanks in advance

 

[Trenchmaster]

You have some good questions, sleds are very high maintenance machines, they take a lot of abuse in day to day operation. In my honest opinion there is no more fun machine to ride though. In the model years you are looking at the Polaris RMK was probably the most popular machine for a good reason. They made good power and where a nice handling machine, they came with carburaters that needed jetting adjustments to run at the temp and elevation you were riding at. Some after market products could make this easier to deal with, check out Holtzman products for their Vario flow, Attac, or Tempaflow. The crank problems with these machines was well documented, if you were to purchase an 00 -05 800 RMK you should check the clutch side crank run out with a dial gage. The 700 cc machines did not seem to have the same problems and where just a little lower on horse power, this would probably be a better machine for a first time buyer. Good luck with your sled purchase, once you ride one you will be hooked!!

 

[volcano buster]

I would suggest a 2000 or newer RMK simply due to the suspension upgrades for that year and newer. I prefer the 700's for peace of mind over the 800's. You might end up with an 800 that is fine, but you never know.

 

[POWDR]

I would suggest a 2000 or newer RMK simply due to the suspension upgrades for that year and newer. I prefer the 700's for peace of mind over the 800's. You might end up with an 800 that is fine, but you never know.

Thanks for the info. Didn't even know about the suspension upgrades. So you are saying the 700's are more reliable? I think 700 will be enough power for me this season. I also like the weight difference. I know everyone has their bias on companies they like. I love Yamaha because I have a YZ 250 and it kills, but I would like a KTM and I know there are other great companies out there. I guess what I am asking is do you recommend Polaris over the others or do you think others are just as good? I am more looking for reliability than pure power from a stock sled. It seems everything I am looking at has mods to add power anyway. I think I will be happy with the power from a 700 stock sled anyway. With that said years 2000 to 2003 in the 700-800cc range, what are the most reliable. Keeping in mind that I understand they all need some love.

Thanks again

 

[POWDR]

Also, what is a lot of mileage for a 700 or 800. I realize that how hard they are ridden has a lot to do with it, but normal riding- what is too much to buy. I am assuming that if it is ridden hard there will be other cues (ie: rips in seat, bent bars, ripped off lugs, etc). I also think that if a machine looks bad the person just didn't take care of it.

 

[Tuesday]

Over 2k and it is due for pistons, rings, chain, bearings, new rope, clutch overhaul, flush coolant. Over 3k and time to start thinking about looking at the crank. This list does not include all the typical/regular wearing items. If the seller doesnt have reciepts then assume it was never done. It might cost more for lower mileage sled but it may save you in the end. Oh ya and never trust those odometer readings. Personally I like to check compression, runout and look down the cylinder with a light or scope. If I am serious about the sled I want to pull the head as well. That is basically an agreement. If it looks good its sold if it looks like hamburger......deals off. Sounds bad but beware of the lurking crooks.

Sad numbers but if you want to avoid a chopper ride it is the reality.

Over the years the 700's typically had less trouble, my guess is because they make less power.

The only thing that really sucks about some of your choices is that if you change alt. you will be having to change jets or buy some sort of compensator. Nothing like frozen hands that smell like gas. If you dont change on the way up it runs like crap (sometimes wont even move) if you dont change on the way down...........boom! Dont ever fool yourself and think you will ease it down the hill lots have tired few have succeeded.

 

[POWDR]

I would suggest a 2000 or newer RMK simply due to the suspension upgrades for that year and newer. I prefer the 700's for peace of mind over the 800's. You might end up with an 800 that is fine, but you never know.

All right, so I found a 98 700 with Fox shocks. I would think that will make up for the suspension. However, I had someone tell me that the chassis itself in the older RMK's made it a less fun riding machine. Any thoughts?

 

[POWDR]

I have narrowed it down...... I think.

2003 Ski-doo 800 Summit with 154"
2002 Summit 700 144"
1998 RMK 700 Fox shocks, pipe, and more

 

[Snocross 100]

i have one of that exact year sled and an 03 the diference is huge! Dont buy it IMO. The best sled IMO ever made for a stock sled is 02-05' 700 RMK 144-151" I have an 03 700 144" with 3000 miles on it and love it!! Yes i had the berring go out on mine but it was 350 dollars But its an improvement and wont ever go out again! I have an 08' and 09' too but love the 03' the most.
About what elevation do you ride and Where are you located. If you are around me I would be glad to help you find the sled for you that will not have problems down the road.

 

[POWDR]

i have one of that exact year sled and an 03 the diference is huge! Dont buy it IMO. The best sled IMO ever made for a stock sled is 02-05' 700 RMK 144-151" I have an 03 700 144" with 3000 miles on it and love it!! Yes i had the berring go out on mine but it was 350 dollars But its an improvement and wont ever go out again! I have an 08' and 09' too but love the 03' the most.
About what elevation do you ride and Where are you located. If you are around me I would be glad to help you find the sled for you that will not have problems down the road.

I am in Ogden, UT. New to Utah and I guess I will be riding 7000 to 10000 ft.

You think the 98 RMK isn't worth it?

How about the Ski Doo's?

 

[POWDR]

Oh yeah I would like to stay in the $2000 range. Great deal to $2200

 

[Tuesday]

whats the price of all 3? need alot more details then just price to make that decision.

Over 2k for a 11 year old sled is way to much IMO. I dont care if he has 20k into it. Its old. Then again it may be in perfect shape and the other 2 could be trashed. Those 98-99 700RMK where great sleds and they do just fine. One of the other sides of the coin is ..........you have to buy something that you can eventually sell or you will have to drive it until it dies. Any older sled is going to need work and it adds up crazy quick. Make sure you pick the one you want to invest your life savings into hehe.....

Need more info to give advice.

 

[POWDR]

whats the price of all 3? need alot more details then just price to make that decision.

Over 2k for a 11 year old sled is way to much IMO. I dont care if he has 20k into it. Its old. Then again it may be in perfect shape and the other 2 could be trashed. Those 98-99 700RMK where great sleds and they do just fine. One of the other sides of the coin is ..........you have to buy something that you can eventually sell or you will have to drive it until it dies. Any older sled is going to need work and it adds up crazy quick. Make sure you pick the one you want to invest your life savings into hehe.....

Need more info to give advice.

Oh yeah....my bad. I thought I had prices up there. The 98 RMK is going for 1500. He says he rarely rides. He only owner and says it has maybe 1500 miles. 144 track, holz front end w/ fox shocks, high mark head, psi pipes, simmons skis, runs great w/ low, low miles, high rise handlebar.

The Ski doos I know are a good deal if they are top- talked to a buddy who spoke with his Ski-Doo lovin uncle.

I would like to sell it next year, but then again, I usually keep my older toys so I can have an extra for friends. If I can sell it to upgrade great, if I ride into the ground that is fine too. So that is not much of an issue. Mostly I just want to make sure I don't get ripped off and I don't buy something that historically is more problematic than others.

Thanks for all the help. I think I just need to get the best deal I can and dump money when I need to. This is my first sled so I am sure I will love it.

Everyone has been very helpful. Keep the info coming I am learning a lot.

 

[PowderCrew]

Something else you mentioned... pulling up to 2 skiers? Decide how your gonna use the sled. Play in meadows and pull skiers? Boondock,carve? Backcountry ride: climb, boondock,drastic elevation changes? Pulling skiers... nothing less than a 151" 800. Horsepower disappears quick with weight/resistence in deep snow. A 700 144" will be fine on "set-up" snow and all-around recreation riding... but you'll need to be skillful to hit the backcountry following friends. Summits can come with a 151" 700, decent... low on power if your pulling skiers in powder "mostly" is your goal. Another good all-around sled (better than the 98 RMK) would be the 2000'ish 700 144" yamaha Mtn max... not great for pulling buddies but the price is usually right on em'. Plus it has the "Smartcarbs" to help with elevation change eliminating the issue of changing jets... most sleds above 2000 (and some older) have the technology. Best advise would be to ride "loaners" your first season and try as many sleds on the mountain as possible... hopefully not all your friends ski?

heres a "BASIC" breakdown: for a newbie)
600x136" or less- leisure riding,rolling hills,mountains when they're set up, 1 rider
700x144"-same as above,capable in powder,more forgiving in mtns (stucks)
700x151"-it'll do anything YOU want of it, now you can look at pulling skiers
800x144"/151"-it'll outperform YOU this season...

MY humble oopinions...

 

[POWDR]

Something else you mentioned... pulling up to 2 skiers? Decide how your gonna use the sled. Play in meadows and pull skiers? Boondock,carve? Backcountry ride: climb, boondock,drastic elevation changes? Pulling skiers... nothing less than a 151" 800. Horsepower disappears quick with weight/resistence in deep snow. A 700 144" will be fine on "set-up" snow and all-around recreation riding... but you'll need to be skillful to hit the backcountry following friends. Summits can come with a 151" 700, decent... low on power if your pulling skiers in powder "mostly" is your goal. Another good all-around sled (better than the 98 RMK) would be the 2000'ish 700 144" yamaha Mtn max... not great for pulling buddies but the price is usually right on em'. Plus it has the "Smartcarbs" to help with elevation change eliminating the issue of changing jets... most sleds above 2000 (and some older) have the technology. Best advise would be to ride "loaners" your first season and try as many sleds on the mountain as possible... hopefully not all your friends ski?

heres a "BASIC" breakdown: for a newbie)
600x136" or less- leisure riding,rolling hills,mountains when they're set up, 1 rider
700x144"-same as above,capable in powder,more forgiving in mtns (stucks)
700x151"-it'll do anything YOU want of it, now you can look at pulling skiers
800x144"/151"-it'll outperform YOU this season...

MY humble oopinions...

Okie dokie. This very helpful, just changed my choices a bit. So there is a 02 RMK 800 144 out there, but I have heard from a lot of people to stay away from the RMK 800 because of its well documented problems.

There is also an 02 summit 700 144 that I was really interested in, but this will not perform according to the helpful list above.

By the thinking above, the RMK 800 144 would be the way to go as accessing backcountry ski lines is the main interest. I was hoping the Ski-Doo would be capable as it is a good deal. The RMK is a good deal too. However, the guy bought it 2 years ago and doesn't really know the history. This concerns me from a durability standpoint.

Also, can someone elaborate on the changing elevation issue with jetting. Will "smartcarbs" totally eliminate the prob and if so, do the 2 sleds above have it?

All this help is really assisting me in making a well informed decision. Thank you, thank you thank you all.

Anyone else with input?

 

[Snocross 100]

Okie dokie. This very helpful, just changed my choices a bit. So there is a 02 RMK 800 144 out there, but I have heard from a lot of people to stay away from the RMK 800 because of its well documented problems.

There is also an 02 summit 700 144 that I was really interested in, but this will not perform according to the helpful list above.

By the thinking above, the RMK 800 144 would be the way to go as accessing backcountry ski lines is the main interest. I was hoping the Ski-Doo would be capable as it is a good deal. The RMK is a good deal too. However, the guy bought it 2 years ago and doesn't really know the history. This concerns me from a durability standpoint.

Also, can someone elaborate on the changing elevation issue with jetting. Will "smartcarbs" totally eliminate the prob and if so, do the 2 sleds above have it?

All this help is really assisting me in making a well informed decision. Thank you, thank you thank you all.

Anyone else with input?

I would not worry about the whole 700 800 thing.its a matter of like 10-12 Hp thats like arguing that u can jump higher after u took a dump than before u did.

 

[POWDR]

I would not worry about the whole 700 800 thing.its a matter of like 10-12 Hp thats like arguing that u can jump higher after u took a dump than before u did.

I have had some pretty big dumps...

That is good info. How do you feel about a 02 Summit 700 144" vs the 03 RMK 144 for what I am looking to do? (Price aside)

 

[Snocross 100]

I run out of track long before i run out of power! i am a polaris guy through and through but in this case i would go with the doo... God that hurts to say! And jetting is not near as big of a deal as some ppl make it. I just jet my sled for the start of the Day(Where u unload, for me its my cabin) and ride. So what if it runs a little rich, If u need every last ounce of power that sleds got then u need a bigger sled!

 

[POWDR]

Wow! A Polaris guy goin for the Doo....

What makes you lean that way?

If I wanted to put a 151 on it, how much would that run me? I am hoping I could do this work myself. I guess I could just google tracks, but since I have you...

 

[Snocross 100]

A friend of mine has that exact sled and there really close. My sled has minor stuff done to it and i am a better rider cause i ride way more often so i can go places he cant some times but if he does not make it he is really close. Alot more will be dependent on ride time and experience. Shoot last weekend i high marked a kid on a cat 1000 162".