newb looking for sled opinions

[Premis]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the sled world and plan to buy a sled for this next season. I'm looking for opinions on what I should buy and what to look for in a sled.

A little background, I am a very experienced rider and mechanic. I raced ATV motocross for 13 years, part of that on the national circuit, pro-am level. So I'm looking for a sled that will fit that style of riding (motocross style, big jumps, maneuverable). I live in Iowa, so I would like a sled that I can use around here on the trails but also plan to make a trip west 1-2 times per year. I'm not concerned with hill-topping in the mountains, but I do want enough motor to get through powder for jumps. I worked with Can-Am and Warnert Racing on a project last year, through that, I became partial to Ski-Doo. I think I want a 800 REV XP, I just don't know much about them. What do you guys recommend? is the REV a good sled for my type of riding? what size track/lugs should I look for? What is the difference between the REV and REV XP? Is there a difference? Are there any known problems with the 800 REV?

My budget is around $4000.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I'm pumped to get on a sled!!

 

[carlhend]

i would say maybe 144" or 136" track length with 1.5 inch lugs or so.
or else have two tracks so that you can have 2 inch lugs when you make trips out west and then on the trails at home use 1 inch or 1.25 inch lugs

 

[ripnit]

I've got a 04 827 RK TEK summit X 144 with 2" paddels and ride it here in Iowa, mainly ditchbanging, it also works great out west. Went to the Snoweys and Big Horns the day after big dumps(30+"s). May not be able to highmark like the Big Iron does when its that deep but got me around just fine. If your budget is $4000 an 04 or 05 800 summit 144 would work great IMO. I woundn't ride it much if at all on hard pack here in the midwest, hard on sliders. A freind of mine has an 08 800R XP and had motor problems in 1000 miles. It's a 146 and I'm not really impressed with the hillclimbing,track doesn't seem to hook up in alot of different snow conditions, it might not be set up right I don't know. I'm not real impressed with the XP. If your willing to send the money go with a 06 summit X 144.

 

[Premis]

I've got a 04 827 RK TEK summit X 144 with 2" paddels and ride it here in Iowa, mainly ditchbanging, it also works great out west. Went to the Snoweys and Big Horns the day after big dumps(30+"s). May not be able to highmark like the Big Iron does when its that deep but got me around just fine. If your budget is $4000 an 04 or 05 800 summit 144 would work great IMO. I woundn't ride it much if at all on hard pack here in the midwest, hard on sliders. A freind of mine has an 08 800R XP and had motor problems in 1000 miles. It's a 146 and I'm not really impressed with the hillclimbing,track doesn't seem to hook up in alot of different snow conditions, it might not be set up right I don't know. I'm not real impressed with the XP. If your willing to send the money go with a 06 summit X 144.

Thanks for the info. How does the summit handle large jumps, like 60-70ft or more? How about general handling? is it very top heavy? Does it fly pretty straight? How about the stock suspension, does it take landings pretty well? I will likely spend 90% of my time seeking out jumps so how a sled handles that is a large concern. What kind of motor problems did your friend have? I'm not scared of tearing into a motor, I just don't want to be forking money over for a new crank or cases.

You say your from Iowa Falls, do you by any chance know the Vaughan boys from Hubbard?

 

[ripnit]

The REV flies level most the time. You'll what the X package shocks or aftermarket like Zbroz Exit shocks(kinda pricey). I had mine rebuilt and revalved and it seems to work good. I jump driveways alot it seems to handle it pretty good, once in awhile she'll land hard. There is a guy that makes plastic bushing that goes under the rear springs that increase the spring rates but I can't remember his web site right now. It handles better then I thought it would on the trail. Not sure what you mean by top heavy? The summit has a 39-41" ski width which is a little narrower then trail sleds, just lean more in the corners. Check out SledPorn on YouTube them guys fly. I have 2 freinds that have had problems with the 800R motor. One is an 07 XRS that has gone though 2 cranks, the other is an 08 XP that the plating flaked off both jugs. Hope this helps.

 

[Premis]

The REV flies level most the time. You'll what the X package shocks or aftermarket like Zbroz Exit shocks(kinda pricey). I had mine rebuilt and revalved and it seems to work good. I jump driveways alot it seems to handle it pretty good, once in awhile she'll land hard. There is a guy that makes plastic bushing that goes under the rear springs that increase the spring rates but I can't remember his web site right now. It handles better then I thought it would on the trail. Not sure what you mean by top heavy? The summit has a 39-41" ski width which is a little narrower then trail sleds, just lean more in the corners. Check out SledPorn on YouTube them guys fly. I have 2 freinds that have had problems with the 800R motor. One is an 07 XRS that has gone though 2 cranks, the other is an 08 XP that the plating flaked off both jugs. Hope this helps.

Thanks, this is helping a lot.

By top heavy I meant where is the center of gravity at? Does it want to tip when cornering at high speed? is it wide enough to be stable? You pretty much answered that question.

 

[winter brew]

Rev is '07 and prior, Rev-XP is the newer chassis '08 and newer...TOTALLY different chassis. How much do you want to spend ? It may be wise to buy a used Rev, do all the damage to that reather than a more expensive XP....then after a season of riding you can decide what you need in a sled before spending the big $$. Also, the XP is 40-50lbs lighter, just as durable.

 

[Premis]

That clarifies a lot for me. I have been getting so confused by the REV, REV X, REV XP and then all the other models.

Let me see if I have this right, the REV is just a model of chassis like Deltabox on Yamaha bikes? then the REV started in 2003 and is now the REV XP starting 2008? So then what models use the REV? Just the Summit and MXZ? or others as well?

I'm thinking I need to stay in the 2003-2005 year range for my budget, looks like a REV in that year with the X package would be the best for me. Is there much of a difference between the 600 and 800? obviously the 800 makes more power, but is it really that noticeable? Is the power controllable?

 

[ripnit]

I think 04 was the first year for Rev Summits, 03 was first year for Rev MXZs. Its confusing. The Rev MXZ/Summit X was a snow check(spring order) sled that had better shocks, brakes etc. There is also a MXZ Renegade(136" track). The 800 is the way to go. Very noticable difference, You loose power the higher in elevation you go. RK TEK or Bikeman High comp. head might be something to think about if you go out west. In good snow its very managable even with mods.

 

[Premis]

Ok, I think I have this figured out.

I should probably look for a 2004 (or newer) 800 MXZ with the X package with a 144 track, does that sound about right for my application? I assume that will fit into my budget of around $4,000?

I'm probably looking to ride it basically as it is when I buy it for the first season and then probably do some light porting, maybe some high-comps (not enough to require race gas) and some clutch mods in the summer.

Thanks for everyone's help! I'm pumped to start learning more about the sled world, I'm sure this site will help.

 

[snowmobiler]

hi newb.a 600 is a womens sled.dont get one of those.

 

[Premis]

hi newb.a 600 is a womens sled.dont get one of those.

I'm definitely going for the 800, I get annoyed at lack of power. I'm use to riding a GSXR 1000, driving a Duramax, and racing full-built race quad; I hate not having power!