Newb: Need input on ID/WA sled.

[Cheeto]

Hey all,
I've finally reached that point where I'm ready to have a toy for each season so I'm shopping for a sled. I'm leaning towards an RMK. General consensus seems to be that '02-'05 is better than '99-'01 chassis? Considering my budget is about $2k, this is my target area.

- I'm 6'1" 185#s.
- Will be riding North Idaho mountains and wheat fields West of Spokane.
- Not a psycho rider but I do bore easily.
- Haven't ridden in about 8-9 years.
- Want a good reliable setup that doesn't kill me now or make me want to upgrade too soon.

Please pick the best from these choices or provide some input (all RMKs)...
-02 600 136" 1500 miles. $2200. 2 hrs away
-02 700 144" 2500 miles. $2500. 2 hrs away
-04 600 144" ? miles, reverse (do I need reverse?). $2500 Local.
-03 660 (big bore?) 156" ? miles. $2600. 1 hr away.
-02 600 ?" 2000 miles. $2400. Local.



Thanks in advance for any input.

 

[RMKcowboy]

I would get at least a 700. The 02-05 Edge chassis Polaris sleds are really good sleds and very easy to get comfortable on. If you decide to step up and look at 800's be aware that all the 00-05 Polaris 800's can have crank problems, which can end up being costly to fix.
Other than that, be sure to look the sled over real close and if you aren't real experienced with sleds, take someone with you who is. When I bought my 03 I didn't notice a trashed driveshaft bearing that could have caused quite a bit of damage. Luckily, I did catch it shortly after and the seller reimbursed me the cost of getting the sled fixed. Good luck in your hunt!

 

[76FOMOCO]

the 02 700.
if you can put a little more cash to it you can find a M7 for about 3K you would be jumping light years ahead.

 

[motojunkie101]

Its good to see someone getting back into the sport! If you are dead set on a polaris, then you are going to want a 700. The 600s would leave you wanting more after a couple rides, and the 800 had problems. The 99-01 RMKs weren't bad sleds at all, in fact the 99 was the sled to have back in its day. The newer chassis is easier to stand up and ride though. The older ones aren't as flashy as the newer sleds but it wouldn't have a problem getting you around on the hill. I would shoot for at least a 144" track, anything less and I dont think you'll have enough floatation.

You dont need reverse, it will just add weight to your sled.

If you are open to a different brand, you should be able to find a nice Arctic Cat for not too much more. My parents just picked up an 04 800 for 2800, just keep your eyes open.

 

[Bubba700]

Personally, give the 660 a try, when setup they perform well. But those 700 are runners too.

 

[Powerstroke]

I'd do the 700 if it's in good shape.

 

[RMKcowboy]

I would shoot for at least a 144" track, anything less and I dont think you'll have enough floatation.

My wife's sled is a 99 RMK 700/136" and my old sled was an 01 RMK 700/144". That 136" owned on the 144" on more than one occasion, all other things being equal including the rider.
Not saying that a 136" is the way to go, but I wouldn't pass on one just because its a 136".

 

[Cheeto]

Thanks for the info guys. After talking to a couple people today who have a lot more recent experience, a good majority of the comments lean towards the 700. All the sleds I listed are actually above my budget so anything more is completely out at this time. I'll have to squirrel away lunch money for the next month or so to buy riding gear!

Perhaps in a year or two I'll be asking you guys what I should upgrade to but for now this is all I'm willing to invest until I know I'll use it enough. I've got a pontoon boat that costs $200/mo that made it out of the yard exactly 4 times this year...don't want the same scenario with a sled.

If I go look at the 700, what areas should I check and what should I expect to pay for common wear items (parts only, I do the wrenching). It has track extenders on it (was originally a 136") anything to check there? Actually, same question for the 600 (except the extenders part). Their both offered by the same owner and if I don't like the looks of the 700 when I get there then...

More questions re: Outerwear -
-Helmet/visor combo (heated?) or helmet goggles?
-Basic snow bibs suffice?
-Jacket?
-Boots?
I have Under Armour for work so my base layer is well covered.

Thanks again for any input.

BTW anybody doing the North Idaho ATV ride from Mullan to the Silver Dollar Bar tomorrow? I'll be on a blue Rhino with homemade roof/windshield, stop me and say hi.

 

[eyeles rmk]

I would look at the rails very close! Also pay close attention to where the extensions tie into the rails. Did they do big wheel as well as extension? As said before I would go with the 700 over the 600. Especially with your size. You will bore of the 600 fast if you get into powder. Don't get me wrong the 6's are fun to throw around but they just don't have the power to push you. As to the outerwear--don't cheap out. I used old snowboarding gear the first year I rode and then bought klim gear. I shredded the snowboarding gear in about 4 rides. My Klim bibs are going on 3 seasons and haven't had a complaint yet. For your helmet it is a personal preference. I hate closed face helmets!!! I used to race motocross and I am too used to the open face w\ goggles. I carry two pairs of goggles so if one fogs or gets wet then I can switch. Hope this helps and welcome back to the sport. If you ever get down to southern Idaho look us up! (just stay away from that moco guy!!! he's scary!!!)

 

[RMKcowboy]

One of the most important things to check on a used Edge sled is the PTO side (driver's side) bearing on the jackshaft (the shaft with the sprockets, aka drivers, on it that makes the track turn). They are notorious for failing and can tear the hell outta things when they do. When I bought my 03 I didn't catch it, but luckily the seller took care of the parts replacement for me.
I've never dealt with rail extensions, but I would be nervous on that. IMO... keep what cash you have on hand and wait out the Puyallup snow show. Lots of deals to be had there and people willing to deal (sometimes). As winter hits and guys that have bought stuff realize they can't swing the payments, you might find a deal too.

 

[Cheeto]

I'm a little wary of the rail extensions too but I guess I really don't know if they're good/bad/other.

An old friend also suggested the Puyallup show but I can't tell you how sick I am of the drive to the West side and back. I used to run from Spokane to Maple Valley and back in a day. 10.5-11 hrs on the road like that just wore me out. Now I hate the drive no matter what. Spending the money for fuel/lodging/food etc, I'd have to get a screamin' deal to justify it.

Not sure if I can hold out until the Spokane show in mid-November.

When does the riding season begin around here?

 

[devilrmk]

Don't wait till the spokane show. There isn't deals there like at puyallup.

Really do what you can to get into an edge, I have both edge and Gen2 and I would just about rather stay home than ride the gen2.

Don't get a 600 unless, well refer to my opinion on helmets below. You need horsepower to ride around here unless you are just going to burn trails, if thats the case you don't need any more than a 136.

That 660 is worthy of looking at, or the 700.
Theres an 02 800 151 in Wenatchee for $2500, don't worry too much about the bad rap the 800's get, most the guys that talk chit about them have never had one. I have over 4000 miles on mine without even a hicup. Been piped since the day it left the showroom, twin piped for the last couple years.

Don't be too afraid of the extensions. Check out the rails make sure they aren't cracked or bent but otherwise no biggy.

Its tough to check the PTO side drive bearing but do what you can.


Helmet, MX helmet no question unless you are 80 or retarded. Don't use summer goggles or cheap ones they suck, you will hate them. Get 509's they are not cheap but the best there is.

Riding season for most starts mid to late december, but I have ridden several times in november, of course we were still riding memorial day.


RMKcowboy, you are referring to the driveshaft. The Jackshaft is the one with the secondary clutch attached.

 

[RMKcowboy]

Don't wait till the spokane show. There isn't deals there like at puyallup.

Really do what you can to get into an edge, I have both edge and Gen2 and I would just about rather stay home than ride the gen2.

Don't get a 600 unless, well refer to my opinion on helmets below. You need horsepower to ride around here unless you are just going to burn trails, if thats the case you don't need any more than a 136.

That 660 is worthy of looking at, or the 700.
Theres an 02 800 151 in Wenatchee for $2500, don't worry too much about the bad rap the 800's get, most the guys that talk chit about them have never had one. I have over 4000 miles on mine without even a hicup. Been piped since the day it left the showroom, twin piped for the last couple years.

Don't be too afraid of the extensions. Check out the rails make sure they aren't cracked or bent but otherwise no biggy.

Its tough to check the PTO side drive bearing but do what you can.


Helmet, MX helmet no question unless you are 80 or retarded. Don't use summer goggles or cheap ones they suck, you will hate them. Get 509's they are not cheap but the best there is.

Riding season for most starts mid to late december, but I have ridden several times in november, of course we were still riding memorial day.


RMKcowboy, you are referring to the driveshaft. The Jackshaft is the one with the secondary clutch attached.

Doh... yeah I meant driveshaft, nice catch!
You don't still have that single pipe do ya?
And Cheeto- don't take my post as a knock on the 800's. I love my 03, but I bought it knowing about the crank problems and decided it was a risk I was willing to take. Getting ready to do the upgraded crank bearing mod this year finally since I can't afford a new sled and can't afford to blow my motor up.
Also, keep in mind right now most guys are getting the itch to upgrade their equipment for the upcoming season, so you might be able to find someone wanting to unload an older sled on the cheap so they can put some $ down on a new one, but be prepared for a competitive market.

 

[Cheeto]

but be prepared for a competitive market.

That's the biggest reason I want to buy soon. I figure when the snow flies there will be more buyers in the market. Second reason is that I want plenty of time to go over the sled and make sure everything is up to snuff.

 

[ADRENALINE]

Another vote for the 700. Know the buyer, how long has he had it etc etc. As for your clothing, don't have to buy the most expensive, shop around a bit and yes puyallup would be a good place to look. Buy quick before the price goes up and availability goes down.

 

[Cheeto]

Really do what you can to get into an edge, I have both edge and Gen2 and I would just about rather stay home than ride the gen2.

I guess this answers my next question of whether to max my budget on an Edge or buy a Gen II and have money for accessories. LOL!

I'm asking everybody I can possibly think of if they know anybody selling a sled so if you guys know of anybody not advertising yet...let me know.
Thanks,
Cheeto

 

[76FOMOCO]

this will be one of the cleanest you will find.
http://boise.craigslist.org/rvs/1406509459.html
sledmasterr on the forum has it.

 

[GUNGA GALUNGA]

I guess this answers my next question of whether to max my budget on an Edge or buy a Gen II and have money for accessories. LOL!

I'm asking everybody I can possibly think of if they know anybody selling a sled so if you guys know of anybody not advertising yet...let me know.
Thanks,
Cheeto

All I can say is hold out for what you want. Get your money in hand and be prepared to jump. Good deals come but you need to move right then. The right deal will come. 700 vs 600, IMO. In a year the money you saved buying the wrong sled won't mean squat. On clothing, try to get b with what you've got til you can afford the good stuff. If you are cold/unhappy on an otherwise perfect day? And definetely open helmet with goggles. for what it's worth.

 

[Cheeto]

Well I d***ed around too long and the 700 sold. There's another 70/144"/2500mi. that may be available but of course it's more $$$. I'm also looking into the 660/156"/?mi. A little concerned about the reliability of something that's had so much work done to it. Seller says it was done profesionally but you never really know. Speedo not hooked up so miles since build are unknown.

My eyes are burning and my head is spinning from so much reading!

 

[DaFuzz]

As far as the helmet and gear goes, it all depends on the climate you will ride in, how long you'll be riding, and how many miles you'll put on in that time period. If you ride a lot of miles in an hour, go with a quality closed face helmet with an electric shield. If you ride powder and cover 20 miles of area per hour, but put 80 miles on your sled doing this, and are always standing up and moving around, go open face with goggles. I use both styles, and it all depends on how hard I'm working and how many miles I put on. If I ride trails at all, I wear closed face, and if I'm ditch-banging and looking for pow, i wear goggles/mx style. Also, if its 15f+, you'll be comfortable in an mx style, but if it's cold, you'll be hurting when you get home from your ride.

As for outerwear, you can get by for quite a while with Carhartts or snowboarding gear, but when you step up to decent gear, it makes a big difference! Spend your money on the sled and helmet/goggles first, and buy outerwear next fall, or maybe even in the spring, you can save a ton of money buying coats/bibs when the snow leaves.