Pro RMK 1,000 mile update

[Murph]

Hit 1,000 miles today on the Pro.

I like the sled even more now than when I picked it up.

Still on original belt and original plugs. Running Polaris Blue Semi- Synthetic.

Hyfaxes look great.

No bogs, no burbles, no stutters. Hoping it stays that way.
A-arms are still straight--hoping they stay that way also. They have hit things that sent me over the bars, but they are still straight (knocking on wood)

Only issue I've had is user error-- both riding it and servicing. The oil cap has been re-installed (by me) a couple of times crooked-- when this happens it pukes oil when rolling it over. I have to pay more attention. When installing crooked, it will thread down and tighten up- take care.

One other thing to note: When I stuck the sled today and rolled it over, pointing down hill and ready to go, the track wouldn't spin and the belt was slipping. Remember how Mountainhorse is always talking about track clearance issues? Snow packed up near the drivers and bulkhead and locked the track. I had to break the snow pack by rotating the track backwards by hand and removing the offending ice chunk. Once cleared, track rotated, and back to hammering it on some deep hill climbs.

Did I mention I love this sled? No buyer's remorse here.

 

[barry1me]

Thanks for this. This is what I have been wanting to see. How do you like running the semi-Syn oil in it? Im new to Polaris, so curious as to why not the full syn.

 

[Murph]

First two stroke I ever owned.

Was scared sh*tless of the Dragon 800 motor reliability record. The 4 year warranty is great and all, but I can't ride it if the sled is in the shop.

In reading about Dragon 800 burndowns, I came across IndyDan's thread on Polaris cranks and oil issues. Having read IndyDan's thread for myself, and reading the comments from his customers, I figured he knows as much or more than anybody else about Polaris cranks. He says stay away from synthetics. I looked locally for a good non-synthetic, but couldn't find any. Nothing was rated for high revving high horsepower motors. I stuck with Polaris Blue, and am happy about it. Cleaning exhaust valves doesn't concern me. I've pulled my belt at least 10 times in 1,000 miles and scotch brighted the clutch sheaves every time.

I also am following IndyDan's warm-up recommendations-- sled is 120 degrees before I leave the parking lot, and I try and take it easy for the first 2 miles to get the belt up to temp before hammering it. Also not holding constant mid-range throttle on the trail. Blipping the throttle and varying the rpm to keep the midrange from leaning out and heating up-- seemed like this was a MAJOR contributing factor to D8 burndown issues. Not the only cause, for sure, but it seems to have played a hand in many failures.

 

[barry1me]

First two stroke I ever owned.

Was scared sh*tless of the Dragon 800 motor reliability record. The 4 year warranty is great and all, but I can't ride it if the sled is in the shop.

In reading about Dragon 800 burndowns, I came across IndyDan's thread on Polaris cranks and oil issues. Having read IndyDan's thread for myself, and reading the comments from his customers, I figured he knows as much or more than anybody else about Polaris cranks. He says stay away from synthetics. I looked locally for a good non-synthetic, but couldn't find any. Nothing was rated for high revving high horsepower motors. I stuck with Polaris Blue, and am happy about it. Cleaning exhaust valves doesn't concern me. I've pulled my belt at least 10 times in 1,000 miles and scotch brighted the clutch sheaves every time.

I also am following IndyDan's warm-up recommendations-- sled is 120 degrees before I leave the parking lot, and I try and take it easy for the first 2 miles to get the belt up to temp before hammering it. Also not holding constant mid-range throttle on the trail. Blipping the throttle and varying the rpm to keep the midrange from leaning out and heating up-- seemed like this was a MAJOR contributing factor to D8 burndown issues. Not the only cause, for sure, but it seems to have played a hand in many failures.

good info. It worked for you, so thats good cred for me.

 

[towngrunt]

What, 1,000 miles already, what do you do for work? That is awesome, I am jealous.

 

[Scott]

1k mi? WOW. I'm jealous. LOL

 

[Scott]

First two stroke I ever owned.

Was scared sh*tless of the Dragon 800 motor reliability record. The 4 year warranty is great and all, but I can't ride it if the sled is in the shop.

In reading about Dragon 800 burndowns, I came across IndyDan's thread on Polaris cranks and oil issues. Having read IndyDan's thread for myself, and reading the comments from his customers, I figured he knows as much or more than anybody else about Polaris cranks. He says stay away from synthetics. I looked locally for a good non-synthetic, but couldn't find any. Nothing was rated for high revving high horsepower motors. I stuck with Polaris Blue, and am happy about it. Cleaning exhaust valves doesn't concern me. I've pulled my belt at least 10 times in 1,000 miles and scotch brighted the clutch sheaves every time.

I also am following IndyDan's warm-up recommendations-- sled is 120 degrees before I leave the parking lot, and I try and take it easy for the first 2 miles to get the belt up to temp before hammering it. Also not holding constant mid-range throttle on the trail. Blipping the throttle and varying the rpm to keep the midrange from leaning out and heating up-- seemed like this was a MAJOR contributing factor to D8 burndown issues. Not the only cause, for sure, but it seems to have played a hand in many failures.

GOOD stuff. Pretty sound routine. I've been doing that for years. I took very serious care of my 1155cc twin big bore and followed every reccomendation to a T. I never had problems. Good stuff. Good post.

 

[Murph]

Found this iPhone video from New Year's Eve. Stock pipe,but sounds loud in video....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnbr0_Z1NXA


This sled is so much fun to ride.

 

[barry1me]

Hows your 2 RMKs holding up? What are you at mileage wise now? I have 500 trouble free miles on mine so far. Im loving this sled.

 

[mickyd32]

my assault is closing on 800 miles now. So far so good. Ice buildup in the mornings is the only problem I've had. Ice forms in the tunnel and has caused me grief when it break free, but I've also experienced this on numerous other sleds. This one just seems to make a crap ton of noise when it comes free

my first belt is on its way out now, sides are very glazed and noticed a cord come free. Last saturday's ride was the first time temp has gotten above freezing and we were pushing ALOT of heavy snow all day, so I'm chalking the belt up to that

 

[MARV1]

Good to hear, and yes IndyDan is very knowledgeable on these engines.

 

[AndrettiDog]

Damn! you beat me to 1000!

I also am following IndyDan's warm-up recommendations-- sled is 120 degrees before I leave the parking lot, and I try and take it easy for the first 2 miles to get the belt up to temp before hammering it. Also not holding constant mid-range throttle on the trail. Blipping the throttle and varying the rpm to keep the midrange from leaning out and heating up-- seemed like this was a MAJOR contributing factor to D8 burndown issues. Not the only cause, for sure, but it seems to have played a hand in many failures.

If more people did this you would see less problems. Especially when it is extremely cold or spring like conditions. I always blurp my throttle and I seldom stay on it for longer than 5 seconds except on huge hill climbs (and even then I will blurp if I have the hill).

 

[barry1me]

Damn! you beat me to 1000!



If more people did this you would see less problems. Especially when it is extremely cold or spring like conditions. I always blurp my throttle and I seldom stay on it for longer than 5 seconds except on huge hill climbs (and even then I will blurp if I have the hill).

I agree big time. I always let sled warm up, get some heat into the belts for 5-10 miles and blip throttle often. Good advice. If more did this I bet you would see significently burn downs, and belts lasting longer

 

[cfi]

The new Etecs have a "warm up mode"... engine won't rev over 6800 rpm until it reaches it's operating temp. It also has a "shut down mode"... engine shuts down when sitting idle and senses an over-temp. It's actually a nice safety feature.

 

[Clayton]

I'm a little over 800 miles now, and I too haven't had any issues. Great running sled. I lost my belt this weekend at 715 miles. I don't have any venting and hadn't even yet peeled my foam out. I've never cleaned my clutches or the belt. I had been running in chest deep snow for miles and miles. It was definately the heat that killed it.

Also, as another note we have lots and lots of open swamps and rivers we run up here in AK. I've held my sled at mid range throttle (6-7000 RPM) for literally 20 or 30 minutes at a time while carving through the powder on the edges of a river back or in swamps that are miles and miles long. If there is a lean spot or the sled is prone to burn downs in that range, I haven't had an issue yet.

My only real complaint is that the left hotgrip doesn't get warm enough. I know not much of an issue. I foamed the protapers this weekend so hopefully that will help.

 

[NapaMatt]

..My First New Sled Pro 800 155

I'll chime in too..

Got over 960 Miles

I wipe out the clutch area almost every weeekend.. Most of the times i can get it clean with 2-4 Blue shop towels..

Exh. Valves Cleaned at 950 miles.. They weren't too bad.. But need a cleaning, also replaced the bellows when i was in there, only wanted to do it once!

I have got through 2 sets of plugs so far.. Not really needed want trying to just keep a eye of fuel trim.

Still on factory belt.... thinkin i am going to be puttin on a new one before headin west in 2 weeks.

With all that said... Pretty much a Fuel and pull ... warm up.. and Go Sled!!


Also let the sled Warm up to 120 before leaving.. easy on it.. for the first few miles..

Hyfax up date.. Only running the two front wheel (stock) And Sidekicks.. Down all the time. NO Wear is showing.. FYI i am in MN where i do ride for miles on the trail before jumping off to deeper snow.. Temps always 122-128

Cutting Outer Edge off Update..

I would do it again.. for a test i put my C&A Skis on for the weekend.. wow.. yes on the Trail it handled better.. for any off trail riding .... In the trees, Sidehilling.. the Cut Grippers are the way to Go! X10

Changed my Chaincase oil at 450 miles.. i was short 4oz ... Low from factory.. I filled to spec.. Been great!

NapaMatt

 

[Murph]

Hows your 2 RMKs holding up? What are you at mileage wise now? I have 500 trouble free miles on mine so far. Im loving this sled.

It stopped snowing in Tahoe...aggghhh!!

I'm at 1200+ miles and the other Pro is around 600 I think.

So far, so great!

We are heading to Montana tomorrow, got tired of waiting for the pow to come to us!

Only "problems" I've had are a starter motor strap vibrating loose-- re-tightened and it was. The other was a a stick spearing a paddle-- can't blame the machine for that!

Love this sled more than ever. Still need to vent it.

Murph

 

[GMCRMK]

Good to hear these type reports. I'll add that I'm at 850+ miles. Mostly boondocking and mountain riding. Not a single problem. Changed oil and plugs at 500 miles. Should clean clutches & belt but just haven't made time.

Mods = Holz console vent, Carl's clutch kit, skinz front bumper, Zbroz A-arms. I have BB type running boards in the mail and will change the rear bumper soon to a Cobe...just to make it "better" HAPPY CAMPER HERE!

 

[Big D rmk700]

1000 miles for mine now only thing that I have had to do was fouled a couple of sets of plugs!!! I put a new belt on the other day the belt I pulled off is still ok. Have not touched anything else just put gas and oil in and go.

 

[aebsledder]

Reality Check

Here comes Mr. No Fun
1. 102 Miles Rear mag side motor mount shears off, broken off bolt makes its way to the clutch side and ruins the Drive and Driven clutches
2. 350 Miles Primary spring breaks
3. 600 Miles Primary clutch bolt breaks and primary clutch literally falls off the crank
4. 100-450 miles Sled has a terrible hesitation. Injector is bad and gets replaced
5. 810 Miles Rear mag side motor mount shears off AGAIN, I am being told it was a "bad batch of bolts"
6. I am pretty sure I am forgetting an item.

I would have a thousand miles on my sled if I was able to ride it all year. I have rode rentals and the dealer demo a couple of times. Sorry to rain on everyones parade. At least it looks like I am in the minority, so that is good news for the rest of the world. Sled is great when it is on the snow.
Let's see..sure feels awesome to be sitting at home today when I was supposed to go ride the 2 feet of new snow we got. Pretty sure Polaris has it out for me in some way shape or form. I am half tempted to let er rip minus a motor mount and let the chips fall where they may, but I don't want to ruin all my riding buddies day by having them tow me out again. Okay, I am pretty sure I am done bitching...for now