Looking for a little input from seasoned riders. I am thinking of snow-checking a 2015 Pro RMK 600 as my first ever sled. I've been out a bunch of times this year on rentals (Summit X), and am hooked, of course. Local BC Polaris dealers are offering way better deals than the Ski-Doo dealers, however. That said, I'm a bit gun-shy on the Polaris warranty combined with the rumours of 800 unreliability. So my line of thinking is get a 600 (nimble and reliable), ride it and learn for 2 years, then use my 'golden ticket' on a 2017 800 Pro RMK with a next generation engine. But, I'll be riding in Revelstoke, Sicamous, and Whistler, where it can be blower. Is the 600 going to get me around in the deep, or are my buddies going to be digging out the rookie on his 600 way too much? I definitely did better on the Summit X 163 than I did on the 154. For the record, I'm 160 lbs (no gear) and fit. Thanks in advance for your opinions.
Pro RMK 600 in the deep snow?
- Thread starter JRB407
- Start date
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I bought a 13 600 pro last summer and have been very happy with it. I'm 160 and the sled took me basically everywhere the 800 pros would go, but that was in "hero" snow, lol. in all honesty I think you should go with the 800. it would be alot more fun on those deep BC days. A 600 Polaris motor is gonna feel like a pooch compared to the 800 etec you have been riding. From what i've read The new 600's aren't that much more reliable then the 8s, and if you plan on snow checking again in 2017 you most likely wont log TOO many miles anyways, especially if you're boondocking. The 600 is a great sled, i absolutely love mine, but i think you will have more fun in the steep and deep with an 8. plus it'll be more forgiving if you're still learning. just my two cents
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I wouldn't check a 600 over an 800 this year either, even if it is your first sled. Reliability isn't any better on the 600, some would say slightly worse. In deep snow, the power is your friend. If you are going to spend the $$, I would buy the 800 Pro 163.
Unlike many, I like the QD system. Mine blew a '13 verison belt early but I didn't break it in very nicely. I probably have 750 miles on a second '13 belt. I think the belt and the aluminum driveshaft have better responsiveness than the chaincase steel driveshaft versions. You can feel it, the Pro is lighter on its feet in deep snow.
If you liked the longer track Doo, get the long track Pro, you will have excellent floatation and you may need it if your buddies check X3 Doo's
Unlike many, I like the QD system. Mine blew a '13 verison belt early but I didn't break it in very nicely. I probably have 750 miles on a second '13 belt. I think the belt and the aluminum driveshaft have better responsiveness than the chaincase steel driveshaft versions. You can feel it, the Pro is lighter on its feet in deep snow.
If you liked the longer track Doo, get the long track Pro, you will have excellent floatation and you may need it if your buddies check X3 Doo's
Yeah, there's definitely a few T3s being ordered by my buddies... Almost everyone is saying go with the 800, as it turns out. And I know I like the 163 track, so that effectively takes the Pro RMK 600 out of the equation. I guess it's follow the T3 stampede, or roll the Pro RMK 800 163 with an extended warranty. I sure wish I had a chance to try out the Pro before deciding. I would certainly be rider-skill-limited with either sweet sled though. Thanks for your input, guys.
I can promise you that reliability is not the same. I have seen that statement made many times in other threads. I don't know where people are coming up with this concept. Since 1997 my rental business has 4-10 600's per year. I'm confident to say I have owned at least 70 600 rmks over the last 15 years. My rentals all go down the same trails under the same conditions on the same days, and for the most part, riding the same areas. Sure the guy who rents the 800 may ride a little harder. Until last season I had never had a single motor failure. Last year I had one loose a crank at 4000-5000 miles. I run all of my sleds to over 7000 miles before selling. Now my 800's typically loose a motor between 2000-3000 miles, although I have a 2013 that made it to 3800 before it went down, owe and it just went down again after another 3000. That kind of mileage is great for a pro 800. Also know of a rental company that ran 6 600's for several years as guide sleds. All of those sleds made it to 12,000 with no pistons or maintenance. There is no comparison for reliability between the 600 and 800. Yes I do know that there was a bad batch of 600's out there. It seemed to be the pro models of 2012, oil pump issues. As for the quick drive, I have had more lost rental days to that component than anything else including motors. On the same sled In two years I have replaced three belts, broken 2-3 bolts on the lower pully, and gone through 4 jackshafts (that problem is now fixed). Snowcheck the 600 and add the clicker shocks and the other accessories. After two years that sled will still be desirable to a new buyer and have a good resale. Me and everyone else is waiting for 2016 hoping for a more reliable motor. In 2017 would you rather be trying to resale a 2015 800 pro (old motor) or a tricked out 2015 600 RMK. I think you have a great plan. Use the golden ticket in a few years.I wouldn't check a 600 over an 800 this year either, even if it is your first sled. Reliability isn't any better on the 600, some would say slightly worse. In deep snow, the power is your friend. If you are going to spend the $$, I would buy the 800 Pro 163.
Unlike many, I like the QD system. Mine blew a '13 verison belt early but I didn't break it in very nicely. I probably have 750 miles on a second '13 belt. I think the belt and the aluminum driveshaft have better responsiveness than the chaincase steel driveshaft versions. You can feel it, the Pro is lighter on its feet in deep snow.
If you liked the longer track Doo, get the long track Pro, you will have excellent floatation and you may need it if your buddies check X3 Doo's
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In my humble opinion there are 2 area's where the 600 has a clear advantage over the 800. Reliability and especially resale. Resale on the 6 is WAY better than the 8. The internet is littered with 800's for sale while a good 6 is hard to find, and if you do find one and the price is reasonable, you better be quick or you won't get it.
I have a riding pal who has both a 800 155 pro and 600 155 pro he's always buying trick parts for the 800 that he thinks he has time to install the night before going riding but he never finishes, so he rides his daughters 600 he is a good and confident rider and he believes that the 600 will go anywhere his 8 will and it dose I think that's a big part of it he takes that sled to some very tough places needless to say I am impressed with the 600, I think if you own a 600 and think it's less capable then it will be
My dealer is sitting on ~10 new '14 Pro's. In the fall Polaris will incentivise these sleds just like they did this season. Expect a 3 yr warranty for a couple hundred bucks and pricing around $10k.
This sled is for your enjoyment not for your business to make money from. Buy what is going to be the most fun to ride for your conditions. If you are riding with a bunch of guys on 800's you are going to be happiest with an 800. I seriously doubt the Pro chassis would disappoint.
I did accept that I was going to tear down the motor each summer after my ~1000 mile riding season. I think the stock pistons have a very limited lifespan. Maybe every other season once a better quality piston is in there. If you have warranty I guess you let it blow and have it replaced. That almost always means lost riding time.
The Doo's seem to be running well. I have ridden the XM and the XP and I just do not like that chassis. I do not feel the motor puts down anymore power than the Pro. I think T-motion is a bad marketing hoax. The T-3 option though is a great idea, as is a good warranty.
Tough call. You will probably love either one. I would run the Pro. The light wieght and direct confidence inspiring handling are unbeatable and worth accepting a bad motor for ANY DAY. The Pro holds lines through the trees like nothing else I have even been on. I am an addict...
This sled is for your enjoyment not for your business to make money from. Buy what is going to be the most fun to ride for your conditions. If you are riding with a bunch of guys on 800's you are going to be happiest with an 800. I seriously doubt the Pro chassis would disappoint.
I did accept that I was going to tear down the motor each summer after my ~1000 mile riding season. I think the stock pistons have a very limited lifespan. Maybe every other season once a better quality piston is in there. If you have warranty I guess you let it blow and have it replaced. That almost always means lost riding time.
The Doo's seem to be running well. I have ridden the XM and the XP and I just do not like that chassis. I do not feel the motor puts down anymore power than the Pro. I think T-motion is a bad marketing hoax. The T-3 option though is a great idea, as is a good warranty.
Tough call. You will probably love either one. I would run the Pro. The light wieght and direct confidence inspiring handling are unbeatable and worth accepting a bad motor for ANY DAY. The Pro holds lines through the trees like nothing else I have even been on. I am an addict...
Re: 800 vs 600
The Pro 600 is a very capable sled, and with a good rider it will not be left behind a pack of 800's. We have a 2013 ProRMK 600, a 2013 M800 S/P Ltd 162, and a 2013 M1100T S/P Ltd. After the 1st season, I installed a Carl's 660 in the Pro, and it gives up NOTHING to the 800, and is way more fun to ride. I suggest buying the 600, hone your skills on it, and sell in a couple years (it will sell easier then the 800). If you find yourself wanting more hp - big bore it down the road. As for the quick drive system - a good upgrade is C3's conversion...
The Pro 600 is a very capable sled, and with a good rider it will not be left behind a pack of 800's. We have a 2013 ProRMK 600, a 2013 M800 S/P Ltd 162, and a 2013 M1100T S/P Ltd. After the 1st season, I installed a Carl's 660 in the Pro, and it gives up NOTHING to the 800, and is way more fun to ride. I suggest buying the 600, hone your skills on it, and sell in a couple years (it will sell easier then the 800). If you find yourself wanting more hp - big bore it down the road. As for the quick drive system - a good upgrade is C3's conversion...
Rockinmranch and Oneoldfart make some valid points. When it comes to resale, it makes sense that a '15 Pro 600 will be easier to move at good price than a '15 Pro 800 with the previous generation (and not overly reliable) motor. Especially with the 600 all tricked out. I can even order the electric start (free), and pull most of the weight out for myself (dealer suggestion). Being able to throw the ES back in for a perspective buyer down the line could really help. So it's just a matter of whether I'm going to be happy with the 600-155 combo as opposed to 800-163. I imagine it will initially lead to more work for me (and a few buddies, haha), but might turn me into a better rider more quickly. And then after 2 years, if I love the Pro chassis (like many do), I'm sure the 2017 Pro 800 will have an improved motor and 3" lugs as an option. Then it would be time to cash in the 'golden ticket' and go big. Just when I think I've got it all figured, someone else comes up with an excellent counterpoint. Thanks again guys.
As a smaller rider...around 155-160 lbs without gear... I can say I've had a blast on the 600 on deep days and have done better in deep snow than 200 lb riders on an 800.
The 600 Cfi engine does indeed have a better track record than the 800 and, over the years of being a moderator... I've only seen a couple of 600 motor issues here on the very forum that magnifies the issues.
A 600 will teach you more throttle finesse and, for a smaller rider has a more nimble feel due to the lower gyroscopic forces of a lighter crank with shorter throws (64mm stroke).
Just like any other sled... make sure it is clutched and, IMO...gear it down to about 2.3:1
I'm a fan of the 600 RMK with the chaincase and front tunnel cooler...
The 600 RMK in snowcheck with all the cool included options costs $1000 less than the 800 and resale will be about the same in a year or two...IMO.
The 600 Cfi engine does indeed have a better track record than the 800 and, over the years of being a moderator... I've only seen a couple of 600 motor issues here on the very forum that magnifies the issues.
A 600 will teach you more throttle finesse and, for a smaller rider has a more nimble feel due to the lower gyroscopic forces of a lighter crank with shorter throws (64mm stroke).
Just like any other sled... make sure it is clutched and, IMO...gear it down to about 2.3:1
I'm a fan of the 600 RMK with the chaincase and front tunnel cooler...
The 600 RMK in snowcheck with all the cool included options costs $1000 less than the 800 and resale will be about the same in a year or two...IMO.
Thanks MH. I'm exactly 155-160 as well, depending on how many BEvERages I've been enjoying lately, I suppose. Does the standard 600 RMK (with chain drive, more cooler surface area, and less CF) give up about 20 lbs to the 600 Pro? Perhaps a wise trade-off for durability, though for resale the Pro 600 may be more desirable. I can't seem to tell from the website, but does the standard 600 RMK come with the PowderTrac running boards? Gracias.
F
Flying Dutchman
Well-known member
Yes the std 155 has the good running boards. http://www.polaris.com/en-ca/snowmobiles/600-rmk-155
The 144 RMK is a totally diff machine.
I have a snowchecked 13 Pro 600. On my second season and have no complaints. I ride just about everywhere, fields around home, Crowsnest, Revy, Valemount. Most of the guys I ride with have 800's (not Poo's) and I've never been left behind. Last trip to Vale, we were in 3' of powder and it went everywhere they did. Actually have a nice video where the three 800's are stuck and I'm making circles around them. Yah, don't worry, I've had mine buried too.
Not going to argue, the 8's do have more power, and in certain conditions they do go a little farther, like a straight up climb in the deep deep. To me it doesn't matter if you can himark 5' farther. But overall, my 600 runs great and floats pretty good through the powder. The handling is excellent and maybe that's why it floats so good? No matter, it works perfect for "me" and goes everywhere "I" want.
Anyways, just my 2 bits.
The 144 RMK is a totally diff machine.
I have a snowchecked 13 Pro 600. On my second season and have no complaints. I ride just about everywhere, fields around home, Crowsnest, Revy, Valemount. Most of the guys I ride with have 800's (not Poo's) and I've never been left behind. Last trip to Vale, we were in 3' of powder and it went everywhere they did. Actually have a nice video where the three 800's are stuck and I'm making circles around them. Yah, don't worry, I've had mine buried too.
Not going to argue, the 8's do have more power, and in certain conditions they do go a little farther, like a straight up climb in the deep deep. To me it doesn't matter if you can himark 5' farther. But overall, my 600 runs great and floats pretty good through the powder. The handling is excellent and maybe that's why it floats so good? No matter, it works perfect for "me" and goes everywhere "I" want.
Anyways, just my 2 bits.
Norm... I've heard that from bigger riders.... I've not, as a smaller rider, experienced the same thing... The 600 was a blast and getting used to the throttle is...well... easier to get dialed in on 600.
Yes...all 155" RMK's have the same running boards...PRO or Std. models.
JRB...
You are looking about 15 lbs difference dry... on the pro... you'll get at least an 8 lb chunk of "ice plaque" build up inside the tunnel at the front on a PRO... and none of that on the RMK as the front tunnel cooler keeps that area clean... also this frees up power lost to the restriction in that area.
As far as power... everyone always wants more... heck... at revy on a deep day... turbos rule....
As I said before... I can feel the diff of 600 with the shorter stroke in the handling of the sled.
The snowcheck 600 is a heck of a deal at $1000 less, with what I feel are more features.
You should be able to purchase a 2015 Polaris 600 RMK with Assault style shocks on all 4 positions, Pro Taper Bars and controls and the other SnowCheck options for $10,500 or less with some negotiation with your dealer.
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Yes...all 155" RMK's have the same running boards...PRO or Std. models.
JRB...
You are looking about 15 lbs difference dry... on the pro... you'll get at least an 8 lb chunk of "ice plaque" build up inside the tunnel at the front on a PRO... and none of that on the RMK as the front tunnel cooler keeps that area clean... also this frees up power lost to the restriction in that area.
As far as power... everyone always wants more... heck... at revy on a deep day... turbos rule....
As I said before... I can feel the diff of 600 with the shorter stroke in the handling of the sled.
The snowcheck 600 is a heck of a deal at $1000 less, with what I feel are more features.
You should be able to purchase a 2015 Polaris 600 RMK with Assault style shocks on all 4 positions, Pro Taper Bars and controls and the other SnowCheck options for $10,500 or less with some negotiation with your dealer.
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My son, who is 5'7" and 145, rides a 600 Pro. Yesterday he got the chance to ride my 800. This fall he'll be switching to an 8 -
O
Oregonsledder
Well-known member
The 600 is a great sled, but keep in mind there are a lot more 800 engine problems on this forum because there are probably 30 800's sold for every 1 600, and many 600's are ridden by the ladies. If the same number of 600's were out there ridden by the same type of male riders, I suspect the reliability gap would be much narrower. Deep and steep, on a regular basis, buy the 800.
The 800 for 2013/14 have proven to be much more reliable than the past.
On this forum that magnifies issues... there have been but a few complaints of 14/13 "engine down" situations.
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On this forum that magnifies issues... there have been but a few complaints of 14/13 "engine down" situations.
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BTW
For what it's worth, I weigh 220 lbs in my skivvies, and can ride the 600 (now 660) where I want (I've also been mountain riding since the late 80's, so I can ride)... I do NOT ride the flatlands at all, and spend most of my time riding remote areas of BC (always on the search for a new riding area). To the original poster, the 800 will be more forgiving as it has more torque and hp at the flipper then the 600, but the 600 will force you to become a better rider, plain and simple. As MH pointed out, the 600 "feels" lighter due to a lack of crank inertia - even in bottomless fluffy snow the 155 will get around with no problems - my wife has embarrassed more then a few 800 riders over the years (her last sled was a modded M8, only reason she changed was for the lighter weight, tore her rotator cuff)- but you will have to learn some throttle control and finesse - something that will pay off tenfold when you upgrade to a larger sled. My M1100T with EVO's Big Chute Turbo has proven to a lot of riders that have tried it that extra horsepower isn't always a good thing - most are more comfortable on a smaller displacement machine.
For what it's worth, I weigh 220 lbs in my skivvies, and can ride the 600 (now 660) where I want (I've also been mountain riding since the late 80's, so I can ride)... I do NOT ride the flatlands at all, and spend most of my time riding remote areas of BC (always on the search for a new riding area). To the original poster, the 800 will be more forgiving as it has more torque and hp at the flipper then the 600, but the 600 will force you to become a better rider, plain and simple. As MH pointed out, the 600 "feels" lighter due to a lack of crank inertia - even in bottomless fluffy snow the 155 will get around with no problems - my wife has embarrassed more then a few 800 riders over the years (her last sled was a modded M8, only reason she changed was for the lighter weight, tore her rotator cuff)- but you will have to learn some throttle control and finesse - something that will pay off tenfold when you upgrade to a larger sled. My M1100T with EVO's Big Chute Turbo has proven to a lot of riders that have tried it that extra horsepower isn't always a good thing - most are more comfortable on a smaller displacement machine.
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