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wintertoyz
New member
Are there a lot of differences between these two besides a chain case and QD? And how does the assault climb vs the pro? Thinking assault because of all the ditch bangin here in Mn Thanks
Pro Rmk vs Rmk Assult
- Thread starter wintertoyz
- Start date
W
wintertoyz
New member
Oh Forgot Will Be ordered with the 2.4 track
CONSIDER THE STANDARD RMK 155'
My thoughts...
Go with the slightly more maneuverable 40" stance of the Standard-RMK ... and get the benefits of the extra cooler (it makes up for it's own weight in lower ice buildup at the front of the tunnel)
The price difference is $1100 and you will find dealers willing to give great deals on the Standards during snowcheck.
My 2 cents.
For that, you buy some top notch aftermarket shocks.... you will have a more heavy -duty rear bumper and overstructure to boot... and bogies that you can choose to use...or not. Same 5.1 series track as the PRO and Assault with the powder option.
Same strength of A-arm as the Assault and a chaincase for no problems or worries with the belt drive.
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My thoughts...
Go with the slightly more maneuverable 40" stance of the Standard-RMK ... and get the benefits of the extra cooler (it makes up for it's own weight in lower ice buildup at the front of the tunnel)
The price difference is $1100 and you will find dealers willing to give great deals on the Standards during snowcheck.
My 2 cents.
For that, you buy some top notch aftermarket shocks.... you will have a more heavy -duty rear bumper and overstructure to boot... and bogies that you can choose to use...or not. Same 5.1 series track as the PRO and Assault with the powder option.
Same strength of A-arm as the Assault and a chaincase for no problems or worries with the belt drive.
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The differences between the Assault and PRO-RMK are the shocks (Adjustable with heavy shafts and remote reservoirs on the Assaults) and the Chaincase with steel shaft.
The Assault has a 43" wide front and the RMK and PRO-RMK has a 40" wide.
The Standard RMK diff from the Assault is the lack of Carbon fiber (which I don't see as a "negative") the handlebars/controls, and the shocks. The Std RMK has the same time proven A-arms as the 2011/12 and Dragons before that.
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The Assault has a 43" wide front and the RMK and PRO-RMK has a 40" wide.
The Standard RMK diff from the Assault is the lack of Carbon fiber (which I don't see as a "negative") the handlebars/controls, and the shocks. The Std RMK has the same time proven A-arms as the 2011/12 and Dragons before that.
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My thoughts...
Go with the slightly more maneuverable 40" stance of the Standard-RMK ... and get the benefits of the extra cooler (it makes up for it's own weight in lower ice buildup at the front of the tunnel)
The price difference is $1100 and you will find dealers willing to give great deals on the Standards during snowcheck.
My 2 cents.
For that, you buy some top notch aftermarket shocks.... you will have a more heavy -duty rear bumper and overstructure to boot... and bogies that you can choose to use...or not. Same 5.1 series track as the PRO and Assault with the powder option.
Same strength of A-arm as the Assault and a chaincase for no problems or worries with the belt drive.
.
i bought a 2013 std rmk,have very consistent coolant temperature.shocks are first thing to change.i did Kmod conversion with Raptors and bought a set of used Øhlins for front suspension.very happy with my std rmk now.
MH you make a pretty solid argument
I'm having the same debate in my head. The bulkhead cooler would make a big difference for where I ride because we unfortunately need to ride trails to get to the playground. So are the shocks of the standard RMK not adjustable at all? I was thinking that I would crank up the clickers on the assault while on trail and back them off when we had arrived. Sounds like that approach wouldn't work with the standard RMK?
Off season, you will be able to find some great deals on 2011/12 shocks in the swapmeet.... or some other packages that may come around.
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wintertoyz
New member
I am coming off a cat m1100t, very much considering the big jump. After i blew two belts in one day at Tog it was cheaper to rent a Pro than buy belt to get though the last day. I had a blast on the pro.
The climbing between the two is comparable then??
The climbing between the two is comparable then??
yes climbing is comparable if you get the 5.1 2.4" track. Then you drill out the RMK mounting hole for the front bolts on the rear suspension to move it up to the Pro RMK's mounting point (exactly what I did with my 2012). Then the main difference will be the width on the front suspension and the chaincase vs QD. You can't drill out the Assault mounting hole on a Pro RMK because the rail tips are angled differently and you'll risk stabbing. If you don't mind the width and you like the chaincase over the QD, then its really not a big deal imo...
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wintertoyz
New member
thanks much guys
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roni87
Well-known member
I had a standard 11 rmk last year and a 11 assault this year. The front cooler is handy in keeping temps down, but I feel scratchers are always needed since the hyfax start sticking pretty quick down the trail even if the temp is below 140. The assault shocks are waaaay better than the disposable ryde fx and I prefer the wide front of the assault also. I also find the comp track to be better for me than the powder track. Not regretting the assault that's for sure!
suspension hole
when its time for ditch bangin, jumpin, boondockin, etc., I move the front suspension mount down to the assault hole (which I drilled out). I put it in the top hole for hillclimbing or spring snow in general cuz of the wheelie factor. 2012 pro 800 163.
when its time for ditch bangin, jumpin, boondockin, etc., I move the front suspension mount down to the assault hole (which I drilled out). I put it in the top hole for hillclimbing or spring snow in general cuz of the wheelie factor. 2012 pro 800 163.
My Fox Evol R's will be coming off the 11 pro and going on a 14 std. Add scratchers and swap over the Carl's clutching, MA can and bags. I run with two stds, and the cooler is the real deal for consistent performance. For me.
Bars on the std are +1" lower, and soft steel - they will get personalized, but the poo pro tapers don't work best for me, either, too high and wide. I like the cyclone master, but I'll live with the 90's switchgear at least for a year. No glued driveshaft, only other difference not mentioned by MH is the rotor and jackshaft, same RMK caliper on both the pro and std. The lack of carbon and no QD is a plus for me - building a better bullet proof pull and go RMK. I'm sure poo will improve the shaft, QD, a-arm build execution from the 13 pro, but I won't be part of those fixes. 14 will probably be the best build of the current RMK species, usually bugs are worked out by MY4. Revs, XPs, IQ RMK 700, M's, always the same story. The IQ 800 never made it to year 4...
Bars on the std are +1" lower, and soft steel - they will get personalized, but the poo pro tapers don't work best for me, either, too high and wide. I like the cyclone master, but I'll live with the 90's switchgear at least for a year. No glued driveshaft, only other difference not mentioned by MH is the rotor and jackshaft, same RMK caliper on both the pro and std. The lack of carbon and no QD is a plus for me - building a better bullet proof pull and go RMK. I'm sure poo will improve the shaft, QD, a-arm build execution from the 13 pro, but I won't be part of those fixes. 14 will probably be the best build of the current RMK species, usually bugs are worked out by MY4. Revs, XPs, IQ RMK 700, M's, always the same story. The IQ 800 never made it to year 4...
So the only real difference between the Assault and STD is the shocks and the cooler, Right? So if you buy the STD and then have to switch out the Shocks,(and I would) other then having the cooler on the STD, are you not going to be close to the same amount of money? So why not just get the Assault?( If the cooler is not that big of a factor to you), Or am I missing something?
Will not the Assault with the 5.1 track preform as well as the PRO in deep snow?
For those that have the 13 Assault, is their that much difference in the PRO belt QD over having the chain case on the Assault ?
Will not the Assault with the 5.1 track preform as well as the PRO in deep snow?
For those that have the 13 Assault, is their that much difference in the PRO belt QD over having the chain case on the Assault ?
Assault vs. Std:
Shocks
Front cooler
Track
Front arm location (Assault is dropped, stock)
Rails (Assault is tipped more in front)
Ski stance (Assault is wider, both do not have bonded lower arms like the pro)
Stabilizer bar (Assault has none, Std does, as does the Pro)
Bars (Assault has pro taper)
Switches (Std has the old bar switchgear)
Master cylinder (Assault has Cyclone)
Jackshaft
Rotor (Assault is phantom lite)
Idler Wheels (Std is 6, Assault is 2)
Rear bumper (Assault is carbon)
Snow flap
Graphics
Not sure about tunnel reinforcements on the 14's, or gearing.
Pro vs. Std:
Shocks
Front cooler (on Std)
Quick Drive (on Pro)
Overstructure (Pro is carbon tubed)
Driveshaft (Pro is glued aluminum)
Lower a-arms bonded (on Pro)
Front arm on rear suspension bonded (on Pro)
Bars (Pro has pro taper, flat top post)
Switches (Std has the old bar switchgear)
Master cylinder (Pro has Cyclone)
Jackshaft (Pro is lightweight)
Rotor (Pro is phantom lite)
Idler wheels (Std has 6, Pro has 2)
Rear bumper (Pro is carbon)
Snow flap
Graphics
Updated for completeness - thanks MH!
Shocks
Front cooler
Track
Front arm location (Assault is dropped, stock)
Rails (Assault is tipped more in front)
Ski stance (Assault is wider, both do not have bonded lower arms like the pro)
Stabilizer bar (Assault has none, Std does, as does the Pro)
Bars (Assault has pro taper)
Switches (Std has the old bar switchgear)
Master cylinder (Assault has Cyclone)
Jackshaft
Rotor (Assault is phantom lite)
Idler Wheels (Std is 6, Assault is 2)
Rear bumper (Assault is carbon)
Snow flap
Graphics
Not sure about tunnel reinforcements on the 14's, or gearing.
Pro vs. Std:
Shocks
Front cooler (on Std)
Quick Drive (on Pro)
Overstructure (Pro is carbon tubed)
Driveshaft (Pro is glued aluminum)
Lower a-arms bonded (on Pro)
Front arm on rear suspension bonded (on Pro)
Bars (Pro has pro taper, flat top post)
Switches (Std has the old bar switchgear)
Master cylinder (Pro has Cyclone)
Jackshaft (Pro is lightweight)
Rotor (Pro is phantom lite)
Idler wheels (Std has 6, Pro has 2)
Rear bumper (Pro is carbon)
Snow flap
Graphics
Updated for completeness - thanks MH!
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Some thoghts on the difference.
As Reg2view said above... there are small details that separate the two besides the shocks.
In addition to the list ... the Assault, has differnt rails... more curved-up in the front for the higher angle of attack that allows the Assault to be more bump-compliant.
An Assault can have the front arm of the skid moved to the "RMK Position" safely, but, the RMK's cannot have the skid safely moved down to the "Assault Position" without increased risk of rail stabbing or friction losses in the drive train.
The majority of the SnoWestOnline Readers that have bought the Assault or are considering do so because of the "Heavy Duty" shock package with the compression adjustment and heavy duty shafts. Many of them have asked if they can switch from the 43" wide Assault front end to the 40" RMK front and keep the shocks... which is not possible.
The Assault, in the right hands, will hold a steeper sidehill than the RMK before paneling out on the hill. The "outrigger" (ski) is a bit farther into the hill. The Assault takes a more balanced rider to get/keep the sled on edge.
The Assault shares the Carbon Fiber over structure & rear bumper with the 2013/14 PRO RMK... The standard shares the Aluminum overstructure with the 2011/12 PRO-RMK/Assault. For the few ounces that the CF saves... The CF does not seem, to me, to be as durable in handling the many different loads encountered in our sleds .... as CF is integrated into the stock PRO Chassis.
The standard has 6 full sized bogie wheels and still has the ability to run scratchers, the Assault has 2 full size bogie wheels, and the PRO has 2 small sized bogie wheels.
The front-of-the-tunnel bulkhead cooler, IMO, IS a big deal...It sheds its weight in ice/snow buildup at that critical point in the tunnel and helps greatly to regulate temps. The PRO RMK's cooling system was downsized from it's Dragon Predecessors with no decrease in thermal loads. To put it simply, the PRO's cooling system tunnel coolers (heat exchangers) were "optimized" with the factor of weight being a Major-player in the design. The Pro has less surface area and less liquid than the Dragons and works "on the edge" of it's capability more often when in less than ideal snow coverage. Even the holes in the PRO/Assault snow-flap affect cooling in marginal conditions even with scratchers down.
Gearing and clutching is the same on the Std. Rmk and the Assault. (20/42).
The Standard RMK and the Assault share the same time tested/proven chain-drive system. Don't get me wrong... do the gyroscopic and inertia effects make some sort of impact on the sled--yes. But are these deal breakers considering the issues that a significant, but NOT majority, number of 2013 PRO RMK-QuickDrive owners have experienced this year.. Not in my opinion.
The Assault and Standard are the same weight... but a lot of that has to do with the shocks.
The standard has a solid brake rotor and Jackshaft as pointed out above... but other than overall weight, I see not as major concerns.
The controls for handwarmers/hi-lo headlights/mode-set and PERC are all in one unit on the handlebars on the Std.
The standard has the pivot style steering post, which I prefer and narrower handlebars than the PRO/Assault ProTaper bars. The bars are the first thing I change out on my sleds to tailor that all-important rider input to fit me exactly.
The Hayes master cyl, shared with the previous model Arctic Cat M's and IQR sleds is a more heavy duty option when it comes to bashing through trees... But to be fair... I've broken both the plasitc and the cyclone master cylinders on these sleds.... Depends on if that is a "deal breaker" for you or not... there is no easy/inexpensive way to switch from one style to the other.
The series 5.1 track (2.4" x 155" x 15") is the same on the PRO RMK and STD... optional on the Assault at time of snowcheck. The Assault comp track is great for stock class RMSHA riders and for hardpack or high moisture spring snow... The Comp does not have the deep snow abilities of the series 5.1.
IMO... The Standard RMK is the Heavy-Duty option with improved cooling over the Assault or PRO-RMK. You just have to upgrade the shocks and tailor the handlebars to your riding style.
Some prefer the wider front, comp track and steeper approach angle that the Assault delivers... but it is not the ideal choice for the majority of backcountry riders... even if you choose the 5.1 track.
The question to ask yourself is why are you considering the particular model you are considering.
My 2 cents...
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As Reg2view said above... there are small details that separate the two besides the shocks.
In addition to the list ... the Assault, has differnt rails... more curved-up in the front for the higher angle of attack that allows the Assault to be more bump-compliant.
An Assault can have the front arm of the skid moved to the "RMK Position" safely, but, the RMK's cannot have the skid safely moved down to the "Assault Position" without increased risk of rail stabbing or friction losses in the drive train.
The majority of the SnoWestOnline Readers that have bought the Assault or are considering do so because of the "Heavy Duty" shock package with the compression adjustment and heavy duty shafts. Many of them have asked if they can switch from the 43" wide Assault front end to the 40" RMK front and keep the shocks... which is not possible.
The Assault, in the right hands, will hold a steeper sidehill than the RMK before paneling out on the hill. The "outrigger" (ski) is a bit farther into the hill. The Assault takes a more balanced rider to get/keep the sled on edge.
The Assault shares the Carbon Fiber over structure & rear bumper with the 2013/14 PRO RMK... The standard shares the Aluminum overstructure with the 2011/12 PRO-RMK/Assault. For the few ounces that the CF saves... The CF does not seem, to me, to be as durable in handling the many different loads encountered in our sleds .... as CF is integrated into the stock PRO Chassis.
The standard has 6 full sized bogie wheels and still has the ability to run scratchers, the Assault has 2 full size bogie wheels, and the PRO has 2 small sized bogie wheels.
The front-of-the-tunnel bulkhead cooler, IMO, IS a big deal...It sheds its weight in ice/snow buildup at that critical point in the tunnel and helps greatly to regulate temps. The PRO RMK's cooling system was downsized from it's Dragon Predecessors with no decrease in thermal loads. To put it simply, the PRO's cooling system tunnel coolers (heat exchangers) were "optimized" with the factor of weight being a Major-player in the design. The Pro has less surface area and less liquid than the Dragons and works "on the edge" of it's capability more often when in less than ideal snow coverage. Even the holes in the PRO/Assault snow-flap affect cooling in marginal conditions even with scratchers down.
Gearing and clutching is the same on the Std. Rmk and the Assault. (20/42).
The Standard RMK and the Assault share the same time tested/proven chain-drive system. Don't get me wrong... do the gyroscopic and inertia effects make some sort of impact on the sled--yes. But are these deal breakers considering the issues that a significant, but NOT majority, number of 2013 PRO RMK-QuickDrive owners have experienced this year.. Not in my opinion.
The Assault and Standard are the same weight... but a lot of that has to do with the shocks.
The standard has a solid brake rotor and Jackshaft as pointed out above... but other than overall weight, I see not as major concerns.
The controls for handwarmers/hi-lo headlights/mode-set and PERC are all in one unit on the handlebars on the Std.
The standard has the pivot style steering post, which I prefer and narrower handlebars than the PRO/Assault ProTaper bars. The bars are the first thing I change out on my sleds to tailor that all-important rider input to fit me exactly.
The Hayes master cyl, shared with the previous model Arctic Cat M's and IQR sleds is a more heavy duty option when it comes to bashing through trees... But to be fair... I've broken both the plasitc and the cyclone master cylinders on these sleds.... Depends on if that is a "deal breaker" for you or not... there is no easy/inexpensive way to switch from one style to the other.
The series 5.1 track (2.4" x 155" x 15") is the same on the PRO RMK and STD... optional on the Assault at time of snowcheck. The Assault comp track is great for stock class RMSHA riders and for hardpack or high moisture spring snow... The Comp does not have the deep snow abilities of the series 5.1.
IMO... The Standard RMK is the Heavy-Duty option with improved cooling over the Assault or PRO-RMK. You just have to upgrade the shocks and tailor the handlebars to your riding style.
Some prefer the wider front, comp track and steeper approach angle that the Assault delivers... but it is not the ideal choice for the majority of backcountry riders... even if you choose the 5.1 track.
The question to ask yourself is why are you considering the particular model you are considering.
My 2 cents...
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Okay, so amazing information here...but now I'm really f'd up LOL. A couple (probably dumb) questions-
Being that the standard has the skid mounted in the upper hole, is it less flickable i.e not as easy to wheelie as the Assault?
If cooling became an issue, could the standard bulkhead cooler be installed on the Assault?
Finally, anyone with any experience in the Northeast on here that has run these? (primarily the NW mountains of Maine)
Thanks!
Being that the standard has the skid mounted in the upper hole, is it less flickable i.e not as easy to wheelie as the Assault?
If cooling became an issue, could the standard bulkhead cooler be installed on the Assault?
Finally, anyone with any experience in the Northeast on here that has run these? (primarily the NW mountains of Maine)
Thanks!
Different t-stats. On the std, the front cooler is not regulated by the t-stat, it's always circulating via the bypass circuit (plugged on pros). Tank is different, don't know if it's drillable. Just what I know. Don't know of any bulkhead issues. Looks quite doable, sure someone has or tried.
