Rode the 2011 Pro Rmk 8 today

[rzjim]

Didn't get alot of time on it unfortunately, and the snow wasn't super but I did find some fresh powder to boondock in. I currently ride an 07 m8 162 with slp pipe, 73g weights and 42-36 helix and my favorite sled up to now is the new HCR. Trail handling way better than mine, I'd say better than the HCR but haven't ridden HCR over moguls too much. Powder handling much easier to throw around than mine, not quite as squirly as the HCR with the limiters all the way out, but I did not adjust the suspension on the RMK and I'm sure it could be set up just as light on the front as the HCR. Overall it was really well balanced and could side hill at any speed you wanted, slowly or fast, and was quite manouverable. Way better steering than mine, but the HCR is too. Engine is very smooth like my 07, not rough like the 2010 m8 is, but overall power probably about the same as the m8, HCR always seems stronger as most of you know. Ergos are good, I would not change a thing personally, I'm 6 foot 165 lbs. Nice guages, running boards much better, same skis and track. Fit and finish seemed very good, engine access is actually good from what I could see. Clip for belt underhood, no tools or storage like last year. More idler wheels than Dragon last year. Clutch cover has channels built into it to direct oil away from clutches if spilled, not sure if it sits in belly or goes straight out, they wouldn't say. Asked about track lengths, they wouldn't say.

Overall very impressed, not sure that it has replaced the HCR as my favorite but it is definitely equal to it. Feels like a Polaris, can't explain why, but it just fits the same. Light weight, good sounding exhaust. Had an 03 Escape before the m8. Looks like a winner out of the box, time will tell. If it runs the same next year as the one I rode today, you won't be dissappointed.

 

[lucky13]

sounds like you want one

 

[F-Bomb]

Being one of the blessed 200.... I can say that you would want one too if you had a golden ticket.

Very very impressive!

 

[logchain]

what you see is probably not what you will get.

 

[fat]

what you see is probably not what you will get.

Yea, It will more than likely be better. (I think that's what your getting at)

 

[Scott]

I have not seen or heard of ONE report that didn't like it.
ARe there any legit dislike reports?

 

[poorider]

I have not seen or heard of ONE report that didn't like it.
ARe there any legit dislike reports?

I strongly dislike the fact that there has so far been no report of a 700 option in this killer new mountain sled. Until this new 800 setup is proven I will not buy.....unless the proven 700 cfi option is offered.
Only beef, I really want to ride one of these!!

 

[Scott]

They haven't revealed the full lineup yet....that is this weekend, or by Monday.

 

[windsock]

Gotta agree with poorider above. I would love one of these with the 700 engine. Just dropped money on the Cat M8 2010 because I'm afraid of the reliability issues with the Polaris 800. If they do come out with this sled with a 700, I'll be bummed that I didn't wait a bit..... But if they get those 800 engine issues worked out on this sled in 2011, well, maybe new sled in 2012 or 13 ........

 

[mtncat]

Good looking sled, Polaris had to do somthing, now if they would put some time in on building a engine that would build some HP and be reliable they might pull back customers they lost thru the years. The 700
in that chassis it would be first class, The 800, only time will tell if it is reliable with some Ponies under the hood.
IMO it looks like red and black Rev Xp.