Some questions about the '09 M8

[shortstop20]

I'm buying a new sled sometime before next winter. Probably pickup a leftover '09. Can't decide what I which sled I want between Poo, Doo and Cat. Gotta be 800cc and probably 15x" length track, might consider 16x" too. No brand bias BS please just looking for honest opinions. I am 170 pounds, ride the flatlands around home a little bit, black hills trails, and off trail when possible and the mountains a few times a year. Like to hillclimb, jump, boondock, pretty much everything.

All questions are about the '09 M8 153(Sno Pro or regular doesn't matter).

1. Reliability(what issues if any)?

2. How is the power on the '09's? From what I'm reading it seems it's pretty comparable to the other 800cc sleds.

3. Fuel Mapping and MPG? The mileage on Cats that I've ridden with has never impressed me, hopefully that's changed now. Any burps or surges in the fuel mapping? I've seen a few Cat's that don't like aftermarket cans, this still happening? Cat's are setup to run on 87 octane(non-oxygenated) correct? Does the computer adjust for better performance if you wanna use 91 octane(non-oxygenated)?

4. How is the stock clutching? Please don't tell me it's as bad as the Doo's.(if it's bad is it easy to fix or is everyone chasing their tail?). I know my way around clutches so I don't think I'll have any problems.

5. Does the electronic reverse work good?

6. Telescopic steering, does it work well or does it have some free play to it?

7. Suspension - the magazines for the last few years seem to say that the M8 is lacking in suspension compared to the Doo and Poo. Is it lacking by much, does the skid still have alot of rebound like in years past?

8. Durability - Any issues with the suspension(rails and A-arms) and the frame(bulkhead and tunnel) or anything else on these sleds?

9. Handwarmers? Good or bad? Are the bars aluminum or steel?

What are the essential mods for these sleds?

I'm sure I'll think of more later.

 

[Coxy]

1. Fairly reliable as far as motor, diamond drive, suspension etc. Respectable i'd say.

2. Don't have much to compare to, but the 800 cats arent getting left behind, snappy low end, good pull all through IMO.

3. Cant compare to much, WAY easier on fuel then the M7 i used to own. It likes 87 stock, mods would determine better fuel or not.

4. Stock clutching is in the ballpark...? Few complaints of the 09's pulling cords out of the belts. Mine does, more of an allignment issue then anything i believe. Obviously needs some tweaking to get the RPM right where you want it.

5. Electronic reverse has worked flawlessly. Be sure to bevel the back of the hyfax tho, they are a C hair too long, and will hook the windows backing up on any uneven surface. And the flap is too long for comming down off a ramp of any kind, you run it over.

6. Telescope bars work good, some have had it freeze up once in a while. Theres a slight bit of play, but no worse really then most other sleds for the most part.

7. Its okay? again, not much to compare it to. Rides hella better then my M7 did... Still kind of a lumber wagon, i stand most of the time to keep my fat from jigglin...

8. No rail issues with my time on M's. I bent alot of A-arms, left side is tweaked on my 09 currently, but not bad enough to deal with yet. I feel they could be a bit better, you can twist them pretty easilly. Some aftermarket arms with the cross bracing on the lower arms seem a bit stronger, again, seems to bend just like any trailing arm/aarm sled tho. Bulkhead never had an issue with, someone was squeeling about a small steel piece they left out this year on the front lower mounting point, easilly cured for 3 bucks if your scared. Oh, lower a-arm outer bushings are still sintererd powder metal junk. And the non greasable upper plastic bushings wear fast if you dont feel like giving them a little love now and then.

9. Handwarmers are... warm. Lotsa guys say they are pretty weak. Only thing i have to compare them to is a Apex, and that bugger would burn your hands right off the bars. I believe the bars are steel...? Apparently a little spray foam in the bar helps alot.

10. Venting. Side pannel vents, flowrite or two in the shocktower infront of the clutch. A can is always lovely, and cut/remove/swap out the winshield. I put a boss seat on mine, probably wasnt worth the money since i rarely sit, and my legs are so damn short anyways, but it looks badass and is light, so whatever.

Hope that answers a few inquires you have.