Time to upgrade I'm buying a new skidoo 146 or 154? 08 or 09?

[Mammothsledder]

I bought a new 2004 800 summit 144" four years ago and have enjoyed the heck out of it, and its the only sled I've ever ridden so I don't have anything to compare it to. I do most my sledding off trail, thru the trees and hill climbing, and we get pretty extreme.

Im torn between the 154" and the 146". I am going to buy a new sled next week and am looking at either a 2008 or 2009 summit 146" or 154". My dealer has all in stock, 2008's are discounted and are about $2K less than the 09's.

Any idea which one I'd be happier with? Is there a significandt difference in manueverability, steering, response, etc. between the 146" and 154"?

Differences between 08' and 09'?

Any suggestions are truly appreciated!!!!!!!!!

Thanks

 

[Sledskisteeze]

I've been riding arctic cat for 3 years. Bought a 154" 08 this year. I decided to go with the '08 because I was told that with all the updates I would be in a similar position as an '09. Only time will tell if that was a smart decision or not but as of now it saved me about 2k

 

[Mammothsledder]

Thanks, do you have any details on the updates that are necessary as i want to make sure if I go with an 08' that it's going to run as strong as an 09'?

Did you leave it stock or make some changes?

 

[Priest]

Buy 08 there is no big difference bitween 08and09 and if you like 144 stay with 146 track because xps are keeping less catwalking.

 

[Mammothsledder]

Pardon my ignorance but I don't understand "because xps are keeping less catwalking". Please clarify if you could. Thx

 

[Sledskisteeze]

From what I understand, the major recalls were, handwarmers, 377 belt, and crankshaft. Some others were some intake foam, a leaky oil cap, a bad fuel gauge, etc. I think the latter might have to fall into warranty work.

The clutching is apparently way off, I am still not 100% but apparently with proper alignment and a DJ clutch kit, you can get these things dialed. Also vents seem to be like a good investment.

From what I've read as far as what to do, I am going to wash my belt and clutches with warm soapy water pre-ride. Take it out and break it in slow. Get about a hundred miles on it, and then get into it and figure out what needs fixin. Just my 0.02 cents.

 

[Chubbydog]

It's the driveshaft, not the crankshaft. I usually buy a new sled every year, but this year I decided to keep the 08. There really is no reason to get the 09, unless you love the new colors. $2000 will go along way in making your sled the way you want it. New skis, can, clutch kit, vents, bags, and you still have a grand in your pocket for gas. JMO!

 

[Chubbydog]

After you get all the updates, there's nothing wrong with the 08. It just takes a little time, and a good dealer. I'd go with the 154" if it were me.

 

[Turtlehead]

From what I understand, the major recalls were, handwarmers, 377 belt, and crankshaft. QUOTE]

Whoah! It's not the crankshaft it was the driveshaft, Huge difference.
All updates are available for the 08's

 

[Impatientforsnow]

Buy a 09 save some headache..

 

[Snoclo]

I to, had a new 04'Rev 800 144, then bought a 08'XP X800R 146" last January, traded it in on spring order Summit X 154".
Not really going to notice any difference in handling, just flotation. You decide.

 

[diamonddave]

154!
154!
Oh, btw, get a 154!
08 or 09 you decide
154!

 

[drscotch]

I was in the same boat. I decided to go '08 for 3 reasons:

1) The '09 is basically the same as an '08 after the warranty upgrades,
2) The '08 Price was way less than the '09 and
3) They offer 3 year bumper to bumper BRP warranty if you buy an '08

My dealer is doing the following to my '08 under warranty before I pick it up:

377 belt
new driveshaft
new 19 tooth top gear
new handwarmers

That bascially leaves the '09 funny diaper intake ($90 - crazy IMHO), perhaps some new clutching and not much else. If you search on here, there is a post with a complete list of the '09 upgrades.

Oh, yeah, go 154" if you like the deep stuff.

Good luck.

 

[Silver Sledder]

They aren't really all that close.

I own both an 08 and 09 XP. There was a little more going on than what has been said so far. 1. Clutch alignement between the primary and secondary. 2. Internal clutch components were changed. 3. Gauge problems. 4. Tunnel width or bogey wheel axle not spreading the tunnel enough along with several bolt or rivets rubbing the track. 5. Rear shocks not charged to 300lbs. 6. Rear skid geometry has changed on 09. Other updates needed are 1. red wire chaffing behind the can. 2. Gear change. 3. Handwarmers

I have my 08 dailed in pretty well and it has been a good machine but when resale time comes it will also be worth at least $500 less than an 09 a few years down the road. You'll use $500 of that $2000 to get the sled close to right. So a $1000 net savings. If you can get a 3yr warranty then it is a no brainer. If not then it comes down to save some and do some work or spend some and get a better dailed in machine. Either way you'll love the XP. Congrats

 

[Mammothsledder]

Thanks to all of you for your input. It's truly appreciated!!!!!!!! I now have a good list to bring into my negeotiations with the dealer and can make an informed decision once I get the bottom line #'s. I also want to minimize the hassle.

Thnaks again.

 

[Sledskisteeze]

my bad on the crankshaft...I meant driveshaft the whole time...

 

[BC boy]

2008 Skidoo 800 Upgrades

The recalls that I have heard of and that I am making sure are done before my 1st year warranty runs out are as follows:

1) NEW DRIVESHAFT INSTALLED I have heard that Skidoo is saying they are no longer responsible for anyone driving their sleds with the B.O Driveshafts. The trouble is, the waiting list is up to 3 months long for getting a new Driveshaft. Wouldn't be much fun having a track lock up at 60 mph on a bad turn or being helicoptered out of a big bowl with a jammed up track.

2) Rivets on the Heat Exchanger need replacing , existing ones are too big and are tearing up tracks.

3) Check Oil Resevoir, if you have the threads that only go around 1/2way then you will have chronic leaking cap problems. The only proper fix I know of is getting a new Oil Resevoir with the 360degree threads and a new cap installed. Don't let them just put a new cap on , it won't last.

4) ECM, needs to be remapped which will increase voltage to the Fuel Guage & Oil Guage Senders, both of which have been giving grief with erratic/inconsistent readings.

5) Altimeter may need recalibration, compare it to a friends unit or a good GPS.

6) New upgraded Belt along with Clutch Realignment.

7) New Handwarmers are required, the originals will fail.

8) New 19tooth Driver is required to ease the strain on the belt and provides better all around performance.

9) Rear Shock to be checked for proper pressure, min 300lbs

10)Secure Red Wire behind exhaust to prevent premature wear.

Get these items dealt with and your sled will be up to par with the new 09's.

Let it snow , Let it snow, Let it snowwwwwwwww.