UNDECIDED

[lorne1176]

Ok, here's the deal. Thinking about snowchecking an 800 RMK, however also looking at the AC Proclimb 800. I'm hesitant on the new cat (currently on a 900 AC) because of the first year on the new platform. As for the RMK I hear lots of engine failures mind you many are pre 2011 models. Have to wonder if this may possibly be rider issues from improper warm ups and such. Also hearing issues with bent tunnels, so I'm kinda leary. From what I've read both are very capable and comparable. Just wondering who else out there has had the opprtunity to ride the 2011 rmk as well as a 2010 cat. So I'm looking for an unbiassed opinion and input. So please chime in to help me with my dilema.

 

[AKSNOWRIDER]

I havent ridden a new cat(12 model), but I will say this ..the pro rmk's in 2011 have been great sleds, I would bet that there is near 100% owner satisfaction with these sleds..yes, some have lost crank bearings(possible kinked oil supply line(per bulletin), some just bad bearings,(same cranks as the cfi -8 dragon motors and it was rare you heard of them loosing a bottomend)), a few have had bog issues(a few bad injectors, a few bad plug caps, a few sticking powervalves, and many hitting the rev limiters due to light clutching), a few have lost sensors(temp, tps and such, and a few have gotten a-arms at the start of the season(notice no complaints once season got going and good snow coverage?), and the weak tunnel issue(same basic tunnel as the dragons and few had issues on them, most issues are from bottoming the suspension hard with weight on the tunnel(2.5 of gas and a bag), tunnel is a pretty easy issue to reinforce if it worries you,( we are because we pull tow sleds of food and fuel), now...if you consider the amount of sleds polaris sold..they are having a great track record....

Now for the new cats, here is my take(I almost ordered one as well ), nice looking sleds, but, same motor(which is a great motor), same track(again, great track), same weight(within a few pounds),and same basic skid(pretty good skid), the 11 pro against the 11 M in deep,steep snow did better, the deeper it was the better they did...now from what I see, the 12 cat should perform about the same in deep snow about the same as a 11 cat(all those items that really affect that are the same) the new chassis should help a bit, as should the chaincase..but I am not sure it will be enough..now I know all the diehard cat guys are gonna scream bloody murder...but thats my opinion from what I can see/read from looking...otherwise its a great looking sled and it may out perform what I am thinking its going too..I hope it does...cause we all benifit..but we will have to wait and see....hope this helps ya some....

 

[m8sandman]

you can park it anywhere priceless...

 

[ReTodd]

It seems like the few brand unbiased reviews I have read (Rexburg MS) have said that the new AC chassis should almost be as good as the Pro. With the vert steering it almost handles like the pro. It definitely is a step forward but the pro is a proven platform in my opinion.....

I have 4 buddies that got pros this year and I thought they were taking a big risk after the 10' dragon troubles but I have to tell you they have been amazing sleds. They just flat out work.....my buddies have ridden 100% hard climbing, cornice dropping, 4 minute WOT pulls in light fluffy to heavy Baker snow with tight canyons to explore. 1 of them had 970 miles before he took his gates belt off to use as a spare (I borrowed his sled one day and he asked me to blow the belt so he could warranty it and I'm telling you I tried hard...kept her pinned for 2000ft for like 5 minutes but no troubles). No engine troubles...only problem in the 4 was bent running boards and rails and blown chain because one of my buddies was dropping a 45 footer to flat and it was just a little much. Other than that those sleds go!

My $.02 so take it for what its worth.

 

[coyoteman]

Best investment I have ever made is buying the pro. I don't ever want to ride that ugly cat. Thats my review.

 

[danjpohl]

I have been fighting through this decision for the last month. Wife and friends have been ready to kill me. They may have even chipped in and bought me one of each!!!

Prior to the spring preview this weekend I was 80% sold on the RMK. How can you not be with all the reviews.

Went to the show yesterday and today and finally feel I have decided.

Money does start to come into play, I really do not want to make a ton of mods.

I go about 275 and have size 14 feet. This did come into play for me making my decision.

On the RMK Pro my shoes only left 3/4" of the running board open and the boards flexed a bunch with my heavy rump on them.

On the Cat I probably had 2.5 inches extra width for my shoes. The running boards only flexed a little.

So if I went with the RMK I would put the AirFrame boards on which run about $450 and would make me really take a saw to the sled.

The bar height on the Cat was also sufficient where as the RMK I would have needed a small riser. (Not a big deal!)

I really struggled over the last month. Pretty funny when I think about it, might have been one of the hardest choices ever!!!

Polaris 800 sounds like it is turning out to be a great motor and the cat 800 has been around since 2010 and rock solid.

RMK shocks - I would need to change rear spring and should have them re-valved for my weight. Cat - probably should re-valve but should be able to rid with them as is.

I have decided on the 800 162 ProClimb. I should be able to ride it without any mods. I really like not having to do much for mods to handle my weight.

Although... The cat reps from the factory at the preview confirmed that there should be a kit coming out this summer which will put the stance at 38" vs the 40" currently being listed. Sounds like new A-arms with a spacer for the stock shock. They were still doing final testing etc.

My riding group is split on the new sleds, 2 getting rmk and 2 800 cats. Both should be great!

 

[whitemeat]

Buy a cat so I can kick your *** on my new pro. Oh and that way I can ride the new cat hey buds.

 

[dmkhnr]

I've talked to 3 different people who have ridden the proclimbclimb M8.
1 who rode it for 8 minutes
1 who has a day of testing
1 who has one in his possesion for r&d and is riding it just about every day.

2 out of the 3 compare it to a skidoo
2 say it is a step backward from the current m-chassis
1 says it's better in all aspects.

I jumped on an 10 M8 yesterday, and tried to ride it like my pro, it's amazing how wide, and low the old M=sled felt after getting used to the pro.

 

[danjpohl]

I've talked to 3 different people who have ridden the proclimbclimb M8.
1 who rode it for 8 minutes
1 who has a day of testing
1 who has one in his possesion for r&d and is riding it just about every day.

2 out of the 3 compare it to a skidoo
2 say it is a step backward from the current m-chassis
1 says it's better in all aspects.

I jumped on an 10 M8 yesterday, and tried to ride it like my pro, it's amazing how wide, and low the old M=sled felt after getting used to the pro.

Do you know if they were on the 40" or 38" setup?

 

[dmkhnr]

Do you know if they were on the 40" or 38" setup?

I couldn't tell you!
I can tell you that I bleed green, have owned several M-sleds, lost a motor on my 11 pro which was down for 12 days and lost 2 big dump powder days, and I'm grinning ear to ear everytime I throw a leg over this pony.

 

[M8Chris]

I spent a couple hours on a new cat and I think it's better then the m chassis but not better then the pro. Still think the pro will get on the snow better. I'm Snowchecking new pros and getting rid of our two cats

 

[WYsteph]

I would check out m8chris' video over in the pro climb forum. It seemed like a fair and honest review.

Frankly if it was me I would go with the pro climb 800. For nothing more then the piece of mind that mine and my husband's cats have brought. That's even with the new chassis. But alias, they didn't make a sled with the hp/weight combo that I need.

My husband had a 04 rev, good sled and he never had any engine issues with it. But the knowledge that there could be issues caused him to ride more conservatively, he now rides his cat without hesitation or worry. No sure if that would be an issue for you, just something to ponder.

I don't care about brands, we have had them all. I just want what works for me. Yeah, that picture could easily say Yamy Girl or Doo Girl , lol.

Just another 2 cents....

 

[2007dragonman]

sled

Get the pro rmk!!!

 

[snowmobiler]

dude........ get a xp and spank both of those sleds on the hill.

 

[gcmci]

dude........ get a xp and spank both of those sleds on the hill.[/QUOTE



What planet our you on

 

[lorne1176]

Buy a cat so I can kick your *** on my new pro. Oh and that way I can ride the new cat hey buds.

Whitey somehow I knew you would say that.

 

[Reg2view]

I ride with M's, and they still break, too. I like them, but not the sno pro infinitely adjustable steering post (after it snaps off), practicing tig welding skills on the bulkhead, replacing the disposable primary spider with less than 1k miles, and, DD oil changes every 6 tanks or it's soon growling like a tomcat, before she seizes up tight. Not saying poo or doo is better, but riding a M stripped kitty does not keep you out of the garage, or away from a dealer. And every once in awhile, Mr. Piston gets angry and uncooperative. Just the way it is, green, red or yellow, they all got flaws...

 

[Timber12]

Buy a cat! I've never had a sled save me so much in fuel ever! The POS is never running good enough to take to the mountains.

 

[towngrunt]

I have a Pro right now and have never had as much as I have had on this sled. I had injectors replaced about a week ago and on the snow again. I think the cat will be a good sled as well but heard that it is a step backwards in the weight dept.. Rumor has it that it is 9 pounds heavier than the M chassis. Regardless I am certain it well still be a good sled, but it is obvious where my vote goes. If I did not have to pay Obama so much money this year I would have sold one of my Dragons and checked another Pro for the wife.

 

[icerider600]

I have had alot of Doo's with no engine problems at all, my last 09 XP had belt problems but that was fixed with a floating clutch. A good freind of mine has had Poo's since I can remember and only had one years agao with motor problems, and said his 11 Pro just plain *** rocks stock and uses very little gas and oil. For me at over $1000.00 less than a new XP and a dealer in my home town and not 35 miles away it just made sence, plus I cant wait to ride this new machine This is one guy that is hoping for a fast summer!!! Just my 2 cents also