what would you buy?

[Sprink]

hey guys I'm usually more of a lurker than a typer, read more than I post. I am in the market for a new(to me) sled, Just wondering some opinions on what you guys think. I have about 5k to spend. I am in north salt lake, so have access to many places to ride within an hour or two drive. I have been eyeballing some 700 dragon 155s, looking for a sled like this or comparable; Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

ps, I've been riding a 93 polaris 600 triple with I believe a 136 track..., so anything will be an upgrade.

 

[redrockwr]

How big are you? I am 5'9" and 185 with all my gear on and I have an 08 700 Dragon 155 and I really like it. I just bought a 13 800 155. But I really like my Dragon, I kept it for my wife and a back up sled. It took me everywhere I wanted to go without much problem. (it does have a SLP can and pipe) But if I was much bigger I think an 800 would be the way to go.

 

[RockyMtnKing]

I'm 5'11" 195lbs without gear and ride a 2008 700 RMK 155. I picked it up in April 2011 with 500 miles on it in the price range you are looking at. I chose the 700 as it seems to have less motor issues compared to the 800's. My buddy rides the same sled in a 2009 and he's 5'9" 250lbs and takes him everywhere he wants to go. They've both been great sleds so far, I don't think you can go wrong with a 700 IQ!


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[1MEX]

With 5k, '09 m8....

 

[D7-Ryder]

I am 5' 9" and 260 and I have an 08 dragon 700. for your budget, its the best money can buy. they will most likely have a pipe, can and air on them wish is awesome. also if you can scrap together anoth G you could probably find a turbo. dragon 7 for the money all the way.


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[Sprink]

Thanks for the quick input. I'm 5'10" 215 sopping wet nak... you get the point. I like what I have read about the 700 motor, seems to carry the least amount of issues, which I like. I have seen a couple 700 rmk for sale, along side 700 dragons, what are the big differences? with a small amount of research, the biggest item i could find was the dragons shocks were rebuild-able. thanks for the m8 input also... I am curious to hear your opinion, as well as any skidoo guys out there, summit 800 comparable? One reason from co-workers/friends I lean towards the polaris is how close tri city is for parts/service

 

[colefrost]

X2 on the M8 for your price range

 

[mmsports]

For used

Stay away from Polaris 800 they have a reputation for engine failures
M8 most reliable on the market I would recommend a 2010 or newer best bang for the buck.

 

[wjl]

Save your money wait awhile. Snow needs to fall. Search ksl.com some good deals to be had. Good luck.

 

[madmax]

I would try and ride something to see if like the chassis. The doo, m-sled and dragon all ride a bit differently. Try and get something with less than 2000 miles and from someone you trust. You can really get hosed in the under 5000$ price range if you are not careful. Find someone who knows sleds well to have them help. The m8 motor has been the most bullet proof motor on the market.

 

[M8Chris]

I would go with an m8 as well. Most reliable and best chassis for your budget.

 

[SnowBigDeal]

For the price range, I give another vote for the M8.

 

[wjl]

Heck ya, lots of M8 on KSL in your price range.
http://www.ksl.com/?nid=231&sid=742...he=1&viewSelect=list&viewNumResults=48&sort=1

 

[Sprink]

Like I said I'm open for opinions. M8 seems to be winning the vote in here. What track lengths do you guys ride? From sleds with 144 to 163, there is a wide variety, seems like most of these m8's have a longer 162. Sorry for some newbie questions, I am new to this. 162 harder to handle but better in pow? Better for hill climbing and harder for boondocking?

 

[1MEX]

153 all around good track. 163 will be harder to controll in the trees but thats rider ability... I'm 5' something so if i could go to 144 i would...

 

[wjl]

153 all around good track. 163 will be harder to controll in the trees but thats rider ability... I'm 5' something so if i could go to 144 i would...

Hector you still would mow down the trees.

 

[M8Chris]

Ive had 3 m8's and all have been 153's. I tried a 162 m8 and didn't like
It for my style. Like hector said 153 best all around track

 

[1MEX]

Hector you still would mow down the trees.

You say dat caouse a'm Mexican???

 

[dooradical]

Track length depends on how you are going to ride. If you are like me and enjoy powder the most, then you are going to want the 150+ range. I ride a 08 Ski Doo 800 154 track, and I love it. Arctic cat builds a nice motor, but at the cost of extra weight, I have never ridden one though. The M8 seems to be a popular choice. Ski Doo's steering is different than the Polaris and the Arctic Cat. You would want to ride one first before you convert. I am used to the difference so now I can Boondock and side hill easier on my '08 xp than I can on my brothers 2012 Polaris Pro. My xp has upgraded suspension though, and I am used to throttle input on my machine vs his. Throttle control makes initiation a powder turn much easier.

The 700 does seem to be more reliable than the 800, but it doesn't have as much power either. No matter what if it has more than 2000 miles you should look into putting a top end in it. That is just the nature of two strokes.

I think if you can get into the rider forward chassis no matter which brand you will be happier and have more fun out in the pow then if you where to stick to a wedge chassis. I chose Ski Doo because they invented the rider forward style, so for the money you get the most technology. My '08 I got for $4500 after all taxes and fees, and it only has 730 miles on it.

Long story short...
1. decide a budget.
2. decide how you are going to ride (trail, powder, trees, hillclimb, jumps, etc)
3. Decide a brand that suits budget and riding style.

For me that meant Ski Doo.

 

[phatty]

2010 M8 with the 800 HO motor. Ran stronger than the 2009.

Great sled for the price, pretty bulletproof for maintenance, not many issues at all with that sled. (get the update diamond drive bearing, should be all you need to do)

http://www.bd-xtreme.com/bdxdiamonddrivebearingkit07-upreverse.aspx