What years for bad 800's?

[Triple7ron]

Hello, I am new to this forum and snowmobiling in general. I live in Montana and I am looking for my first sled to run in the deep powder. I have heard to stay away from the Polaris 800 motors and get a 700 because they are bullet proof. Is this true? Are there certain years this pertains to? And would'nt a 700 be less capable in the deep snow? Thank you very much for your input. I have been looking at 04 edge's and 02-03 RMK's.

 

[skibreeze]

Never had an issue with 04 and older. I miss those days.

 

[snowmobiler]

2000 was poopy year 800.had a 03 and 05.both no problems.700 with pipes would last long time i think.

 

[sled_guy]

If its a Polaris twin and says 800 on the hood stay away from it.

If you are looking at Edge RMKs, buy an 04-05 700 Edge RMK and put an SLP single pipe on it and ride it like you stole it.

sled_guy

 

[maddog21]

only on edge sleds! 800 stock are bad news! I learned that most 800s VES crank go bad after 2000 miles (also happened to my buddy's dad's 800 too). I wouldnt worry about Gen ll 800. I have three friends that has 800 NON-VES and over 3000-4000 miles. havent broken down yet.

I currenty own a 2004 vertical escape 800 with new Indydan bottom end. only put 300 miles on it ever since.. yup 2 years.. lol last year was a crappy season.

 

[stormxz2]

Dont touch to 08-09-10
Before i dont know them enough.

The 700 engine always been bullet proof.

 

[Kraven]

Hello, I am new to this forum and snowmobiling in general. I live in Montana and I am looking for my first sled to run in the deep powder. I have heard to stay away from the Polaris 800 motors and get a 700 because they are bullet proof. Is this true? Are there certain years this pertains to? And would'nt a 700 be less capable in the deep snow? Thank you very much for your input. I have been looking at 04 edge's and 02-03 RMK's.

(4) 2001- 2002 800's in our group.

(1) lost the crank @ 7500 miles, (never had the primary clutch balanced)

4000- 6400 miles on the rest of 'em, (clutches balanced in the first season), still runnin'

SLP says the earlier 2001's were more prone to crank failure, and by 2003-2004 it was rare.

Others on here have had crank issues with 700's and all years of 800's

It's the luck of the draw.

Prior to purchase, you can check the crank run-out with a dial indicator once the clutch is off.

.0025" is the ABSOLUTE MOST I would want to see.

Hope this helps

 

[rocket]

In the years you're asking about, 700s were generally fairly trouble-free, ran pretty well right from the factory and respond well to modifications. 800s had "spotty" reliability and required some tuning to reach their potential. I'd suggest a 700 is the best option. If you're able to swing a few more $$, don't discount a 600 if you can afford to get into an IQ chassis sled.

 

[Triple7ron]

Wow, All you guys are great! This helps me out alot. How do you guys think these sleds compare to a 04-05 Ski doo 800 rev?