Your $.02, 08-09 XP 154 or 08-09 M8 153

[Cheynespub]

I just cant convince myself which one will be better. The cat ranks better on the report card but most people around my area, Central Oregon, are riding XP's. The XP has more HP and is lighter but has more problems. The cat is more reliable and looks to have a great record but its not as good looking.(sorry ac guys).

I have found a 08 xp 146 with 600 miles for 6300 and I might have found an 08 M8 153 with 200 miles for 6250. My wife might be riding this sled if its slower than my 06 summit X with SLP power package.

Tell me what you would do!

Thanks

 

[PowderBrad]

same price makes it tougher.

You already have a skidoo, so maybe your prone to thinking of getting another.

However, it seems like the looks may make or break it for ou, I think they're both good looking. However, I would go cat cause I like riding versus fixing. Not to say it wont break, but the engine bay is far more open resulting in easier fixes. Thats a big plus for me.

I also hate my skidoo dealer.

 

[ripnit]

Which dealer is better and or closer in your area???? If that dosn't matter, I'm thinking the M8. They may not hillclimb as good as an XP but cavre better IMO. If your o'lady might be riding its the better one. Thats a great price on an 08 M8.

 

[Cheynespub]

I found a wopper of a thread discussing both. People make it so hard to decide. I wish there was a clear choice!

 

[ripnit]

I've been a doo guy for awhile now but I will be getting an m8 or m1000 soon. Don't know if this helps or not just say'n

 

[ridefastflylow]

I live in southern Oregon also and I have a '05 M7 163' with close to 18k invested. I bought a '09 XP 163' in Feb. Both sleds have their "issues" and strenghts. Overall I do like the horsepower of the XP but it seems that M7 it a little more agile after first impressions. After about 800 miles now on the XP, I would have to say it is just as nimble as the M7. To put this in perspective I am not your average rider either. At 6'7'' and 250+ lbs. I do prefer the XP. Also I rode with some guys in Jackson WY. eariler this year and two of them had an '08 M8 and a '08M10 and I was out climbing both. To be fair they had 153' tracks and both had a can. Same as mine at the time. The only thing was, I am about a hundred lbs. heavier than each rider. So go figure? My $.02. Hope this helps. My vote the XP. Good luck. I agree it depends on the dealer. (Slp kit, vents and clutch kit going in the XP next week. Can't wait to see how it works.) Let it snow.

 

[polarisfornow]

i think the general consensus is that the xp is the better straight hill climbing sled, and the m is the better boondocker/ technical riding sled. So it really just depends on what type of riding you do.

 

[bluboy]

buy a polaris

 

[Tree Boss]

buy a polaris

No hijacking threads!!! LOL

If you like smooth riding on the trails climbs like a goat and boondocks alright through the trees an XP is a good choice

If you like bumpy trails don't have to have the himark and LOVE to play in the trees then I feel as if a Cat is what your looking for.

I have rode both and I love my XP, the two things I didn't care for on the Cat were it was rough on the trail and under powered compared to the XP. We have to use a trail to get to the good stuff, just as well not get beat to death getting there. My $0.02

 

[snowmanx]

No hijacking threads!!! LOL

If you like smooth riding on the trails climbs like a goat and boondocks alright through the trees an XP is a good choice

If you like bumpy trails don't have to have the himark and LOVE to play in the trees then I feel as if a Cat is what your looking for.

I have rode both and I love my XP, the two things I didn't care for on the Cat were it was rough on the trail and under powered compared to the XP. We have to use a trail to get to the good stuff, just as well not get beat to death getting there. My $0.02

I agree, I love my XP for gettin down the trail, climbs great(completely stock) but not as nimble as the m series. I still don't have any issues throwing it around. That being said, I bought an m 1000 turbo, or course for the power, but also because I like the handling better on a m Sled Vs XP. I've been riding doo for 10 years.

 

[Super Dave3]

buy a polaris

X2 2009 Dragon 163 track

 

[Cheynespub]

Thanks guys. I also learned to ride in southern oregon. I prefer making a high line versus scaring the crap out of myself on the way down through tight trees. I like the look of the XP and I enjoy my rev. Can someone tell me if there was a huge differnece betwen an 09 rev and an 08? The 08's are closer to my price range, 6500, but if the 09 had a miraculous advantage I might pony up more. I would kill for the blue and white X in a 154! I have never had a cat and they doo appear to be formitable. No polaris for me, a buddy has the 08 dragon 800 and i never saw it. He was always riding a loaner. Our favorite days are the deep pow days with climbs through the trees and into the open areas. I dont know who doesnt like that kind of riding.

 

[ridefastflylow]

The dealer in Medford had a couple of blue and white sleds that were hold overs. Not sure what track they had. Also heard that he lost the ski-doo dealer so don't know if he still has the sleds. Might of gone to the dealer there in Bend. I bought mine from Medford in Feb. and was really happy with the service. Good luck.

 

[winter brew]

An '08 with all the updates (warranty) is virtually identical to the '09. I would add the '09 spring cap in the primary clutch though ($65)....this was an issue on SOME '08's, but cheap insurance.
I am baffled at guys saying the XP is tough to boondock/throw around. With the right susp setup they are right on the tail of a M-cat.....and in some cases I think the added power/ snappier response of the Doo makes it easier to ride.

 

[Cheynespub]

I will check on the status in Medford. Thanks

 

[polaris dude]

i'd say arctic cat as long as your sure your not getting a polaris

 

[letsgetrad]

I am a yamaha guy, But my friend owns a 08 skidoo 800, and a 08 arctic cat 800. Lets just say the Skidoo was left behind the day he bought the cat. He is a happy Cat owner.

 

[711SnoPro]

the M will be more durable, and the parts are cheaper too.

those XP's climb like a mother fu*cker tho!

 

[snowmanx]

I am baffled at guys saying the XP is tough to boondock/throw around. With the right susp setup they are right on the tail of a M-cat.....and in some cases I think the added power/ snappier response of the Doo makes it easier to ride.

I don't think they are touch to throw around, however, I do believe, and from my experience and same day comparisons, both the m chassis from 05 up to 09, and the dragon that I rode(08 700 and 800 I believe), that they are defineately more difficult to pull over and hold in a side hill.

That being said, I believe equal riders on an M-cat, and an XP, will both do equally as well in the trees and such, just more effort on the XP.

If it comes down to suspension setup( and that's certainly a part of it, but I don't believe so in this case) then I'm all for it. Who knows, I may be surprised! Let me know what I should do.( Overall suspension is fairly good IMO).

Sorry for the rabbit trail!

 

[Super Dave3]

I will check on the status in Medford. Thanks

RPM in Medford went out of buisness. Water World, the local Bayliner Boat dealer, picked up SkiDoo. Dont know if they got RPM'S inventory or not.