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2015 vs 2016 M8000?!?! Help!!

H
Jun 30, 2019
52
14
8
St Anthony, Idaho
Hey guys looking for a Arctic Cat M8000 this fall and was wondering what’s the difference between the 2015 and the 2016 M8000? Is it just the clutches and front end?? Or is there more? Also how big is the difference between the sno pro and the limited? Also is there a big difference between the 153 and 163, I am 180 lbs in gear and 5’ 10 and want a fun sled that very agile, is there a big difference between the lengths? Sorry I am relatively new to Arctic Cat! Also never rode a 163 just 153/154’s. Sorry for all the questions, just want answer! Thanks
 

boondocker97

Well-known member
Lifetime Membership
Oct 30, 2008
4,087
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Billings MT
Same chassis, bodywork, and engine for both years.

Notable changes for 2016:
-Team clutches that are more reliable, but it's been argued that cat secondary from 2014-15 performed slightly better.
-New skis that floated better but were more twitchy and unpredictable. Both years need upgraded skis.
-36" ski stance with revised spindle angles (2015 has 38" ski stance).
-Redesigned rear skid. Different rail profile, longer front arm shock, and revised leverage ratios.
-Limited model came with Float Evol shocks. Sno Pro models in 2015, 2016, and 2015 Limited all came with standard Float shocks and coil over front track shock.
-Limited model came with a 3" powerclaw track. Noticeable improvement over the 2.6" powerclaw (used 2013-2015) in most conditions. The 2.6" is probably the toughest track ever produced and can still handle high speeds down the trail if you have to ride a lot of trail and less than epic snow conditions.
-Limited with 3" track used 7T drivers and was geared down too far with stock gearing. Re-gearing the sled or swapping to 8T drivers is mandatory to get the most out of it.
-Limited model came with a much nicer seat with good storage.

Between the two, I'd really try to get a 2016 limited if you can.

162 will allow you to go slower and take more time picking your lines. In deep snow the maneuverability difference isn't a lot different. Low snow the 153 is easier to throw around. Also if you're 225lb or more the 162 planes out much better. 153 would be my recommendation for you, but I have a friend your size that won't ride anything but the longer sleds because they are more capable in deep snow.
 

kiliki

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Dec 27, 2008
13,215
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Nampa, Idaho
^^^^^^ about covers it all!
this is the most important if you get the limited "swapping to 8T drivers is mandatory to get the most out of it." the gears are the same as the sno pro just the smaller drive shaft changes the final gear ratio too low.
 

sno*jet

Well-known member
Premium Member
Dec 13, 2007
2,829
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probably more difference 15-16 than the 17-18 "new platform".
id go for the 153 3" and put 8 tooth drivers in it or just gear it 21/49, unless you ride 10k+ than the low gears will work just fine imo.
8 tooths and skinny boards will have you in mountain cat territory.
 
J

jim

Well-known member
Nov 26, 2007
1,014
635
113
Boise
Get the 16 for sure. And if you want fun and flickable, the 153 does feel decently different from a 162. But if you want the best deep snow performance or climbing, the 162 is what you want. Personal decision really.
 

goridedoo

Well-known member
Premium Member
Feb 8, 2010
3,868
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Hey guys looking for a Arctic Cat M8000 this fall and was wondering what’s the difference between the 2015 and the 2016 M8000? Is it just the clutches and front end?? Or is there more? Also how big is the difference between the sno pro and the limited? Also is there a big difference between the 153 and 163, I am 180 lbs in gear and 5’ 10 and want a fun sled that very agile, is there a big difference between the lengths? Sorry I am relatively new to Arctic Cat! Also never rode a 163 just 153/154’s. Sorry for all the questions, just want answer! Thanks
“Just” the front end and clutches... those are both BIG upgrades. I for sure would get a 16- preferably a limited for the shocks and 3”er.

If you want very agile go 153.
 

bgraff1

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Lifetime Membership
Nov 29, 2007
894
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63
Lloydminster, Alberta
16 over 15 all day long, unless your getting the 15 for a heck of a lot cheaper and the difference will pay for the mods needed to make them the same. even then, the resale on the 16 will be better than the 15 even if you do upgrade the 15
 
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