2017 M8000 153 LIMITED -vs- 2015 M8000 153" sno pro.... need your help!

[Rick E]

My friend is looking at two M8000 Arctic Cats.
He will be doing mountain riding in the PNW including central Washington and central Oregon.


Since I'm not all that familiar with the Cats, I'm posting a few general questions here:
1..... What would you guys choose between these two cats, and why?
2..... What would the Pros and Cons be for either machine?
3..... Any known issues with either?
4..... Any significant changes made to the 2017 model over that of the 2015?


I noticed that the 2015 M8000 track paddles do not appear to be quite as deep as the 2017 M8000 track paddles.
Any comments on that?

The price varies between the two, but I'm not sure if he's basing his decision on that alone.

Sled #1
2017 M8000 153 Limited, 2.6 inch lug track w/ 1,200 miles.... $7,500
It looks like it's equipped with Fox shocks.
It appears to be clean and in good condition.





Sled #2
2015 arctic cat M8000 153" sno pro, low hours and miles ,ggb mountain can ...... $6,000
Looks as though it's equipped with Fox shocks.
It also appears to be clean and in good condition.






Your comments are welcome.

Thanks in advance,
Rick E.

 

[Rick E]

By the way, as I understand it, he has already looked at the 2017 and would like to look at the 2015 on Tuesday.

 

[Krause09]

The 17 is better, It has the updated front end Which makes it much easier to roll sled on edge,
The 17 has 3” lugs compared to the 15s 2.6“
The 17 has a fixed steering post instead of the telescope style which get really sloppy
The 17 has team clutch the 15 was arctic cat and those were hit and miss from my experience

 

[Rick E]

Thank you Krause09. That's good info to have.

Please add to this if you guys have more thoughts.

 

[deanross]

My friend is looking at two M8000 Arctic Cats.
He will be doing mountain riding in the PNW including central Washington and central Oregon.


Since I'm not all that familiar with the Cats, I'm posting a few general questions here:
1..... What would you guys choose between these two cats, and why?
2..... What would the Pros and Cons be for either machine?
3..... Any known issues with either?
4..... Any significant changes made to the 2017 model over that of the 2015?


I noticed that the 2015 M8000 track paddles do not appear to be quite as deep as the 2017 M8000 track paddles.
Any comments on that?

The price varies between the two, but I'm not sure if he's basing his decision on that alone.

Sled #1
2017 M8000 153 Limited, 2.6 inch lug track w/ 1,200 miles.... $7,500
It looks like it's equipped with Fox shocks.
It appears to be clean and in good condition.

View attachment 354721



Sled #2
2015 arctic cat M8000 153" sno pro, low hours and miles ,ggb mountain can ...... $6,000
Looks as though it's equipped with Fox shocks.
It also appears to be clean and in good condition.



View attachment 354720


Your comments are welcome.

Thanks in advance,
Rick E.

Thank you Krause09. That's good info to have.

Please add to this if you guys have more thoughts.

He should get the 17. The camo color looks way better. It seems just about every year there are better changes that make the sled better handling.

 

[boondocker97]

The rear skid geometry is better on the 2017 too. I would take it over a 2015. 2017 limiteds could be had with 2.6 or 3" lug tracks. That one looks to have the 3". It's better all around except on the trail.

 

[lyuluck]

2017 is better than 2015, it paddle deeper in snow and more stable while direction changing, and have better deceleration It performed good in mountain areas. The 2015 have two front suspension sleds , Suitable for use on ice fields or polar regions without obstacles, gasoline consuming is lower.
In central Washington and central Oregon ,the 2017 is right pick

 

[Rick E]

Update: He ended up buying a 2016 800 Summit X in the 163 track.
Now he'll have two Bombardier products, of which was probably a good move to have the same make.