M6 or M8

[jrypka]

Hey folks, I'm looking at upgrading to an M series. I've narrowed my search to two that are in the vicinity, and was hoping I could get some feedback from guys with more experience than I have. I've found a 2009 M6 153" with 1100 miles for $6k, and a 2007 M8 162" with 215 miles (yes, almost new) for $4800. The $4800 is firm, but I think I can get the guy with the M6 to come down some. Both are stock, except the M8 has 10" simmons skis on it.

Most of my riding is going to be backcountry flat to rolling hills with some areas where the trees are fairly thick. I won't be doing much highmarking. I feel like the M8 might be the better deal, but I'm not sure it is what I want for what I'll be doing. Is there much drawback to the 162", or can I get into just as tight of areas with that as a 153"? Is the 600 enough power to spin that 153" and keep me from getting buried in the fluff? Finally, how much chassis improvement was there from '07 to '09...will I notice that much difference in the handling and weight and performance? Does the PC track make that much difference? How about longevity...will the 600 run a lot longer than the 800?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[sledtahoe]

800

both sleds will last a long time 2007 m8 was way d-tuned, the m7 will beat it up, both good sleds m6 will just have you wanting more power.

 

[Firetrail]

M6-8

I have owned an '06 and an '09 M6 and an '07 '09 and an '10 M8. The M6 is a very nice sled and the '09 is probably one of the better ones. It has the newer skid and is fairly light. It probably has the better suspension and track of the 2 sleds you are considering. I do not think it is as underpowered as one might think. I really liked my M6 and it goes pretty much anywhere you want to take it. The AC 600s I have had have one problem you will hate. They are gas hogs. They suck fuel and are much worse than any M8 you will buy. The 2009 I had, got 5-6MPG and I have talked to others with the same issue. Also if you were to buy it I would think you should get it for $4800-5000. The '07 M8 was the first M8. It really is a nice sled although later years improved the engine HP,skid,track and dropped considerable weight. The engines are bullitproof and they get much better MPG than the M6. Some people did not like the mechanical reverse but most people have had no problems with them. I would feel comfortable buying an '07 M8 for around $4500 if it is low miles and has had good care. You can do a lot to the sled as far as reducing weight and other little stuff to make it better. IMO, having had both the sleds you are looking at, buy the M8. It is the better deal and you will be happier longer.

 

[98gtlights]

M8

I have owned 600's and 700's and now I ride a 1K. There is never enough power it seems. Elevation obviously affects horsepower and I generally ride from 8-10,000'. The M8 sounds like the better deal. The hp difference between the two sleds is significant. It is better to have more hp than not enough. The M8 will be cheaper hp. The skids are pretty similar, just new rail designs I believe. I also have a 162 and my previous sled was a 151. I do alot of tree riding and was leary about the track length but have found it to be a non issue. I would not go back. The Power Claw track was one of the best mods I have done to my M. As far as motor longevity, both engines should see the similar life. Decisions, decisions! Have fun!

 

[jrypka]

Great information. I am very surprised to hear about he poor M6 gas mileage. I had just assumed it'd get at least 25% better than the older M8. I was a little bit concerned about engine longevity in the M8, but I guess it sounds like I'll have DD issues long before engine issues.

I had a chance to test ride the M6 on Saturday. I wasn't overly impressed with the power, it wasn't the "throw you off the back of the seat" power. But it was very smooth, so it is probably kind of deceptive. It seemed like it'd be pretty easy to ride. I think I am going to get a chance to test ride the M8 today, so we'll see how that compares.

Keep the opinions coming!

Thanks,
-JR

 

[jrypka]

Good point on HP at elevation. That is one thing in my favor. Up here I'll seldom be riding at much above 3k-4k feet. I guess that means I might need to do some clutch work...

 

[gonriggen]

I have 2 m6 07, have riden a combine total of over 4000 miles.
I have ridden through some deep stuff, and I have 141 tracks.
I can tell you I get 6 to 8mpg depending on what I'm riding in
Knock on wood, they have run great.
Some times I wish I had more power, but it has not stop me from riding in deep snow ..

 

[fasta76]

Great information. I am very surprised to hear about he poor M6 gas mileage. I had just assumed it'd get at least 25% better than the older M8. I was a little bit concerned about engine longevity in the M8, but I guess it sounds like I'll have DD issues long before engine issues.

I had a chance to test ride the M6 on Saturday. I wasn't overly impressed with the power, it wasn't the "throw you off the back of the seat" power. But it was very smooth, so it is probably kind of deceptive. It seemed like it'd be pretty easy to ride. I think I am going to get a chance to test ride the M8 today, so we'll see how that compares.

Keep the opinions coming!

Thanks,
-JR

I have 9000km on my motor and diamond drive!! just keep an eye on the Dd.. flush and change 3 times a year!!!

 

[CATSLEDMAN1]

m6 no slouch

I have never paid much attention to 600's in the m series, ususally some guy bought it for his wife and no one asks very ofthen about better clutching.

then last summer my pal Dan pickuped a 245 mile 05m6 with 141 track for way way stupid cheap in an estate sale. Plan was to sell it and turn a buck.
So when snow hit in mid Nov we took it on a ride to check it out so he's be selling a working snowmbile.

by mid year he had parked his wooped kitted race sled and rode the Six. What we did was

put on 153 challenger with 09 rails
orange secondary spring
shift assist
gold cat primary spring
13mm space from end plate surface to white nut surface then 5 or 6 cranks either way for conditions
cold air intake behind the speedo pod
geared it 53/67 top speed now only 71 at 4700 ft
010 seat
riding side by side with my M8 basiclly exactly the same gas mileage just dependent upon who was breaking the most trail.
After an all day Sat ride, sunday morning gas fillup would be 2 or 3 tens of a gallon difference on our fillups.

Only downside was super deep Jan fluff when you need all the HP you have to get up and float on the snow. 3' of fluf or less not a big deal. spring time riding tons of fun... what you find riding around with a six is he's riding at 67% throttle all the time where you are riding around at 51%. We could both cut stupid sidehills on this sled much easier than my M8, just that older agile m chassis with electric smooth power and sharp clutching.

Very very agile flickable sled. A good rider on this sled he embarrassed a lot of bigger iron all winter and had some good laughs over it.

 

[yardball24]

what is the engine life on a well cared for m6 or m8?