M8000 Or M9000?

[M8 Rider]

I am concidering snow checking a 2014 Arctic Cat. Looks like the three I have narrowed it down to are the M8000 153 Limited,M8000 162 Limited,or the M9000 162 Limited. I currently ride a 2011 M8 153 SnoPro,ride at an intermidiate level,ride 80% off trail 20% on,weigh 240 lbs and I am 6'5" tall. I have not had the chance to ride a M9000 turbo yet. Looks like the drawback to the turbo is the weight. Is the change from 153 to 162 a positive move? Pros and cons of the M9000 turbo? Thank you for the opinions

 

[WyoBoy1000]

From what I know the 9 is a non turbo 1100, the m1100t is the turbo version. As to which I say neither, get the 8

 

[ACMtnCat]

Wyoboy don't know much.... The 9000 is the T1100. The non turbo 1100 is replaced by the 6000 which is the new DI 600

I'd definitely go with a 162" at your weight. You should test ride the 9000 before you buy!

 

[samiams2]

I'm 6'3" have always had a 162. Went 153 for '13 and I'm going back to 162" for '14. Not enough of an advantage imho.

As far as 8000 vs 9000 that's for u to know bro. I'm a 8000 fan. I ride trees and boondockin. Not a chute/straight up guy. Lots of threads discussing it. Lots of differing opinions. test ride would be the best way to tell.

 

[Woody67]

From what I know the 9 is a non turbo 1100, the m1100t is the turbo version. As to which I say neither, get the 8

Wyoboy don't know much.... The 9000 is the T1100. The non turbo 1100 is replaced by the 6000 which is the new DI 600

I'd definitely go with a 162" at your weight. You should test ride the 9000 before you buy!

New engine naming system:

5000 is 125 HP class 4 stroke = (1056 cc Suzuki NA motor)
6000 is 125 HP class 2 stroke = (599 cc Arctic Cat motor)
7000 is 135 HP class 4 stroke = (1049 cc Yamaha motor)
8000 is 160 HP class 2 stroke = (794 cc Suzuki motor)
9000 is 180 HP class 4 stroke _ (1056 cc Suzuki Turbocharged motor)

only the 8000 and 9000 are offered in mountain models for 2014

I would agree if trying to decide between them you should ride them if you can (does not have to be 2014s) they are two completely different sleds.

Woody

 

[WyoBoy1000]

Thanks for clearing that up, I'm 6'6" and 220ish without gear. I prefer the 8000 but my main objective is backcountry riding only. The 9000 is a pig for the way I ride. I'm also on a 153 and wont be going back to a 162

 

[av8er]

I love the 162 would like a 174

hate the 153, unless your trying to spin a brodie in the powder then it's fun, My turbo 153 wanted to flip over backwards, also dragged on the bumper alot, too much power not enough track

 

[ACMtnCat]

hate the 153, unless your trying to spin a brodie in the powder then it's fun, My turbo 153 wanted to flip over backwards, also dragged on the bumper alot, too much power not enough track

There is this thing called "throttle control" that will help that wheelie issue.

I found I like the short track turbo because I can wheelie turn at will. Helps in the trees.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

hate the 153, unless your trying to spin a brodie in the powder then it's fun, My turbo 153 wanted to flip over backwards, also dragged on the bumper alot, too much power not enough track

I had the same sled, switched to a 162 and didn't change anything other than lowering the fun factor, went back to a 153 and don't see the point. Especially when your the bigger guy going the same places as the 162's. Way more fun.

 

[samiams2]

I lack talent....so I get the 162

 

[0neoldfart]

FWIW

M8 Rider, at your height and weight I would go with a 162 - the difference in handling isn't that big of a deal, and you're big enough to throw the sled around. As far as M8000 or 9000? It's a personal choice, it really is. I came off of a modded M1000 running 200hp, my backup M8 pushing 165hp - both 162 x 2.5" CE's, both at least 50lbs lighter then stock. I now ride a 2013 M1100T, and we have a 2013 Pro in the household, too. I enjoy the new PC chassis, and couldn't resist to throw some EVO goodies at it - most fun I've had with my clothes on. That said, I've jumped between the PRO and the M1100T several times in the course of a ride - to me the handling is very comparable, minus the additional weight. I am a big guy (6'2", 240 in riding gear) and in good physical condition, so throwing the 1100 around isn't a big deal for me, even in my 40's (ish) lol. If you pick your way through the trees all day - the 8 is for you, can always big bore it. If you have a lot of mixed riding (climbing, boondocking, dropping into places you shouldn't be with one way out), the turbo is your ride.
P.S. I'm still on the factory belt at 600 miles, but did replace the chain as it was stretched to hell. Instead of putting factory chain in, I deleted reverse & installed a C3 belt drive. Venting is a must, and a Team Tied was a bonus (although Cat should have the secondary sorted out for 2014 If you buy either sled, get an alignment bat and check offset and alignment yourself, mine was out to lunch the day I picked it up.

 

[WyoBoy1000]

One more thing, IMO the PC 153 will go as far as the M162 unless your pointed straight up a hill if not farther.
on a different note the M will sidehill steeper terrain but that has nothing to do with the length. Also the PC 162 feels shorter than a M 153. So it goes both ways.
Usually the best advice for average riders is to get the same length the ppl in your riding group ride

 

[Cryme_Ariver]

Can't go wrong either way between the M8000 or the M9000. I currently own and am riding a M11 turbo and I love it BUT... I'm sno checking a 2014 M8 because while I love to climb those nasty hills and chutes? My roots are still that really steep and deep technical tree riding. When i jumped back and forth between my sled and a M8 I just have so much more fun on the M8 being able to throw it around and doing that technical stuff. And I'm a huge fan of the 162". I mean If people are claiming that the "only difference between the two track lengths is going straight up a hill" why not be able to climb that hill or bowl better then the guys on the 153"? What it came down to me when i jump back and forth between my buddies M8 162" and my other buddies pro 155" is the only time you realize any difference is when you NEED that extra track length. I still enjoy the climbing but like I said prefer the tree riding. I weigh a buck fifty with all my gear on and have no problem throwing around the M11T or the M8 162" so don't let weight or track length scare ya away. Just make your descion on what's going to be the most fun for you. Hope that helped, I'm looking very forward to riding my 2014 M8 162" this coming winter.