Upgrade to M8000 worth it?

[Snorider35]

Got back into sleds after a 11 year hiatus last winter. I snagged 3 old sleds for me, my wife and youngest son. I had planned to ride my 2008 M8 for another season then upgrade but I'm already itching for something newer.

I found a pair for sale a 2012 and 2014 M8000 and just looking for opinions from someone who has had both. Is it worth while to upgrade or should I wait a season till I can save up and snag something newer?

What are the differences I'd only know by riding one?

 

[spoon]

Depending on miles on them and updates done, the 2014 should be a solid sled. The 2012s had clutch issues and if all the available updates were done while under warranty it should be good as well. The 12 will have the 2 1/4 Powerclaw and the 14 will have the 2.6. If over 3000 miles each, the primary clutches will be near or worn out unless replaced already. Engines are solid up to 5000 miles on well maintained sleds. If both stock, the 14 will outperform the 12 in most ways due to lots of tweaks done after the 12s came out such as track, front and rear suspension and seat. Look at secondary clutches for broken rollers and chaincase should be opened up and serviced. Gearing in the 12 was not as low as the 14. Look for signs of belt debris under the brake rotor indicating if it is a belt blower or not. 2012-13 jackshafts were a known issue for flexing and causing alignment issues.

 

[goridedoo]

2012s have a terrible reputation, resale will be tough on that thing regardless of updates

 

[madmax]

The 12’ also has the 40” ski stance. Depending on the price, I’d say ride your current sleds another year and save for 16’ or newer cats. You

 

[Snorider35]

Thanks for the input guys. I guess I will hold out for q bit longer.

 

[hansenmac]

I would go 14 or newer they had a lot of updates from 12 to 13 then 13 to 14. gearing clutching suspension and weight are all better on the 14.

 

[boondocker97]

I would go 14 or newer they had a lot of updates from 12 to 13 then 13 to 14. gearing clutching suspension and weight are all better on the 14.

I agree. 2014 is the minimum I would look for in a proclimb. 2016 and newer is even better.

 

[cbc24]

if you could 16+ is the ones to get, they have the better updates spindles, rail profiles and clutching. Cat really figured their machines out after that. Nothing is wrong with a 14-15 but the changes are really noticable!