What sled would you buy

[Pine Rob]

Looking to get a sled to get me through the season. Maybe keep as a spare for the future. Want to get into a 2018+ next season just can’t swing that money this year. Bought wife and father in law upgrades from their 03 and 02 700 144 rmks into 2018 rmks. A 600 e start 155 and a 800 155 so if anyone has any recommendations for setup on those I’m open. Blew my budget on their sleds ?‍

Have a few different sleds to choose from not to far from me. Get pretty good snow where we live and do mountain off tail riding mainly.

Sled 1 is a 2012 800 155 pro rmk with all the tunnel bracing, upgraded footwells, upgraded rear bumper and a Silber turbo. Stock walker evans suspension. $3500 clean condition comes with all stock items including spare Ecu for stock.

Sled 2 is a 2015 pro rmk 800 155 all stock for $3500 with 2200 miles Quickdrive also clean condition

Sled 3 2012 800 155 fox float suspension, skins a arm front end kit, bumpers running boards almost all the bolt ons. 2800 miles rebuilt at 2200 $4500 very clean with a bad ass wrap.

Have the knowledge to rebuild repair and fix about everything on these all and have rebuilt many poo poo 800’s so doing the fix it before the season starts will probably happen. Have some knowledge on the silber turbos but minimal.

Had a 2015 pro RMK 155 800 for a couple seasons and loved it. Currently on a 2009 dragon 800 163 and absolutely hate it for numerous reasons biggest being a 163 dragon 800

Thanks for any advice. I can’t wait for the season itchin so bad after picking up their sleds last week. Also so over this heat.

 

[ndfb35]

I'd say the sled with the upgraded suspension. The turbo could be fun but if you are looking for a sled that will probably have the best runability and handle the best the Fox sled sounds like the ticket.

 

[05rmksteve]

Sled #2. 2015 pro rmk. Main reason more reliable motor. Better pistons, thicker cylinder skirts and a better crankshaft vs the 2012 motor.

 

[Pine Rob]

Thanks for responses. Sadly missed out on the 2015 and the only other non totaled 2015 is $6000 which I might as well spend another $2000 and get an axys at that price. Might have to wait a few more weeks to see what comes up. The 2015’s get top dollar by me still I shouldn’t have sold mine two years ago that sled ripped.

Might bite the bullet and get the turbo as they would take $3000 and do the fix it kit with the saved money. Will be pulling the clutch and compression before purchase to confirm the better crank and that it’s in ok shape top end wise. If I do check it out. Added photos of the turbo sled.

Sled just has to last the year have a boat restoration over winter and the profits of that go to buy a much better sled for next season.

 

[MTsled3]

I'd try to find at least a 2013 just for the better crank. My 2012 got a fresh top end "fix kit" as preventative maintenance at 2300 miles, and then at 2800 miles, it lost a lower rod bearing and took out almost every piece of the engine. I priced it out to rebuild it and it was about $2800 in parts if I remember right. Tried to find a whole used engine for cheaper but I ended up selling it as a roller.

 

[BeartoothBaron]

@05rmksteve hit it pretty well. The '12s aren't necessarily bad, but '13 and up is worth spending more on. Especially if the bonded A-arms have been replaced (one thing that's actually better in the 11-12). Belt drive is kind of a plus and minus in my book: it's geared too high and not as reliable as the chaincase, but there's the weight and rotating mass advantage. I'm not sure I'd mess with the turbo, and the other '12 seems too expensive unless it was a top-to-bottom rebuild; just a top end leaves a lot of stuff that could go boom...

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

After rebuilding way too many 2011-2015 pro 800’s……..

I’d say only buy a 2016 or newer Polaris if you can’t bear to buy anything else.

Otherwise in that price range a 13+ xm summit will give you decent run ability and reliability.

2010-2011 M8?

 

[Pine Rob]

Thanks to everyone for their advice. Read it all and tried to absorb what I could.


After reading all your comments I Ended up passing on all the sleds and bought a 17’ assault 800 155 with a chaincase. Got a smoking deal on it with 1700 miles but extremely clean sled with only a couple scuffs on side panels and engine compartment looks like new clean still minus usual dirt collection areas. Had 135 compression cold on both sides, clutch was rebuilt at 1500 as maintenance. Did check weight bushings and rollers and all do seam like new still no side to side play. Also came with under seat bag and the skins windshield/bag both are a plus for me and planned to buy them anyway.

Got it for a better price than most the 14-15’ pros that were in worse shape. But it was also 6 hours away.

Now I just have to figure out if I’ll be riding the assault vs the pro or if my father in law will take the assault. My guess is The pro would be better suited for my style riding (more off trail in the trees) vs his primary trail with off trail play probably not tree sidehilling though.

Going to do some research on previous threads about setups for gearing suspension etc

Again thanks everyone for your advice can’t wait for the forums to wake up from hibernation completely. Glad people stay on here year round

Happy riding

 

[208_RMK]

I'd go with #2, newest and less miles. Sled #1 could be a mechanics special (being turbo'd, could be working/tuning on it all winter). Next year buy the sled you really want.

 

[208_RMK]

Thanks to everyone for their advice. Read it all and tried to absorb what I could.


After reading all your comments I Ended up passing on all the sleds and bought a 17’ assault 800 155 with a chaincase. Got a smoking deal on it with 1700 miles but extremely clean sled with only a couple scuffs on side panels and engine compartment looks like new clean still minus usual dirt collection areas. Had 135 compression cold on both sides, clutch was rebuilt at 1500 as maintenance. Did check weight bushings and rollers and all do seam like new still no side to side play. Also came with under seat bag and the skins windshield/bag both are a plus for me and planned to buy them anyway.

Got it for a better price than most the 14-15’ pros that were in worse shape. But it was also 6 hours away.

Now I just have to figure out if I’ll be riding the assault vs the pro or if my father in law will take the assault. My guess is The pro would be better suited for my style riding (more off trail in the trees) vs his primary trail with off trail play probably not tree sidehilling though.

Going to do some research on previous threads about setups for gearing suspension etc

Again thanks everyone for your advice can’t wait for the forums to wake up from hibernation completely. Glad people stay on here year round

Happy riding

Oh I should have read the entire thread. Good call on the 17' the Axys chassis is a major upgrade from the Pro. I still have a 17' RMK 800 155 great sled, it's my guest/backup sled now.

 

[Pine Rob]

I'd go with #2, newest and less miles. Sled #1 could be a mechanics special (being turbo'd, could be working/tuning on it all winter). Next year buy the sled you really want.

Ya after reading others comments I passed on the 12’s and the 15 sold before I could get to it. Which was good for us as now I won’t “have to” upgrade any sleds for the family for a couple years.

Even managed to talk wife into a “new to us” 4 place enclosed to upgrade our barely 3 place enclosed that was 5’ tall inside. With all the “new to us” rides can’t damage them in the trailer.