Mt_Man

Im looking to get a newer sled here soon and really not sure what to get. I have been looking at the 02-04 RMK's, but not really sure. I know that I want a 151 track for the pow riding around here and aleast a 700 to push it. I also have looked at the newer M7's, totally sweet from what I can see though alittle more than I wanted to spend. So what do you guys think. Im an intermediate to advanced mountain rider who needs a newer sled. Whats out there these days. Should I just hold out and save some money for a new M8??? Let me know what you guys think.

NLBurden

well its entirely up to you, you could save your money and get something brand new but if you wants something new but not brand new , if i were you i'd go with a Summit 800 with a big track on it If not i'd stick with those RMK's your interested in, I'd suggest going to your local dealers, ( Second Hand Dealers ) and see what goods they got.

Good Luck.

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I Love To Be Loud!

M8tor

Mt,

I'd go with the machine you like. You can debate specs all day long and never find the answer thats best for you. The guys I ride with all have different brand sleds. Once we get into the mountains we swap sled around, so I've ridden RMKS, Doos and Cats. Of course we all think our sleds are the best. But...I've not ridden anything that handles as well as my 2006 M7. There may be sleds out there with more power, lighter weight, better power to weight ratio and all that. But in the end, my M7 just feels right in the powder. I just picked up a 2007 M8. I haven't had to the mountains yet...just a few local runs. The M8 is noticeably more responsive. Looking forward to the next mountain trip.

As far as my own feeling about RMKs, Doos, Cats....

I think that the RMKs fell a little behind the technology curve during the years you are looking at (02-04). Still good sleds just not on par with the other two. I've read from Polaris itself that they realize it and have turned things around. And they have. Their new sleds are awesome.

If I was looking at Cats and Doos...prior to 2004 I like the mountain cats. 2004 I like the Summit. 2005 and up its a wash, but I prefer the cats.

Never been on a Yamaha.

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Later,

M8tor
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2007 Arctic Cat M8
2006 Arctic Cat M7
1999 Arctic Cat ZL 600
1999 Arctic Cat ZL 500

celicaguy58

m7's and m8's look amazing. other than that i have no idea about mt. sleds. i wish i would have enough powder around here for a mt sled though.

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'94 Arctic Cat EXT 580

ztrain

If you can go M8! I have one with a 162 track and does very well all stock. Smooth sled for side hilling off the logging roads and into the deep. No double wish bone front suspension which doesn't shovel snow nearly as bad.

Mt_Man

Thanks guys for you feedback. Gave me some insight on what to look at. Went and rode an 04 800 151" MC today. Was rather impressed at the response it have in the powder. Im going to demo a M8 next week so we will see how that goes. The more research I start doing and the more riding I have done, looks like Im starting to lean toward the newer Cats.

Jaded

Test Ride!!!!
Opinions are just that......opinions. Get what works best for you!

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ztrain

Lets us know about the M8, hope you can test it in the deep.

ztrain

Mt Man, finaly got the 8 in the 2+ feet of powder. Was able to stair case a fairly steep face bcause how well it side hills compared to the summit I use to have. The easy slops are almost boring and found myself side hilling and picking harder paths through the trees because how well it was picking up speed after a turn. On the negative side it seems I have to turn out or side hill a second or two early when the climb is not going to happen.

Mt_Man

Ok guys just got back from my demo. It was great. Was able to spend all day riding the M8, M1000, and crossfire 8. The had a Jaguar out there too, but wasnt really interested in it, though it was a nice ride. So what did I think... The M8 is an incredible sled, blew away anything that I had previously rode...which is alot. Very agile, and easy to maneuver. I didnt get a chance to get it in really deep powder, but was able to get it in a few feet. It seem to have no problem at all. The thing was unstoppable. The suspension was great also. Good on the trail, but also able to take the big hits with out blinking. The M1000 was the same set up, but power wise is alot more. You can really feel the extra 20hp. You grab a hand full and better hang on. All in all though I think that the M8 has plenty of power, think that the M1000 would just be overkill for me. I never had a trouble, the power was always there when you need it with the M8. I think that this might be my new sled. Very impressed!!!

Let me know if you guys wanna know anything more

ztrain

Any scoop on any changes with the 09's? Not that I am hoping, just wondering. I am finaly happy with the M8 and also like the fact AC still puts a little heat to the running boards. Not as good as Polaris use to do it and why they gave that up I will never know because on my buddy's sled they are always clean.

Mt_Man

Havent heard anything for sure. I have heard though the grapevine that for 09' it will prob be mostly cosmetic changes. Paint schemes and such. From what I head nothing major until 10'. Though like I said I dont know how reliable that really is just what Ive heard.

ztrain

I think there could be some big changes soon because AC sent me a survy last year that seem to really want thoughts on 4 strokes. I remeber one question asked what if only weighing 10%-15% more and costing a little more. Time will tell but it looked to me they want to make sure Yamaha doesn't run away if 4's are the answer or maybe even trying to find when the timing is right. Looking at 2 vs 4 on this forum it could be awhile. I will not be the first to snow check a M8 4 . I do have some faith in the 4's but will give them more time.