RMK or SKS? triple of twin? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

somanytrails · 10-09-2008, 01:23 AM

I have recently put money down on a 96 Ultra RMK. I have been riding before, but I have never owned one and I have some concerns if this is the right sled for me. The dealer also has a 97 700 SKS for $100 more. There both long tracks, and that is something that I would like. (I have friend w/ a 2 up seat that I might switch over to for taking the woman out, but i will primarily be riding solo.) It has been explained to me that this sled (the RMK)requires a fair amount of snow to keep the engine cool. Will there be a problem with overheating if I'm on groomed trails? If so, is there anything that can be done to the sled so this can be helped? If not, would the SKS be a better choice? I like riding through powder and exploring, but I'm new the area and will probably be sticking to the trails until I find a group to ride with.

Any insight would be helpful! thanks! [b]it should say "triple OR twin".[b] my bad.

p.s. I would like to keep maintanence to a minimum. I like speed (although I've never gone over 75mph), I never beat on sleds and other family members will be using the machine. Does one sled have issues over the other one?( I do like those triples...

BC_Dan · 10-09-2008, 02:20 AM

When you have a deep lug track and ride on groomed trails, the track does have a problem picking up enough snow to cool the engine and lubricate the hyfax. The easiest solution is to buy ice scratchers. Ice scratchers fit on the rails (or skis) and scrape the surface of the snow/ice, and in the process, the ice or packed snow gets tossed onto the hyfax and onto the rear heat exchanger. When I put the scratchers down, the temps go immediately from 170 to 130 degrees. They are a necessary evil if you have to ride trails on a deep lug machine.

The Ultra is a very powerful sled, but in the powder, it's heavy when you get stuck. The Liberty SKS is a bit lighter. Light can be your friend when turning, especially in the powder or through the trees.

The triple will make better top end power, but the twin has better low end grunt. The RMK is designed for deep snow and mountain climbing; the SKS more of a crossover sled. Both are good sleds, it would depend on the type of riding you are doing as to which one would fit you best. Both will easily top 85 mph, even with the long track.

good luck in the decision!

somanytrails · 10-09-2008, 05:38 PM

Thanks for the input. I've asked local sledders as well as techs that say pretty much the same thing. Hopefully the dealer will let me tranfer my deposit to the sks... thanks again