'12 RMK 600 -144 for the girlfriend....maybe, thoughts?

[takethebounce]

So I am a Doo guy, but I don't bleed yellow. I seriously looked at the new Pro chassis when it came out when I wanted to replace my '09 Doo but never found myself comfortable on it.

My '09 became my girlfriends sled (800 154 XP) and I am at the point now, keep it and hang onto it, or dump it in favour of something new. It doesn't owe me anything...yet.

After looking at some 146" 600etecs and 800etecs I stumbled on a 2012 600 RMK 144. I have ridden an older RMK chassis with the 600 and was always surprised with that motor. Given the lighter chassis with the RMK and cheaper (marginally) price tag with current discounts its a strong contendor.

The reason I am looking to replace with a slightly shorter sled is her riding ability and the amount she rides. If we can get her out 12-15 times a winter, its an achievement so her learning curve takes a little longer. The powerplant even with a 600 I think is still a capable sled and even if she does get into a spot someone else needs to ride it out, as long as we beet a path in, there shouldn't be any issues unless its a really bad spot, but we don't take her into those. She doesn't weigh much either, a 110 lbs.

With a lighter, shorter sled, something she can handle with her weight, it might even be better for her and allow her to be more comfortable. Idealy I am going to see if I can rent one first maybe before the end of the season.

Who has experience with this motor? I am not concerned with the 144/15x2" either. Any thoughts are welcomed. thanks

 

[Taminator]

I was on an 07 600 144 rev...now an 800 153 proclimb. The learning curve on a Doo is steeper IMO, once you get it you're good to go but women may find it a tougher sled to learn on especially if not riding regularly. I have a way easier time on the 800 cat than the 600 doo...and I was able to get around on my Doo decently. Lots of women love the Pro's and the Proclimbs as they do take less rider input, easier to hold sidehills, to pull over in tight spots and to carve and turn in general. I wouldn't go back to a 144 track if you're planning on taking her to the mountains...there's not alot of weight savings there IMO and it is a big difference when in the deep. Most 600's do have the 144 track, Cat has a 153 on some 600's and they get around great. Maybe you should consider an 800 Pro over a 600, and a 155 track. A sled that will last her awhile and that she can grow into...instead of grow out of.

 

[takethebounce]

Thanks Tam! Thats an opinion I can deffinetly wrap my head around. I am not against going to the 155/800 either. I know reselling a 155/800 would be easier down the road too.

Some of what I am looking at is ease of starting the 600 vs the 800. The 600's motor longevity as well, but she wouldn't be running the 800 in the top rpm range often either. Really I would like to stick with another Doo, no point in having two different shop manuals and sled specific tools. The price point of the 600 Polaris is a big selling feature, (under $9000 new) Moving up to the 800 moves the cost up. Just weighing the options right now. I might jump on a good deal, or just wait until next winter.

I am not to worried about her outgrowing the 144/600 either. Its still a very capable sled that would be a real king 10 years ago.

 

[BirdieO]

I went from a 800 XP to the 600 PRO 155 and I am loving every minute of it. I have ridden more this season already than I think I did the last two years, so I'm sure that has a lot to do with the skill level increasing exponentially BUT, I would agree with Taminator that the learning curve was definitely a lot steeper on my Doo...part of the reason for getting into a smaller sled, actually. As far as power goes, the 600 PRO should take her everywhere she wants to go and then some. I have seen lots of men...BIG men riding these sleds and getting around just fine:d The only thing that I have noticed is on long, technical climbs there is no room for letting off the throttle for anything...you have to keep her to the bar! Where with an 800 you have a bit more flexibility with this, if you see something up ahead that seems a bit tight or you're not totally sure how you're going to negotiate it, you can lift a little and 'coast' through it...not the case on this 600...or at least, that's what I've found...

There is definitely a lot of bottom end response on this sled, which I really like...you can get it to "get up and go" super easy and quick so if your gf is at all timid on a sled, this is a good thing!! I've also found that the weight difference has been a huge bonus for me...I used to be completely spent by about 2 or 3 in the afternoon and now I can easily ride and still be ripping right to the end of the day...I think part of that is the weight but also just how easy this machine is to maneuver. It's 'flickable' haha! For real though, it is definitely easier to throw around in the powder and in the trees but even on the trail, it is just really, really responsive.

I can't say enough good things about this sled...it is definitely the best move I've made since I've been riding.

 

[trench]

If you want to go with a new Polaris 600 I believe you have to buy the 155" track to get the coil spring rear suspension. The 144" is still on the old torsion spring set up. We have an 07 600 144" and it's been a great sled, the motor is surprisingly strong. I think that your girl would love the new 600 Pro, but you should buck up for the 155" the coil spring skid just works better in the deep snow.

 

[Taminator]

With ya on the 600's longevity, my Doo has 8500kms on it and not an issue, still running strong. Been amazingly reliable.
Sounds like a 600 with the 155 track might be perfect for her, very capable with the longer track. And agree with you, the 600 is a super easy sled to start even when cold I have a tough time starting my 800 in the cold...er should I say most days Steve has tough time

 

[takethebounce]

With ya on the 600's longevity, my Doo has 8500kms on it and not an issue, still running strong. Been amazingly reliable.
Sounds like a 600 with the 155 track might be perfect for her, very capable with the longer track. And agree with you, the 600 is a super easy sled to start even when cold I have a tough time starting my 800 in the cold...er should I say most days Steve has tough time

he likely just doesn't want to have to ride to where you are as he might get stuck


First I will have to find one for her to ride, or possibly rent one to compare it to the Doo for her. Thanks

 

[flygti32]

I have a 2012 600 RMK 144 and I am having a blast on it this winter. I'm 238lbs and this thing pulls me along with ease. I will be honest though, after riding the sled for a while and seeing it's capabilities, it has made me wonder what the Pro 600 155 could do, hence I'm in the middle of trying to sell this one, and pick up a pro 600 this spring seeing as our local dealer is sitting with three of them on the lot right now.

 

[takethebounce]

If you want to go with a new Polaris 600 I believe you have to buy the 155" track to get the coil spring rear suspension. The 144" is still on the old torsion spring set up. We have an 07 600 144" and it's been a great sled, the motor is surprisingly strong. I think that your girl would love the new 600 Pro, but you should buck up for the 155" the coil spring skid just works better in the deep snow.

thanks for that, I would have seen it when I actually went and looked at one but didn't pick up on the torsion springs in the photos. Its actually possibly the number one thing I hate about my Doo, well, for another week until they finally do away with torsion springs

155 it is if we go that route. It is actually lighter (by the specs) than the 144.

 

[dpolacik]

I have a 2010 RMK 600 155. No complaints here. I am 255lbs and it gets me everywhere but wont win the himark race. The new pro 600 is a big step up i noticed when i tried one. Easy to handle and seemed to have noticably more power than my 10. As soon as a new owner is found for the 10 i will be getting a Pro 600. Good luck with whichever you chose and have fun!!

 

[MarkCos]

I got a 2012 600 rmk 144 track ,for the wife this year andShe loves it , it is just the right size , and she can put it on its side veryEasy do to the 15" track set up , it all so comes with the rush type handel bar Geometry so it's the perfect set up , all so check out the width of the boardsShe always will have sure footing with how wide they are

 

[BirdieO]

First I will have to find one for her to ride, or possibly rent one to compare it to the Doo for her. Thanks

Where do you two typically ride? If we could make it work, I would let her give mine a spin and see how it feels...we ride around Cranbrook and CNP a lot but we could even hit Etherington for an afternoon...we are just outside of Okotoks

 

[takethebounce]

Where do you two typically ride? If we could make it work, I would let her give mine a spin and see how it feels...we ride around Cranbrook and CNP a lot but we could even hit Etherington for an afternoon...we are just outside of Okotoks

We never ride in AB, sometimes do day trips to Fernie, or Golden. We haven't ridden Fernie much at all this winter. Been heading further away.

Not to say we wouldn't be open to going down to Etherington for the day. That would be very kind of you! I could take a friends 163 with us for a few days, but I don't really like borrowing a sled, if something were to happen its just not cool. I figure though, if she feels comfortable on the 163, no reason she would feel its worse than the 155.

 

[hecks]

Get the 155, then you have a very capable sled for a spare if needed !

 

[Teth-Air]

So I am a Doo guy, but I don't bleed yellow. I seriously looked at the new Pro chassis when it came out when I wanted to replace my '09 Doo but never found myself comfortable on it.

My '09 became my girlfriends sled (800 154 XP) and I am at the point now, keep it and hang onto it, or dump it in favour of something new. It doesn't owe me anything...yet.

After looking at some 146" 600etecs and 800etecs I stumbled on a 2012 600 RMK 144. I have ridden an older RMK chassis with the 600 and was always surprised with that motor. Given the lighter chassis with the RMK and cheaper (marginally) price tag with current discounts its a strong contendor.

The reason I am looking to replace with a slightly shorter sled is her riding ability and the amount she rides. If we can get her out 12-15 times a winter, its an achievement so her learning curve takes a little longer. The powerplant even with a 600 I think is still a capable sled and even if she does get into a spot someone else needs to ride it out, as long as we beet a path in, there shouldn't be any issues unless its a really bad spot, but we don't take her into those. She doesn't weigh much either, a 110 lbs.

With a lighter, shorter sled, something she can handle with her weight, it might even be better for her and allow her to be more comfortable. Idealy I am going to see if I can rent one first maybe before the end of the season.

Who has experience with this motor? I am not concerned with the 144/15x2" either. Any thoughts are welcomed. thanks

Hand her down the 12 XP and buy a 13 XM for yourself. You know you want to and really, she did no better on that Pro than on the Doo

 

[robhayward]

You and Chris both saw me on my Pro for the first day, even the second and third day I was stumbling around that thing. After some setup changes and practice the fourth and fifth days this year I could ride it as good as my XP (with its 09 faults) Now I can say that I am slightly better on it than I may be if I went to a etec like yours Danny.

The only thing you'll need in the garage is a different clutch puller. Everything else makes sense as it did on the doo. I could even say they're easier to work on than a doo eg: plug check, belt adjustment, top end re&re, hood/console removal.

I had a 15" on my xp and it's pretty much un-measurable the difference from a 16" (2.5" mind you) 155 is much more useful to me. Also there's a reason they sell sooooo many 154s and 155s. They are the best all around without giving up here or there.

Cut the bar ends to make them narrow and lean them back helps a lot with the steering difference, I actually like it now. Seats are better too.

I don't care any more what brand I or anyone else rides as long as it's not Yamaha. I have a bud with an 1100t and I'd buy one of those if I wasn't happy now.

 

[senorjeem]

I got a 2012 600 rmk 144 track ,for the wife this year andShe loves it , it is just the right size , and she can put it on its side veryEasy do to the 15" track set up , it all so comes with the rush type handel bar Geometry so it's the perfect set up , all so check out the width of the boardsShe always will have sure footing with how wide they are

You got a 2012 600 RMK for yur wife!!


Good Trade



Hehehehehehe

 

[Teth-Air]

You and Chris both saw me on my Pro for the first day, even the second and third day I was stumbling around that thing. After some setup changes and practice the fourth and fifth days this year I could ride it as good as my XP (with its 09 faults) Now I can say that I am slightly better on it than I may be if I went to a etec like yours Danny.

The only thing you'll need in the garage is a different clutch puller. Everything else makes sense as it did on the doo. I could even say they're easier to work on than a doo eg: plug check, belt adjustment, top end re&re, hood/console removal.

I had a 15" on my xp and it's pretty much un-measurable the difference from a 16" (2.5" mind you) 155 is much more useful to me. Also there's a reason they sell sooooo many 154s and 155s. They are the best all around without giving up here or there.

Cut the bar ends to make them narrow and lean them back helps a lot with the steering difference, I actually like it now. Seats are better too.

I don't care any more what brand I or anyone else rides as long as it's not Yamaha. I have a bud with an 1100t and I'd buy one of those if I wasn't happy now.

Not knocking your choice Rob, It's just that Dan already has the 12 Doo and will lose too much if he trades it in and buy a 13 Doo and a Pro for his girl friend. If she found it much easier to ride, that might justify it.

 

[robhayward]

The jist of my point is that myself, you, Danny, Rob or anyone else who jumps off a doo and onto a PRO will need ~3 days of conscious effort before it will cross over from much more difficult to easier. I saw a pic indicating that Jess probably tried one out but a day isn't enough.

Danny's blood runs much more yellow than he'd admit. For every brand there are people that can ride the sh!t out of them...

 

[DiggsNWt]

I have a 2012 600 RMK 144 and I am having a blast on it this winter. I'm 238lbs and this thing pulls me along with ease. I will be honest though, after riding the sled for a while and seeing it's capabilities, it has made me wonder what the Pro 600 155 could do, hence I'm in the middle of trying to sell this one, and pick up a pro 600 this spring seeing as our local dealer is sitting with three of them on the lot right now.

Down to two. Good deals to be had for sure!!

Diggs