Was the 15 Pro truly the best ?

[Sledtillded]

Hey guys I am looking at picking up a 2015 Pro 800 155 or 163 for my son.
I know about the early issues with engine durability quick drive bolts and i think drive shaft issues. I have been told the 15’s were the best year for the Pro. Can someone chime in and let me know if the previous years issues were mostly solved with the 15 model year and anything to look out for.

I am specifically looking at a 15 terrain Dominator 163 with under. 1000 kms Was this model just upgraded shocks and and decal kit. ?

Thanks any help is appreciated
Scott

 

[Rene G]

The Terrain Dominator was as you said, shocks and graphics. I had a ‘15 and sheared the lower Q/D bolt. Once I changed it out to the upgraded one I never had any issues. Should be a good machine for him.

 

[Teth-Air]

For the ProRide, the 15 was the best with updated pistons. The HO motor in the AXYS was still better though as they went to the electronic controlled oil pump and more sophisticated exhaust valves and light-weight crank. But the engines share many similarities and I would say the downfall of the older 800 is that it may not get good oiling at all RPMs. The ProRide oil tank has the cap on an angle and for it to vent it has to rattle enough to hit the breather valve. When you trail ride the sled sits flat and may not hit the valve enough and it may pull a partial vacuum. You can add your own vent to the tank or change the cap to a ski-doo cap. Most guys also turned up the oil pump 2 turns as they use very little oil or if you are diligent you can add some to the tank with your fuel. These sleds work very well with offset spindles to narrow them by 2 inches.

 

[Jorg Jorgenson]

As already mentioned, yes just a simple upgrade needed on the grade of bolts on the quick drive system. This was a dealer recall. Also all of the 13-15 pros had upgraded drive shafts IIrC but some guys still put collars around them for extra security - I did to mine as a preventative never had any issues of ungluing. This was also a recall I believe.

Speaking of ungluing, the 15’s used more glue and plugged holes in the A-arms that were there on the 11-13/14’s which caused water to get into the arms and the glue to break down and your A arms separated. 15 was best year but some guys (including me on my 13) just add mechanical fasteners through the a arms to keep them pinned together. I have pictures of when I did mine if you are curious on this.

Turn up the Oiler on all Pro’s. There’s a separate thread on how much guys say. I think 1.5 turns is usually good, some go even more. Need to ask if it’s already been adjusted or not as too much oil is no good either.

The shocks and wrap kit are a nice touch to the TD model.

 

[Sledtillded]

Thanks guys. This is exactly the information I need. My son has been saving for 3 years. And was riding my old 09 Dragon. He saved up $5500.00 so far and would like to get him into an AXYS chassis but a low miler is around 7k ish. Rebuilt sleds for around 6500
He is only 16. I thought a low mile 15 Pro would be the way to go.

I am not buying him a sled and want him to know the value of putting his hard earned cash down on a sled.

 

[Stg2Suby]

For the ProRide, the 15 was the best with updated pistons

To clarify do you mean the '15 came from factory with updated pistons, or the pistons need to be updated by owner?

 

[Teth-Air]

To clarify do you mean the '15 came from factory with updated pistons, or the pistons need to be updated by owner?

Factory did the update. The pistons got oil grooves put in them from what i understand.

 

[Jorg Jorgenson]

Factory did the update. The pistons got oil grooves put in them from what i understand.

And also by then they were scrutinizing the piston slop tolerances from factory far more than they ever were with the earlier dragon or early Pro chassis sleds.

 

[TDR]

I had a 15 and it was a solid sled. QD bolts and good to go. Can’t hurt to turn up the oil a turn but not everyone did this. Narrow spindles will definitely make a difference. Few 16’s around for $6500.

 

[Ryeser]

If I had the extra money, I would help the kid out with an extra $1k, he will value the hard earned money that he invested and never forget how you helped him out with his first sled that he owned!

 

[ABMax24]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a 13-15. 13 needs the upgraded quick drive belt from 14 and up and need to ensure all the other fixes were done.

At the age of any of those sleds I'd expect to have to do some work to them, all bearings in the skid probably need to be replaced, shocks will likely need to be rebuilt, and it may or may not need pistons depending on year and mileage. Clutches also should be looked at.

Something like this: https://www.kijiji.ca/v-snowmobile/calgary/2014-pro-rmk-163/1525338424?undefined

I'd try for $4k which would leave $1500 to buy pistons, clutch bushings/rollers, bearings for skid, and pay to have the shocks rebuilt. And then you'd have a sled with new wear parts for a similar price as a 15.

 

[Sledtillded]

Good info. Nothing is off the table. You really only hear about the bad experiences with the Pro chassis and was thinking of going 15 to get the best of that run. I am happy to hear so many guys ran them Mostly trouble free. It does Come down to how guys maintain and ride their stuff.

My 09 Dragon has 8000kms (original engine) and is still running strong Maybe I got the only good one but I do look after my stuff it’s just too heavy for my kids to ride.

 

[Sledtillded]

If anyone has or knows of someone looking to sell a 15 800 163 with around 2000kms please have them get in touch with me
Thanks
Scott
780-318-4295

 

[Teth-Air]

Unless your kid is really big don't hesitate on a 600 if you find one. Often the 600's are lady ridden and could be in better condition sometimes. My son at that age rode a 600 ProRide and came off a 700 IQ. The 600 ran circles around the IQ chassis.

 

[Couch]

Unless your kid is really big don't hesitate on a 600 if you find one. Often the 600's are lady ridden and could be in better condition sometimes. My son at that age rode a 600 ProRide and came off a 700 IQ. The 600 ran circles around the IQ chassis.

Yep ...still have a pair of 13 600s and are still very capable sleds ...only issue is that price wise there is little difference in depreciated / used 600 vs 800.

 

[ABMax24]

If you're looking for a 600 I have a low mile 2012 600 Pro RMK I'm going to be listing right away.

 

[Jorg Jorgenson]

Unless your kid is really big don't hesitate on a 600 if you find one. Often the 600's are lady ridden and could be in better condition sometimes. My son at that age rode a 600 ProRide and came off a 700 IQ. The 600 ran circles around the IQ chassis.

I’ll second that. My brother and I were riding 600’s (one IQ and one Pro) up until we were age of 18. Never had any issues keeping up with the style of riding we do and being light guys probably same power/weight ratio than some guys who need an 800/163 to haul em around. Just saying. And 600’s engine wise are very reliable. Of course, always a potential for electrical gremlins

 

[Sledtillded]

Unless your kid is really big don't hesitate on a 600 if you find one. Often the 600's are lady ridden and could be in better condition sometimes. My son at that age rode a 600 ProRide and came off a 700 IQ. The 600 ran circles around the IQ chassis.

I did look at the 600’s but they want stupid money for them Because as u said. Low low miles on most of them

 

[S.W.A.T.]

08 dragon was the best

 

[1200]

Dragon worst sled ever wait 900 or maybe the ultra. I guess its better than having a cat