Doo Observation

[blkhwkbob]

I'm a looooong time Yamaha guy, currently riding an RX-1 ton. It's time for a change, and after years of observing Skidoo Revs fly by me on bumpy trails like the moguls aren't even there, I have started doing my homework. I would be buying something used, and as the newer etecs are out of my price range, I have been thinking of the SDI 600 engine. I'm not trying to brand bash here at all, but holy cow, just about every sled anywhere on Craigslist or other sites has an engine that has been rebuilt already. In my Yamaha world, this was unheard of. We were too busy trying to adjust our suspensions to worry about motors anyway. I like almost everything else about the Doo revs, but the engine issues have me wondering. Anybody know what's up with that?

Again, not trying to start a bashing war. I'd be happy if everyone told me good things about the SDI motors.

 

[ezra]

only way to run a motor and use almost no oil is to use sealed bearings . well that tiny shot of oil can only last so long on something spinning 130 times a second .
but they most dealers keep a small stock of short blocks on hand.
IMHO spend the cash and get a 4s rev like a 900 ace or 1200

 

[snobuilder]

If your rx-1 is an 05 i am interested in buying it...maybe even if it isn't an 05...let me know the stats on it.

good luck with yur Doo.

 

[momoney2123]

I'm a looooong time Yamaha guy, currently riding an RX-1 ton. It's time for a change, and after years of observing Skidoo Revs fly by me on bumpy trails like the moguls aren't even there, I have started doing my homework. I would be buying something used, and as the newer etecs are out of my price range, I have been thinking of the SDI 600 engine. I'm not trying to brand bash here at all, but holy cow, just about every sled anywhere on Craigslist or other sites has an engine that has been rebuilt already. In my Yamaha world, this was unheard of. We were too busy trying to adjust our suspensions to worry about motors anyway. I like almost everything else about the Doo revs, but the engine issues have me wondering. Anybody know what's up with that?

Again, not trying to start a bashing war. I'd be happy if everyone told me good things about the SDI motors.

Know many who have had the 600sdi with great luck. Its a very good engine. Wouldnt buy any 2s with a ton of miles. There are alot of nice used ive been seeing. I would feel confident that engine would go over 10k no prob

 

[russholio]

Here's what I can tell you about my 05 600 SDI:

Had 10,062 miles on it when sold. Compression still 145ish. Never opened the engine. Only thing I did to it mechanically was to replace the delaminating OEM throttle body boots (and reeds) with Boyesens. Only failure of any sort that I EVER had was the heated grips, and that was in the last year I owned it. Everything else was typical routine/regular maintenance. Great fuel economy (if that matters to you), 16-20 mpg depending on riding habits/style.

All that being said, I didn't ride it like I stole it and I didn't beat the p**s out of it. I let it warm up good before taking off on a ride, and it got fogged for storage every spring. Maybe the ones you're reading about that have had rebuilds led harder lives, who knows.

There are those who will caution you about the "electrical troubles" that SDI's have. While it IS true that when they happen, they're harder (and more expensive) to fix because they have to be hooked up to the dealer's computer to diagnose, I don't think they're nearly as common as some would lead you to believe. I think it's mostly wishful thinking coming from the carb guys who are constantly fiddling with their carbs to get them just right, while the SDI guys have to do......nothing.

Early models (04) did have issues with rings. That might explain in part why you see so many with rebuilds -- or at least, top ends. Some say that early 05's had the issues (before it was later corrected by Doo), some say it was entirely fixed for all 05. Can't really say. But mine was a spring order (so I'd think that's an early 05) and I never had the issue. I ran a variety of oils in it, including Sea & Snow (and THAT didn't even blow it up! )

Quite simply, it's one of the best engines Doo ever made. If you ask your questions over on DooTalk I'm confident you'll get much the same opinion. I know for me it was the best one of the three I'd owned up to that point. Jury's still out on my current one (1200) as I just got it last year. But it looks promising.

 

[goofy600]

I have to agree with Russ Sdi 600 is pretty good 05 I got rid of at 7700 miles. 07 a friend still has 12000 miles on it I did replace rings and reeds and boots at 6500 miles kinda using the 2 stroke mentality of rings between 6&7 k but it was running fine at the time and still is. Gas mpg close to the etec definitely uses more oil though., not sure if the sdi has the sealed crank bearings like the etec. 08 was only year the newer rev-xp had the Sdi 09 they switched to etec.

 

[witz]

You have to consider that the newest 600SDI Rev is now 8 seasons old. Most out there are starting to be high mileage sleds. The SDI is one of the most reliable Rotax Series 3 twins they have. Plenty of people going 10,000-15,000 miles on them. But, it's a 2 stroke and anything approaching 10,000 miles is likely in need of a rebuild.

If you want to see a Doo engine that has either broken or been rebuilt in the majority of sleds, look at the 1000 SDI. heh

 

[SledTL]

You have to consider that the newest 600SDI Rev is now 8 seasons old. Most out there are starting to be high mileage sleds. The SDI is one of the most reliable Rotax Series 3 twins they have. Plenty of people going 10,000-15,000 miles on them. But, it's a 2 stroke and anything approaching 10,000 miles is likely in need of a rebuild.

If you want to see a Doo engine that has either broken or been rebuilt in the majority of sleds, look at the 1000 SDI. heh

That has to be from the amount of torque that is on those pistons and cranks. Plus the majority of people who post videos of that sled on YouTube are just them going WOT. Things break then....

 

[russholio]

not sure if the sdi has the sealed crank bearings like the etec.

They do.

 

[indy_500]

600 SDI was a great motor 800 ptek is junk. I would spend the $ and get 600 etec or at least a 500ss XP. Rev chassis is just too awkward to me XP is very comfortable.

 

[rev07]

First sled I ever bought was a used 07 600 SDI HO GSX. Bought it with 3500 miles and strong compression. Sled has 5600 and still feels as strong. I am going to check compression before next season but no troubles and SDI is real nice.
07 was the 4th and final year of the REV platform and I think it is dialed in well-I love the ride/position of the this REV and more comfortable than XP.

 

[russholio]

In my experience I wouldn't say the REV is awkward (though I suppose it's one of those personal preference things), but for taller guys it can present some leg room challenges. Some didn't mind, some did, so it's all a matter of what works for you. Tall or short though, your legs are pretty much in the same position all the time. XP/XR give you more leg room and more options for leg positioning.

 

[Skylar]

My brother had on 04 600 sdi, had to replace pistobs and rings after the first season with it. I had a mid release 05 600 sdi renegade, i replaced pistons and rings twice, and it needed them again when i sold it with 6k on it. I think you would be safe with anything 06 and newer.

 

[rsvectordude]

My brother had on 04 600 sdi, had to replace pistobs and rings after the first season with it. I had a mid release 05 600 sdi renegade, i replaced pistons and rings twice, and it needed them again when i sold it with 6k on it. I think you would be safe with anything 06 and newer.

Sounds about right! Two of my riding partners spring ordered 2005 Renegade X 600 SDI's. Both got a set of pistons and rings after the first year and the following year. Both were ridden about as hard as a machine could be but after three seasons both were sold as one of them went down a 3rd time. Didn't here about too many problems after the 2005 model. Neither had electrical problems at any point.

 

[indy_500]

In my experience I wouldn't say the REV is awkward (though I suppose it's one of those personal preference things), but for taller guys it can present some leg room challenges. Some didn't mind, some did, so it's all a matter of what works for you. Tall or short though, your legs are pretty much in the same position all the time. XP/XR give you more leg room and more options for leg positioning.

There is not another sled made period that can compare to the sitting position of the rev chassis...

- - - Updated - - -

My brother had on 04 600 sdi, had to replace pistobs and rings after the first season with it. I had a mid release 05 600 sdi renegade, i replaced pistons and rings twice, and it needed them again when i sold it with 6k on it. I think you would be safe with anything 06 and newer.

Sounds about right! Two of my riding partners spring ordered 2005 Renegade X 600 SDI's. Both got a set of pistons and rings after the first year and the following year. Both were ridden about as hard as a machine could be but after three seasons both were sold as one of them went down a 3rd time. Didn't here about too many problems after the 2005 model. Neither had electrical problems at any point.

Welp......... 1 ring pistons......

 

[skidoodoug]

This was my first season with the XP chassis coming from the ZX. I quickly became very comfortable with the riding position and it really felt "wierd" when I jumped back on the ol' ZX. I had ridden the REV chassis a little and felt that my feet were a little restricted.

Mine is a 08 600 SDI and while I do have an intermitant electrical issue (check engine light) mileage was between 16-20. I dont get wrapped up in oil consumption but noticed it was better than one of my 700 but about the same as the other 700.

Just for reference I bought it about a year ago with 3800 miles for $4200

 

[whitedust]

Look at a Nytro or Apex much better handling than RX1. My 07 Attak GT ate up revs on Trail 3 Mass City to BC lot better sleds out there than Revs which are way behind doo current skids & front ends. Xps aok but revs to far behind & doos 1st shot at rider forward. Coming off an RX1 I don't think you will like sitting position of rev... xp much better.

 

[snobinge]

"My 07 Attak GT ate up revs on Trail 3"
This is because Trail 3 has no corners! I couldn't resist!

 

[whitedust]

"My 07 Attak GT ate up revs on Trail 3"
This is because Trail 3 has no corners! I couldn't resist!

3 between BC & Mass City has plenty of corners just saying it like it is. Attak in the straights no contest to rev sdi a weak 600 not sure RX1 owner would be satisfied both sleds very dated handling wise & buyer would be well advised to sit on rev nothing like RX1. XP much more relaxed & handles better rev will keep your legs in a bent back position ....not fun & why XP was developed.IMO. All rider forward more relaxed now than rev even new poo.

 

[russholio]

There is not another sled made period that can compare to the sitting position of the rev chassis...

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