08 Summit 800

[snodogg]

Looking at buying a 2008 Ski doo 800 summit 146 inch track. Is this a good/bad decision? Looking for input from some of you who may own/have owned, should I buy an 09 instead? The sled has under 300 miles. Just looking for specfic pros/cons on this particular model dont want to start another brand war!

Thanks for your input!

and what do you think it's worth paying?

 

[zimmbob]

I'm not saying I know this for sure, but what I've heard around is that there were clutch issues with that sled, and maybe something else too. They were doing updates, so make sure those are done. Also, there is a difference between the "R" and the "HO". The "R" had other problems (maybe crank bearings??? or something). Again, I don't know this for sure, just what I'm remembering from my buddy and his sled search and discussions.

I'd personally think the 09 would be a better choice. I think the going rate for an 08 X package is around $7400 to $7800 on craig's list. If it's not an X package, it's more in the mid to high $6,000's. And there is a significant difference in the shock package and a few other things between the X and the Everest packages. I was looking at buying an 09 leftover, so that I know for sure.

Either way, the sled will rock out. It's light, fast (no speed limitations like the longer Polaris sleds), and will be a good ride. Just get as informed about the issues as you can. They all have them, so just be ready to ask the right questions.

 

[snodogg]

it is a summit xp 800r, I didn't think to ask the seller if it was or wasn't an X package, considering I know he bought it as a left over last winter I doubt it is. Seller claims all the updates were completed he said something about the drive axle and i think the clutch.

I think I can get it for just under 7, I too priced out some 09's and they seem to be about 8300. Seems like the seller is asking a pretty fair price...?

 

[zimmbob]

That does sound like a very fair price. Do a good, slow, and detailed inspection when you look at it. How clean is it, does it look like it's been crashed anywhere, check under the bulkhead for dents and rock hits etc. Does it sit straight. If you have snow where it is, ask to take it for a drive. Oh, and check out the back up beeper! I just think that's so funny. My buddies '07 beeped everytime he backed up, and you can't unhook it or the sled won't work!

 

[blutooth]

The first model year for every sled has it's bumps (08 for the XP Summit). the motor, the 800r first appeared in the 07 summits and that is when it was having bearing problems. No engine issues in the 08.

There was only one recall that I remember on the 08 and that was the driveshaft - they had lots of them breaking. But if that was fixed you are good there.

The clutching had 2 issues, 1 the clutch tower flexes under load, causing the belts to heat up real fast and blow more often. There is a brace available from sledheadracing.net that takes about 15 minutes to install and eliminates this problem.

The only other issue I can recall is the suspension. Both the 08 and 09 have not the best suspension setups. If it is an X package no big deal because you can revalve the shocks for around $200 for all 4 and have most of the issues fixed. If it is not an X package, you should put new shocks in your budget (at a minimum the rear skid and maybe the front as well - $600-$1200 for new shocks). You will definitely be able to ride it as is, but the ride will greatly improve as well as your ability to carve. (when riding stand about 8-10" back from the front of the running board and tilt the bars back - this sled is not meant to be ridden like a rev with your feet locked into the toe holds).

I had an 08 146 Everest and now have a 09 146 X-package. Here are some little things I have noticed:

1) Check the y-pipe bolts and even add nordlock washers (do a search on dootalk for the part number available from fastenal). My y-pipe fell of on the 08 and it started my sled on fire. The y-pipe falling off is common, starting on fire is not as common (see the end of the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82wxUymqIHk)

2) Watch the controls with snow. My kill switch ALWAYS freezes so make sure it is in the "ON" position when you go in for the night. And I have had the lights and RER do some weird things when I roll the sled a lot (I might be a little rougher on these parts than most).

I loved both sleds, and you will definitely be happy with either one. After looking around dootalk and snowest, that is a good price for a sled with that few miles on it.

When checking over the chassis pay close attention to where the A-arms connect to the bulkhead. That seems to be an area that tears quite a bit.

Let me know if you have any other questions... It is a great sled and I am sure you will love it!

Blutooth

 

[snodogg]

Thanks for all your input, sounds like a solid machine with exception of the shocks. What's the deal are they not serviceable or something? Just curious.

I may pony up and pull the trigger on it this weekend!

 

[zimmbob]

exactly, they can't be rebuilt. O.k. shocks, but there are so many better versions to use, not sure why they do that. Seems strange.

 

[techsledder]

The base model, the Summit Everest, these shocks are not rebuildable. I have them and they're garbage. I can't wait to replace them. The X package uses the rebuildable HPGs. If you're really lucky and it's a Hillclimb edition you'll be golden. Those Hillclimbs are their racing shocks and they are supposedly a bit better than the X package... and rebuildable as well. Shaft size I believe is a big difference b/t those two and some internal works.
One of JD.com's sponsors, http://goodwinperformance.com/, sells the X-package shocks. Seems to be the cheapest solution yet so far too.

 

[snodogg]

Thanks a ton for all your help guys.

It seems pretty crappy they make such a solid machine and have to put some cheap components somewhere on it. oh well, I guess every manufacturer has to make something on them cheap to keep you coming back for parts!

I sold both my old sleds today but the one I had eyed up got sold, guess thats what happens when you wait around too long...

Found a 09 800 Summitt new so it might very well be my next sled.

I'll let you know what I find!

 

[2tonheavy]

Dont know if it apllies to this unit but,my 08 gade had a electrical recall.No biggie if was a routing of the wires issue.

 

[Deleted member 10829]

"It seems pretty crappy they make such a solid machine and have to put some cheap components somewhere on it."

How do you think they got the weight so low? Time will tell how that chassis will hold up.

 

[blutooth]

"It seems pretty crappy they make such a solid machine and have to put some cheap components somewhere on it."

How do you think they got the weight so low? Time will tell how that chassis will hold up.

Actually the everest shocks are heavier than the Aluminum bodied X-package sleds. Ski Doo does this with all of their sleds, only the X-package comes with rebuildable shocks.

The 08 Summit had that electrical issue as well, I don't think the 09 has it (I haven't gotten it yet). My 09 did have one recall on the DMP solenoid sticking open. It just needs to be cleaned and lubricated.

Post pics when you find the one you take home!

 

[t660redrocket]

Don't forget to check the wiring harness!

There is another thing to double check on 2008 and 2009 models. Mostly 2008's though. The wiring harness near the oil tank can rub on a rivet, short out and burn the sled as evidenced here by my buddies sled. http://jaycut.com/mix/36989/preview They supposedly fixed the problem but just this past Friday his sled died at the gas station in Mass City. When we hauled it to Timberline Sports in Bergland they noticed that the harness had failed inthe exact same spot AGAIN. The harness was rubbing on that rivet. He's lucky it didn't burn this one up too! Have your dealer look at this should you decide to buy it and make sure you insure it. They are awesome awesome sleds! Good luck! By the way Timberline Sports in Bergland is a TOP NOTCH Doo dealer and the best in the biz. They got us out of a pinch no less than 3 times this past weekend. Thank you Mark and Marlin!

 

[Deleted member 10829]

Blutooth,

I was referring to the clutch tower that flexes under load and needed a bracket to fix the clutch problem, I know nothing about the shocks.

 

[snodogg]

Wow- I never would've guessed this thread would end up this far! Thanks for all your advice, after snoozing on the deal of the century on the 08 Summit I was looking at and doing lots and lots more research I just pulled the trigger on a new 09 600 Dragon Switchback. I decieded on a "crossover" versus mountian based on the fact I do about 85% of my riding on-trail anyways. I couldn't find any leftover 600 'gades anywhere, a 800 renegade would've cost over $1,000 more than the Dragon I found and the shock issue was a pretty big point with me too. I've noticed the 2010 doos come with rebuildable shocks at least. A 2010 renegade 600 etech backcountry X would probably be me choice sled, but it was priced 3 Gs higher than the dragon I bought.

Hope I didn't offend any of you 'doo guys, if I dont like the switcher, I'm buying a renegade next year! At least spease wont be lonely this year!

Oh and when I win the lottery and can afford 2 new sleds I'll buy a Summit for the annual out west trip.

New sled is ready on wed. just in time for the big snow John is promising. Merry Christmas!

 

[blutooth]

Blutooth,

I was referring to the clutch tower that flexes under load and needed a bracket to fix the clutch problem, I know nothing about the shocks.

Well that does make sense. I have braces all over my sled, lower a-arm, upper a-arm, tunnel, clutch tower, rails... But then again I had them on all my other sleds. Everyone hits trees and stumps, some people are just better at finding the big ones

Sweet choice on the sled, we have one in our group (except he has the 800 with now a new motor). We will be waiting for pics!

Blutooth

 

[Deleted member 10829]

blutooth,

I'm pretty sure I met you last year at your apartment in Mass City. I was with rp7x. Are you on Team Kessler's?

 

[t660redrocket]

You will like the Switchy better than a Gade anyways. Nice Sled! Congrats! You may regret not getting a summit though......................Let us know how you like it!

 

[techsledder]

Well that does make sense. I have braces all over my sled, lower a-arm, upper a-arm, tunnel, clutch tower, rails... But then again I had them on all my other sleds. Everyone hits trees and stumps, some people are just better at finding the big ones

Sweet choice on the sled, we have one in our group (except he has the 800 with now a new motor). We will be waiting for pics!

Blutooth

X2 on the bracing. I think Doo may have skimped on the Finite Element Analysis when modeling these XPs.

X2 on the nice choice on a sled and bargain shopping!

 

[snodogg]

Just got back from CO, the new switchy worked great. I was surprised how well it did in the deep stuff too! Granted I couldnt do any of the STEEP hillclimb stuff that you can do with a true mountain sled. Next trip I might splurge for wider skis and a 2" paddle track but otherwise the sled worked just fine and got me wherever I wanted to go.

Only issue was the massive oil comsumption and I found a dead-end plug off the wiring harness that half-melted on the exhaust pipe. Hopefully the dealer has an easy fix for the oil useage and I will be back in business for the weekend.

Also need to fine tune the suspension set up as I thought it didnt corner as well as my old edge and the rear felt a little soft. Definetly a much better ride than the edge though.

I'll post some pics in the gallery part.