How Are Doo 850s & New Gen 4 Platform?

[momoney2123]

I agree with MoMoney, I haven't even heard this story and I have been on every 850 thread around.

Bear

Neither have I. dootalk has an extensive thread with pretty much every issue that has risen.

Bottom line We are happy with ours, it sucks there have been some with bad luck. You must have faith in dealer.

I not only looked over my sled thoroughly before after reading some of the 850 issues but so did the dealer. Unfortunately the guys first to the snow were the ones testing for the later guys. All tho my sled was built in December and had none of the flaws seen on October builds.

 

[1fujifilm]

Neither have I. dootalk has an extensive thread with pretty much every issue that has risen.

Bottom line We are happy with ours, it sucks there have been some with bad luck. You must have faith in dealer.

I not only looked over my sled thoroughly before after reading some of the 850 issues but so did the dealer. Unfortunately the guys first to the snow were the ones testing for the later guys. All tho my sled was built in December and had none of the flaws seen on October builds.

My Renegade is mid 400 VIN and was built Dec 6.

 

[tsg]

Mine is build # 20, October build. I do not buy into when a sled was built and if it had any specific issues relating to the build date. I think Doo and all other mfgs. have too much integrity and quality control to let sleds go out with issues, or not proactively correct them if known. Also think dealer has very little influence on workings of a new sled, other then the minimal set-up they do. Yes a good dealer can help correct problems or proactively correct things, but I think they do need to tread carefully to make sure what they are doing or proposing is actually correct, or proven over time.

I have also read a number of 850 threads, and do not see any widespread problems. I have also read that some of the proposed adjustments people have mentioned above (removing foam, hole in bottom of clutch guard) are not necessary for the Gen4. Just what i have read.

And, i have been lucky enough to have bought a number of new, first year sleds, from both Polaris (including new EFI, Ultra's) and Doo (SDI, ETEC), and have never had any major problems, or really any small issues for that matter. These experiences have involved a number of different dealers. Heck yes some good luck must be involved, but I basically ride stock sleds, and do the routine maintenance. (actually dealer does)

As for the 850 Rene. X, outstanding sled thus far in both performance and handling aspects. I am 53 years old, and enjoy everything about this sled. I have a 13 Doo, and a 16 Doo, and the difference of the Gen4 in all aspects is notable, and enjoyable, to me.

Time will tell, but so far, so good.

 

[G]

Have any of you guys with 850s played with any Sidewinders or T-Cats? If so how did that go? Real life sleds with real life riders are a better source of information than prototypes and professional test riders. I am thinking of updating next season and it will be one of these two. Thanks.

 

[momoney2123]

Mine is build # 20, October build. I do not buy into when a sled was built and if it had any specific issues relating to the build date. I think Doo and all other mfgs. have too much integrity and quality control to let sleds go out with issues, or not proactively correct them if known. Also think dealer has very little influence on workings of a new sled, other then the minimal set-up they do. Yes a good dealer can help correct problems or proactively correct things, but I think they do need to tread carefully to make sure what they are doing or proposing is actually correct, or proven over time.

I have also read a number of 850 threads, and do not see any widespread problems. I have also read that some of the proposed adjustments people have mentioned above (removing foam, hole in bottom of clutch guard) are not necessary for the Gen4. Just what i have read.

And, i have been lucky enough to have bought a number of new, first year sleds, from both Polaris (including new EFI, Ultra's) and Doo (SDI, ETEC), and have never had any major problems, or really any small issues for that matter. These experiences have involved a number of different dealers. Heck yes some good luck must be involved, but I basically ride stock sleds, and do the routine maintenance. (actually dealer does)

As for the 850 Rene. X, outstanding sled thus far in both performance and handling aspects. I am 53 years old, and enjoy everything about this sled. I have a 13 Doo, and a 16 Doo, and the difference of the Gen4 in all aspects is notable, and enjoyable, to me.

Time will tell, but so far, so good.

The stuff I mentioned about clutch guard foam removal and hole came from the dealer off the b.u.d.s forum. I agree tho it isn't mandatory for the average trail rider.

Also when the put our sleds together they were pro-active looking for things like cosmoline on clutches and kinked oil lines, stuff not ALL dealers do or are even aware of.

 

[momoney2123]

Have any of you guys with 850s played with any Sidewinders or T-Cats? If so how did that go? Real life sleds with real life riders are a better source of information than prototypes and professional test riders. I am thinking of updating next season and it will be one of these two. Thanks.

A very seasoned rider on dootalk who owns yamaha's and doos has both, he is like 60. He has 600+miles on the doo and 80 on the sidewinder. he explains a lot of stuff but his exact quote was getting off the 850 and on the sidewinder it feels like riding a buffalo. There are more guys on dootalk with both I would search around there to get info and maybe PM the guys or post specific questions about your personal preferences and see.
Some people will enjoy the sidewinder better, all about what you like. I was hoping my friend would be up north during Christmas he has a SW, hopefully sometime this winter we get to switch.

 

[chap72]

I have two friends with 850s. They have put a lot of hard miles on in the powder and love the sleds. No problems with the sleds so far. They tell me the power that comes out of the engine is unbelievable and the sled is a lot easier to put up on the edge then the last chassis .

 

[1fujifilm]

Well we have had Midwest areas with good snow so 850s with Gen 4 has had some run time. Likes, dislikes positives negatives...What do think?

Someone asked about the open toeholds, I like them just the way they are from the factory. My feet haven't moved at all due to the floor grates. The seat really does allow for easier leaning and thus weight transfer. I am 6'3 and 300 lbs and it is very comfortable and the lower windshield seems to keep me warm with the new style hood and side deflectors. I rode today at 7 degrees and windy and stayed normally warm.

Bear

 

[G]

One thing that a lot of new Sidewinder guys complain about is hitting their knees on the cowling. This has nothing to do with power or reliability or anything like that but it would be kind of irritating to spend that kind of ching and have an uncomfortable sled to ride.

 

[whitedust]

One thing that a lot of new Sidewinder guys complain about is hitting their knees on the cowling. This has nothing to do with power or reliability or anything like that but it would be kind of irritating to spend that kind of ching and have an uncomfortable sled to ride.

Yeppers grub the first thing I said to Kip in the showroom. SW seating position seems hard on the knees and Kip said he was selling a lot of knee pads. Idk with pads,my knee braces and bibs may not be too bad.... I'll know more soon when my leg gets around SW demo.

 

[Banks93]

600 miles on 850 Renegade X. No issues and it runs great. I have the TS skis and I am going to change out to the Pilot skis and 6" shaper bars with 4" on the outside.

I think a 600 etec with this type response would be the perfect trail sled. The 850 has way to much power for the twisty trails of WI. It makes you smile on the RR grade when you hit triple digits and there is still more power to be had but it doesn't corner the twisty trails like an XRS or and Axys sled.

- - - Updated - - -

If the durability is 20,000 miles on the 850 it will be a grand slam for Ski Doo. My oil usage hasn't been any worse than my 800 and the gas mileage has been a little better.

 

[1fujifilm]

600 miles on 850 Renegade X. No issues and it runs great. I have the TS skis and I am going to change out to the Pilot skis and 6" shaper bars with 4" on the outside.

I think a 600 etec with this type response would be the perfect trail sled. The 850 has way to much power for the twisty trails of WI. It makes you smile on the RR grade when you hit triple digits and there is still more power to be had but it doesn't corner the twisty trails like an XRS or and Axys sled.

- - - Updated - - -

If the durability is 20,000 miles on the 850 it will be a grand slam for Ski Doo. My oil usage hasn't been any worse than my 800 and the gas mileage has been a little better.

Hello Banks,
I am your neighbor in Oneida but in Houghton right now. My Renegade ADR 850 feels like it doesn't have to work as hard as my 600 Renegade did at 70. It has been snowing quite a lot and having the 850 sure helps when there is 10 inches of fluff on the trail. The engine is not working as much and you have the spare power for Trail 3's stretches.

Bear

 

[Banks93]

Hello Banks,
I am your neighbor in Oneida but in Houghton right now. My Renegade ADR 850 feels like it doesn't have to work as hard as my 600 Renegade did at 70. It has been snowing quite a lot and having the 850 sure helps when there is 10 inches of fluff on the trail. The engine is not working as much and you have the spare power for Trail 3's stretches.

Bear

Yes, the 850 is perfect for the W UP trail system.

 

[Hoosier]

Is Doo supposed to offer a 600 version of this engine?

 

[whitedust]

Is Doo supposed to offer a 600 version of this engine?

Unknown at this time but maybe in the future would be a 650 Tweener is the thinking. Me I would rather have a turbo version 4s also unknown at this time.

 

[old abe]

Doo has a lot of $$$$ invested to develop this engine design. It should spread to other size engines to help with cost recovery. But who knows???

 

[momoney2123]

Could be coming as early as next week, if not for sure next MY

Its unlikely to be a 650 as that will not qualify for the 600 class RS.

 

[Hoosier]

Unknown at this time but maybe in the future would be a 650 Tweener is the thinking. Me I would rather have a turbo version 4s also unknown at this time.

If it's as long lasting as Doo says it is going to be (ignoring any 1st year production issues), there's not much advantage for a 4 stroke. Of course that's a big if.

 

[G]

If it's as long lasting as Doo says it is going to be (ignoring any 1st year production issues), there's not much advantage for a 4 stroke. Of course that's a big if.

To me the only advantage of the four stroke was dependabililty. The rest of the sled will still require constant attention to keep it fresh. There are thousands of Apexes out there that are junk because the rest of the sled has worn out and been neglected. However the motor still has many thousands of miles left on it. If 'Doo has made a motor that will last 10000 miles that is all they need. It is a slow spinning torque monster so it has a chance. E-Tec technology is over a decade old. This motor is the culmination of everything 'Doo has learned. Let's hope for the best.

 

[goofy600]

To me the only advantage of the four stroke was dependabililty. The rest of the sled will still require constant attention to keep it fresh. There are thousands of Apexes out there that are junk because the rest of the sled has worn out and been neglected. However the motor still has many thousands of miles left on it. If 'Doo has made a motor that will last 10000 miles that is all they need. It is a slow spinning torque monster so it has a chance. E-Tec technology is over a decade old. This motor is the culmination of everything 'Doo has learned. Let's hope for the best.

There are already plenty of e-tec engines out there with 10k plus out there obviously not as many as the 4 strokes.