I found a 2005 Polaris RMK 550, any thoughts on the sled? It's too late to back out now so I hope there's nothing too awful about it! Still, it was pretty inexpensive and I'm upgrading from a 1997 Polaris 600 XLT LTD so unless there was something really awful about the sled I'm thinking that I'll be happy.
Thoughts on a 2005 Polaris RMK 550?
- Thread starter AnnaWL
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polarisrider1
New member
Good sled for women. It is more of an under powered switchback. Don't plan on it being much for off trail.
As a woman I don't know if I should be offended or not! LOL! Seriously though, it's my second sled and I've been riding for a very short period of time. I'm not terribly concerned with speed and I can't do much off trail riding around here. It was cheap enough, even with the transport/shipping price, that it was just in my price range, upgrading from a $700 1997 Polaris.
I don't even know the differences between the RMK, Switchback, etc. Basically it's a beginners sled which is why I'm not concerned with speed, etc.
polarisrider1
New member
Most definitely don’t feel offended. From the additional information you have given that sled will work perfect for you. It is a carbed 550 fan cooled motor. Make sure it is jetted for the elevation you will be riding at. Knowing little about were the sled was ridden for sure. It is cheap insurance to make sure it is jetted properly. I would have a dealer check it over to see if there are any hidden issues. I have been burned on auction, ebay and craigs list sleds.
I/we found this sled on Ebay. It's from Salt Lake City, Utah with alot of miles (less than my 1997). The seller was honest, the track is only 50% but said it runs great.
My husband has bought cars on Ebay and felt confident so we went for it. The only condition issue is that the seat is torn. We'll see how it goes, for $1500 ($2000 with the transport) it can't be too bad right? (I hope.)
My husband has bought cars on Ebay and felt confident so we went for it. The only condition issue is that the seat is torn. We'll see how it goes, for $1500 ($2000 with the transport) it can't be too bad right? (I hope.)
polarisrider1
New member
Is
You will need it jetted. Do not ride in MI until it is done. MOTOR is jetted way lean from utah. Pribably for 8000'. White lake is around 600'. Clutching and gearing is not for MI either, you may get away with not changing that. You need those items looked at. Was it a rental sled?
You will need it jetted. Do not ride in MI until it is done. MOTOR is jetted way lean from utah. Pribably for 8000'. White lake is around 600'. Clutching and gearing is not for MI either, you may get away with not changing that. You need those items looked at. Was it a rental sled?
I don't know if it was a rental sled or not. The seller is not a sled person (sells womens shoes and purses and such), obviously selling it for someone else. Could be rental, I don't know. (Would a rental sleds have a matching red windshield?) It has high miles, 7100, so a rental would make sense. But why would a person selling mostly shoes and purses be selling a sled now....
kingston_phazer
New member
actually i had one and it was a beast off trail i never got stuck once in the 4 years i had it..i got a 07 phazer fx and i get stuck all the time with it. the phazer is faster by far but the 550 is a good relible sled and its super light you can throw it around so easy. My old one has 6000 miles and its still runs like a champ. with a pipe and clucth work it can be a pretty quick sled i think you will enjoy it.
polarisrider1
New member
When you get the sled look for any outline of a large sticker residew or a slight color difference in windshield, this is a rental givaway. You should also get a registration with sled with previous. Owner info on it. It will work for two tracks and such, but not even close as a mtn, sled as the name implies.
"Super light and you can throw it around so easy" sounds like Fun! and a great sled to continue to learn on! When I'm ready to upgrade again it will be a good sled for the kids.
I don't see many mountains in my future, it probably won't every leave Michigan.
polarisrider1
New member
Cannot say this enough "Get it jetted for MI altitude before riding". Don't need a melt down right off the get go. I suspect you got 190 jets in it and the dealer will put 400 to 450 jets in it. Not trying to scare you, just trying to keep the motor together for you.
I appreciate it, I really do! I just sent a message to my husband about it, he's the mechanic not me.
kingston_phazer
New member
"Super light and you can throw it around so easy" sounds like Fun! and a great sled to continue to learn on! When I'm ready to upgrade again it will be a good sled for the kids.
I don't see many mountains in my future, it probably won't every leave Michigan.
Lol mine hasnt left michigan either...but like they all said i would re jet it first but once u do that they are very fun. i loved mine.
It will be a good sled. it will ride and handle better then your old sled but will be less power. Just go thru it and double check carbs to make sure it isnt jetted for altitude.(better check clutching and gearing also) It will be a nice little sled. You aren gonna break any land speed records or be a hill climb champ with it but overall a good sled for a beginner rider.
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I finally got the sled and I am thrilled! Red Polly handles like a dream, I can't believe how responsive she is! We've gone over her, lots of new/newer parts, the track is pristine. I'm surprised by what good shape she's in, considering the miles.
This is a picture of me and Red Polly. (BTW, polarisrider1 I'm wearing my new Tesvest. I'm so used to it now, when I don't have it on it's like not wearing a seatbelt, something just doesn't feel right.)
This is a picture of me and Red Polly. (BTW, polarisrider1 I'm wearing my new Tesvest. I'm so used to it now, when I don't have it on it's like not wearing a seatbelt, something just doesn't feel right.)
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