Trail Riding RMK

[HardwaterHoosier]

Looking at a new RMK 144.
How do the they handle on the trail compared to a standard trail sled? 7 out of 10? 8 out of 10? I know I'm going to have more push and they don't rail like a 120, but I really don't want to be using the burns to turn in every corner.

 

[elf]

I have a 2016 600 RMK 144 and I trail ride with it all the time. Yes, it does push in corners, you get some inside ski lift. If you use your weight and are an active rider on the seat you can really run it hard on trails. But, it's not a shorty and won't handle like it. I'd say 7 out of 10. My kids now ride my 2010 600 RMK and a 2000 500XCSP and my daughter would rather ride the 500 on trails. That thing corners like its on rails.
But the 144 RMK is a good all around sled. A bit of a compromise in everything but its a good off trail/deep snow sled, great forest road sled, and a good trail sled.

 

[indy_500]

A switchback assault would be another option but they do have a bigger price tag.

 

[HardwaterHoosier]

Thanks.

 

[HardwaterHoosier]

Thought about that, but the price is $1500 less on the RMK and this would be the sled I start taking out west or into Canada.

 

[rp7x]

If it's a pro , it has no frt heat exchanger , have to really watch temp

 

[cooksend]

Why not consider the Switchback 600 SP. It is more than capable for most off trail and is still an excellent trail sled. Fox Shocks, Eelectric Start and Reverse, 144" X 1.352 Track. It is a less expensive Assault with a more compliant shock package! Switchback SP for the win...

 

[rp7x]

saw a guy rideing a 163 on the trail , boy could he blow the snow out of the corners

 

[gmansnopro]

Rp7x, you meant blow the corner? ��

 

[HardwaterHoosier]

Why not consider the Switchback 600 SP. It is more than capable for most off trail and is still an excellent trail sled. Fox Shocks, Eelectric Start and Reverse, 144" X 1.352 Track. It is a less expensive Assault with a more compliant shock package! Switchback SP for the win...

little concerned with a 1.3 track coming from a 1.25.

 

[cooksend]

little concerned with a 1.3 track coming from a 1.25.

Can you help me out a bit with just how capable you are wanting the sled to be off trail. I like buy a sled that works best for 80% of my use and make the sacrifice to have a sled that just works for the other 20%. As many have said in the past, 1.6" Cobra track is pretty impressive and would make for a great 50/50 combo when riding the Yoop! Snag a Switch SP cheap now and stick the track you want under it. Sell the 1.352 and you just may have your perfect weapon.

 

[HardwaterHoosier]

If I was looking at just the UP, I'd keep the sled I have now. The two-3 day trips I used to take are over, looking long term at the 7-10 day trips playing in the bush. Rode a 144 yamiha last trip for an hour. It had close to a 1.3, Just felt like I was spinning going through 12" on a road.

 

[mezz]

If I was looking at just the UP, I'd keep the sled I have now. The two-3 day trips I used to take are over, looking long term at the 7-10 day trips playing in the bush. Rode a 144 yamiha last trip for an hour. It had close to a 1.3, Just felt like I was spinning going through 12" on a road.

You want a track that is deeper than a 1.3, it's ok for trail, but not cut for the deeper. Doeable, yes, desirable, not really. 1.6 minimum or larger, only you can choose your preference though. For me, the ideal UP universal ride is a 144 x 2, but that's just me. BTW, It also works well in the steep & deep out west.-Mezz

 

[UP RIDER]

I had a 12 RMK 600 , it was a decent trail Sled . The 144's are non Pro's so have front exchangers. RMK's have spacers in the ski saddles so you can adjust the stance.

 

[warner]

x2 on what mezz sezz
my brother has a 2015 polaris assault 144x2" trail rides it all the time and we take it out west as well...out west it is not a pro rmk but it does decent in the deep ..excellent sled !!

 

[snirt125]

Agree with Mezz and warner - I took a 2016 Assault 144x2" to West Yellowstone last year, and also had a 2016 RMK 155x3" in the group. The assault went everywhere the RMK went, but where it didn't compete was in the hill climb. It would climb to about 3/4 the height as the RMK would go. If you aren't concerned about being the high mark on the hills, my personal suggestion would be to consider the assault as a solid all-around sled.

 

[cooksend]

If I was looking at just the UP, I'd keep the sled I have now. The two-3 day trips I used to take are over, looking long term at the 7-10 day trips playing in the bush. Rode a 144 yamiha last trip for an hour. It had close to a 1.3, Just felt like I was spinning going through 12" on a road.

Certainly sounds like the deeper lug is justified! Also go with an 800 if you are planning on spending much time out west. You will appreciate the extra track speed in the deep!