Ski Doo Questions

[crusher139 0]

OK guys, i've looked all over the internet but haven't come accross any of the info i want.

I've been riding Polaris since i was 5 years old. I've always wanted a Ski Doo. I've been looking around and would like to know more about these sleds.

I've been looking at 2004 ski doo 600 and 800's

A few of them said H.O. and i honestly don't know what that stands for.

Also, what is SDI?

RER is push button reverse, right.

Anything i should look for when i go and check out sleds.

Issues and recalls?

I'm very knowledgable about Polaris snowmobiles. I can completely disassemble and reassemble it and figure out any problem so please don't dumb anything down for me.

Thanks in Advance,

Crusher139

[Tim 0]

OK guys, i've looked all over the internet but haven't come accross any of the info i want.

I've been riding Polaris since i was 5 years old. I've always wanted a Ski Doo. I've been looking around and would like to know more about these sleds.

I've been looking at 2004 ski doo 600 and 800's

A few of them said H.O. and i honestly don't know what that stands for.

Also, what is SDI?

RER is push button reverse, right.

Anything i should look for when i go and check out sleds.

Issues and recalls?

I'm very knowledgable about Polaris snowmobiles. I can completely disassemble and reassemble it and figure out any problem so please don't dumb anything down for me.

Thanks in Advance,

Crusher139

I'll give it a shot, 1) ho is high output, it's a tweeked 600. SDI is a fuel injected engine as apposed to carbs. Excellent fuel mileage and peppy. The 600 sdi ho is a great engine, i have one myself as well as ckf and others on here.. biggest thing to look at when buying is the intake boots, and belt dust. Only two big issues I can think of. I have had neither problem, but they're out there. Yer rer is a push button reverse, simply push the button, the engine slows, stalls then runs in reverse. Push the button again and it repeats. Recalls 0

[skully 23]

Don't get the bottom model. Look at the Adrenaline model (better shocks)

Also unless I am mistaken ... the 2004 have the Beavertail rear end.

I have a 2005 .... I think they are better.

Rob ....

Edited February 4, 2009 by skully

[Tim 0]

Don't get the bottom model. Look at the Adrenaline model (better shocks)

Also unless I am mistaken ... the 2004 have the Beavertail rear end.

I have a 2005 .... I think they are better.

Rob ....

I know 03 did, not sure of 04. I have the early release 05 renegade no beaver tail. The renegade is a nice ride soaks up the bumps, comes with a longer, wider track and 1.25 lugs.

[Paul D 0]

'03's had the beavertail, '04's had a ring issue, '05 and up were better(some still needed recalibration on jetting and ECU). SC4 rear suspension(newer) is better than SC3. Adrenaline is better than a trail model, "X" models have rebuildable shocks.

SDI is fuel injection, and RER is push button reverse as stated previously.

Carb boots need to be replaced on the earlier models and checked often, also previously mentioned.

Edited February 4, 2009 by Paul D

[plowking 0]

The rev chassis is riderforward. Be worth riding a demo or if you know anyone who has one. My daughter has a GSX, I haven't ridden it long enough to form an opinon. Most newer sleds are rider forward. My daughter had to get a new oil cap, hers was leaking. Boots,other problems already mentioned. The new gasoline can be a problem for fuel system. Going to have to add an additive to our sleds. plowking

[Legend700 5]

if the sleds got a couple thousand miles on it the ring flaking probably isn't going to happen which was an 04 and some 05 issues. don't discount 04 500ss's. As said above the trail package shocks suck compared to an adrenaline but with them being non rebuildable I'd buy a trail if i could get it for 300-400 less and invest the savings in new shcoks from one of the guys on Dootalk.

[sno-dust 4]

If you are much over 6' the rev is too small.My wife had a gsx, nice sled but my knees felt like they were going to explode after only 40 miles.Farmington to Alton was more than I would want to ride one.

[Wayno 0]

'03's had the beavertail, '04's had a ring issue, '05 and up were better(some still needed recalibration on jetting and ECU). SC4 rear suspension(newer) is better than SC3. Adrenaline is better than a trail model, "X" models have rebuildable shocks.

SDI is fuel injection, and RER is push button reverse as stated previously.

Carb boots need to be replaced on the earlier models and checked often, also previously mentioned.

Correct on the 03's having a beavertail. Only the blair morgan edition (7c) which was late release in '03 came with a normal tunnel. The beavertail was a cosmetic experiment made by ski-doo and its a pretty poor design in my opinion. If you ever have removed one, the idea was there for better cooling and changing pivot points, but the design didnt hold.

The 04's were updated. The SDI, (semi-direct injection) was introduced. As stated above, reed boots will show signs of premature aging, i.e. cracking around the outside of the rubber which eventually opens up and will suck in an irregular amount of air to fuel and start to empty your wallet. Some models in 04 never had this issue, but be on top of finding out if you do look at an 04. I have a 2004 GSX 600 SDI with about 5800 miles on it. It is a great sled for comfort, and ease of use. No choking, much less oil consumption than carburated motors, and roughly 18 miles per gallon on fuel. once the suspension is dialed in on this sled, you will find that it is comparable to the MXZ line in performance. Also check for ignition issues relating to the stator. You may find that the 04's headlight is dim or a handwarmer has been replaced, these are signs of a faulty charging system.

Avoid the 800 and 800 H.O. motors in 03 and 04. The 600 has been proven to be a much more reliable mill. Power is not much different than the 600 SDI. I wont try to get into some of the internal PTO side crank bearings and top endsingle ring issues as they are somewhat confusing and not entirely too common in later models. In 2007, the 800 Powertek was introduced with some technological differences thean previous 800's. A bit faster, but a headache in terms of efficiency in my opinion.

For 05, check out the SDI models, and also the proven 500SS model. The 500SS is basically a 600 in cc ratings however it is listed as 500ss because the 600 HO SDI is already available for the 600 class. There is minimal performance difference to a basic weekend trail rider between the SDI 600 and 500SS with the exception of fuel injection vs. choking procedures and minor supspension differences in the 500SS. Both are available motors in the Rev GSX chassis as well as the MXZ lineup. A very dominant crossover sled for 04 and 05 is the MXZ renegade. With a bit more suspension and a 136" track, it is the sled to have for this area. Find one with low miles in 2005 with an SDI and your golden. If your budget requires it, you can find a cheaper 500SS with low miles for a low price and have very good performance. The 500SS is becoming the most widely sold motor in ski-doo history and I can assure you that it is a very capable and low cost machine to own. Avoid the X packages unless you enjoy supsension adjustments, hard riding, minimal wind protection, and a thrill of owning a spring order. Personally the suspension may be too stiff if your looking to ride comfortably.

A common issue with older rev's is the gas tank and guage. You will find that you need to keep the gas nozzle inserted at a backwards position all the way down the neck of the tank to refuel properly. The guages on the console are incredibly faulty and innacurate so be mindful that your feul level may vary and be more or less than you percieve. This issues was later cleared by newer models and many now come iwth dashboard fuel guages.

You can find the 500SS motor and 600 SDI in the Rev GSX lineup and the Rev MXZ and MXZ Renegade. I suggest ride each and feel the differences and then make a decision from there. Most of these options are carried over into 06 and 07 and then in 2008 the Rev XP chassis was introduced yet even they offer the SDI, 500SS, and the addition of the 600 E-TEC and 800R Powertek. For 09 the 1200 4-TEC is introduced but many are having issues while other buyers are racking on flawless miles. You may find a leftover 2008 500SS TNT model for a much cheaper price than the others, but be sure to see that the 2008 driveshaft recall has been cleared in any 2008 model. Overall, if you can enjoy the REV chassis in 05 and 06, I would consider the 500SS or 600SDI, and im more of an 800 type of person. Thats my take!

Edited February 4, 2009 by Revme

[Legend700 5]

If you are much over 6' the rev is too small.My wife had a gsx, nice sled but my knees felt like they were going to explode after only 40 miles.Farmington to Alton was more than I would want to ride one.

I'm 6'4" and I've got a bad kne and the Rev was still better than being on a sit down sled and in 04/05 theres no one who made a better sled. that said I'm buying an XP to be able to stretch out. I have to stand these days a fair amount because of the knee but thats easy to do on a rev.

[crusher139 0]

Thanks for all the info guys. I do appreciate it.

I don't have a lot of cash to throw around so i was looking around the 03-04 for a 600cc engine.

Thanks Revme for the warnings on the 800.

Is the carb boot issue a ski doo recall or something i have to go to the dealer and buy myself.

I look forward to the rider forward position and legroom isn't an issue as i am 5'6"

Last year i saw a lot of great summer deals on sleds. lot of 03 and 04 revs for under 2500. I think i could get a better sled for the money. But i really want one this season if i see a decently priced one.

I need to sell my sled soon. I just finished replacing the track on my 99 polaris xc 700. The whole sled was ripped apart so i know everything is good as i checked it all out while it was all apart. Looking forward to taking it out on the trails this weekend.

I'm a bit nervous switching to an unfirmiliar machine. As i said before, all i know is polaris, inside and out. How are these sleds to work on and maintain? everything seems very condensed and squished....

[sno-dust 4]

I'm 6'4" and I've got a bad kne and the Rev was still better than being on a sit down sled and in 04/05 theres no one who made a better sled. that said I'm buying an XP to be able to stretch out. I have to stand these days a fair amount because of the knee but thats easy to do on a rev.

Im closer to 7' than 6'.

[Wayno 0]

No thanks needed, Ski-doo will not fix the reed boot issue for an 03 or 04 sled. Many riders will replace the stock reeds with V-Force Reeds by Moto Tassinari. In my experience, they are stronger, more reliable and less expensive than ski-doo boots. Also, if you are willing to do the work yourself, you can save a ton of money for a relatively easy fix by replacing them yourself. Working on a rev is much differerent and a bit harder. There is no real cowel to open and come in from the top. The side panels and small hood do come up and off. The rev is one of those chassis that you will msotly likely be removing the exhaust canister and pipe if your going to be doing any work to a motor. A good exhaust spring tool is a must.

Here are a few listings from places that would be worth a look:

http://nh.craigslist.org/rvs/1007738308.html

http://nh.craigslist.org/rvs/1003062673.html

http://nh.craigslist.org/rvs/1019631758.html

http://nh.craigslist.org/rvs/1017738804.html

[Rad8165 0]

Good luck, I hope you get a good sled I have a skidoo, it is a small older model but runs well! It is a bundle to start cold but I did put in a primer ball too pump Gas to it with the choke on! It pulls hard! but I luv the rotax motors!

[crusher139 0]

Good luck, I hope you get a good sled I have a skidoo, it is a small older model but runs well! It is a bundle to start cold but I did put in a primer ball too pump Gas to it with the choke on! It pulls hard! but I luv the rotax motors!

I've wanted an mxz since i was 6 years old. I got my first sled when i was 5 or 6, 89 poo 340. The ski doos have just been getting nicer and more reliable with time. Hopefully i'll have one soon. I've learned to not rush into this though. The best deals come with patience. i don't want to settle ya no.

Again, thanks everyone for your valuable information.

[adrenawrench 0]

I have an 04 Adrenaline 800 HO and my wife has an 04 GSX 500ss. Neither sled has had any problems what so ever.

I have no doubt that my 800 would run all day at 80 miles per hour(will go faster). My wife's 500ss will take my 800 off the line though.

I spent the weekend in the twisty trails of southern Maine. My Rev was hooking up real well in the corners. The rest of my bud with older sleds were quite impressed with my sleds handling.Just put yourself forward on the sled and turn the bars .

The Rev suspension will eat up lots of rough terrain. You will find yourself having to stand less in the bumps.

If you are real worried about getting a bad motor, bring a compression tester with you. If an owner wont let you check compression then just move on.

That being said...buy your self an 04 or up Rev.In your price range you should be able to find something with 2000 miles or so.

Check out the forums on DOOTALK.COM.This is where you will get the most SkiDoo info. Many knowledgeable Doo folks here. Tons an tons of useful info. Go about 30 pages back in the Rev category and start reading. You will learn more in one night there reading posts then we can answer here.

You will get the whole lowdown on boots etc.

Get a Rev. You will never go back.

[The Toolman 15]

Correct on the 03's having a beavertail. Only the blair morgan edition (7c) which was late release in '03 came with a normal tunnel. The beavertail was a cosmetic experiment made by ski-doo and its a pretty poor design in my opinion. If you ever have removed one, the idea was there for better cooling and changing pivot points, but the design didnt hold.

The 04's were updated. The SDI, (semi-direct injection) was introduced. As stated above, reed boots will show signs of premature aging, i.e. cracking around the outside of the rubber which eventually opens up and will suck in an irregular amount of air to fuel and start to empty your wallet. Some models in 04 never had this issue, but be on top of finding out if you do look at an 04. I have a 2004 GSX 600 SDI with about 5800 miles on it. It is a great sled for comfort, and ease of use. No choking, much less oil consumption than carburated motors, and roughly 18 miles per gallon on fuel. once the suspension is dialed in on this sled, you will find that it is comparable to the MXZ line in performance. Also check for ignition issues relating to the stator. You may find that the 04's headlight is dim or a handwarmer has been replaced, these are signs of a faulty charging system.

Avoid the 800 and 800 H.O. motors in 03 and 04. The 600 has been proven to be a much more reliable mill. Power is not much different than the 600 SDI. I wont try to get into some of the internal PTO side crank bearings and top endsingle ring issues as they are somewhat confusing and not entirely too common in later models. In 2007, the 800 Powertek was introduced with some technological differences thean previous 800's. A bit faster, but a headache in terms of efficiency in my opinion.

For 05, check out the SDI models, and also the proven 500SS model. The 500SS is basically a 600 in cc ratings however it is listed as 500ss because the 600 HO SDI is already available for the 600 class. There is minimal performance difference to a basic weekend trail rider between the SDI 600 and 500SS with the exception of fuel injection vs. choking procedures and minor supspension differences in the 500SS. Both are available motors in the Rev GSX chassis as well as the MXZ lineup. A very dominant crossover sled for 04 and 05 is the MXZ renegade. With a bit more suspension and a 136" track, it is the sled to have for this area. Find one with low miles in 2005 with an SDI and your golden. If your budget requires it, you can find a cheaper 500SS with low miles for a low price and have very good performance. The 500SS is becoming the most widely sold motor in ski-doo history and I can assure you that it is a very capable and low cost machine to own. Avoid the X packages unless you enjoy supsension adjustments, hard riding, minimal wind protection, and a thrill of owning a spring order. Personally the suspension may be too stiff if your looking to ride comfortably.

A common issue with older rev's is the gas tank and guage. You will find that you need to keep the gas nozzle inserted at a backwards position all the way down the neck of the tank to refuel properly. The guages on the console are incredibly faulty and innacurate so be mindful that your feul level may vary and be more or less than you percieve. This issues was later cleared by newer models and many now come iwth dashboard fuel guages.

You can find the 500SS motor and 600 SDI in the Rev GSX lineup and the Rev MXZ and MXZ Renegade. I suggest ride each and feel the differences and then make a decision from there. Most of these options are carried over into 06 and 07 and then in 2008 the Rev XP chassis was introduced yet even they offer the SDI, 500SS, and the addition of the 600 E-TEC and 800R Powertek. For 09 the 1200 4-TEC is introduced but many are having issues while other buyers are racking on flawless miles. You may find a leftover 2008 500SS TNT model for a much cheaper price than the others, but be sure to see that the 2008 driveshaft recall has been cleared in any 2008 model. Overall, if you can enjoy the REV chassis in 05 and 06, I would consider the 500SS or 600SDI, and im more of an 800 type of person. Thats my take!

For a Yammi guy you should write a review book on Skidoo

[Bilbo 85]

I have a 05 GSX 600 SDI . 5900 miles and it has been a Excellent sled. The biggest improvement to it was installing Adrenalin shocks. Mine has aftermarket skis on it from the previous owner, there were some issues with the pilot skis and darting. I believe in 06 skidoo switched to Precision skis which I hear are excellent. IMO the 600 is all the power you need, its good for the high 90s depending on conditions.

[bakersnow 0]

Purchased 2 500ss new in 04 and they are both great. I do not think you can buy a better sled for the money. the rider forward position is a great improvement. Sold 1 this year and went with an xp. no regrets, the new etec motor rocks and the extra legroom is nice.

[W8in4SNO 0]

I own a Cat but spent an extremely long, fast day on an 04 or so Rev chasis out in Washington state a few years ago. I didn't particuarly care for the ergo's, my knees and thighs hurt pretty bad, I couldn't "change" my position/posture at all like I can on my Cat, I'm about 5'-6" or so (atop a 2' snow bank) so maybe there's a sweet spot or something?

Handling was great and we only fueled up once all day, it was a fan jobber I think a 550 or something. Unreal riding out there I tell ya, it's different world.

Good Luck

[Tim 0]

I own a Cat but spent an extremely long, fast day on an 04 or so Rev chasis out in Washington state a few years ago. I didn't particuarly care for the ergo's, my knees and thighs hurt pretty bad, I couldn't "change" my position/posture at all like I can on my Cat, I'm about 5'-6" or so (atop a 2' snow bank) so maybe there's a sweet spot or something?

Handling was great and we only fueled up once all day, it was a fan jobber I think a 550 or something. Unreal riding out there I tell ya, it's different world.

Good Luck

I sure the ride was fine, you probably got hurt trying to climb up onto the seat!

[The Toolman 15]

I sure the ride was fine, you probably got hurt trying to climb up onto the seat!

Now that a good, short joke!!!!

[W8in4SNO 0]

I sure the ride was fine, you probably got hurt trying to climb up onto the seat!

If only I had the time to find that picture of that finely tuned Ski Doo engine of yours from last year!

[Tim 0]

If only I had the time to find that picture of that finely tuned Ski Doo engine of yours from last year!

Engines can and will be rebuilt, I'm pretty sure your line on the wall is going to start creeping down.

[Billfirebc 0]

Interesting thread, thanks for the information guys. I have a 03 Rev 800 and it needs a new short block with less than 5k miles. Suffice to say this irritates me to no end! My question is can you put in a 600 motor on an 800 chassis? I do not trust the 800 motors at all, besides too much power for basic trail riding.

Thank you