Sooo if a guy was coming back...?

DaveB

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Say a guy...I dunno, any guy....some dude who sledded 20 + yrs then got out...had lotsa sleds but mostly DooDoos....say he wanted to come back and was interested in a used 2017 850. I haven’t been paying attention, honestly...so no sure if these things are junk or what. I see a few on Kijiji for under $10k. What’s it mean “all factory updates done”? I heard rumblings of belt eating...do these updates fix that? Is the engine any good? Thanks for opinions/info guys.
 

Bnorth

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I'd be leery of a 2017. Lots of guys blew belts on them and a good number broke bulkheads, wore through wiring harnesses, had motor failures etc, lot's of first year issues. If it was a good deal you knew the history of (like the one Ferniesnow just sold) I'd say go for it but personally I'll be holding out for an 18.
 

Daag44

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Adjust the alignment using the Grip-N-Rip alignment bar and preloader. Get the upgraded support, bracket and air duct for the belt guard.
 

Daag44

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Also get a CVT calibration from Big John @ Sled Head Racing. Do whatever needs to be done, just avoid blowing belts.
 

sick1

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The masses on here will scare you off a 17. They scared me from buying one. I was super scared to buy my 18 but i needed a new machine, 1300k on my original belt and no other issues except for the tie rod boots. so im happy with it. If its an updated 17 i would no problem.
 

tex78

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Don't get a 17 Dave, they have wiring - engine - tracks and many other issues

18 was better, as far as wiring, seen a few engines, better for belts and such, but still has issues
 

MarkCos

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I’d say u had enough doo in 20years that u should try something new
like say A Polaris 800/850ty
u owe it to urself to try new stuff out
throw out all u know and start fresh
now that would b fun
 

tex78

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I’d say u had enough doo in 20years that u should try something new
like say A Polaris 800/850ty
u owe it to urself to try new stuff out
throw out all u know and start fresh
now that would b fun
Dave don't have a pull your azz bone in his hole intire body
 

Caper11

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To bad yah didnt pick up fernies sled, sweet deal. Id buy a 17 from someone I know.
Pretty sweet deals on new leftover 18’s as well.

Lots of info on the forums on the 850, grab some popcorn.
 
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MarkCos

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Well it sounds like ur at the bottom of ur list then
quit while ur ahead and leave the pow for others , or just go and buy a sled already.
this internet advice will do u no good
unless u believe it all ?
Ur call
lol
 

snochuk

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I think quality is up in all brands.
Even my 17 Doo was acceptable after updates.
The power and agility were always there.

Cat has always been durable and good power. Just not lightest sleds but better for 18/19.

Poo is past their motor issues...850 new but after the Doo fiasco I think Poo would not early release the motor/sled.
Some peps still healing from the Dragon days.

Yammie crazy power and good handling for a really heavy sled.

They are all pretty good for 19.
Just plunk down some cash.
 
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ferniesnow

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Well Dave, interesting opening post. You didn't mention the last sled that you had; a Rev, XP, or an XM but I will say the G4 is head and shoulders above and the improvements are amazing (starting in '08 we have bought 10 new Doos so I think we have a handle on what's going on). We have had 3 G4's (all 165 x 3") and no issues with regards to belts and heat (2 '17's, an '18 and a snow checked '19). We are not chute climbers on long wide open pulls but rather shorter tree riding pulls in deep snow. It will be hard to separate the BS regarding a used sled and who knows what really is a good sled on Kijiji as it is hard to find honest people these days. The "updates" for the '17's could include a new type of belt, finned secondary clutch face, wiring harness fix, motor mount shims, and a brace or support for the bulkhead. Some got them all and others picked some of the updates and didn't get others.

We bought 2 17's and both were great sleds and both were on original belts. My wife's sled popped a motor with 1357 km on it. A freaky thing and the service people didn't know what caused it. That year I toured 200 people in the trees around Fernie and there was not one issue with a G4 and it was a very popular release that year. Lots of the '17's were great and had no issues. IMHO, the "power" isn't noticeable with the 850 (6% more cc's.....big whoppy deal) but the big difference is the track/gearing and the torque that is produced. A great sled to ride and will get you to places easier that other sleds only dreamed about.

From what I have read, BRP has a program this year for any of the known G4 belt eaters to have some upgrades done to motor mounts, etc.. (not sure what else but Norona did a write-up about it a while ago). If you can find a "clean sled" and you feel you can trust the seller go for it. I don't think you will be disappointed.
 

tex78

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Well it sounds like ur at the bottom of ur list then
quit while ur ahead and leave the pow for others , or just go and buy a sled already.
this internet advice will do u no good
unless u believe it all ?
Ur call
lol
Holy sh! T are you polluted with Polaris gin and juice
 

tex78

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Well Dave, interesting opening post. You didn't mention the last sled that you had; a Rev, XP, or an XM but I will say the G4 is head and shoulders above and the improvements are amazing (starting in '08 we have bought 10 new Doos so I think we have a handle on what's going on). We have had 3 G4's (all 165 x 3") and no issues with regards to belts and heat (2 '17's, an '18 and a snow checked '19). We are not chute climbers on long wide open pulls but rather shorter tree riding pulls in deep snow. It will be hard to separate the BS regarding a used sled and who knows what really is a good sled on Kijiji as it is hard to find honest people these days. The "updates" for the '17's could include a new type of belt, finned secondary clutch face, wiring harness fix, motor mount shims, and a brace or support for the bulkhead. Some got them all and others picked some of the updates and didn't get others.

We bought 2 17's and both were great sleds and both were on original belts. My wife's sled popped a motor with 1357 km on it. A freaky thing and the service people didn't know what caused it. That year I toured 200 people in the trees around Fernie and there was not one issue with a G4 and it was a very popular release that year. Lots of the '17's were great and had no issues. IMHO, the "power" isn't noticeable with the 850 (6% more cc's.....big whoppy deal) but the big difference is the track/gearing and the torque that is produced. A great sled to ride and will get you to places easier that other sleds only dreamed about.

From what I have read, BRP has a program this year for any of the known G4 belt eaters to have some upgrades done to motor mounts, etc.. (not sure what else but Norona did a write-up about it a while ago). If you can find a "clean sled" and you feel you can trust the seller go for it. I don't think you will be disappointed.
Yes there are 17's out there that are OK for now, but if it's close to or off warranty I. D be walking away

The engine wiring harness differences between 17 and 18 is lots, wiring for sensors-injectors-e raves

Seen above issues with wiring harness

Tracks are super easy to throw paddles and get holes through, broken running boards ( x model), just trying to remember the other stuff
 

tex78

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If it were me Dave, depending if you want to visit the airport for fuel again


I. D be buying summit 889 xm with boost it kit
 
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