buying a used RX1- what to look for. New to 4 strokes

[pur pony]

I am looking at 2 RX1's right now. both are 03's.....

Are there any years I should stay away from? Any major problems to look for? Up until now I have always rode polaris and wanted to try a new 4 stroke out.

It will be a trial machine for VT and ME and I will be using the RX jack seat setup for a passenger. I also want to put an M10 suspension under it.

thanks for any help

 

[Boston RX1]

I guess I will start. Going with the M-10 is a huge improvement. The best improvement you can do. Great idea. There were a few small updates to the front end, less than 3-4 hundred dollars I would recommend. The only other thing you may want to look at is different skis and maybe some clutching. I have an 03 and it has been bulletproof. I love it. This is a great site to get information, but lately everyone is out enjoying the nice weather. If I can be of any further help, please do not hesitate to ask. Maybe we can hookup sometime. I would not pay anymore that 5 to 5500 for either sled. That seems to be the going rate these days.

 

[Snorover]

A 4 stroke will out last a 2 stroke 5 to 10 to 1. Reliability is tops.

Check my message to you.

 

[Swiss Sledder]

I have the 2003 model also. The key updates are the longer links, thicker swaybar, and straight rate springs. Do a search on these three and you will see lots of discussions, but the bottom line is that these three items will dramatically reduce the tippyness you might have heard people talk about. Check to see if these three updates have already been done to those sleds.

I also agree with Boston, I swapped the stock skis for Simmons after one season. Huge improvement in steering. That's about it. Many people on this site with over 10,000 miles on the RX-1's and with very little trouble.

The RX-1 only came out in 2003. The 2004 model has the updates described above, plus some other items. Either one is a good choice and there should be some decent prices in the used market.

 

[JDKRXW]

If you're going to swap suspensions, and you are going to carrying a passenger (once in a while) I'd be installing a 136" track too. This will make a good sled GREAT.

 

[Snorover]

A friend of mine has put on a rear seat to carry two people and they love it with no adjustment to the rear skid.

 

[pur pony]

I was always thinking of going with a 136" track. Will I need a tunnel extension for that? will it still fit in my 10ft enclosed trailer?

 

[monker]

Yes you'll need a tunnel extension. There's several options to choose from. I believe it will still fit in the trailer, but will be very close. I have a warrior and won't go back to a 2 stroke or a shorter skid.

 

[mikeb]

Sled ???

Would a '03 RX-1 with a M-10 136" track be a better trail machine than a factory stock Warrior?

Both about the same picing but the warrior does have different gearing and a few more comfort features.

 

[Swiss Sledder]

Mikeb, do a search on M10 and Warrior and check out some of the past threads on this topic. The bottom line is that some people that rode both a stock Warrior and one with M10, liked the stock suspension best while others liked the M10 best. Here is a link to one of the posts below.

http://www.rx1.info/viewtopic.php?t=1865

The M10 suspension does seem to require more maintenance than a stock suspension based on posts to this site. The shock in the M10 needs to be rebuilt more frequently is the main issue.

Both will be fine trail machines, and the longer track will let you ride off-trail as well.

My preference would probably be the 136" 03 with M10 simply because it is a unique sled. Assuming it is good condition, not too many miles, etc.

 

[SIMMER]

The M10 suspension does seem to require more maintenance than a stock suspension based on posts to this site. The shock in the M10 needs to be rebuilt more frequently is the main issue.

I ride with a guy who has a 03'XC700 with an M10. He is 56 yrs. old and he rides average. Not too aggressive but not easy either. He swears that the M10 knocks off quite a bit of top end and last year we found a crack in the M10 suspension which we had to weld up before a big trip...PITA. I seriously considered an M10 but after seeing the crack, the lack of trail side adjustability and reduction in top end I have a problem spending close to $2000 for that suspension. If I were you I would put a CAT/POLARIS/Ski-Doo suspension into it. I had the opportunity to buy a brand new CAT suspension for $500. BlueByYou put one in his sled and says it's very nice. I don't know about 136" though. The Warrior may be the way to go if you want the long track. The ride is supposed to be great. I can say that the 2003 shorty suspension was tough....the ONLY part of the sled I really had a problem with!

 

[monker]

If it is a choice I would go with the warrior. The 03 w/ m10 would definately have a nice ride, but the m10 does have it's drawbacks, as does the 03 vs the 04. Don't forget that you would have to do the updates to the swaybar, etc to the 03 if the weren't already done. Also, the 04 has the memory handwarmers, and that right there is enough for me to pick the 04. A 136" pro-action has a great ride.