I am considering purchasing a used 1200 4 tec sled, are they any years from 2009 to present that I should stay away from because of known issues? Also, what else you should I be checking on a used sled?
johnnyh55
Interesting question and I'm not convinced there is a single definitive answer for this one. I followed the threads on the 1200 for years, thought about going 4 stroke but all of the complaints including things like "heavy handling", throttle lag, poor fuel economy, clutch issues, etc. etc. kept me away.
That is what ultimately led to me ordering a 900 Ace as my entry into the world of 4-stroke machines. I bought that sled for my son to ride but I put a few miles on it as well and it is a fantastic all around trail sled. So much so that when I sold my last 600 Etec I was convinced I would go with a second 900 Ace as its replacement. My only hesitation was missing the top end of the 600 Etec. Why did I go with the 1200? Because during the no-snow fire sales two winters ago it was only a $650 upgrade for 1200 over the 900 Blizzard.
So here is my experience after putting some miles on the 1200. Best additional money I could have ever spent. The 900 Ace has excellent low end torque which is perfect for trail riding. The 1200 has more. The 900 Ace is incredibly smooth, quiet and has throttle by wire. The 1200 (MY 16' and up) also offers all of the above with the addition of a slightly meaner exhaust note that is not obnoxious at trail speeds. It just sounds better than the Ace to me. The 900 Ace has been reliable as snot. So far my 1200 has also been just as reliable. The 900 Ace has excellent acceleration but tapers off once you hit 70mph. The 1200 accelerates right to 90mph with zero effort.
So while I cannot add much regarding any of the years prior to 16', I can say for a fact that I have experienced zero of the complaints others have had about the platform in years prior. If your worried just spring for 16' or newer. You can't go wrong.
That is what ultimately led to me ordering a 900 Ace as my entry into the world of 4-stroke machines. I bought that sled for my son to ride but I put a few miles on it as well and it is a fantastic all around trail sled. So much so that when I sold my last 600 Etec I was convinced I would go with a second 900 Ace as its replacement. My only hesitation was missing the top end of the 600 Etec. Why did I go with the 1200? Because during the no-snow fire sales two winters ago it was only a $650 upgrade for 1200 over the 900 Blizzard.
So here is my experience after putting some miles on the 1200. Best additional money I could have ever spent. The 900 Ace has excellent low end torque which is perfect for trail riding. The 1200 has more. The 900 Ace is incredibly smooth, quiet and has throttle by wire. The 1200 (MY 16' and up) also offers all of the above with the addition of a slightly meaner exhaust note that is not obnoxious at trail speeds. It just sounds better than the Ace to me. The 900 Ace has been reliable as snot. So far my 1200 has also been just as reliable. The 900 Ace has excellent acceleration but tapers off once you hit 70mph. The 1200 accelerates right to 90mph with zero effort.
So while I cannot add much regarding any of the years prior to 16', I can say for a fact that I have experienced zero of the complaints others have had about the platform in years prior. If your worried just spring for 16' or newer. You can't go wrong.
pick a year with r-motion your back will love you
09 had the most problems, tiny fuel filters, wimpy water pump gears, junk stators were somewhat common ( the most when spun past oem rpms)
the 1200 shares most chassis problems as the XP, bearings failing and front bushings wearing out all common high mile problems
09 had the most problems, tiny fuel filters, wimpy water pump gears, junk stators were somewhat common ( the most when spun past oem rpms)
the 1200 shares most chassis problems as the XP, bearings failing and front bushings wearing out all common high mile problems
I'd look for one with R Motion, '12 X model shorty, in '13 they all got it.
Engine wise the '09 had a few things that needed upgrading - other than that they're all good.
Engine wise the '09 had a few things that needed upgrading - other than that they're all good.
I bought a 12 with sc5. It came with a pb80 so no tra clutch. Rmotion is great, but sc5 was also a great suspension in it's time. Nothing wrong with the sc5. People buy a little too much into the propaganda a little I think. Rmotion is better, but it's not that big of a jump. Not like comparing a 2001 ski Doo to a 2003.
Real issues are pretty rare. Good sled. If you can get an rmotion sled with better clutches, do it. If it costs too much, they are all good. I wouldn't avoid 2009, but it's always a good idea to skip the first model year in my opinion. They always have a few of the more important updates in the next year. 16 and newer would be great if you can swing it, but the XR chassis grew on me. Steering can be heavy and they don't carve quite as well as the 2 strokes. Can't be thrown around as well.
Real issues are pretty rare. Good sled. If you can get an rmotion sled with better clutches, do it. If it costs too much, they are all good. I wouldn't avoid 2009, but it's always a good idea to skip the first model year in my opinion. They always have a few of the more important updates in the next year. 16 and newer would be great if you can swing it, but the XR chassis grew on me. Steering can be heavy and they don't carve quite as well as the 2 strokes. Can't be thrown around as well.
^^^ Good advice. I would also agree a well dialed in SC5 is a darn good suspension. It's not RMotion good but it's still darn good.
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