i know most people here have 1200s are the 800s that much slower?

58-59 mph stock

WVrunner,
Just another opinion here. The price difference on the 800 vs 1200 when you're talking buying new, isn't that great to warrant getting the 800 over the 1200. Sure the 800 is a great ski also, but it is a ski you will tire of soon. Face it, if you're entertaining the purchase of a GPR series ski, you're probably looking for speed. You will hear alot of people tell you the 1200 is a gas hog compared to the 800. That is only true if you ride the 1200 like it's supposed to be ridden, primarily WOT 90% of the time and more.

I have a friend down here in Texas that bought a '99 GP800 back when I was riding a slower ski. Once I purchased a GP1200R in '00 he threw sooooooooo much $$$ into the 800 trying to get it up to the 1200 level of speed. He modded his ski to an awsome bottom end because top end, just wasn't gonna happen without the extra cc's there. The following spring he broke down and bought a GP1200R.

This is just some friendly adviced based on a actual experience I thought I'd share with you. If it were my money I'd go with the 1200. You don't always have to use the power of the 1200 but when a XP or Ultra approches, it's **** sure nice to know you have the extra power just sitting there if you want it!!! Good luck with your decision!

My friend and I bought our ski's the same day. Mine a 1200 and his the 800. That was in july of 2001. I put 2000.00 into mine and love every penny of it. He kept his stock and doesnt even ride it any more. He has 36 hours and I got 67 hours and ride every weekend. What I am trying to say is that he is bored with his already and the mods arent as plentiful as is for the 1200. When I start to get bored with mine, I just throw more money at it and make it exciting again. Dont be frugal with your purchase, you will reget it in the long run.

What are you going to do with it?Race?Just have fun?I love my 800r,It's almost finished.I'm planning on a 2002 1200r in april then a four stroke in 2003-04.If I didn't want to race in 2003 I would be happy with the 800r.I know I'm going to have a hard time with the sea-doos in the 785 limited class this season but it's just for fun right?Maybe I'll switch engines or stickers.1200r with tripples in a 800r ski.Which is easier changing the stickers or engine?

I own a '99 GP800, mildly modified meant mainly to increase handling capability. I have never ridden a 1200r, but i have ridden a 98 GP1200. Although the 1200 was faster, I really enjoy the way I can throw about the 800, due to it being lighter. It seems like the argument between small displacement import tuners vs big american muscle; it all depends on what you are looking for. Obviously, the larger displacement engine has the potential for higher speeds and quicker acceleration, but the smaller displacement 800 hasn't left me bored on the water. The new hull on the 1200r and 800r looks bigger though, and it seems like the bigger engine might fit it better. That's all i have for my ramble.