I would go with a ZR based sled if you are looking to do some ditch banging and jumping. The chassis is geared more towards that then the ZRT which is more pointed toward wide open lake running and ground hugging triple digit performacne. Also a ZR twin is going to be alot more snappy off the line and still be able to pull with any triple. Another thing to is to go with something made after 97, that is when cat came out with the ETT in the ZR's. SO IMO go ZR, something like a 99 or 2000 ZR 600 would be in that price range and be able to give you what you are looking for.

 

No doubt.
Try to get a '98 or '99 ZR 500 or 600. They should be in your price range right now.
If you can get an LE they have Fox clicker shocks. Bonus!
The 600's rock!

 

go with the zr!! i rode a zrt for 3 seasons when i decided to get a zr, i was a little worried about losing power but let me tell you one ride and i was happy i switched,its just as fast and i can fly through the trails because the less weight, handleing is so much better :sledder:

 

I agree go with a 98 and up ZR 600. Get EFI if you can find it. A ZRT 600 would also be nice if you like a heavier sled.

 

ZR 5 or 600. I own a ZRT600 and it's a great trail/lake sled but you don't want to ditch bang or jump with it. A nice ZR 600 should be right in your price range.

 

I own two ZR's. That little 600 is an awesome sled. You say that you want better suspension for your back. ZL's have the softer, trail riding suspension, with the same motor as the ZR's. However, you also mention jumping which the ZR's would be the best for. Both can easily be clutched to get great performance out of them.

 

thanks everyone for your input. sounds like zr600 is the popular choice. any opinions on efi or carb, performance, cost, maintenance, dependability? how about reverse? yeah it's nice, but is this too much to go wrong or too complicated to perform repairs on the machine or too much weight for what it's worth? what are some things to pay attention to when looking at used zr600 98 or 99? Keep up the replies, this site is cool. I'm getting all worked up for some sick riding!!

thanks again!
:ag:

 

If I were you, I'd stay away from the '98 zr's. I had one, and had terrible luck with snapping front shocks. I have also heard some problems with the engines. Try to get a '99 600 if you can. The '99 700's were gas hogs. :imo: welcome call

 

hey there welcome call
I went with a tripple for two reasons.I was kinda gettin tired of "ditch banging" and second they sound awsome. But you can still muscle them around ,just keep the shocks good on them. thumbguy

 

Originally posted by sabrecat_f7@Oct 15 2004, 04:53 PM
If I were you, I'd stay away from the '98 zr's. I had one, and had terrible luck with snapping front shocks. I have also heard some problems with the engines. Try to get a '99 600 if you can. The '99 700's were gas hogs. :imo: welcome call

Shocks break for two reasons:
1) They aren't rebuilt enough, got water into the oil and froze/semi-froze.
2) The ice isn't cleared from the bottom area between the spring and spindle, so it pushes the spring seat out of place, or off completely, causing the spring to contact the lower mount wrong and ****ing the mount crooked.

The motor problem you speak of was breaking piston skirts on certain 600 twins in '98. Cat recalled them and they all got different pistons and cylinders. There hasn't been any problem since, unless the update didn't get done, which would be pretty stupid since it cost nothing.

Some of the '98-'00 600EFI's could be pretty bad on fuel. Some weren't. Many times it was remedied by a new, updated chip in the computer.

Other than that, ditto to everything said above. There's been many ZR's, a couple ZL's, and a couple ZRT's in the group I ride with. Your description of what you're looking for sounds like ZR to me.

 

:wacko: should I stay away from EFI? I'm a mechanic (dodge) for 12 yrs. I think efi on cars is much better, but I'm afraid that probability of failures, along with cost of diagnostics and repairs of efi on a sled may get expensive. However, I've only heard bits and pieces of problems encountered with efi on sleds. ar they reliable? or ar good old carbs the way to go? or is it just a crap shoot depending on your luck, statistically speaking?
I'm trying to learn all that I can before I go and look at one to buy. I've only had 1, my 89 ext for 4 or 5 yrs. It's been very good to me, but I rode my pals newer models and could'nt believe the difference in acceleration. Now I need some speed. though my funds are limited (have 2 beautiful little daughters), I'm trying to be very cautious about my upcoming purchase of a newer fun machine. All the info relavent (or not) is greatly apreciated.
tell me all you've got to say on the matter, or any type of 99 or so zr600 matters. thanks, hungry for knowledge, (and SNOW) :scat:

 

I ride a 98 ZR 600 EFI Limited Edition model.

I bought it in 1999 with 1400 miles on it. It had just got new pistons and cylinders from the recall. I have ridden it for 6 seasons and plan on riding it for at least one more before I replace it. It now has got over 6500 miles on it. Overall, it has been a great sled to ride, it has enough power and handling is really good. I don't really have any complaints about how it rides.

I have done some work to it over the years though. At 3300 miles, the crank went on it (I think a bearing failed). Replaced: cylinder head, both pistons, PTO side cylinder, stator assy, flywheel key, crank seals, crankshaft (rebuilt), intake flanges, and exhaust gaskets. It was way off warranty, but Arctic Cat paid for: head, one piston assy, cylinder, stator assy, crankshaft. This crank problem was very common on the 98's. Almost all dealers I talked to about it had seen it happen on others too. Another common problem part on these was the stators failing. I haven't had any trouble, but that's probably because mine was replaced when they did the motor. It seems like the 98's are good once the crank and stator have been replaced. Lots of guys are still running them with no problems.

Another thing I have worked on many times is the drive clutch. I always change the cam arm bushings more often than alot of other people. I'm not really sure why, but since it's not that big of a job, I don't really worry about it. I replaced the entire original clutch at 4200 miles and will be replacing that one before I ride this winter because the spider has a crack in it. I'm sure if I would have gone one more mile last spring, it would have flown apart.

As far as just the regular maintinance goes, twice I've disassembled skid frame to check and replace any worn out bearings, shafts, and bushings (3700 & 5500 miles). I replaced original belt @ 4200 miles. Replaced driveshaft bearings @ 5500 miles (they didn't need it but I figured they had enough miles on them). Replaced original sliders @ 5500 miles. One broken front shock @ 5800 miles. I always grease all the fittings all the time and check everything over pretty good. Changed chaincase fluid a few times. Keep everything clean so I can see any problems developing.

Never had any problems with the EFI system at all. It's still working great.

Overall, I don't think I can complain about the quality of this machine. I ride pretty hard and don't really baby it. I wouldn't worry about getting a 98 if the crank and stator have been replaced.

If you have any more questions about these ZR's, I might be able to help you out.

 

where you from ? i got a 99 ZR 600 EFI with 1973 original miles
144 studs MBRP sliencer. looks and runs like new. never a lick of trouble with this ZR
im selling it because i want the orange F7 snopro. im asking 2500. not a firm price if you have cash.

 

Hey, thanks for the scoop on your 98zr600. Like I said, all the info I can get will be a great help. What is the dillerence between LE and non LE or whatever other designations there are?

I live in central part of Mass. small town bordering north Worcester. Too bad we're not closer, that sounds like the machine for me. I'd guess that freight charges would be significant?


:snowing:

 

I agree with everyone else and that the ZR600 would be the better sled to get if you like jumping and ditch banging. Not that the triples can't do it but it is just harder and the ZR's were made more for that type of riding.
If possible go with the EFI, it is great and the 98 ZR's did have some first year glitches, there is a piston recall on them so be aware of that and crank bearing problems. They also are very thirsty engines and will suck back gas faster then most sleds.
The difference between the standard and LE models is just the clicker shocks I believe.

 

Will, I just upgraded and bought a sled from a guy in Mass. We met in Albany so it was near the halfway point for both of us. If you are interested in this I'd drive up there again. I know I am asking a little above your price range but give it a look anyway. Good luck!


This sled has 2410 miles on it and is in excellent condition with only 1200 miles on the new from Arctic Cat motor (there were warranty issues with the original motor that A/C made good on). Nearly all the miles were put on in Canada and Old Forge. It has always been stored inside and trailered in an enclosed trailer. It has reverse, brand new V-Force 3 reeds and spacers, new heavy duty rear springs, new 6" Saber carbides, 144 studs, running board grips and heated hand grips and thumb warmers. It has always been dealer serviced and starts on the first or second pull EVERY time! You'll not find a prettier or better running ZR6. Get it before the snow flies!


$3500 O.B.O.

 

way more $ than I have. good luck though. :sledder:

 

Hey willmcc welcome call
hey it is now 9;15 sun don't know if you will read this but right now there is an 01 zrt 600 on ebay with no reserve and it is at $1125!!! with only 20 hrs left . real good deal if you can get it cheap enough thumbguy

 

crofty, thanks for the heads up. Sounds too good to be for real. I'm not very ebay savvy, but does that mean that the current bid could be way higher, you just get to see what the min bid is at? Even thogh I've been steered towards ZR, that $ would be a wise choice I suppose.

 

my guess is that it probably will get some late bids. in any advent you sound like you don't have an e-bay account. in which case you probably don't have enough time to get one until after this auction ends. The minimum bid is just what the last guy who bid on the item is. keep in mind that he may have a higher bid than what is shown because it will just show his minimum compared to the person he is outbidding, get it.

 

Crofty, yeah, I bid on a helmet last year, I bid higher than the bid shown and thought it would be mine. I did'nt know it was more like a silent auction. Lost out on a nice Arai street bike full face. Live and learn. Checked ebay, can't find it. My wife has an account I think. She used to buy and sell some nick nacks.
Cat Dancin'

 

By now this is a really old post, but I want tosay thanks to all of you for giving me all the info I asked for and more. It was a big help for me to decide on a sled. I picked up a 2000 zr600 efi limited edition 3k miles seems tobe in great shape. More than I wanted to spend, but I just could'nt help myself. Hey, I work hard, I deserve it! Isn't that what they make home equity loans for anyhow? $2900 (+ tax & reg of course) I'm psyched, but still waiting to let it rip. Snow expected in 4 days, so far they say 6" to 1 ft. Hope for more.

THANKS AGAIN
:sledder: :snowing:

 

willmcc reading this post, I think you bought a sled that will fulfill your needs
to a "T" Does it have the green or black hood? reverse? both look sweet. Price sounds reasonable for the shape and the mileage. Hope you get as much enjoyment out of yours as we did ours.

Like Marc's friend Bing says

let it :snowing:

let it :snowing:

let it :sno:

 

ics;

 

Its the green hood, has orange colored screens, which I want to take out and paint them to go from red to orange to yellow , to match the way the graffix are colored on the top of the sides of the hood. Does not have reverse. Oh well. Has orange colored ski loops, red would look better I think. brand new camoplast ripsaw track. small tear starting at front of the seat, I'll need to fix before it gets bad. Otherwise, it looks like it just came out of the showroom! Under the hood there seems to be a lot of oil dipping from the exhaust man. gasket , especially the left side, probly needs new gaskets I suspect. I'm amazed how flexible the hood is, this one won't shatter if I roll it like my last one. Also amazed that there is no bumper protection up front, only plastic, then exhaust pipe. Hope I can steer this thing a little better than my last one also.

sorry I don't have a digital camera or a scanner, but I'll see if I can borrow one

Rockerdude