Zr vs. Zl differences? - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

bansheex · 12-07-2006, 08:11 PM

I really like this style of sled and was wondering the differences between the two? Espacially the 600s. Besides the new sleds What is the best "jumping" I should say "landing" sled for around 3k?

RMK 600 · 12-07-2006, 09:21 PM

the ZL is sport trail sled and the ZR is a performance sled so if your gonna pound ditches and fly over approaches better get the ZR. if you wanna tour around by the ZL cause it has electric start and reverse. For 3K the ZR is probably the best thing around. maybe you could find a used snopro in o.k. shap is you wnna jump it

Blownsvt · 12-07-2006, 10:39 PM

go zr. more power and better all around performance. i had a 2000 zl and it rode real nice and was able to handle some pretty serious jumping too. both are nice sleds but the zr is a bit more performance oriented.

skidoorider · 12-07-2006, 10:46 PM

i wouldn't say its the best sled for under 3k. there are a lot of good sleds for under that price. i have driven both sleds and i like both of them. the zr had better acceleration and stiffer suspension and it was a little lighter. other than that, there really is no differance.

kccats · 12-08-2006, 09:44 AM

The ZR. If I was looking to replace mine for 3k I'd try to find a 02 they have the exh valves. Not alot more HP but a broader power band, and up dated. I've updated my suspension to a 01 with alot!!! of engine mods!!!
But my ZR loves to jump, If I had a way to post my pics I jumped my motor home when I first got ny 98

rgoers · 12-08-2006, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RMK 600

... the ZL cause it has electric start and reverse. ...

Many ZL's DO NOT have either... Only ZL's with "ESR" have electric start and reverse.

As for differences; ZR has premium shocks (normally rebuildable) and usually a more powerful motor. Otherwise, they are pretty much the same.

bansheex · 12-08-2006, 08:04 PM

Thanks for the answers. If the ZR is a little faster,is it a little less reliable? Do you recommen the EFI or carb?

Dennismc · 12-08-2006, 08:13 PM

if you go efi, make sure its a 1997 or later with the batterless efi and ett...

The 96's with the battary are good, but if the bat is week, forget about it...

Paintman · 12-08-2006, 09:03 PM

Go with the EFI. Synching the carbs on those is a pain in the ***.

SawBlade · 12-08-2006, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bansheex

Thanks for the answers. If the ZR is a little faster,is it a little less reliable?

Negative ghostrider.

SawBlade · 12-08-2006, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paintman

Go with the EFI. Synching the carbs on those is a pain in the ***.

anything is a pain in the *ss until you know how to do it. Go with the carbs, more responsive and adustable.

only my $0.02

tamacat · 12-09-2006, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SawBlade

anything is a pain in the *ss until you know how to do it. Go with the carbs, more responsive and adustable.

only my $0.02

More responsive!!

I beg to differ!!

kccats · 12-09-2006, 08:54 AM

Until you get to about 02-03 the carb modle is more responsive. The motors are exactly the same. the shocks are about the only dif. the zl may have more options on it, but the zr will love to jump!!! Any way on the older 98-01 the carb is easier to modify, but if you want easy maint. go EFI.GO ZR 600 EFI and ride!!!

**RJ Gleason** · 12-09-2006, 11:19 AM

EFI over carbs any day.

Dennismc · 12-09-2006, 12:30 PM

RJ: have to agree there. The carbed 93 ext580 we have is nice, responsive but...getting it to idle when dead cold is a PAIN.

The efi, is start and let go.....

And just to point out, the more responsive the ext 580 is right now is due to the clutch, my 96 zr580 still have the weights for the over 4000' spring in it. Waiting for the stock weights to come in.

rgoers · 12-09-2006, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bansheex

Thanks for the answers. If the ZR is a little faster,is it a little less reliable? Do you recommen the EFI or carb?

You may want to consider this as well: since the ZR is more of a racing/jumping sled, a *USED* ZR is quite likely to be more BEAT and ABUSED than a similar ZL.

SawBlade · 12-09-2006, 02:01 PM

all of you have excellent points of view.

kccats · 12-09-2006, 08:21 PM

True the zl is more of a cruiser, and you could do a spring and shock upgrade if you can handle the wieght.

Cat Kid · 12-31-2006, 09:11 PM

What year were you thinking of getting????

headbanger7483 · 01-01-2007, 10:04 AM

I've got an '02 ZR 500 and its a great sled lots of power and a nice smooth ride