differences between ZR's - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

macro · 10-27-2007, 12:16 PM

Hello,

Im still debating if I should get a ZR 600 or an F6. So far im leaning towards the ZR. Now comes a question regarding the years. There are so many 2001 and less, I read 2002 introduced powervavles. What are the main differences between the ZR's from 1998 until now? for the 600CC class. I want to know the pros and cons, and what is recommended. It is hard to find a 2002 but I am willing to be patient to get one if its worth it.

**RJ Gleason** · 10-27-2007, 03:43 PM

The power valves give the engine a broader power band and a lot more in the low end.
Essentially making a 2 stroke with the low end and mid-range torque similar to a 4 stroke.

kccats · 10-27-2007, 07:02 PM

98 was the first 600 00 was the first with flat slide carbs and 02 power valves!
I have a pre production 98, I sat on it Jan 97 at trak side in Eagle. There have been a few changes, upgrades, to the suspension etc, but other than above not much!
The F6 would be a bit lighter feeling and snappy quick. I don't think it will out handle the ZR?
I would check prices on the difference between 01 and 02, I put a Black Magic invader 711 on my ZR with the power valves and it really does have a wider power band and pulls very high! I would ask around and see if anyone else makes aftermarket engine kits with power valves?

chadlyt · 10-27-2007, 10:17 PM

my 01 has power valves...I guess it had to be done afterwards?

**RJ Gleason** · 10-28-2007, 03:57 AM

Check the manufacture date, it could have been an early released late season build.

macro · 10-28-2007, 08:09 AM

There is one zr600 2001 for sale near me, hopefully it has powervalves. I am determined to get this sled now. I am kind of shocked about the F series. It seems the benefits of the F series do not out weight the ZR'S.

redneckracer79 · 10-28-2007, 04:13 PM

2001 Arctic Cat started running the powervalves. I used to work at a Cat dealer and I remember riding a few customers sleds with the powervalves and also my boss had a 01 mountain Cat 800 with powervalves and his wife rode a 01 mountain cat 600 with powervalves. It was called APV when they came out.

macro · 10-28-2007, 05:19 PM

are the 600's with powervalves a lot better then the non powervavle cats?

redneckracer79 · 10-28-2007, 07:33 PM

I would have to say the powervalve motors are better as they make more power across a broader range.

macro · 10-28-2007, 07:38 PM

I wonder if I would relaly notice this. pre 2001 ZR600's are very easy to find here. There is only one 2001 for sale, and I fear The buyer is willing to take a downpayement until next month.

redneckracer79 · 10-28-2007, 07:41 PM

The non powervalve 600 still would pull strong. I used to ride a 2000 powder Special 600 136 track with the non powervalve 600 and I loved that sled.

JL Club · 10-29-2007, 08:27 PM

i ride a 99 zr 600 with some mods, and its plenty of sled and a blast to ride.

macro · 10-29-2007, 10:37 PM

I will be trailing with two friends. One has a sx viper 700 tripple, and the other has a 97 mxz 670. Will a non powervavle make much of a difference when horsing around with these two other sleds ?

**RJ Gleason** · 10-29-2007, 10:47 PM

Unless you are going to try to run a long race with them, the 600 might just be a bit quicker in the short runs.

macro · 10-29-2007, 10:58 PM

going through twisties, with a zr600 and the yamaha and bombardier, you think It would show much more between a 99 and a 01 zr ? I dont care too much on the lake, but I do want something that handles very well on trails with a lot of twists and has a lot of low end grunt.

kccats · 10-30-2007, 09:12 AM

Even the 99 ZR will out perform the Yami in the twisties! The 670 that would be tougher! If at all possible get the power valves!

macro · 11-03-2007, 03:43 PM

ok, so I sold my 93 ext 580z. I need to get another sled ASAP. I went to see an F6 today with 619 miles. There was rust around the exhaust, a bit around the spindles and also rear shock. Also the backlight on the gauge wasnt running. so I suspected fraud. How hard is it to roll back and F series odometer. The sled was going for 4500. I backed out. Now im thinking again to get a ZR but in the montreal area there is only 1 zr 600 with powervalves for sale with 6400 miles. The non powervavle zr600's are very easy to find and are prices very well. I need more input!!!

IndianRvrShiver · 11-04-2007, 12:46 AM

Maybe the speedo head has been replaced. Good eye in finding little things that show excessive wear!!

If you poke around the buttons on the speedo, it will reveal engine run hours!

grouly925 · 11-07-2007, 08:05 AM

I had a 2000 zr 600 and i could keep up with my buddies 2001 zr600 just fine. he pulled me by about 2 sleds in a drag race, but when we would switch sleds it would be dead even. I think it was just a weight issue. I have an F7 now and I love the firecat chassis. My fiance rides a 98 zr 600 and it kept up well with my 2000 zr 600 as well. If you are looking at buying a used zr600 I would worry much more about condition of the sled than whether or not it has powervalves. Might even look into a 2001 zr800 if insurance isn't a problem for you. All I can say is at least stay riding green!

macro · 11-08-2007, 09:37 PM

how does handling compare between a 600 and a 700 and or 800? Cause I am starting to consider a bigger motor, but I keep assuming that the handling get ruined. I drove my friends dads 700 polaris and it just wasnt stable, then again it was a touring, my friends 670 mxz felt a little too heavy for me, it handles great, but just felt too heavy for me.