03 f5 vs. o3 f7 - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

Snoman1 · 08-04-2008, 06:15 PM

Here is a little shoot out. I'm looking at both of these sleds for my upgrade from the 98 zr 600.. both in very good shape and about the same miles f5 has 2200 and the f7 1800. the f7 is completley stock the f5 has a high performance clutch on it. I've heard good things about the f5 as far as power, performance and durability. the f7 concerns me only because it has a history of the body and rear suspension doesn't hold up to the monster motor cat put in them that year. overall what are peoples thoughts head to head on each sled. I'm looking for a descent performer that gets good gas mileage (somewhat)

and I won't have to stick a ton of cash back in to it in a couple years. I average about 1000 miles a year on decent trails with some big riding in northern wisconsin and michigan. My 98 zr 600 turned into a money pit year in and out over the last 3 years but overall I was pretty happy with it even after 7500 miles on it and a new motor and a new clutch and rebuilt the suspension and rebuilt the frame mounts and rebuilt this and that and on and on and on and on.....
thanks!

IndianRvrShiver · 08-05-2008, 06:45 PM

A a guy that owns one of each, you can't go wrong with either one of them!

The F5 is much tamer & has better trail manners, while the F7 has much more raw power & must be handled with "kid-gloves" on the trail. Fuel economy is actually better with my F7......go figger!! FC's have an appetite for bogey wheels, especially if the track is studded. I have had no major issues with either one, but I am pretty anal when it comes to preventative maintenance.
Get the VINs and take them to your nearest dealer to check to see if all service bulletins & recalls have been completed. There were 3 recalls for that year.....fuel tank (F5 only leak at fuel outlet), steering brace/bracket (both) & red skis (if equipped). There were numerous service bulletins; oil sending unit, slide rails, pull cord, et al, but for the F5 one important SB was for the power valves (added oil seal).

Just like any other sled, treat it right & it'll treat you right! If you plan to beat the snot out of it, you'll be replacing parts!

IndianRvrShiver · 08-05-2008, 06:52 PM

Oops...forgot to mention F7 is EFI & F5 is carbed. Are either one of the sleds SnoPros??

Snoman1 · 08-06-2008, 10:07 PM

both sleds are the sno pro version. the f7 has efi and reverse and appears to look very well maintained at this point and it is studded with about 1800miles on it.. the f5 is not studded and has just under 2100 miles onit. did the f5 only come in a carb version..
price for the f7 is at 3900 and the f5 is at 3000. any other thoughts. I do a pretty good job of maintaining my machines as well.. are these any harder to work with the lay down engine format?

IndianRvrShiver · 08-07-2008, 09:25 AM

ALL F5's are carbed. Lay-down engines are not an issue....both are pretty tough, as long as you don't go crazy with the mods (timing keys, jetting, pipes, etc). I can't stress enough, do your homework regarding the update history!
You can't go wrong with either sled

....just your personal preference! Regardless of which one you may get, either will benefit greatly with some good aftermarket skis. If I was to do it over again, I would consider an F5 over the F7 (for myself), simply because of it's better trail manners & smoother, more consistent power delivery.

IMHO, both are overpriced by at least $500 or more

....especially at this time of year & the state of the economy!! Poke around here HCS Snowmobile Forums to get a better feel for pricing.

Happy shopping!!

Another thought!! Since you aren't THAT far from Hay Days, it may be worth the trip.....with a pocket full of Benjamins!! Money talks!!

Snoman1 · 08-07-2008, 10:37 PM

thanks for all the info.. I'm thinking of heading up to wausau,wi for their big swap meet in september. we'll see what happens.. Still have some time before the snow falls!

dh700 · 08-09-2008, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IndianRvrShiver

ALL F5's are carbed. Lay-down engines are not an issue....both are pretty tough, as long as you don't go crazy with the mods (timing keys, jetting, pipes, etc). I can't stress enough, do your homework regarding the update history!
You can't go wrong with either sled

....just your personal preference! Regardless of which one you may get, either will benefit greatly with some good aftermarket skis. If I was to do it over again, I would consider an F5 over the F7 (for myself), simply because of it's better trail manners & smoother, more consistent power delivery.

IMHO, both are overpriced by at least $500 or more

....especially at this time of year & the state of the economy!! Poke around here HCS Snowmobile Forums to get a better feel for pricing.

Happy shopping!!

Another thought!! Since you aren't THAT far from Hay Days, it may be worth the trip.....with a pocket full of Benjamins!! Money talks!!

X2 ON PRICE! bought an 05 f7 rev with a new cover for $3,300

Snoman1 · 08-09-2008, 09:36 AM

what do you guys think of the 04 saber cats.. I saw a recall on the front steering arms along with the firecats.. I found an 2004 600 LX with reverse still in a crate for around 4200.. any thoughts with that ????

dh700 · 08-09-2008, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoman1

what do you guys think of the 04 saber cats.. I saw a recall on the front steering arms along with the firecats.. I found an 2004 600 LX with reverse still in a crate for around 4200.. any thoughts with that ????

i have an 06 sabercat 700lx and i love it! rides smooth and does 112+.new in crate the dealer should do all recalls when setting it up.decent price,there are 05 700 around here new for 6,200

Snoman1 · 08-09-2008, 04:59 PM

thats what I've been hearing. they don't seem to get as much "press talk" as the firecats but what I've heard they seem to be a good sled that holds up.. I'll be talking to the dealer ship to confirm what they will do for me.. At this time I feel its one of the better deals I found to upgrade!! New 2004 saber cat LX600 zero miles vs. my old 1998 zr 600 with 7200miles. If the deal pans out I'll be on my "new" 4 year old cat this winter!

dh700 · 08-09-2008, 05:09 PM

good luck-they are nice sleds.i had to crank my susp. up to keep it from bottoming out but i weigh about 200 and i dont baby it either.

Snoman1 · 08-12-2008, 04:54 PM

what kind of mileage do the sabercats get?? 600 series???

dh700 · 08-12-2008, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snoman1

what kind of mileage do the sabercats get?? 600 series???

mine is a 700 and im always on the throttle- i would guess about 12 mpg