COOKSTER

Im going to look at a 98 ZL 500 tomorrow and I thought I would ask for general opinions on the sled. Are there any issues with this chassis / motor / model year that I should be aware of? There are 3400 miles on it and its in very good to mint condition.
I dont want to get into the age old debate on prices between we Canadians and our good friends in the USA so I will just say that for my area the price is very reasonable.
I am more concerned with getting a good quality reliable sled than I am with getting the lowest price.
Appreciate any feedback.

Steve.

dave PCT

I bought a 2002 zl 550 last year for my wife. We put 500 miles on it mostly trail and lake riding. My wife liked it, no problems with the sled, rode nice. I took the sled trail riding, it had good acceleration and handled nice in the corners. Started good no mechanical problems.

kccats

Well bassic stuf like the speedo, does it work? Has the engine been freshened?
A very good trail sled!

Voodooninja

I just picked up a 98 ZL500 with almost 5000 miles. After my first couple of rides, I'm very happy with my decision.

__________________
Past Sleds

1974 Johnson JX440
1984 Yamaha Enticer 300
1989 Yamama SRV 540 (RIP 1989-2009)

COOKSTER

Thank you for the replies.
I didnt get a chance to see it today, seems the warden had other ideas for my day so I didnt get a chance to do any sled shopping.
I have my 1990 Eltigre EXT 530 for sale to help fund the new sled and it hasn't sold yet so things are kind of on hold at least for now anyway.
I will post again if I end up buying the ZL 500 or who knows, I could be asking for opinions on another Cat.

kccats

That ZL500 will really impress you esspecially compared to that 90!

COOKSTER

Yeah I have to agree with you. I just bought a 2000 Z370 for my son and the suspension is so much better that now I have to upgrade my ride.
I like Cats of this vintage as opposed to other brands because of the suspension and they dont have those ugly trailing arms like the others.

kccats

With 5000mi I would go threw that motor and freshen it!

COOKSTER

Are you saying that at 5000miles these motors need work?
Can you elaborate?

Voodooninja

Well, for many owners of any two-stroke, the 5000 mile mark is a good time to do a so called top-end refresh to regain performance and prolong the longevity of the engine. They usually replace pistons, rings and gaskets. Some will get by with rings only.

__________________
Past Sleds

1974 Johnson JX440
1984 Yamaha Enticer 300
1989 Yamama SRV 540 (RIP 1989-2009)

COOKSTER

Just want to provide an update... I bought the 98 ZL 500 last night.
It is in mint condition with 3400 miles. Im very pleased with the purchase at this point in time but the first trouble free ride will ease all my aprehensions.
Same thing with the 2000 Z370 I bought last month.
2 new (to me) sleds purchased in the off season without the opportunity to test ride makes me a little nervous but hopfully all goes well.

Voodooninja

Congrats on the ZL500. I know you will like it.

__________________
Past Sleds

1974 Johnson JX440
1984 Yamaha Enticer 300
1989 Yamama SRV 540 (RIP 1989-2009)