willdeh2

I hate to be the guy who posts a bunch of stuff, but I figured during the off season people wouldn't mind helping me out, and who doesn't like lending their opinion?

I am looking at three different sleds (and potentially more) for around $1500. All Arctic Cat.

1994 ZR 580:
Almost everything that moves is new, Carbs from a '95, raised bars, can, a bunch of other stuff, seems like a very solid reliable sled, just a little old

1999 ZRT 600:
In really good shape, don't know how many miles, but the thing looks to be in awesome shape

1999 ZL 600 EFI:
5500 miles, new top end including pistons 1500 miles ago, reverse, looks good, track at 40%, runs well right now, I am concerned about mileage and potential stator issues

I'm looking to do some ditch riding and mild jumping here in Iowa, I am a small guy (140lbs) and I want something fast and capable for ditches, jumping and trails. What is the best choice? Are these going to be my only options for $1500? If not, what should I look for? Do the prices seem reasonable? Thanks for all the input, I love advice from all you experts.

ebaccm26

When I bought my sled not long ago I was looking for a similar riding style and looked at some similar sleds. From what I gathered a ZRT would not be a good choice because it is a little heavy upfront. The ZL would be alright but with the softer suspension it's not as good off trail as on, and the ZR is a decent choice and pretty reliable as I'm sure others would agree. Really any of them could be an alright choice but if your that worried about the mileage and the stator on the ZL then just avoid it, and you should find out how many miles the ZRT has, it can look clean in pics or even be really nice in person but it could still have high miles and since it seems like you dont want to spend a ton you wouldn't want to buy it then have to rebuild it right off the back. I'm sure if you waited and kept looking you might find something that you will like even more.

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1998 zr 600 efi

kccats

No problem post away thats what we're here for!
Out of those 3 the 99ZR600 will be a great ditch banger sled! The Baby ZRT would be faster on the lakes, but not really from corner to corner! And the susspension will really impress you! As for stator, I've never had an issue with my 98 but did on a 00! Even if you do, a rewind is only $200 or less!

willdeh2

Thanks guys.

I found out that the ZRT has 4000 miles on it.

And unfortunately it's an older ZR 580, not the 99.

From what you guys are saying, I think I want a 99 ZR 600 EFI. But if I never find it, is the ZL the next be option? I like the idea of having EFI and this ZL has reverse. Does the highish miles worry you?

ebaccm26

The high miles are't a problem if it has been well cared for. I may be biased but the zr600 efi is a great sled for you style of riding and the price, thats why I chose it. The zl is a good choice too and you could always swap the suspension down the line if it doesnt suit you.

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1998 zr 600 efi

kccats

Even if you just swap out the springs and shocks on the ZL!

willdeh2

I guess I'm leaning toward the ZL.

When it gets closer to winter are prices going to go up substantially? Enough where I would want to purchase the ZL instead of waiting for the ZR?

And can I get a can for the thing for under $100?

ebaccm26

I do not know how much that ZL is but I got my ZR for $1000 in great condition, and whatever you decide to go with I would do it sooner rather than latter. As for a can you could get a used one for that price, but if you just want the can for the sound the ZR/ZL are already pretty loud.

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1998 zr 600 efi

willdeh2

A $1000! What a deal, wish I could find one like that. Did it have a gazillion miles on it?

willdeh2

Oh, and what do you guys know about the Powder Specials? Are they doubles or triples? What is better or worse about the compared to a ZL or ZR?

ebaccm26

It had about 5k miles on it but was very well kept, and as for the powder special it is a very similar sled (same engine, same chasis, etc.) but it has a 136" track which makes it more suited for powder than the trails.

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1998 zr 600 efi

RJ Gleason

Also the Powder Special has a narrower front end than ZL/ZR's.

__________________
Old Cat Rider
'93 Wildcat 700EFI
w/ Comet 108 Pro-4 clutch & 01 ZR skid

'90 Wildcat Project in progress.

Vintage (sorta)
1980 Indy Trail 440 (for sale)
1980 AC Pantera (donor engine to the 90 wildcat)


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kccats

The Powder Extreem was the triple! Find a sled NOW! Once it snows they will either be gone or almost double in price!
A good used sled in good condition, miles wont hurt them! I personally will go threw a top end at 3500!

willdeh2

Well I'm certainly looking, I have a few in Minneapolis I'm looking at, hopefully the 6 hour drive will be worth it for my dream sled!

I did find one that's a ZR 600 EFI with a 136" track, the guy claims it's set up just like a powder special with gearing and clutching, he also says the coolant lines were lengthened as well. Is 136" fine for what I want? I know I would have better traction, but how else does it compare to the 121"? Will it get worse mileage? Will it be slower? And how would gearing for a powder special compare to stock?

willdeh2

If I did go with the ZL, what shocks should I change first if I go that route? And how much would parts cost (I'm okay with used if you guys think so) and is it relatively easy to swap 'em?

kccats

I would hold off with the Mini trip and go to Hay Days Sept 8th! There will be more snowmobiles and gear than you can possibly imagine!
The 136" is great for trail riding but not so much for jumping or ditch banging!

willdeh2

Could I get a good deal at Hay Days? I would imagine there would just be more people there to pay more money for the sleds I'd want for cheap...

Is the 136" going to be problem? I don't want stuff breaking on me or anything like that. It looks like a quality job and I trust the seller. But I'm just curious if for whatever reason a long track is bad for Iowa or whatever, I don't know how they handle compared to 121". Basically I want to know what I gain or lose with that sled compared to a regular ZR.

kccats

A 121 on the little ZR is plenty of traction and unless you plan on going out West alot, it will go anywhere you want! The 136 is a bit more comfortable, but wont turn as easy! And as for jumping I have several 136 sleds and really dont jump them much!

willdeh2

I think I'm narrowing it down to two sleds and I absolutely can't make up my mind. Unfortunately I won't see them before I buy them because they're too far away for two trips.

It comes down to:

1999 ZL 600 EFI Reverse, 121" track, not the prettiest $1200
and
1998 ZR 600 Carbs, 136" track, looks awesome, $1500

I want these sleds for ditch banging and riding in fields. Light jumping. What sled is best for me? The track on the 136" is 1.5", is that too big for around here? I really don't know what to choose here guys, I'm quite flustered. Basically I want you smarter people to make up my mind for me...

kccats

Get the 99 ZL 600 EFI It might even be an ESR (electric start and rev?)