Hello, I am 15 years old and my dad and I are looking to buy a snowmobile this summer. Mostly for me, but he will be paying for it :p . Anyway this is really important to me because I have been left out of many things in the past years because all of my friends go snowmobiling! The trails here in Maine are awesome and I enjoy going when I can with my friends(when they let me drive :p ). Anyway Can people please post reccomendatations for my first sled? I want a '97 or higher and want to spend no mor than 3 grand. Right now I am looking at some Arctic Cat ZRT's and some ski-doo MXZ. I want at least 440cc and NO POLARIS. Thanks for your help!

Oh come on! Why not Polaris?? :0: j/k

Look for a ZR 500, they have lots of power for a 500 and are very reliable. There are lots around so you should be able to find a good one in your price range

THank you. I have looked at some ZR 500's and they seem really nice. I am just wondering if there are any major flaws or if the mantinence is too hard for a new sledder. Post if you know. Thanks. :thumbsup:

When I said NO POLARIS it isnt because i dont like them alt all, it is simply because the only ones I do like are the new ones that i cant afford :p . Please post more suggestions!

I had a 98 ZR500, it was fast for a 500. If you go with a 98 check the amount of play at the end of the crank. Our mechanic said they had weak cranks that year. I ended up having to rebuild my crank and it wasn't cheap at all.

No Polaris's ....well that really narrows it down ........what was the names of those other guys that make sleds ? J/K LOL

At the ripe age of 15 and not much experiance I would suggest staying with a 440 or 500 . We don't need you to be another statistic. Happy riding in what ever you get.

Yeah! You dont like Polaris either!! Lol. Just kidding all you polaris fans. Anyways, i would highly suggest going ski-doo. I would go for the MXZ 440 or alittle bigger.

Well, I was looking at 97 and 98 ZR500's. Is the 97 better? because if it is I could probably find one. And about the two sleds, could someone please compare the pros and cons of the ZR500 and The MXZ? Thanks. :D

ooooooo ok 2bad cuz im gettin rid of a 2000 Polaris Super Sport 4 about $3000 its got 3800 miles on it and goit a 550 engine in it PERFECT SHAPE!!..... might get rid of it and snow check a 2004 500 XC SP

Well, I will read up on that sled, because that is pretty new and a good price. But, I will not be able to purchase a sled until the end of this summer, If you would be able to wait that long. Now I will go look up that sled.

Could You send me a picture of that Polaris?

I think cat only had the ZR 440 and ZR 580 in 1997. 1998 they redesigned the sleds and came out with the 500,600, and brought back the 700.... correct me if I'm wrong. I also think that ZL's came out that year too..... you might want to consider one of those too .... a little softer ride for a long day on the trails.

i think 15 years old and first sled, unless i am mistaken then you will leave out cat and add polaris to your choices. at your age and allowed to ride free your first sled should be a fan sled. my knowledge tells me {i have not researched} that cat's only previous model years fan is a 370 twin with single carburetor and that sled could use just a little more snort. when i say add the polaris you have to consider the 550 supersport, i don't know if they have built this sled after 2001 but it was a major hairblower in its day. another good small sled is the yamaha. the best experience i have with hairblower sleds are ski-doo 1996 380 and 2000 mxz 440, both fantastic sleds. now i was talking previous years here because the group of people that i seem to run with have had all these sleds or still have them.

When our son turned 15 we bought him a 550 Supersport, he is 19 now and still rides it. A great trail machine. No rocket but fast enough.

When my girlfriend wanted to buy a sled i convinced her to buy a 500 Mxz and it is a great sled had 1300 miles and could have easily came off the showroom floor. she ended up giving $2300 for it. Its pretty quick and will run with my 583 for a while. Its good on gas and oil and we havent had a problem with it at all. As for the Zr 500 my friend and my uncles friend both have one. The are good sleds too. The are pretty quick and the sound good. One thing cat has going is they sound good stock. I rode one for a little bit and i like it too. Just remember to look everything over like the track and drivers. If it has trailing arms make sure they arent bowed ouy or in. if its studded check the tunnel and condition of the studs. One more thing if you want i had a 89 phazer and i rode the crp out of it for 5 years i put 3000 miles on it and beat on it from day one and i couldnt kill it. All i did was routine maintenace and replaced the suspention springs after they broke. Good luck hope you get a good sled

I would suggest a 97-98 mxz 500 or 583. Great sleds, bullet proof engines, going for fairly cheap these days. If you get a triple, just remember that there is one more carb to clean, one more cylinder to worry about...etc etc. I wouldn't recommend a triple for a first sled.

Paul, Cat had the 440 fan for years and years, and a Z440 is a perfect sled for a first time buyer, or as a second sled.
It pumps out 52hp, is VERY good on gas, absolutly bulletproof, handles like it's on rails, sounds oh-so-sweet, is very light, and looks really sporty. It also has the hydrulic brake, something Cat didn't include on the budget liquids until 98.

A nice clean one from 95-97 is worth maybe $2000-2800Can.
I would strongly recommend this sled for a 15 yr old, though the Polaris 550 is also a very good choice.

As someone else pointed out, a Phazer would also be a good choice.

Unless you're very expirienced with dirt bikes and quads, or have alot more self control than the avg. 15yr old, I think you should stay away from the ZR500, and certainly any ZRT, that's just asking for trouble.

The great thing about sleds this old is that they don't drop in value very much, as long as you don't beat them up, so after a year or two you can trade up.

I think I do have more self-control than most people my age. The people i have gone riding with say they were very impressed with how I stayed with them in speed and handled the sled responsibly. Many people at school have pointed me in the direction of the ZR500. Not to be mean or anything, but why should I stay away from the ZR500? Thanks.

From what I have seen, Cat's 98 500 was a good engine..not the best on fuel, but a giant killer none the less :D

Well, I think I have changed my mind. I am going to get a Z440. I have heard that these are fast enough(about 82mph) and extremely reliable. Do you think this is a good choice for my first sled? Please post. Thanks

A fan-cooled sled should definitely be at the top of your list. EASY to work on, reliable, great on gas, and light. They have the same chassis as the bigger sleds, so suspension will be good. They are fast enough too.

I started on a fan-cooled sled and it was a good decision. I have a buddy who started on a Mach Z, big mistake. He had a tough time handling all that power. A 500cc and a Mach are 2 different machines, but same basic idea.

Fan Choices: Mxz 440, Formula 500, MXZ 500, Super Sport, Indy Trail, Z 440, Z 570, Yamaha Phazer...........

Good Luck!

Mike, I think the ZR500 is a great sled (though, yes, it is hard on fuel) and it you think you're capable would be a very nice sled to have. It's got enough power that you would probably be satisfied with it for a long time to come.

I would suggest a smaller sled for a first time owner because 96hp is enough to get anyone in trouble, let alone a rookie. I think the Z440 or a Polaris 550 (or even a Cougar 550 liquid w/ 80hp) would be better for someone new to the sport becasue you are less likely to get yourself in trouble

My son is also 15 and he rides an arctic cat zl 440 . He also does not have much experience yet and that zl440 his all he needs. Some of his friends with more experience ride a zr600 and the other rides a zl 500. they all seem to work good for the experience they have.

I know that you said you didn't want polaris, but there is a very sharp polaris sled on here under the "what would you ask for this sled?" topic here in general snowmobiling. I don't know if it is with in travelling distance of you or what, but i think it is a very sharp machine, and you might like it! Just a suggestion.

Bauer

THanks for the posts guys. But I have one question: Will the Z440 suit mu needs for about 4-5 yrs? Thanks.

Anyone? Please? Is a Z440 a good sled to last me about 4 years?

No. I will say no way. You want at least a liquid 440. If I were you I would look at 500s or a race 440.

;) Might want to try to find a 98 zl 440. They were reliable and not to bad on power. Plus they're easy to modify.

Originally posted by NewfieBullet@Mar 26 2003, 04:50 PM
Mike, I think the ZR500 is a great sled (though, yes, it is hard on fuel)
That is an understatment. My zr 500 with my A$$ on it would be lucky to go 80 miles with needing gas in a real bad way. Not to bad on the oil though.

Speaking of the Z440, what was the best year, sounds like they're pretty nice, wouldnt mind one of those sittin' in my garage ???


MikeSaint do you do alot of powder riding or trails??

MXZ 500 1998. Thats what i drive and it is a dynamite sled. It beats some of the new 500's and is very reliable. It is also liquid cool.

he needs a hairblower for his first sled, good and light. i can say around here the first guy on the throttle from point a is the first to point b even if it is a 440f running against a thundercat. get used to the handling first.

But if he is buying a sled to last a few years, I think he should look at a 440 or 500 liquid. Give the kid some credit guys. I'm sure he knows how to work a throttle.

Lets put it this way, I started on my 93 XLT SP. I did own a cougar 500 before this but the thing was such a peice of garbage it only ran like a 340 for the 120 miles i put on it, then i got rid of it for my XLT, and this sled will be lasting me a few years now. Maybe next year after i get my license i will invest in a 98 or something. Let him get something bigger cause if i was stuck on a 440 now, i would be bored outta my dang mind, and i love the liquid on them warm days!

Bauer

I will be doing mostly trail riding. Although my friend said a Z440 would be enough to last me for 4-5 you guys sound like you are saying otherwise. (By the way, I do have driving experiance and know how to handle a sled :p) . But, on the other hand, you guys are saying that the zr500 is good power but gets awful gas mileage. I guess what I am trying to ask is, Is there a good 500cc sled that is very reliable and gets good gas mileage? I appreciate your Help.

If I were you I'd look for an mxz 500 or indy/xc 500. You could also look for a 440 liquid snoX sled, which would do you as well. Both brands handle well, are reliable etc etc. But they are a little easier on fuel than the cat 500.

THe longer this topic goes on, the more confused the poor guy gets, I'm sure.

I know people in their 30's, who have been riding for many years that are still quite in love with their Z440's. Alot of it has to do with the kinds of trails in your area, and the people you ride with.

You can learn some very important lessons with a light fan-cooled machine, lessons that will make you a better rider in the long run. They are also much less intimidating to work on, as someone else mentioned.

I really don't think you could make a better choice.

OK Guys, thanks for the posts. I think I am going to go with a nice '98 MXZ 583 that I found at a local dealership. Thanks again for your help! :D

I JUST HAVE TO PUT IN MY .02$, LOOK FOR AN ARTIC CAT Z570. YES I KNOW ITS A FAN COOLED (HAIRDRYER ) BUT I'VE RIDDEN ONE AND IT ROCKED. IT DID HAVE A CLUTCH KIT AND A HOLZMAN TEMPAFLO. THE WAY I SEE IT YOU CUT YOUR CHANCE OF ANY PROBLEMS IN HALF. YOU DON'T HAVE ANY COOLERS, CLAMPS, WATER PUMPS, HOSES TO WORRY ABOUT. WHEN I WAS SIXTEEN I OWNED A POLARIS 440 TRAIL. I HAD OVER 8000 MILES ON IT WHEN I SOLD IT AND AS FAR AS I KNOW ITS STILL RUNNING. IF YOU LOOK HARD ENOUGH I THINK YOU CAN FIND ONE IN YOUR PRICE RANGE.

DG

Originally posted by MikeSaint29@Mar 27 2003, 02:51 PM
OK Guys, thanks for the posts. I think I am going to go with a nice '98 MXZ 583 that I found at a local dealership. Thanks again for your help! :D
excellent choice, i think you will be very pleased!!

i have a zrt 600 and a z440 and on the average trail i will take the z440 anyday....if all i am gonna do is blast lakes then it is zert time...z440 very good sled...P.S i am 34 :thumbsup:

Originally posted by MikeSaint29@Mar 27 2003, 02:51 PM
OK Guys, thanks for the posts. I think I am going to go with a nice '98 MXZ 583 that I found at a local dealership. Thanks again for your help! :D
I own a 98 583 and it has been a good sled it seems kida hard on fuel but that could be the way i ride it too. the 583 engine has been around forever and it seems to ride pretty good too. I run Amsoil in my sled and it burns a little more than the people i ride with but i would rather burn a little oil than the motor so i'll live with it