Which is the better sled?

Power wise?

Reliability wise?

If you could get one what would it be and why?

Depends what you will be using it for. The ZR is lighter and better suited for aggresive trail riding but the ZRT is good for trails and also on the lake. Both are very reliable sleds and all of cats triples are good at that. Nothing beats the smooth power and sound of a triple, but I haven't lined up beside a Zr 800 to see how it compares. If I could have one it would have to be the ZR since I already have the ZRT :p .

you zrt should be about 10 hp more than the zr,,,, if should have more legs on top end,,,, but if you ride mostly trails, I would lean towards the zr,,,, both nice sleds,,,

Both are great sleds, comes down to what suits your riding style. As stated above the ZRT would have longer legs on the lakes but the ZR is one heck of an all round sled itself. I ride an '02 ZR-800 so my opinion might be slightly slanted towards the ZR.

Enjoy which ever you choose
Rick.
:cool:

I have tried both. 2001 models, both carbed.

I would have to say, they are pretty close in performance. The zert definitely sounds better, (nothing beats the sounds of a triple). The zert is heaver, but make more power. Also burns more fuel. Side by side, they are pretty even, but the zert will over take the zr in a long lake run, but not by much.

The 2001 zert model has more ski lift than the zr, (i think this was the last year of the zrt800). On the trails, the zert is a beast to handle, light on the ski's, the zr is definitely better. Some coupling blocks on the zert would probably resolve this. Cheap fix.

In the cold, the zert is a real pain to start, in fact at -30c, you have to remove the plugs on the zert to loosen the cylinders up, and heat up the plugs. Sometimes adding small amount of fuel in the cylinders to get it started.

Which would I choose. Hard to say, the ZR800, is an awesome sled, but so is the Zert. However the ZR would be a better handling sled on the trails and lighter. Myself, I would pick the ZR, but if the price is right, ZRT all the way. Clutch this baby, and watch out.

newf