I am going to look at a sled for my girlfriend tommorow. In theory it would replace a 1984 Yamaha Bravo 250. She doesnt mind the bravo but is obviously underpowered. It has been rock solid reliable. and she's pretty conservitive riding

So now I am going to look at a 1989 Arctic Cat Cougar 500 F/C. for $500 This is what the add says

Runs well. 5,800 miles, original 500 cc fan-cooled engine with recent pistons & rings, PSI performance pipe, newer Arctic Cat clutch (not Comet), 1-3/16" x 121" Camoplast paddle track, aluminum grip rails, Ekholm plastic skis, lowered gearing. Removed oil injection and airbox (for weight and HP), but will include take-off parts in sale.



I know i will check the compression for eveness and proper psi. I am thinking anything over 120 is good. I know that he did the top end so I am a little skeptical. but if the compression checks out it shouldn't be too big of a deal right?

So I need opinions and maybe some specific things that I should look for. I Realise this may need some work here and there but hopefully it will be a fairly realiable trail sled probably 200-300 miles per season

Not to bee too skeptical, but back in the day of that sled, if it was piped and geared down, then it was raced and probably ported. I would stay away from it. If it were for my girlfriend, I'd spend more money and get a sled that she can get comfortable on. One that actually has some suspension. Mid to late 90's would be as old as I would go.
JMHO.

Not to bee too skeptical, but back in the day of that sled, if it was piped and geared down, then it was raced and probably ported. I would stay away from it. If it were for my girlfriend, I'd spend more money and get a sled that she can get comfortable on. One that actually has some suspension. Mid to late 90's would be as old as I would go.
JMHO.
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I'm with Keith on this one, why else would he take off the oil injectioin?? It definityly not for ease of trail riding :wink:

Thanks guys I guess I never thought about the guy racing it but I think I will go check it out with that in mind. I know she would like a newer snowmobile but the budget is very limited

wouldnt this be a improvment suspension wise over a leaf spring?

sounds like a great deal to me but im skeptical also on this one. also, with the oil injection block off, the pump itself could of went. thus the reason being for him replacing the pistons and rings.

Having had one of those sleds, I can say that the suspension, relatively speaking is not a whole lot to write home about, however would be an improvement over the current leaf springs your gf has. I, at 200lb + found the ride still reasonably stiff. The suspension in the 1990 Jag afs we had at the same time was far better.

Also, the mods to the sled would make me wary, given it is likely the sled was raced... plus, pre-mixing would definitely be a pain on the trail (ie: I know for a fact that the trunk on that sled holds only 2 quarts of oil from experience). I'm sure that there are other 'stock' sleds of that vintage in the same price range that might prove to be a better fit in this case.

For what it's worth, ours was a very reliable stock sled that provided many many problem free miles.

Your lucky, you have a chick who loves sledding. I can't even find guys that like it. They all complain it is too cold and stuff. :p