[Circa]

The new 2003 sleds will be all be coming out soon, and I am going to buy a new machine. I usually like to buy sleds from the previous year. I am trying to decide whether to get a Ski-Doo or Arctic Cat. Either the mxz or zr...

I think that both machines are very good, and I personally would be happy with either brand. I like Polaris, but right now I just don't like what their performance line has. The Arctic Cat attracts me the most it looks like a snowcross sled. The high handle bars, wide running boards... not to mention an awesome color.

So 02 ZR guys what do you think of the suspension is it still soft but at the same time willing to take the bumps?

What is the better buy efi or carbs(is their an decrease in performance with efi)?

I am riding an 800 Storm what sled would I be happy with in the zr line?

This is an asthetics issue, but does the color get dirty fast and is it to much green?

Are the high handlebars comfortable sitting and standing, which is better?

Does the sled have a light feel to it, I want something not so heavy like my big triple.

How are the adjustable footwells?


I know this is alot of stuff to ask, but I am serious and need all the comments and info I can get.

Thanks,
Circa

 

[Tattoo3235]

Circa,  I have a 02 ZR600 carb.  I absolutely love it.  Wouldnt trade it for anything.  The 600 is plenty fast enough.  I dont know how accurate the speedos are but I got mine to pass the 100 mark and then some.  Nice, light & very quick on the trails.  I got the carb model over the EFI only cuz in my opinion, with the EFI, something electronic goes wrong on the trail, you're stuck gettin towed out.  With the carb, I could generally get it running enough to get out.  The handlebars are a huge improvent over the ones of past.  As far as color, the green belly makes for some dirty exhaust area on the bottom.  Not really too much to do about that, except maybe alot of scrubbing.  The adjustable footwells are nice but I don't use them too often.  I ride pretty aggressively, standing and moving around alot.  My brother in law just bought a polaris 600 XCSP.  I know its an XC not sure about the SP but I think so.  Smoked him all the way through, so badly he had to take his piss on arctic cat sticker off his sled.  Good luck to ya.........  Tattoo

 

[2002zr600eficce]

If you have a concern over soft suspension, I would seek the Cross Country.  I ride really hard sometimes, and this suspension is the ticket!  Beat on it as hard as you want, and it takes it.  I love the 600 engine, haven't really even explored the limits yet with the NH trail riding.  I don't think right now that I would want the 800, but coming out of a Storm, you may want it.  I also like my Cross Country for the deep lug track.  I haven't studded it yet, but it still hooks up great.  Got it in black because I couldn't handle all the green.  Great color.  Also EFI-I am not into the maintenance, jetting, etc., so that has been good so far.  I can see what you mean about getting stuck out on a trail, though-oh well.

 

[TallCool1]

Circa, I've raved on other posts (best stock sleds in racing forum, twin vs. tripple in general forum) about my ZR800.  Traded a ZRT800 and had concerns about going from tripple to twin, but those concerns were gone after second day of riding this year.  My buddy and I have been riding for 20 yrs and push each other pretty hard on the trails (so much so that after a 3 day trip this year we each had to order bumpers and him a hood for our new sleds w/less than 400 miles on them  

) and this ZR takes whatever I can give it.  I think the reduced weight (from tripple) and great acceleration make it an awesome trail sled.  Never bottomed the suspension, so I see no need for stiffer setup.  Rode hard for 3 days and for the first time my back wasn't killing me.  The only negative I've read about the ZR's suspension is that on smooth trails at low speeds, it's not the best...but when will that condition exist??  The harder you ride it, the better the suspension gets!!  Mine is a carb model, wanted EFI but dealer didn't have one...but Tatoo makes a good point.

Good Luck!!

P.S.  My buddy loves his new Polaris PRO X 600.

 

[fastcat02]

I love my ZR 800 efi C/C . Only have 400 miles on it so far but it it the best damn machine i've ever owned. Acceleration is incredible, ride is awesome, looks are incredible next to any other machine. I have clutched it and installed a canister and now she really moves. Nice light machine thats easy to throw around in all conditions. The ZR is an excellant choice. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

 

 

[Circa]

Thanks for the comments guys...

 

[7c Wanna Be]

In my oppion I would say either go with a 500 or a 800zr.There is so little difference between the 500 and 600 that the 600 is not worth the extra money,this is not to put down the 600, the 500 is just that good. The 500 only comes in the carbed version this year,I hope this helps,I ride them all at the dealer where I work,and these are my thoughts.

 

[zr580s rule]

has anyone compared the 02 500 and 600 it terms of acceleration and top speed i would think if your comparing the carbed models that 500 would keep right up to the 600 because the 500 has the EPTS which is the pipe temp sensor which selects one of five diff timing maps and i think the 500 also has a diff setup for the APV's i think they have a couple different stages i would think that the 500 would have a good chance because it's more likely to be running it's optimum but i dont know i havn't heard anyone compare the 02 500's and 600's

 

[02ZR500CCE]

My 500 easily keeps up with a 99 and an 01 600.  I haven't compared it to an 02 yet.  Me and my buddies switched sleds for the fun of it and they were really impressed with the power this 500 makes. I love it.