I have a 97 ZL 440 and have had now problems with it. I bought it used two years ago from a private party for $2400 cash in the middle of summer. It had about 1800 miles on it, it was studded, and looked great, and the only thing I found wrong (after I bought it) was that someone had installed the rear skid shock upside down (or something like that) which tore up the inside drive lugs on the track before they realized it and installed it correctly. The outside lugs were perfect, and I''ve just ridden it like that, and it now has almost 4000 miles with no track, engine, or other trouble. I would repost your message as ZL440 to get more responses as I once read they changed something (minor I think) from 97 to 98. I have an 8 year old and plan to keep the ZL until he is 12 and then let him ride it. It should have 6000 miles by then, and it won't be a big loss if he damages it accidently.