Might be picking one up for 2000CAD$ Has about 5000 KM/Miles on it not sure which it is. It is in good shape it is our friend's sled. Anything bad or good about these sleds. Any good mods to do to them? And what is the top speed on these?

Thanks

ZL 550, WELL I OWN A 02 OF THE SAME MODEL, GREAT SLED, LIGHT, ENOUGH
POWER TO PULL THE SKIS, AND JUST PLAIN FUN TO MAN HANDLE IN THE TIGHT
TURNS, TOP SPEED APPROX 95 MPH, ITS ENOUGH TO DIE ON :banghead:

Had any problems with your sled?

This one also has Electric Start and Reverse

I have an '01 ZL550. Its been a great sled so far. The only problem i've ever had was the kill switch started acting up early this year. It acted like there was water in the gas. The engine would start to die, it would pick up again and backfire. All I had to do was unhook the kill switch and never had the problem again.

For the type of riding that I do, the shocks are too soft. I bottom the rear suspension when I hit big bumps. I also think the sled is a little heavy for what it is. Otherwise a good solid machine.

I had an 01 ZL550, bought it brand new. Took the crank out of it in March 04 with about 2400 miles on the sled and then again in March of 05 about 1000 miles after the last crank.

the 550 motor is prob the most bullet proof motor cat has ever had.... all around GREAT motor... sounds like maybe you had some problems when you redid the crank

I agree on the 550 being bullet proof. We have a 97 cougar MC and it runs great. I have seen 101 on the speedo on the lake. It is just a great running sled.

I wish I had a couple of them as spares. klr

my neighbor has one
well over 8000 miles still runs great

(I agree on the 550 being bullet proof. We have a 97 cougar MC and it runs great. I have seen 101 on the speedo on the lake. It is just a great running sled.

I wish I had a couple of them as spares. klr)



KLR- How did you get 101 on the speedo? I thought that the speedo on the sled only goes to 100.

Good sled for the money but you can probably find a ZL600 for similar money. The 550 will be better on gas though.

I have a 2000 ZL600 with 6,000 miles.

Expect to put a clutch on it after 4,000 miles because the center bushing will be worn out and is not rebuildable.

I agree that the shocks are way too soft if you plan to run hard in less than perfect trail conditions. They will be shot anyway at that mileage. FOX Racing makes an upgrade kit (shocks and springs) sold by Arctic Cat that works very well and are rebuildable so you can re-valve them to your desire. ZR shocks won't work.

The only other upgrade you need is a rear suspension coupling kit (Arctic Cat or AD Boivin) to control inside ski lift while cornering. With the new shocks and coupling kit, you can run with anything and away from most in the forests. However that little 550 just won't pull the straights very well.

The speedo needle goes beyond 100. Yes, I guess I did extrapolate, ( or was it interpolate??) On my ZL 600 I saw the needle go to the "A" in "Cat" when it was above 100, so how fast is that?

Yes, I know this speed was only the "indicated" speed on the speedo and GPS or radar would be more accurate and everyone knows that cat's old speedos read 5mph fast blah blah yadadayayada.


point is the 550 liquid is a nice little motor and goes very well.




klr