My dad is upgrading from his 01 zrt 600 to a 900 then i get the zirt... however i have found two that im stuck between heres the info:

2003 Zr 900
-black
-1" track brand new as owner had a .750 on sled entire life then switched when he traded it in
-2300miles
-overall good shape
$5900can

2004 Zr 900
-black and red
-192s studs in track
- mirrors
-visor plug in
-2600miles
-overall same conditon
$6500can


SO my question to you ZR9 guys is the DD and the 2004 worth the extra coin or would i be better off going to the chain case with the extra top end speed... sleds are damn near identical condition no major scaratches on either im leaning towards the 04 as the DD and the picks which owuld ofset the prices once the 03 is picked



Also lets hear about your 900s... i have never personally ridden one nor has my dad so its a leap of faith for the old displacement so to speak...

Personally, I've never ridden a 900, but I do ride an 800. And after all of the posts I've read about ZR9's: '03 vs. '04/'05/'06 and DD vs. chain, I think most every ZR rider would tell you this is a no-brainer of a decision:

'03 ZR 9 all the way.

You can find numerous threads that will give you more information than you ever bargained for if you run a search.

If top speed is your greatest concern,go w/03.

Last season when I went looking for a new sled I chose specifically a 03 ZR 9. After lots of research, asking mechanics, owners and reading the reviews from the sled mags the choice was easy.

I spent months looking and over a 1000k looking once I decided I wanted an 03

I had a hard time finding a mint 03 and spent more on it than several 04 and 05's around but she sure is sweet. Handles and performs like nothing I've rode before. Big plus is the 03 can support a reverse kit which I have.

My vote is for the 03.

Then again the 04 is a great ride too. No slouch and handles every bit as well. I think he'd be happy with either.

Keep in mind the top end is no better than the Zert. It is just getting there that is totally different. I run to 108-110 like a raped ape. No dead or flat spots here. Hold on and laugh all the way. Just watch the steering up to about 90. Not much going on with the ski's dangling.

Take the fella's advice on here about setting them up, they know what they are talking about.

Corner to corner ditch banging with a great back shift and smoothness I would go d.d. Top end I would go with 2003.5. Both are great sleds.

If you want to trail ride the DD is great. Ride an 03 and then an 04/05 back to back on trails and the 04/05 just feels lighter and more responsive. On top end the 03 will kill the 04/05s by a bunch. I have often hopped off my 05 900 onto an 02 800 and the 900 feels about 50 pounds lighter in the bumps. However, over 80 mph the 800 smokes the 900.

Thanks scott you brought a bucnh of really good points i completely overlooked the reverse aspect... i think that alone will be cause for the 2003, we have a drive on..yank off trailer so reverse woudl be very handy....

.... what about 2003 belt problems anythin to look for?

Any and all Input Appretiated THanks....

If you search "Arctic Cat" on Ebay there is a really really nice 900 SnowPro forsale.

I have an 2003.5 and to date, I have not had any belt/clutch issues. I have heard many horror stories about losing a belt at 100mph+ but, I feel that if you take the time and make sure everything is in proper tune, you can minamize mecahnical failures.

With that being said, go for the 03'. :beerchug:

This one hasn't chucked a belt yet and yes I beat it good. Previous owner said he never chucked one either and there are no belt tracks anywhere on the pan or guard.

Keep you clutches clean and set up right so the belt doesnt get too hot and you should have no problem. Keep in mind if they clutching is not right with all the TQ these rockets crank out any belt if not set up would smoke.

The trick is to break the belts in properly. Wash them real good with soap and water before use to get rid of the mould release agent and keep an eye on the alignment and that's it.

I have 2 new spares. I break my new belts in when out with the kids for a gentle cruise and then pull them off so then when I need one they are ready to rip. I swap belts when they wear down about a 16th or so just to be safe. Cheap insurance and keeps sled performing as set up.

I'm running AC 020's.

Keep in mind the crankshaft issue. I was a sceptic thinking it only happens to people who over rev there machine. After 7600 miles the crank started to seperate. But I caught it in time before $$$$$$$$$$$ set in. Thanks to Art at Engine Tech in Newmarket for the great truing and welding job today. This season should be good with a fresh motor. I am pleased with my 03 for running as long and as strong as it did.

Get the 2003, I run an 020 belt.