Does it have a counterbalance shaft?
Does it vibrate much at idle?

I think so, and very little at idle. We were at a stop this winter and both my buddy and I have Simmons skis and his were rattling with a Polaris 700 Switchback and mine just sat there no rattle at all!

I rode a Jag and a Renegade 1000 on the same day and the Renegade had way more shake in the bars. The most I can say is the vibration you do feel in the Jag is different. Not bad, just different.

Yes the power takes a while to get used to also. Same way different but still pretty fast up to 80. But very smooth in the middle famliy speeds!

it has 2 balance shafts, its very hard to balance such a big 2 cylinder engine. The engine actually weighs more than the 3 cylinder nytro engine

Old Cat Man: You state and others state that the Jag is like an 800 up to about 80 and then peters out. Do you feel that it is not enough top end compared to other sleds? Do you like the power, except for the top end?

I am so on the fense about getting the Z1, 600 LXR, 800 LXR, or the new Z1 Turbo. I just don't want to be disappointed with the Jag if I can't keep up with others on those long stretches.

Thanks.

The Z1 engine has awesome power to 80mph. It will hang with Cat's 800 up till 75-80mph. The wife has an '08 F6 LXR and I beat her all the way through plus have a little more top end and I weigh over 100lbs more then her + my sleds weighs 40-50 lbs more.

The Jag will be good for 95-97mph in perfect conditions and the F6 LXR & my '07 F6 were 90-93mph in perfect conditions. I think the 800's are good for 100-105mph from what most people say.

I find my Jag motor to be about exactly on par with my ZR800 motors for power, which was my favorite 2-stroke motor that I owned.

So I guess it depends what's important to you....Top end will put you in the 600 class range, trail power and 0-75mph will put you in the 800 class range. If you are into ditch banging the F6 & F8 are still the better choices, I actually like the heavier feel for trail ride and handling but when you start to push the extremes of the sleds the lighter weight is still better, not saying the Z1 can't do it because it can but the F6 & F8 are the better choices. Just you will get better fuel economy, burn no oil & won't stink like exhaust.

Awesome response. That is exactly the type of information I was looking for. Now I have to decide on purchasing a leftover Z1 or snowcheck a new one. Decisions, decisions.

Yes he nailed it for sure, You have to ride one, it is a strange power band but you'll begin to love it as you ride it longer than a day.

One thing I would add is a Cobra or Ripsaw track. We notice a huge difference with the 08 having that track. And now I have summer project so I can get my 08 back otherwise I have been told by the boss that is her sled now.

I know what you are saying about the power band. The first time I rode the Z1 around the yard I was wondering in the back of my mind what I had done. But once you put on 50 miles or so and go back and ride a 2-stroke 600 you wonder how you thought it was so good. You really have to go and give both an honest ride back to back to fully appreciate the Z1 Motor. That is not to say there is anything wrong with Cat's 600, I have owned 5 of them and still have one. (which the wife loves) But once you are used to the 4-stroke power and delivery of the power, it's almost impossible to go back.

For sure get the Cobra or Ripsaw. The Cobra in my mind is the better all around track, off the trail it is way better then the ripsaw...on the trail the Ripsaw is very good, but so is the Cobra......they are both light years ahead of the stock track!

Buy a leftover and save a bundle.

excellent post!! I might also add its the most comfortable sled I ever owned. The adjustable bars and seat are a MUST! You can ride the twin spar for 400 miles and never tire and I am 52!
If your tired just move the seat!

Nice posts guys. I got a used 08 Jag with 8 miles on it and hopefully will get to the UP this weekend to ride it.

How much did you pay for a slightly used '08?

$7500.00 This person had to get rid of it for cash flow reasons. He only rode it in his back yard till he sold it. I was very lucky to find this deal.

Msatow,
Where do you stay when you riding in St Zenon? We stayed in St Donat this year for the first time and rode through St Zenon, which seemed like it was more centrally located. I'll likely go back next year with my Snow Checked Z1T.
- Tom

A friend has a home in St. Zenon we stay at. La Glaciere and Domaine Bazinet are both good places to stay.