I am a first time rider and never owned a sled. I am seriously considering a 2001 arctic cat sno pro 440fan 3000 miles $1350. Im looking to trail ride with my bro ski-doo 700 mxz. Is this a sled to consider? Any other offers for under $1500 let me know. Central WI or if good deal willing to drive. Help a newbie out! Thanks guys

Razor- it doesn't say your age or body size. A 440 fan coole dmotor will not keep up to a 700 MXZ. That sled will top out at about 75 and the MXZ will go at least 100. Not saying you couldn't ride with the guy on this, but your sled will be wrung out every time. I would say, spend another $300 and get yourself a liquid cooled ZR500 or ZR600.

that 700 will never loose you on twisty trails you will pob be faster in the twistys just because you are lighter and it is a zr on the lake he will take you on rail grade he will take you but if the 440 is in nice shape it is a good price.if the sled was owned buy a kid it is prob at end of its life if a guy owned it for his wife it prob has alot of life left.prob is most guys dont get the SP for the wife that is somting a guy buys for his teen boy

ps if looking at reliabe used older sleds the yami sx sxr 600 700 3cly have proven to be verry reliable sleds I have seen many with over 10k on them with never any big probs.I think thay started making that 3 cyl in the 1998 year but not sure.some work thay can be made verry fast.I would stay away from older big cc doo's alot had bad crank bearings.the pre 2000 zr cats did not have the strongest bulk heads and if a guy was hard on it the bulk head would start to tear behind the clutch.if you dont know alot about sleds find some one who does and bring them and there testing tools with you.a shiny hood wont get you to far with a bad crank seal

Razor,

If you want a really reliable powerful sled with great suspension for the trails that will keep up with the 700. Look for a '98 - '02 Cat ZL 600. Their only weakness was the stators burning up, which is a $425 part. There are alot of them out there with low miles right around the price you want to spend. Be patient and look carefully, you'll find one.

I wouldn't get the fan cooled, you'll regret it a month later. The only bad thing about the ZL's in the gas mileage is horrible. You should be able to find a 98-2000 5-600cc liquid cooled with fairly low miles for around $1,500.

thanks for the tips so far!

You know speed is not everything so if your a beginner to sledding it might not be a bad 1st sled i would ride it for a year.Then you might want to upgrade to at least a liquid cooled 500 or 600 from any of the big 4.I have seen a lot of guys get in over their skis literally with too much sled and not enough experience.

If this is a sno-pro racer...this probably isn't the best sled just because the stiff suspension will pound the crap out of you...the suspension can be softened, but will still be pretty aggressive for a new trail rider

Boy, if you could find a nice 99 Polaris 500XC liquid you'd be set. That was a great sled and wish I still had mine. Hard to find because they were bullet proof.

Maybe you need a nice reliable 94 Wildcat 700? <grin>

razor You should go with the 440,Do yourself a favor and dont try to keep up with anyone. Just ride your pace and be safe. That sled will do 70-75 and that is fast enough for a guy that doesnt have alot of experience.Ive seen guys go up north with thier buddys and their new 800cc sled and find a tree to wrap it around bcause it is to much to handle trying to KEEP up with eveyone!!
B safe have fun, you dont have to do a hundred to have fun.

razor915~ I have a 2000 MXZ 700 I and its the first sled I bought. I started out on a 79? scorpion 440 and then rented a 1999 fan 500 doo 2-up (that was all they had)Last year I wanted a sled for my wife and I had her on a number of my friends sleds:
1998 zl 500
mine
2002 sx viper 700
2004 mxz rev 800

She was able to adjust her riding accordingly but when she was on the bigger cc sleds I was checking my mirror all the time. I finally decide 500 would be a good compromise. I ended up with a 1999 ZL 500. And both of us are happy. We thought it would offer enough power if I rode it, but not be to much sled for my wife.

But I will say the best advice on here is from fireman35 "Do yourself a favor and dont try to keep up with anyone. Just ride your pace and be safe."

After the shock price of all the sled and gear wear off go get the helmet radios for your group. till then just tell the guy in front of to to wait at he stop signs for you. He will start going slower and your riding will improve with time.
Good Luck!

Keep your age, weight and height into concideration when you purchase a sled. If you have never riden, TAKE A SAFETY COURSE. Then place a block under the throttle until you are comfortable riding. Don't join the stupid club!

Get the 440. Ride it. If you don't like it, you will get your money back out of it when you sell it.

The speed limit is 55 most places.

And ride safe!!!