I wouldn't shy away from the 500ss .If you keep good gas and stuff be fine it's a great motor /sled combo,good speed for that age.I have a z440 for my daughter ,the only reason I want an e tech for her is throttle pull is easier .
Teenage options
Looking to spend less than 3500 on a sled for my teenage boys, they have a few hundred miles on zl440, z570 and my procross zr4000.
Looks like 500ss and 550 can be had with decent mileage in the xp chassis. But not sure I want a carbed sled.
2009 gsx 1200 also in range.
8000 mile etec 600s are also in range.
Low mile first Gen rev 600sdi also in range, and less than 3k
Which would you buy and why?
Looks like 500ss and 550 can be had with decent mileage in the xp chassis. But not sure I want a carbed sled.
2009 gsx 1200 also in range.
8000 mile etec 600s are also in range.
Low mile first Gen rev 600sdi also in range, and less than 3k
Which would you buy and why?
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The first generation rev (500ss or 600) with carb are very good motors. Actually taking those carbs apart to clean is a very good job for a teenager to learn and not hard to master. Unless it’s abused you can’t go wrong.
I wouldn’t give any high hp sled to a teenager…
I’d take a look at those carb ones for sure if low mileage and kept well. I’d also look at that first gen sdi, I had 2 both were excellent sleds. I’d stay away from the high mileage sled as well as the four stroker, no kid wants to try and maneuver or get that unstuck.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Dad could upgrade to that 1200 and give his ZR4000 to a son. A 1200 would rip your arms off compared to a 500cc Cat.
zr4000 is going to one son, other sled to be purchased will go to another.
So XP 500SS vs. first gen SDI? Is the XP enough of a handling upgrade.
I agree on the 1200, while it looks like a good deal it's too heavy.
So XP 500SS vs. first gen SDI? Is the XP enough of a handling upgrade.
I agree on the 1200, while it looks like a good deal it's too heavy.
I agree. That's why I sold my 800 cat and viper; to get into some other sleds that have a better mix for our needs.I wouldn’t give any high hp sled to a teenager…
You can snag a 600 ACE with maybe 4k miles on it for that price if you’re patient on Fb marketplace. Good power range for a teenager and reliable.
Isn't the ace still heavy comparatively?
I wouldn't say the XP is any handling upgrade.So XP 500SS vs. first gen SDI? Is the XP enough of a handling upgrade.
The 600 Ace in a 120 XP chassis lists right around the same weight as a 600cc 2-stroke with electric start. I've never ridden one.
I'm 14 and i have a 2011 Mxz X 600 Etec. I bought mine for $3500 and I love the thing. You should look for sleds to buy right after snowmobile season ends because thats when people are selling them for ATV's. So if it was me I would like for a 600 etec but XP chassis or up.Looking to spend less than 3500 on a sled for my teenage boys, they have a few hundred miles on zl440, z570 and my procross zr4000.
Looks like 500ss and 550 can be had with decent mileage in the xp chassis. But not sure I want a carbed sled.
2009 gsx 1200 also in range.
8000 mile etec 600s are also in range.
Low mile first Gen rev 600sdi also in range, and less than 3k
Which would you buy and why?
Definetly some good pricing now but haven't found an etec with lower miles for that price yet.
I’ve owned 3 different 500ss’s and never had a problem. Use ethanol free fuel and sea foam at the end of the season.
What year is the sdi, I had an 05 short track and an 07 gade, they both railed thru corners, you or your kids won’t have any handling problems with them.
Best example I've found that looks real clean on the ad is an 05 short track. This time of year has been interesting. Went and looked at one that ended up having 2k more miles than the ad said and had way more issues than a small bog. Several I've reached out on have gotten no response, or have been listed for months and still no budge on price.What year is the sdi, I had an 05 short track and an 07 gade, they both railed thru corners, you or your kids won’t have any handling problems with them.
Most used sleds are clunkers. And they are all money pits.Went and looked at one that ended up having 2k more miles than the ad said and had way more issues than a small bog.
I'd look for something in the XP/XS chassis and would have no problem with a 600 Carb or 600 Etec for the motor. Even with 5k+ miles your kids will probably outgrow them before you have to worry about any major repairs.
In any case , they won't necessarily outgrow a 600. It should be plenty for anyone. A teenager should be happy with a 500 fan, if my kids complained, I would've gotten them something smaller 😉
That’s the sled I learned to ride on. Great sled and reliable. That one burnt down in a fire and got relaxed with a 18 mxz 600 aceI wouldn't say the XP is any handling upgrade.
The 600 Ace in a 120 XP chassis lists right around the same weight as a 600cc 2-stroke with electric start. I've never ridden one.
1 - 20 of 38 Posts
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