2001 Arctic Cat ZR

Dana M - click this image to see my build

What was your intended objective when you started the build?

Once I realized I needed to change/fix a few more things than intended I had a vision to go all out and make it my own and try and stand out from the crowd a little. My objective was to be a little different than the other older ZRs.

What motivated you to start your project?

It started out as just trying to adjust a few things for comfort purposes and then I ended up finding things that needed replacing/fixing and it just seemed to keep going from there.

What was the most unique and creative thing you did to the sled?

I think the most unique thing I did to the sled is before I got my Rotopax storage and gas containers, I used part of the old rear plastic section to help secure a small gas can on back with a wood base with two L brackets and a bungy cord. Since changing the Rotopax cans I’ve also relocated the break light on a custom bracket. Another unique thing is it has a modern Team primary clutch.

What are you most proud of?

I think I’m most proud of the things I’ve learned about my sled as I’ve built it, through both trial and error, and also from my Uncle who is pretty knowledgeable about sleds and machines in general (Not to unincorporated anyone; I’ve also had a lot of friends give good advice and tips as well).

What do other people say about your snowmobile?

They say it looks good for an older sled.

One Comment

Riley Ames says:

February 3, 2023 at 8:54 pm

What seat is that?

Reply

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Submitted by: Dana M

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Specifics

Classification: Wild

Make, Model & Year: 2001 Arctic Cat ZR

Fondly known as: The Part-ic-cat

Time spent: 60+ hours

Snowmobile cost: $1,200

Money spent: +/- $1,900

Engine: Manufacturer motor (although it says 500 on the head, the bill of sale from a dealership says 600 so I’m not sure because I don’t believe it’s been rebuilt or over-bored). Suzuki 497cc 97hp? Not sure about the torque.

Intake: Carburetored

Exhaust: Manufacturers exhaust

Drivetrain: The primary clutch is a Team rapid response new takeoff from a 2016 M 8000. It has a new stock spring from my sleds year and 52g weights because that’s the smallest I could find for the new clutches. Still running the original secondary clutch with a red spring on the second hole from the center of the spring adjustment which makes it open easier. The track is a RipSaw II track with 1.25″ lugs not studded.

Tunnel/Chassis Modifications: The tunnel is original, I just have a smaller seat to accommodate a storage can and gas can. The break light is also relocated back further off the tunnel so there is room to remove the cans off the anchor system. Yellow grip pads on running boards.

Suspension: Front shocks are original ACT shocks and wishbone suspension. I’m running C&A pro XCS skis which are the crossover skis. The rear was a Ryde FX shock due to changing the rear skid to a ZL skid, but the shock got moisture in it and started to freeze so it’s now a shock my uncle had off an old ’97 or ’98 Polaris XC (not sure the brand).

Brakes: All original setup. Hasn’t had an issue so I haven’t bothered change anything.

Finish – Paint: Nothing added to paint or change in graphics other than a few vinyl stickers.

Accessories: Removable green lens over headlight. Aftermarket windshield. Powermadd hand guards. Fly Racing steering post adapter and 2″ riser. C&A skis. Boss racing seat with custom colors. Yellow running board grips. Rotopax storage case and 2 gallon gas can. RipSaw II track with 1.25″ lugs. Aftermarket snow flap. Wired for heated shield. Green vent mesh over air intake vents.