1997 formula z

Once upon a time, the Ski-Doo Formula Z was king of the 600s and one of the most-anticipated offerings of the season. That was before the arrivalof the three-cylinder Formula III, the scalding hot Mach Z and nearly everyone'sfavorite Ski-Doo, the MXZ 583. The Formula Z was fast becoming a bloatedredundancy in the Ski-Doo line.

Admittedly, when we first saw the 1997 version of the Formula Z at the dealer show in Florida this spring, we asked "Why?" What's thepoint of another 580cc twin in a line seemingly replete with the venerableRotax? And what does the term "Grand Sport" really mean?

We had lots of questions. We got some answers. But it was only when werode the Formula Z that we fully understood. It was Zen and the art of Ski-Doo product mix.

What we determined is that the new Formula Z gives you the best of personal sports touring with the strengths of the MXZ series. The F-Z is configured along the lines of the popular MXZ 583. It now features a similar S-2000 chassis and styling which means less weight. If you buy manufacturers' dryweight figures, the F-Z has shed 16 pounds over the off-season, from 515to 499 pounds. The 1997 MXZ weighs 502 pounds. As advocates of the MXZ,we can't complain, but we were failing to see the value of a purple MXZin the '97 line. Again, we rode the two and came to very separate conclusions.

Last year, frankly, we thought the Formula Z sucked. It was harsh riding,didn't handle especially well and was miscast as a performance sled in comparison to the Formula III or the MXZ 583. A year has made a difference. If youwere one of those folks, and admit it, there were some, who felt that theMXZ was too stiff for everyday trail riding, rejoice. The '97 Formula Zis what you had hoped the MXZ would be. Ski-Doo racing ace Toni Haikonenmight not like the F-Z, but a lot of us less aggressive, more mature, comfort-conscioussnowmobilers will.

Here's why. The F-Z has the MXZ's better handling and more nimble chassis,but combines it with a softer version of the SC-10 High Performance suspension. Plus, the Formula Z is designed to pamper the rider more than convince him that he is a ditch racer.

The very effective SC-10 long travel suspension comes with gas cell shocks rather than the MXZ high-pressure gas shocks. There are 10 inches of rear suspension travel in both models, but the settings are designed more forsports than cross-country riding. Read that to mean that Ski-Doo engineersfigure F-Z riders will be closer to the 50 mph Minnesota trail speed limitthan the MXZ riders and that more of the F-Z rider's miles will be on well-groomedtrails and less in the whoopies.

Both suspension systems feature the effective Acceleration and Control Modulator, introduced late last season on the MXZ 670. This little accessorylinks the front and rear suspension arms on Ski-Doo's rising rate rear suspensions.It allows the high performance SC-10 units to absorb bigger bumps betterand also works to provide more aggressiveholeshots and adds to ski controlunder hard cornering. Up front, the F-Z's Direct Shock Action trailing arm suspension is similar to the MXZ unit, but you'll find almost an inch moretravel in the Formula Z at 7.7 inches. That action is controlled by coilsprings mounted over gas cell shocks. The action is not as harsh and stiffas what you'll experience with the race-bred MXZ. It's not soft and sagginglike the suspension on a Buick Park Avenue, but a nicely blended compromisedesigned for sports touring. Don't be afraid to go fast because this sled'ssuspension can hunker down and bite into the turn if necessary. But it willlet you enjoy a more modest pace with the family, too.

Under the hood is a serious version of the famed Rotax 583 series rotary-valvetwin. Dual 40mm Mikuni carbs can still satisfy the needs of this enginewhen you push the throttle all the way in and ask for more power. In essenceyou have the same engine as the MXZ, which also utilizes the same variableexhaust bells as the F-Z. Good low end. Strong top end. That's the secretto the RAVE (Rotax Adjustable Variable Exhaust).

The rest of the drivetrain is pretty much the same, except for some changesin the Bombardier TRA clutch setup that make the F-Z more of a sports performancesled for smoother take-offs from the cushion drive primary clutch.

Like the cross-country sled, the Formula Z enjoys the benefits of a verynice hydraulic disc brake. It engages smoothly and scored a solid "8"with our test staffers.

In fact, that might be how to sum up the entire Formula Z experiencefor 1997: Very reliable. Very consistent. And one of our top picks whenit comes to selecting a personal sports touring sled for 1997. Add electricstart, throw in reverse and you have an excellent all-around sports performerwith all the best technical features of an MXZ and the ergonomics of a single-passenger Grand Touring.

1997 Ski-Doo Formula III 700

Overall Height: 44.1 inches
Overall Length: 107.3 inches
Weight: 499 lbs
 Ski Stance: 41 inches
Engine: 580.7cc ROTAX® 583 with Rotary valve, R.A.V.E., liquid-cooled twin
Exhaust: Tuned pipe to spiral muffler
Clutch:
Drive: Cushion drive T.R.A.C., 3 ramps
 Driven: Formula cam, on countershaft
Suspension Travel:
 Front: DSA, Swing arm/radius rods, sway bar, 2 gas cell shocks, 7.7 inches
 Rear: Long-Travel SC-10 High-Performance with ACM, 2 gas cell shocks, 10.0 inches
Fuel Capacity: 10 gallons
Key Features: Hydraulic self-adjust brake, carbide runners, heated grips and throttle ever, electric fuel gauge, plastic skis, low wind shield.
Optional: electric start, forward/reverse transmission, adjustable backrest with luggage rack,mirror kit, skid plate, high/medium windshield
Retail Price: $6,199