2001 arctic cat zl 800 esr

Electric start and reverse. These are the two elements of Arctic Cat's ZL 800 that put it high on our most favored Cat list. Of course, the 785cc Suzuki twin with Arctic Power Valves (APV) is a sure selling point, but the ability to turn a key and have the cool Flex-Drive starter do the dirty work is a deal-closer.

There was a time, not too long ago, when having a starter on a top-performing Arctic Cat was not an option. When Cat leaked that it was offering a really big twin, we feared the worst- having to pull those coffee cans over in the cold morning. But Arctic Cat Technology came through with its flexible starter system. The system no longer requires the starter motor to be mounted in a direct line with the primary clutch. The flexible shaft curves around the base of the engine and spins the gear that lights the fire in the hole.

Cat's ZL 800 is the more comfortable cruiser version of its ditch banging ZR 800. It shares the same high performance 800 twin engine, factory rated at 140 horsepower. A pair of TM 40 flat slide carbs with throttle position sensors manage fuel consumption.

The ZL's suspensions are calibrated softer than the ZRs', as you would expect for a cruiser sled. A set of four Ryde FX shocks control compression and rebound on the suspensions. They provide a very adequate ride for anyone but the hardest ditch bangers. Adjustable coil over springs allow you to customize the AWS V front suspension, while a tri-cam-adjustable torsion spring offers three settings for the FasTrack rear.

Arctic Cat made a big styling move this season by putting the snarly ZR body work on all of its two-cylinder sleds. The ZL is available in either Solar Illusion or black. It will have a larger windshield than the ZR for better wind protection.

In all, the ZL 800 will provide owners with very similar engine performance to the ZR sleds. The main difference is in the creature comfort features. If you're not interested in a stiff-riding 800 twin with a rope, go for Cat's ZL 800 esr.