skidoo mx z 500 trail

Ski-Doo's MX Z family is laden with suspension and engine package options. For the casual rider, 'Doo offers its Trail suspension package. Coupled with the docile Series 3 500 engine, the MX Z 500 Trail model is a good place to become acquainted with the cross-country and trail riding market. It is also a good sled for the casual rider who doesn't care to go rip-roaring through the ditches.

We dyno tested the 499cc Rotax twin at 86.5 hp out of the box at our Shoot-Out in 2000. Since then, the engine has not undergone substantial changes, save a pair of liquid heated TM 40 flat slide carbs for 2002.

Ski-Doo's Trail suspension package is designed to offer a comfortable ride for those who don't care to flog their way down the trail.

Unfortunately, our test conditions this year didn't give the crew much option other than flogging away. As a result, the MX Z 500 Trail didn't fare so well. We found the Motion Control shocks on the ADSA front and SC-10 III rear couldn't withstand a lap around the beaten course.

"This isn't a sled I'd take out on rough trails like this," commented Test Rider Randy Kepner. "It rides fine on smoother terrain, but out here, you'd want better calibration on the suspensions."

Ski-Doo has the Trail package sleds aimed squarely at the ZL and Indy 500 segment, which it hangs with moderately well. At $5,549, it falls in right where we'd slot this model, under the ZL and above the Indy.