2004 Arctic Cat 370 for kids?

[northseattle]

Does anyone know much about these? I'm looking for a sled for my 8 and 9 year old sons who have outgrown their 120s, and one of these cats is for sale locally.

So two questions -

1 - is it a good and reliable sled?

2 - do people think it's a sled that an 8 and 9 year old (both about 85 lbs) could handle?

Thanks in advance...

 

[MI1M600EFI]

I have an '03 Z370 that I bought from one of my dad's buddies a few years ago to use as a 2nd sled for the GF or whoever. It's been good to me so far, with only about 700 miles on it total. (had 200 when I bought it). I don't believe there are too many things that can go wrong with the little fan, so I think the reliability will be good. (I had a MC570 that was good to me too.)

I will say that it is still a full size zr chassis... Kinda big for a really little guy, but my friend's girls rode it last winter with no problems, and they're probably not much heavier than 85lb. It'll hit all of 60mph too, so that's a big step up from a 120.

If you're looking to go cheaper, what you see kids riding a lot around here is old Yamaha Enticer 340's. They're a nice 3/4 size sled, and easier for a smaller kid to handle, and work with. From there, you can move up the a full size chassis 370 or 440.

I'll add that I have taken a ride or two on the 370, and though it's no powerhouse, it'll get you there and it's light enough to be flingable. I have a good time bombing it aroun. It sounds really angry too... Tiny muffler.
Oh, and it is a fuel sipper, which is nice. I'm converting it to hydraulic brakes, but the cable brakes aren't bad.

Oh, check out http://premierrpc.com/Premier_home_page.php for new 3/4 scale snowmobiles geared toward kids/smaller framed ladies. Seems like a great idea to me!

Chris

 

[northseattle]

Thanks Chris -

Appreciate the advice on the 370. Agree that it's kind of a bummer to have to move them up to a full size chassis. Maybe I'll work up some kind of governor to prevent them from hitting 60 mph.

The Enticer is a good idea, but it's really hard to find those around here in the NW.

And thanks for the heads up on the Premier. I recently checked those out and am really glad that somebody is making a "tweener" sled. I think it's a decent price point, but still a bit expensive for a sled that our kids will only be in a few years. Plus, I couldn't find any info on dealers in the Pacific NW.

Another year or two and we'll have them in our full size Phazers. Thanks again!

 

[KMMAC]

Look for the Yamaha snoscoots. They will haul an adult around, go about 30 35. The down side is they don't have much for traction but,,, there is a cure. I used cleats from ekholm or some one like that. Could possibly find something better with some searching. These are great little sleds. We raced them around a back lot in Sedro-Woolley in the winter snow or no snow. They go great on grass too!!