? about a 97 mountain max

[mtnclimber]

Yami guys....I need your help on this one. I've been a die hard cat guy for many years, and love them, but I've always kinda wanted an older mountain max. Anyways, a friend of mine has a 97 that hasn't been run since 01. His son hit a culvert and bent the bulkhead. I think I've found a bulkhead for it for about $150. So, my question is....how much should I pay for this sled. Like I said its a 97 MM 700, it has around 1800-2000 miles, and other than the bulkhead, and right trailing arm....its in fairly decent shape. The hood has a couple of small cracks in it also. Its totally stock except for a can. I'm not really sure what its worth. Other than a good carb cleaning and new fuel, I would think the motor should be fine..what do you think? My last question is, how much different is this machine..other than track length from the newer mountain maxes?

Thanks alot,

mtnclimber

 

[johndeere8420]

the biggest difference between the 97's and say the 2000's and 2001's is the track approach angle..... They lowered the angle and made a HUGE HUGE improvment to how well the get up on top of the snow and stay there.... which also made them virtually stop trenching... which they had a habit of doing...

AFTER OWNING a 1997 MM 700... and after you described the condition the one you are looking at is in........I wouldn't buy it..... THE WHOLE reason why is that if you were to find a 2000 or newer, you will have to put a whole lot less coin into it to make the 97 a comperable machine to the 2000+ sleds

 

[johnny be bad]

what he said ^^^^^ had a 98 mm 700 mod and it was a great sled but that was 10years ago and by the time you fix the 97, time and parts, you could have found something,newer and better.

 

[Lt Rascal]

I would have to disagree with the John's above. I have a '97 MMax no it is not stock but it was when I first bought it in '98. The MMax was and still is a good dependable sled. Yes the approch angle is not so good. Put on a 141 track slide the skid back and away you go. Sence it is wreched and has not started for awiel. I would offer $500.

That puts you at:
500 sled
150 bulkhead
300 used 141 track

total of 950 for a 700 I do not think that is to bad. But I am a Yamaha man not Cat.

 

[rkymtnman]

for another couple hundred bucks - throw a Polaris Xtra Lite skid under it while you have the skid out to do the track. Big improvement - drops a bunch of pounds - transfers way better.

 

[Linc]

Offer him a 500 bucks,if you get it great,and if it doesn't work out to fix it ,part it out and triple your money.Changing the bulkhead is not a simple fix,and you buy the rivets,,,DON"T buy the cheap auto shop rivets,go to Yamaha and get the proper rivets.

 

[mtnclimber]

Thanks for the replys, I think I can get the sled for $200. How much $ do you think I'll be at for the rivets??

Thanks again,

mtnclimber

 

[Beels]

If you can buy the sled for $200, do it. If you won't, give me the guy's number and I will.