INSIDE LOOK: 2024 ARCTIC CAT SNOWMOBILES (CATALYST) SUSPENSIONS

AWS FRONT SUSPENSION (ZR / RIOT / M)

Arctic Cat pioneered the front Wishbone Suspension (AWS) and it has been synonymous with confidence-inspired handling for decades. For 2024, the CATALYST platform brings back the legendary name with two all-new segment-focused designs (Trail and Mountain), providing two different front suspension geometries. The outcome, are new AWS generations focused on the ultimate handling and control in all CATALYST platform models.

In the Trail segment (ZR and RIOT), AWS is available in 42- and 39-inch adjustable ski stances respectively and are equipped with a sway bar. Paired to the optimized geometry and all-new lighter and stronger forged aluminum spindles, riders will instantly feel increased ski bite while powering around corners with precision and extremely flat handling. 

For Mountain models, the 36-inch adjustable ski stance and AWS work as a deep snow rider’s precise tool to initiate turns and side hilling easier. The design of the new mountain spindle minimizes drag through the snow while counter steering for predictable handling and minimized rider fatigue.  

ATAC ADJUSTABLE SHOCK PACKAGE (AVAILABLE ON ZR AND RIOT)

The interactive suspension adjustability of ATAC gives riders instant on-the-fly control over the ride settings on select ZR and RIOT CATALYST platforms.

ATAC utilizes FOX ZERO iQS gas shocks — each featuring piggyback reservoirs and three compression levels corresponding to the factory settings soft, medium and firm — plus, two settings (Driver 1 and Driver 2) allowing the rider the option of choosing their preferred balance between front and rear shocks. 

The electronic control system was designed and developed with Arctic Cat technology. Using a thumb operated button on the left-hand controls of the handlebar, which is wired directly to a shock control module (SCM) on both ski shocks and the rear track shock, the rider can switch between the five settings while riding.

The ATAC system is also integrated into the engine control module corresponding to engine reverse, so ATAC automatically calibrates the shock settings for optimal handling and control when riding in reverse. ATAC setting/position is indicated on the digital instrument gauge for quick and easy visual reference. With ATAC, the ability to instantly customize the ride for conditions and riding style while riding means riders can enjoy the maximum level of comfort in every situation.

ALL-NEW 129-INCH SLIDE-ACTION REAR SUSPENSION (ZR)

This next generation SLIDE-ACTION suspension design dials up the fun factor at any winter playground! Lightweight, playful and robust, this uncoupled suspension utilizes the long front arm from ZR race models and is designed to transfer weight – Due to the perfect balance of the CATALYST platform, the ride becomes fully influenced by the rider’s position – Rip a windblown ditch line with confidence, rail a trail corner by leaning forward and shift your weight rearward to loft the skis exiting it. A 3-wheel rear axle is standard and available with choice of IFP gas shocks or ATAC adjust on-the-fly packages.

“The 129 rear suspension is an all new design. It is a unique package combining multiple different tested geometries and components. This design does not have the Torque Sensing Link (TSL) to reduce weight and account for chassis packaging. It also has the long race front arm to allow for shock and pull rod packaging. It is an uncoupled suspension, designed to transfer weight with a perfect balance between being able to corner exceptionally, but be light and playful. This rear suspension is very reactive to the rider’s position, which allows the ZR to pull “wheelies”  by getting back on the seat, but the front end remains planted on tight trails by leaning forward.”-Ben Langaas, High Performance Engineering Manager

137-INCH SLIDE-ACTION REAR SUSPENSION (ZR) 

The 137-inch SLIDE-ACTION suspension incorporates Arctic Cat’s Torque-Sensing Link, allowing a lower and more consistent track tension, three-position rear coupling block adjustability and adjustable spring preload. For 2024, the new suspension geometry has been calibrated to work harmoniously with the lightweight CATALYST platform – The 137 ride quality takes full advantage of the best track tensioning, shock motion, shock valving and a new torsion spring design and rate.

“The 137 skidframe in CATALYST ZR models have the same name, and even look similar to past offerings, but we have altered the geometry to better accommodate track tension and shock motion. The valving for the shocks has also been dramatically improved to support the CATALYST platform. A new torsion spring rate and design has also been implemented to further improve the ride quality.”- Ben Langaas, High Performance Engineering Manager

137-INCH SLIDE-ACTION REAR SUSPENSION (ZR R XC)

The ZR 600R XC is one of the most potent cross-country racing snowmobiles in the industry and Team Arctic has no plans of slowing down. Year-after-year, the competition literally chases Team Arctic in hopes of winning a championship. The all-new 137-inch SLIDE-ACTION rear suspension found in the CATALYST ZR R XC is proof Arctic Cat takes what they learn on the track and precipitate it forward to keep their competitive advantages. With an all-new SLIDE-ACTION geometry, the R XC shares a FOX QS3 shock layout with the ZR R SX (Snocross racer) and adds a new long front arm, race-proven rear arm, rail braces and 4-wheel rear axle assembly.

“The 137 residing in the R XC is also an all-new rear suspension as it has never been offered in this geometry before. It shares a shock layout with the ZR 600R SX (snocross race sled) along with its own specific valving tuned to meet the needs of the majority of racers, but we wanted to keep it compliant enough for trail riders, since it will be offered to each.”– Ben Langaas, High Performance Engineering Manager

146-INCH CROSS-ACTION REAR SUSPENSION (RIOT) 

The CROSS-ACTION uncoupled rear suspension on RIOT model results in a playful ride quality, with more weight transfer during acceleration for great performance in deep snow as well as outstanding comfort and traction over big bumps and in all snow conditions. The CROSS-ACTION suspension also incorporates Arctic Cat’s Torque-Sensing Link allowing a lower and more consistent track tension, adjustable spring preload and a 3-wheel rear axle assembly. 

“The CROSS-ACTION 146 name returns in CATALYST RIOT models and may look similar to past offerings, but we have altered the geometry to better accommodate track tension and shock motion. The valving for the shocks has also been tuned to support the CATALYST platform.”- Ben Langaas, High Performance Engineering Manager