In my opinion, Arctic Cat® announced today one of their most exciting model year lineups to date. I’ll let you absorb the highlight information and photos of this second wave of 2021 models, but will be revisiting with more in-depth info and thoughts this week. (Click on the highlighted models to take you to Arctic Cat’s website)
I’m truly happy to see Arctic Cat innovating! It proves to me (and hopefully to you) engineering is hard at work, and the company is lazer-focused keeping their foot on the gas!
NEW 2021 MODELS
To fill a gap in the snowmobile industry, Arctic Cat is offering a 2021 lineup headlined by the true mid-size BLAST models, designed for both performance and value. The additional 2021 offerings have several new models and technology enhancements to existing vehicles. See the first wave of introductions HERE.
MID-SIZED BLAST MODELS
Starting with the BLAST lineup, this 4000-series snowmobile is designed and manufactured in Thief River Falls, Minn., and the engine is built in St. Cloud, Minn. The BLAST line includes the backcountry-focused BLAST M with ALPHA ONE Single-Beam Rear Suspension, trail BLAST ZR®, and sport-utility BLAST LT mid-size.
At the heart of the BLAST models is the industry’s first electronic fuel-injected, single-cylinder, 2-stroke engine. The 65+ horsepower-class C-TEC2™ 4000, 397cc engine has plenty of power for the experienced rider and smooth power delivery for a new rider. The models feature the proven Arctic Drive System with a CVTech Trailbloc drive clutch and CVTech Invance driven clutch to deliver power to the snow.
To complement the engine, the all-new, mid-size chassis is extremely lightweight, delivering effortless maneuverability at any skill level. The new, mid-size seat makes it simple for the rider to transfer weight when cornering. To keep the sleds lightweight, Arctic Cat equipped them with the same Arctic Mountain Suspension™ (AMS) found on full-size mountain sleds, and hydraulic twin tube shocks — front and back — to provide ample absorption.
The BLAST models feature a key start so the rider can just turn the key and go. The vehicles’ digital instrumentation provides standard data, while hand and thumb warmers ensure an enjoyable experience even in the coldest temperatures. To work or play all day, the sleds have an 11.7-gal. fuel tank. The new, sleek bodywork is all Arctic Cat and provides the perfect finishing touch to the mid-size package.
Built for the new- to experienced-backcountry rider, the new BLAST M 4000 combines the DNA of the full-size M 8000 models with a smaller stature and mill, offering a fun, lightweight, deep-snow experience.
Similar to its full-sized counterparts, the BLAST M 4000 features the Arctic Mountain Suspension™ (AMS) with lightweight spindles and mountain-specific suspension geometry with 7.2 inches of travel, an adjustable 37-39-inch ski stance and is equipped with 7-inch G2 ProClimb skis. In back, the proven ALPHA Single-Beam Rear Suspension (146) provides 12 inches of travel and provides the utmost in manuevering agility. The 146-inch Challenger track with 2-inch lug and 15-inch width provides all-around performance and great traction. The model also features a 4-inch low-height windshield.
Available in Dynamic Charcoal/Orange, and Limited edition Camo/White/Fire Red with choice of American or Canadian Flags or Camo/White/Fire Red without flags.
The perfect mid-size trail sled for the whole family. The AMS front suspension offers 7.2 inches of front travel, an adjustable 37.5-38.5-inch ski stance and is equipped with 6-inch trail skis. In back, the slide-rail suspension with dual shock and adjustable torsion springs provides 10.7 inches of rear travel and plenty of agility to conquer every twist and turn on the trail. A 121-inch standard track with 1-inch lug and 14-inch width provides all the traction needed for various conditions. The model also features a 4-inch, low-height windshield.
Available in Blue/White and Dynamic Charcoal/Medium Green.
Cabin or small business owners and any outdoorsman who have contemplated buying a utility snowmobile but were hesitant of the full-size price tag, can find happiness owning the Blast LT. The mid-size lightweight chassis makes it easier to maneuver around your property and in the woods when hauling, towing or exploring.
The AMS front suspension has 7.2 inches of travel, an adjustable 37.5-38.5-inch ski stance and is equipped with 6-inch trail skis. The utilitarian XTRA-ACTION Rear Suspension provides 12.5 inches of travel, and features dual shocks and adjustable torsion springs to help when carrying loads. A 146-inch Cobra track with 1.6-inch lug and 15-inch width provides the perfect grip for a wide variety of tasks. The model also features a 15.5-inch tall windshield.
Available in Red/Dynamic Charcoal.
M 8000 MOUNTAIN CAT 165 WITH ATAC
For 2021, Arctic Cat has added a M 8000 Mountain Cat 165 with the revolutionary, adjust-on-the-fly ATAC™ (previously called iACT) system for the ultimate backcountry experience.
The addition of ATAC technology on the Mountain Cat ALPHA ONE gives electronic finger-tip control to the QSL lockout shock keeping the rear suspension locked when desired to ease flotation in deep snow conditions. ATAC combines a thumb-operated button on the left handlebar that controls the FOX FLOAT® 3 QSL rear-track shock and the ski shocks. With a push of a button, the rider can instantly switch between three factory compression settings — soft, medium and firm — in under 0.5 seconds. The system also allows for two distinct settings — Driver 1 and Driver 2 — to customize two riders’ calibrations between front and rear shocks. The result is optimized suspension performance for varying conditions and riding styles. It automatically optimizes shock calibration when the machine is set to reverse to improve handling while backing up.
RIOT X 8000 146 WITH ALPHA ONE
The RIOT X, now with ALPHA ONE single-beam rear suspension is completely revamped for 2021 and gives backcountry enthusiasts a crossover ride experience like no other. It is now built on the Ascender mountain platform with an improved approach angle and narrow bodywork. It uses the lightweight Arctic Mountain Suspension™ (AMS) out front featuring mountain spindles and geometry for easy carving in snow and on hardpack. Its adjustable 39.5-inch to 41.5-inch ski stance and vertical steering post deliver excellent side hilling capability and con?dent handling in a wide range of crossover conditions.
In the back, the 146-inch ALPHA ONE single-beam rear suspension is constructed from extruded aluminum and lightweight magnesium. It runs in the middle of an all-new Power Claw™ 2.6-inch ALPHA paddle track featuring an aggressive off-trail, all-snow condition design with a 2.86-inch pitch and unique internal-track construction. The result is the perfect combination of a light and stiff suspension that sheds snow, coupled with a new purpose-built 146-inch track that bends and conforms to the terrain. The RIOT X excels at carving powder turns, hooking up in any snow condition and climbing to the top.
Holy wow! I like the Blast. Wasn’t expecting this.
Blast? Where is the Cat’s name? Wanted to see Pentera back! Not interested.
Fantastic to see this lineup! It makes me feel good to know AC hasn’t taken a backseat on innovation and has taken a risk to play in a new market. The styling on BLAST is pretty sweet IMO. I hope AC is listening and has demo rides out EAST…a BLAST is on my list and want to swing a leg over one. Thanks Kale for sharing.
Hat off to Cat. The Blast isn’t the sled I need, but it looks dang cool. Like others have said seeing these new models gives me a little more confidence that AC is sticking around. I’m truly interested in the RIOT X with Alpha skid. That will be one sweet ride in Michigan’s deep snow.
Does the BLAST have reverse? I wish there were sound clips of that new engine! Bet it sounds like big-bore dirt bike! Speedwerx making an exhaust yet? Sign me up.
The BLAST is a sled that finally captures my imagination. I think it looks sik. I joined my dad on a customer panel in Minneapolis. We were asked questions and shown concept drawings on value sleds. The sketches didn’t look like the BLAST really, but Im guessing it was Arctic Cat. Thought maybe KTM cuz sketches were orange. Nice job AC! I want the ZR version…Blue!!
One of the greatest releases to date? Not even close. Kudo’s for designing what appears to be a nice sled for my child but what about dad? The Procross chassis is bulletproof for sure, I’ve purchased three of them. As a trail rider I was hoping for more than new graphics! Hopefully Cat can hang on long enough to turn things around!
Catmando – Personally, I do feel this is ONE of the greatest releases. The talk of a midsize sled has been discussed for as long as I can remember working at Cat and a variety of prototypes have been built, ridden, tested and shelved. Ive been hearing/seeing doomsday talk about AC, and this launch should squelch those conversations – engineering delivered a new chassis, a new engine, styling and price point, in a new category. Pretty big deliverables in my opinion and proof AC is invested in the brand. What about dad? This isn’t a kids sled. Im 6’4″ and have been lucky enough to ride this unit – The name BLAST was settled on after my time in marketing, but I’m pretty sure it stemmed from the riding experience when you were done. “That was a Blast”. Hopefully you and others get to ride it and have same experience.
Burrido – Yes, the 4000 has engine reverse.
The Blast looks like a great platform and hopefully this is a glimpse of the future. Seems logical to build a new sled platform in a smaller volume model to perfect it before turning it loose on the larger higher volume sleds. The design, fit and finish look second to none and I really like the vast color choices in the entire lineup. Snowmobiling needs a new generation of riders hopefully the Blast can draw them to the sport.
Just how ‘new’ is this chassis? They haven’t shown us much of anything tech related yet. Should be a fun sled for a limited demographic. Don’t agree at all with the ZR4 track choice and is it an actual ‘slide action’ we are accustomed to? On the site it simply says ‘slide-rail suspension’? Didn’t realize the market was looking for a mid-sized utility sled. Might order one for the wife so she can start running a trap line in her spare time.
How about an adult (big kid) version Cat? Take the SX chassis or this ‘new’ chassis (similar?) with an actual fuel tank, put the standard pull start 6000CT engine in it with trail friendly exhaust, slap some IFP shocks on it, a 136 Skid/Cobra and the 15″ Blast LT windshield on and offer us a simple bare bones fun 125hp class SnoPro 600 for $10K? No real R&D or engineering $ to spend as it’s all proven accessible parts that Cat has now or has used in the past successfully.
Please don’t say there’s already the R XC – think modern SnoPro 500 which they sold plenty of back in the day. If people want to upgrade shocks or other bits and pieces they can do it on their own nickel. Simple, affordable F-U-N-!
C’mon Cat~
I guess it’s NOS for this guy!
So someone finally stepped up to the plate and Built a new:
Entry level 2 STROKE! Good Job.
Aftermarket should have a hayday with hope up parts.
65+HP…..more like 80 HP with GST.
Braaap!!
I wonder if this engine could end up in a ATV?
How big of a demand could there possibly be for a mid sized sled? Arctic cat will now have the little kid snowmobiling market all wrapped up. While polaris and ski doo continue to actually turn a profit selling snowmobiles that adults wanna ride. I’m way past due to buy a new machine, and just keep waiting for a/c to do something that there apparently not gonna do. Time to go 850 Polaris like everyone else
yes the have electronic reverse
Awesome, as soon as my boys are outgrown their 120’s, gotta get this.
And in blue WOW. I’m trying to think when was the last single cylinder cat, early 80’s lynx maybe?
Way to go Cat!!!
Finally something to replace my old Lynx 292!!
Awesome job Cat I feel so much better for the future of Cat and snowmobiling now, I showed my little man them last night so im sure Ill have one in my fleet soon love the looks of the 6000 and 8000s too.
been a cat fan all my life , GOOD JOB
Yes it does Burrido: It says right in the specs if you go to cats web sit.
Ill probably be crucified for this, but Ill admit I am a SkiDoo owner, but I have truly enjoyed this site over the years and I want to congratulate Arctic Cat for coming to market with a midsize snowmobile. As an avid volunteer at our club our members are always asking how to grow our “sport” of snowmobiling. How do we get more youth or newcomers involved? Well, I think the Blast is a step in the right direction as a pump in the arm to peak snowmobiling interest. I know many in our club have tried to find 65hp sleds like the 570 for their families and they are getting really, really hard to find. And semi-current offerings like AC’s F570 in twin spar chassis (IMO) don’t really do much in terms of styling or suggest “performance”. Again, nice job Arctic Cat for exploring new territory. I hope you have a Blast demo ride, because this old man will be there with my extended family.
As the proud owner of a 200cc sled fresh out of the TRF factory two years ago, I can say i am very excited to see this type of forethought put into the future of snowmobiling. Long overdue for one of the OEMs to take this risk and trust me when I say, if you throw your riding ego aside and ride one of these 400cc offerings, you’ll quickly realize it’s all that is needed to have a good time in the snow. My six year old has already laid claim to the blue ZR version which means dads going to need an upgrade as well because my current 300cc liquid cooled single (Inviter) won’t be able to hang with junior on his Blast. Great job Arctic Cat.
Very interested to see when demo rides can occur and where. This new marketing strategy of Cat is a good idea where you aren’t forced to make a decision based on a month or 2 of info. Real world in season demos of the coming sleds will prove their worth and give real world feedback well ahead of production to make sure product is what people want. Have ridden the biggest baddest and modified Arctic Cats made and still am anxious to try this new Blast. Turbo and Bigbore? Hmmmmmmmmm
this 400cc single was developed in Tweets ATV. Yamaha yfz450r with half of an 800H.O. in it. A.I. (John) did an interview few years back.
suppose the extra early release is to give their customer base more time to find new dealers since half of them are gone now.
I agree with TailStandinSOB. My boys are 14 and 16. They have NO interest in riding 300 miles in a day. Our most fun, most enjoyable rides are five miles from the radius of our house. And guess what, they want to screw around jumping the same snow drift in the ditch all afternoon! Ive got a couple fan-cooled early 2000 Sno Pros for them that will be getting sold after this season! Now, which Blasts to buy? Hope there are demo rides in MN!!!
A step in the right direction perhaps.
I’m not sure it’s small enough. I think there is a real chance if you could get a small enough little jobber that you could easily strap it to the back of an ice castle or camper. Give some of the folks that park their RV all winter a reason to take it out of deep sleep. A sled in the vein of the Honda Grom if you will.
Hopefully this number is modular enough that an electric motor can slot right in. Something with 45 minutes of run time an a nominal charge could be fun for tooling around the house or ice shack.
Nice job Cat! I’ve been waiting for someone to build a small, lightweight sled for years. The Blast LT looks very good to me. I’ve been wanting a light weight, nimble, easy to throw around work sled for a long time. I bought a used Freestyle a few years ago and I love the light weight but it handles terribly. I can see why it wasn’t popular as it is dangerous with twitchy, tippy handling and has no power.
I’m still wanting the snowbike Cat showed in the patent drawings but I’d enjoy having the LT as a second sled that my wife and kids would enjoy riding. It looks like a ton of fun to ride in tight conditions and explore on. I’m seriously considering ordering one and sell a bunch of my old sleds that I’m sick of working on and fixing. A brand new, light weight sled with EFI and electronic reverse sounds awesome!
I was comparing it to an EVO and while the EVO is way cheaper it just kinda sucks and really isn’t comparable. Riding a full size Indy with aweful ergonomics for an adult and a whopping 4” of front travel just is not appealing.@8nennn
Awesome job Cat!! This brings me back to my childhood riding around the yard, neighborhood and park with my friend. Those were some of the greatest times back then. Now that Cat came out with the BLAST I wish I was a kid again. We never thought of trail riding back then. We just had a blast riding around the neighborhood. Hopefully this will get the kids/teenagers off their phones and tablets and go have some real fun. I would be begging my dad, right now, to buy me the BLAST ZR as I did back then when I begged him and he bought us kids the 1973 El Tigre 250. The memories!!
Kale saw you posted Arctic Cat snow events on AI Facebook page. I’m happy to see AC is going to a bunch of events with 2021 product but do you know if any of those are demo rides? I’m hoping they add more because there’s nothing for us guys in Mn. Come on Cat! Canterbury snocross, something at ERX? Please!
I’d definitely like to see the BLAST in person before drawing any conclusions. I’m still perplexed as how it’s a “mid-sized” sled. There are a lot of common parts from its big brother – body panels, exhaust can, skid, track, spindles, skis, etc. Looking at the technical specifications, the dimensions are not much different than a full-sized sled. Shortening the nose, flattening the tunnel, lowering the headlight position, shortening the seat, and making it lighter does give it the illusion that it is smaller, but technically speaking, I don’t think it is. I’d like to look under the hood and see what was changed in the chassis that sets it apart from its big brother. I will agree that a cheaper full sized sled was needed and this is it – even though it’s called a mid-sized. It is also a good marketing tool to cover those in-between-ers, ladies, and newbies.
Unfortunately Cat’s current marketing department is terrible. On FB they like sharing daily pictures rather than promoting the brand, the products, or the dealer network. I’ve learned more about the 2021 lineup from dealers promoting the brand than the brand itself. Hopefully they do a limited build for demos and the media, since they don’t seem capable of spreading the word themselves.
My other 2021 observation is the price increase from 2020 to 2021 was $800 for the Riot. That’s pretty steep with only 2 “major” changes (TCL and carbides) and if the price continues to increase at that rate in 2022, Cat better start adding something to the SNOWMAGEDDON campaign like 0% financing or extended warranties. Saying that, I think there was good value in 2020 when looking at the 2021 lineup.
TerryT – Im not entirely sure if the events listed will all be demo rides. Ill keep an eye on it. Typically the Eastern events listed are set up for demo rides, but those like the Snocross races and Sneak Peeks aren’t. I’m also hopeful there will be Mn demo events. The Midwest, particularly MN/WI/MI will be hot sellers for the Blast and Riot models. Seems like a big miss if those states don’t have demo rides in some capacity.
Nice lineup but if its snow check only then why not give us the choice of a 129 in the ZR line. I don’t need a 137.
The blast looks great but they need to get that sale price at $6995. You can go buy a 450 motocross bike for that. Hard to spend more than that on a entry level sled.
How many 450 dirt bikes have 65hp stock? Hoping Cat has a video with some sounds of that Blast engine. Love the two-stroke sound of my YZ250!
Hey guys, does anyone know if this comes with the race engine?
Your choice of Hirth or JLO power, Bobby Flame…
Not sure what 450 you can get for $6999..
CRF450X $9799
CRF450R $9399
CRF450RWE $11,999
They need to come out with a ’97 ZR 580 again.
Glad2BGone….Tilliotson HR or HD ?
TP, I thought it was Bing…
Wow, just when we thought you could only ride a sled if it was 161.1 hp, cat wakes everyone up with a sled everyone is going to want to try, thank you cat.
I see a new race class in the future.
Brilliant! Wish it were about $700 cheaper but this is a sled that can bring in new riders. 65 + HP is plenty for Trail riding and a couple can purchase two of these for about the same price as an over rated Polaris 850 Rush. I am definitely fired up for the future of Cat!
My 12 year old wants a sled, but I don’t think she needs a 8000 plus tax sled. I can’t think of one time in the 50 plus year history of the sport of snowmobiling in which jr gets one of these.
It goes kitty cat, jag, hand me down, buy your own.
I don’t remember a slot for the blast? Because there ain’t one
Get back to the business of building sleds or go out of business.
From everything Ive seen, I don’t think AC is calling, or promoting the Blast as a “Kids Sled” Flintstone. Its a midsize. And based on Kale’s comments of having ridden the prototypes, it sounds like he had fun on it. That guy is a damn samsquanch! LOL
Midsize with high end price tag. Good luck getting a family to spend on it. Cat, like most manufacturers are simply pricing themselves right out of business. 8 grand for a play toy isn’t in most families budget.
In 1989 a jag listed for $2699, and a wildcat listed for $5899
Inflation alone would bring those prices to $5600, and $12,200
Do electric start, reverse, efi, liquid cooling, a digital gauge, hydraulic brake, and vastly improved suspension make a blast worth $2k more than a 1989 jag? IMHO yes…
Has the average families net income gone up with inflation? Most have not. 8k for a 3 month of the year play toy is not a good investment. When college and other expenses out pace inflation, better choices of how money is spent on recreation and entertainment need to be considered.
For a little over $15,000 you can buy two ZR4000’s. One 850 Poo costs that much. This will sell just fine. I am 52. I just bought a ZR 6000 limited and paid almost $12,000 for that. Few more years and I might be ready for a toned down 4000.
Realistically, sleds are about advanced as they will get, too may haters need to realize that. The blast seems nice long as the price is right. I guess I have other priorities than a new sled for kids maybe by the time I need one there will be some used ones. I have 2 older zr120’s and a kitty cat. Waaayyyy more than my parents could ever afford when I was little.
People get too rapped up about the cost of things. Of course it’s a deciding factor but no matter what entertainment/recreation you decide to spend your money on it is very expensive. It’s not an investment. It’s the joy of the sport. Take fishing, hunting, boating, atvs, camping, family vacations and any other activity. How much do you spend on that? Those seasons can be limited too. Yes, it is your choice which one you spend your money on. I also hunt, fish and do the other things. Lots of my money is wrapped up in that too. More in that then my sleds. No need to analyze what it cost then and now. It is what it is. My point is if it brings a smile to you and your family then it’s worth it.
As stated previously I left the AC brand 10 years ago, but remain a fan of the brand and this site. I have to say I love the Blast offering and believe it fills a needed niche in the market. Hopefully, it’s economically feasible in the long run and brings other manufacturers into this segment. In addition, I am impressed with AC’s early, more rational 2021 model offering – who know’s maybe there’s hope for me yet ;).
I agree with Ken. Hobbies are expensive. And who buys “toys” as an investment? LOL. Doesn’t matter what it is. Fishing, Hunting, Race Cars, Hot Rods, Wood Working, Welding, Golfing, Camping and the list goes on. It’s all expensive but brings us joy. Just think how the Fn cell phone has changed the face of disposable income. The amount I pay for our family cell phones and wi-fi per month could easily be a sled purchase or new truck payment. Phones are dumb.
Are phones dumb, or are we as the ones who buy them?
Skidoo already tried this midsize sled just 12 years ago the little freestyle 300 and BRP even started some race classes here in Canada! Brp even donated a dozen sleds and had the youth come out and race them at the tracks but unfortunately they didn’t sell very many and profit was nominal because of the lower price so I just hope the blast has a more successful sales run then that had!
Keep in mind the Freestyle did not sell as it was way under powered with the 267CC engine. I’m sure that will not be an issue with the BLAST as as it has over double the HP the Ski-Doo had!
IMO the Freestyle was an ill-handling (twitchy) piece of crap that looked terrible from a styling standpoint. Time will tell on Blast handling, but if it works like full-size counterparts and is light, I think it will be great. I love the race-inspired looks of Blast.
The Blast cannot be compared to the Freestyle. The suspension alone on the Blast is lightyears ahead of the garbage that was on that machine. Then the hideous looks. What kid or anyone for that matter would want to ride that? It didnt look anything like the other Doo models.
The Blast at least looks like a real sled and has some nice features.
There have been more and more people getting a chance to ride these in recent weeks and so far people are pretty impressed.
I would seriously consider one of these for just farting around and the LT would be great for ice fishing. I would rather have a Bearcat, but yeah, those are considerably more expensive.
A blast zr 4000 with 65hp,what’s top speed for this
Will the Riot X alpha have a full heat exchanger in the rear?