INSIDE EVOLUTION – YOUR GUIDE TO THE ARCTIC CAT F/ZR 800 SINCE 2012

The following is a look into the evolution of the F/ZR 800 since 2012. When I’ve seen the comment, “Arctic Cat has had same sled since 2012” I’ve simply replied, “Current models aren’t even close to the same sled as 2012.” I’m fortunate enough to have owned, or longterm ridden, every variation of the F/ZR 800 since 2012, and realized my reply doesn’t resonate with those who haven’t had the same firsthand opportunity.

Thinking about it more, I decided to pick one model and document its journey through these years, as I myself, was curious to relive the evolution. F/ZR models equipped with an 800cc engine were consistently offered and the best to take a look at.

It’s been said with time, the memory fades, and I found that very true. I had forgotten about a lot of the changes since 2012, or more accurately, had forgotten the timeframes in which model years they happened. What I do know, is my original reply still stands very true – these F/ZR units have evolved greatly since 2012. In fact, a 2022 is superior in terms of handling over something as recent as a 2019. Read more to find out what changes took place. -Kale

***Things I didn’t note in here are shock calibration and ECU changes. Those happen EVERY single year.

2012 F800 MODELS

F800 LXR

F800 SNO PRO

F800 SNO PRO LTD

Procross Chassis

Tapered 2-piece Tunnel

Arctic Drive System (ADS) with Torque Control Link (TCL)

RMC Hydraulic Brake System

ARS Front Suspension

800H.O. Suzuki engine

15x128x1.25 2-ply Ripsaw with 2.52 Pitch

FOX FLOAT 2 Ski Shocks

FOX ZERO PRO  shocks in rear skidframe

6-inch plastic ski

10.6 Gallon Fuel Tank

2013 F800 MODELS

F800 LXR

F800 SNO PRO

F800 SNO PRO LTD

F800 SNO PRO RR

F800 TUCKER HIBBERT EDITION 

1. F800 model line nearly the same as 2012 specs but new models added
2. After the first year, the 2013 models came with a late change by production and could be considered a new chassis as Arctic Cat transitioned away from the tapered tunnel in favor of new 2-piece flat-top design
3. Track pitch updated from 2.52 to 2.86
4. F800 SNO PRO RR adds Race Version of RMC brake, Race Version of SLIDE-ACTION rear skidframe, Race Running boards and FOX FLOAT EVOL X shocks in front and FOX ZERO X Remote Reservoir shocks in rear

Tucker Hibbert Edition Launched – History Note: During this timeframe, Tucker Hibbert was winning nearly every Pro National Snocross Championship across the planet (2011 ISOC Stock and Open Championships, 2010/2012 FIM World Championship, 2013 ISOC Open Champion, 2013 Clash of Nations Pro Open Champ) and the King of Snocross wanted Arctic Cat fans to own a limited edition snowmobile bearing his name, and give it his signature black look resembling what he was racing on the track. The time was right for this model, but the champ was concerned the signature edition didn’t have a 600cc engine. (It wasn’t offered in the Arctic Cat line-up at the time) He thought there may be confusion with customers if it was considered a Race Replica but had an 800, and not a 600, like he dominated with on the snocross track. Thoughts about the confusion calmed, and the model was launched as an 800. A second Tucker Hibbert version returned in 2015 with Arctic Cat’s new C-TEC2 6000 engine. (Here’s a story on a 2015 I own)

2014 ZR8000 MODELS

ZR8000 LXR

ZR8000 SNO PRO

ZR8000 SNO PRO LIMITED

ZR8000 SNO PRO RR

1. ZR name returns replacing F which was first launched on the 2003 Firecat (F/5/6/7)
2. Series Names (8000) were added to all model names in an effort to clarify horsepower classes. A vast number of customers were confused between the extensive model offerings and the growing number of four-strokes added to the line-up, as well as an all-new 600 two-stroke engine. (IE: How does an 1100 have less power than an 800?) 
3. New forged lightweight ARS spindles drop 1lb
4. Fuel Capacity was increased 15% (10.6 gallons to 11.7)
5. New Coolant Reservoir is now clear for visibility
6. New Seat Foam, shape, added height and new sculpting for improved ergos and comfort
7. New Driven Clutch Sheave with larger cooling fins to reduce belt temps and improve durability
8. New Fixed Clutch Guard – one-piece for durability
9. New brake disc cover – improved for increased durability
10. Track length is now 15×129 vs 128 in previous years
11. New Front Arm mounting geometry to decrease track tensioning during suspension compression
12. FOX FLOAT 3 ski shocks introduced
13. New Arctic Cat IFP Rear skidframe shocks introduced
14. Tunnel mounted belt and storage bags introduced

2015 ZR8000 MODELS

ZR 8000 LXR

ZR 8000 SNO PRO

ZR 8000 LIMITED

ZR 8000 EL TIGRE

ZR 8000 RR

1. New side panel design includes external vent duct to improve air flow and cool clutches reducing their operating temperatures. (Maybe this should have been called GENII bodywork? This is first bodywork change since introduction in 2012. The next bodywork redesign would come in 2017, which was officially referred to as GENII, but maybe should have been GENIII?)
2. Driven shaft assembly features a larger diameter, with a snap-ring bearing mount instead of a taper-lock bearing, for improved durability and serviceability 
3. Bleed shim valving in the FOX FLOAT 3 ski shocks for improved comfort and control in bumps and on trails. (SNO PRO/LIMITED/EL TIGRE)
4. New involute/exvolute track drive sprockets with improved pitch profile for increased performance and smoothness
5. Deeper, more aggressive host bar on the split skag dual carbide ski runners provides more precise cornering performance.
6. Idler wheel blocks on the rear suspension are now made from magnesium instead of aluminum and feature 6mm fasteners for reduced weight
7. New hooked Sno Pro brake lever on all Limited and El Tigre models 

2016 ZR8000 MODELS

ZR 8000 LXR (129/137)

ZR 8000 SNO PRO (129/137)

ZR 8000 LIMITED (129/137)

ZR 8000 EL TIGRE (129)

ZR 8000 RR (129)

1. New TEAM Rapid Response Drive Clutch delivers smoother shifting and optimal performance and maximum durability in a lightweight package
2. TEAM Rapid Reaction BOSS Driven Clutch for maximum performance and durability has less rotating mass and optimized cooling
3. New Borg Warner chain and sprocket assembly adds durability with 20% less chain stretch. 
4. New tensioner pad made of Vespal adds greater durability
5. New Tri-Hub rear wheel assembly design features serviceable bearings
6. New front arm and rear axle in rear skidframe improved for durability
7. New Quick Adjust FOX QS3 shocks introduced exclusive to Arctic Cat with Soft, Medium and Firm manual adjust dial settings that nearly replicate three shock packages in one. (LXR, ZR and RR)
8. New Dual-Rate front track shock spring improves cornering, has greater compliance and comfort in stutter bumps and retains big bump control
9. New Rear Torsion springs in rear skidframe feature 11% lighter spring rate for improved ride quality in all conditions
10. New Dual offset deep split-runners standard on skis
11. New jackshaft 30% increase in torsional stiffness
12. RMC hydraulic brake upgraded to Race Version with 9/16 master cylinder
13. New lightweight drilled brake disc
14. New brake pads added from ZR race sled

2017 ZR8000 MODELS

ZR8000 LXR (129/137)

ZR8000 SNO PRO (129/137)

ZR8000 LIMITED (129/137)

ZR8000 EL TIGRE (129/137)

ZR8000 RR (129/137)

1. New FOX 1.5 ZERO RC ski shocks with coilover springs for maximum small bump compliance – compression and rebound adjustable
2. Revised calibration on Arctic Cat IFP 2.0 rear track shock for improved comfort in small and medium bumps without sacrificing G-bump control
3. New Torque Control Link engine plate is 0.75lbs lighter with increased strength than previous. Incorporates revised mounting to the bearing hub on the driven shaft
4. New TPO composite air intake plenum replaces previous nylon unit and has 1.25lb weight reduction
5. New longer front arm shock improves bump absorption and ride quality (129 models)
6. Revised front arm design incorporates a revised limiter strap mounting location for improved shock clearance
7. New Torque Sensing Link arm on rear suspension features a single bolt design for more strength and lower weight
8. New Handlebar design is made from a new alloy steel weighing 0.5lbs less than previous bars and retains handlebar heat better from heaters
9. New low-profile handgrip design is 3.7mm smaller in diameter for less hand fatigue. Material made from majority of rubber vs plastic resulting in a softer grip with enhanced tactile feel
10. Revised mounting location for exhaust pipe reduces weight 0.25lbs
11. Improved halogen headlight reflector optics extends the high-beam pattern downward by 5 degrees compared to previous years improving light pattern and aim coverage

February 1, 2017 – Arctic Cat delivers early release ZR 8000 to dealers with all-new Arctic Cat 800 C-TEC2 DSI engine

1. GENII Bodywork launches
2. New drive system (clutches) launches
3. LED Headlight introduced

2018 ZR8000 MODELS

ZR8000 (129/137)

ZR8000 SNO PRO (129/137)

ZR8000 LTD (129/137)

ZR8000 RR (129/137)

ZR8000 EL TIGRE (129/137)

1. New Arctic Cat C-TEC2 8000 engine with Dual-Stage Injection launched in ZR Line-up 
2. Media who experienced the new C-TEC2 engine said, “It’s a sweet step up from the venerable Suzuki 800, with the big difference being a nice bump in low- and mid-range performance, as well as much lower oil consumption.” 
3. Per Arctic Cat and compared to the Suzuki mill, “The new 800 has a 36-percent increase in low-end torque (less than 5000 RPM), an 18-percent increase in mid-range torque (5000-6000 RPM) and 30 percent reduced oil consumption below 7000 RPM.”
4. TEAM Rapid Response II with ADAPT on ZRs. This drive system debuted on the 2017 9000 models, and now across-the-board for 2018. The idea is beautifully simple: a roller bearing on the drive clutch (that allows much tighter belt deflection without wear) and a driven whose sheaves can continue squeeze inward, means minimized adjustment for belt wear. Plus, it’s ratio offers a 12.5 percent lower speed at engagement compared to conventional systems, allowing a smoother take-off and even less wear. Arctic Cat is calling it ADAPT, for Automatic Deflection Adjustment Performance Technology
5. GENII Bodywork launched. The new styling designs improve airflow and are narrower with improved fit and finish. Side panels are quick and easy to remove/install with quick-turn knobs

2019 ZR8000 MODELS

ZR8000 (129/137)

ZR8000 SNO PRO (129/137)

ZR8000 LTD (129/137)

ZR8000 LTD iACT (129/137)

ZR8000 RR (129/137)

1. iACT Adjust-On-The-Fly Suspension Introduced
2. Arctic Cat and FOX redefined what “quick and easy” meant for snowmobile suspension adjustment when they partnered to deliver QS3 shocks in 2016. Gone were the days of counting clicks and dealing with small dials (or even flat-bladed screws) for adjusting shock performance, replaced by the quick and simple 3-position QS3 system. Of course, being human beings, that still wasn’t good enough. We wanted adjusting shock control even easier. Welcome to iACT, an interactive and instant shock adjusting system. Using a thumb-operated button on the (new) left-hand controls of the handlebar that controls the ski and rear track shocks via a wiring system, riders have on-the-fly adjustability to instantly switch between three compression settings corresponding to Soft, Medium and Firm
3. All-New Handlebar Controls Introduced
4. Most 2019 Arctic Cat snowmobiles feature new handlebar-mounted controls that are easier to use while riding, with much improved ergo’s, and that transmit visible information on the digital instrument gauge 
5. A button on the handlebar controls now toggles the display screen on the gauge (press the handwarmer button, and the gauge shows which of the five levels it’s set to) 
6. A new push-to-start button (that doubles as the Reverse button) on 6000 and 8000 Series models allows the rider to keep both hands on the handlebars while starting models equipped with electric start
7. Momentary-style hand and thumb-warmer switches provide more heat level settings and also prevent unintended setting changes
8. Throttle lever is also new and nicely improved, with a smaller and easier to use shape
9. All controls and housing are smaller and more integrated
10. Kill switch is now separate from the throttle block so it can be easily rotated forward and out of the way
11. New magnetic tether switch is far more user-friendly (when plugging in) than previous tethers
12. New Stealth Lightweight Master Cylinder Brake System Introduced
13. New shorter lever design for increased braking power with less required force compared to the previous design.
14. New master cylinder is more protected and robust than the previous design, and is less likely to be damaged in extreme situations.
15. New lever shape is more ergonomically comfortable, and its composite construction feels warmer compared to aluminum levers
16. Tri-Hub wheel system replaced with new 3-wheel rear axle system and matched with new side idler wheels
17. 9-tooth drivers added for more consistent, smoother performance
18. New Handlebar pads and nicer handlebar wiring clean up aesthetics

2020 ZR8000 MODELS

ZR8000 (137)

ZR8000 iACT (137)

ZR8000 SNO PRO (137)

ZR8000 RR (137)

1. New ARS II front suspension introduced delivering improved and more confidence- inspiring handling on- and off-trail thanks to increased cornering bite and increased ground clearance. (This could be considered a third generation chassis)
2. New forged aluminum spindles that are 1.5 in. taller from the ski to the lower A-arm
3. New lightweight upper A-arms are more rigid
4. Revised ARSII geometry delivering a new roll center and adjustable camber
5. .625” of front arm travel was added to improve track tension to create more consistent ride and bump compliance
6. GENII C-TEC2 800 Engine Launched
7. New Cylinders, pistons, combustion chamber, flywheel and fuel rail
8. All new fuel calibration strategy and Arctic Power Valve system with 3-stage control of the auxiliary exhaust ports via side valves
9. iACT Adjust-On-The-Fly Suspension Adds Two New Driver Settings
10. iACT Suspension combines a thumb-operated button on the left-hand controls of the handlebar that controls the FOX ZERO iQS3 ski and the rear track shocks, allowing the rider to instantly switch between three factory compression settings corresponding to
    soft, medium and firm, as well as two new additional settings for 2020 (Driver 1 and Driver 2) allowing custom calibrations between front and rear shocks 

2021 ZR8000 MODELS

ZR8000 LTD (137)

ZR8000 LTD ATAC (137)

ZR8000 RR (137)

1. Revised Engine Mounting
2. Removal of lower 3rd mount and lightweight lower engine mount plate
3. Introduction of Carbon Fiber Composite Torque Control Link (TCL) which improved durability considerably over previous TCL
4. New Carbon Fiber TCL reduced weight by 1lb
5. iACT Adjust-On-The-Fly Suspension Name Changed to ATAC

2022 ZR8000 MODELS

ZR8000 (137)

ZR8000 LTD ATAC (137)

ZR8000 RR (137)

1. All-new Arctic Cat ADAPT CVT System Introduced
2. New Drive and Driven clutches are lighter-weight and employ a compact design with advanced idler system. ADAPT maintains constant belt tension throughout the RPM range resulting in minimized wear and maximum throttle response throughout your drive belts longer life without fade
3. Improved Air Intake sealing around upper-to-lower plenums to reduce moisture intake

CLICK FOR 2023 ZR8000 MODEL INFORMATION

ZR 8000 137 QS3

ZR 8000 137 ATAC