During every snowmobile model year (for every OEM), changes are made to units between the time of the marketing launch (spring), to production (summer/fall), as engineering continues the development process of testing and validating components.
As consumers, we were lucky enough to either demo ride pre-production CATALYST units late last spring, or view them at dealerships as they made their way across the snow belt this summer. I was curious to see what updates had been made in that timeframe and have listed five changes to those models (ZR/RIOT/M) for production improving performance without sacrificing durability.
1. CALIBRATING CATALYST (ZR/RIOT/M) COMPONENTS
Certain components are improved upon with calibrations year-after-year without much marketing fanfare such as the Electronic Control Unit or Engine Control Unit (ECU), Drive and Driven Clutches and Suspensions. Benefits to calibrating these areas can include better run-ability, improved belt life and positive handling and ride compliance through varying terrains. All of these components have seen improved calibration since many of you demo rode the CATALYST units this past spring.
2. COMPOSITE TORQUE CONTROL LINK (TCL) NOW ALUMINUM
Arctic Cat developed the Torque Control Link (TCL), a lightweight aluminum link/plate tying together the engine with the jackshaft. With a fixed distance between the drive and driven clutch, both clutch and belt performance and longevity are improved. Arctic Cat announced the use of a new composite material to replace aluminum on CATALYST models, but ultimately decided to stick with aluminum for 2024.
3. SNOW FLAP MOUNTING – After running my pre-production ZR 129 for 1,200 miles late last spring, about the only complaint I had was the rear snow flap. At times during reversing (mostly out of trailers), the snow flap would get sucked into track, run over, and pull away from the mounting point on the tunnel. This issue has now been fixed with a redesigned mounting point.
4. SKI LOOPS – CATALYST was launched with a new ski loop design, but after field testing, Arctic Cat has opted to retain the current ski loop from the ProCross platform, and will work on an updated design for the future. To any of us reading, this seems like a simple component, but ski loops are subjected to a lot of weird stress caused from a continual slapping when the ski contacts the ground.
5. PRE-PRODUCTION VS PRODUCTION
When the opportunity arises to view, or ride, what is commonly referred to as a “prototype”, here’s a learning lesson before commenting (keyboard or otherwise). The CATALYST units we saw launched at Hay Days this time last year, and demo units last spring, are all PRE-PRODUCTION. Looking at them will give you a general idea of their styling, fit and finish, but not a complete one. Same goes for test riding one – You’ll get a general feel for the unit, but as I discussed above, calibration of components aren’t complete yet.
When compared to a production model, you’ll notice a lot of little differences like textures added to bodywork. Most injection molded parts are run through validation tests of the tooling and part function before final textures are added in the event any updates or improvements are needed. The texture also acts to improve durability and the appearance, by hiding molding flow lines and fine scratches.
Final texture has been added to several areas including the center hood/intake plenum and other areas like the composite full-length running boards. Other production bodywork finalizations include a silicone touch-off pad on the righthand side panel which was missing on early build pre-production units. This keeps the panel from melting if the sled is tipped on its side against the resonator.