The 2023 BLAST 4000 XR is one of Arctic Cat’s most popular new mid-size BLAST models. This venture-anywhere trail crossover performs incredibly because of its longer 146-in. skidframe. You can smoothly bridge the gaps between stutter bumps on the trail all day long, or when the snow turns deep, have the necessary flotation to power ahead.
Why To Buy
Because you choose to find adventure on a 50/50 trail crossover that can handle a variety of snow conditions in legal riding areas – the BLAST XR has no guardrails holding it back from enjoying them.
1. BLAST XR Mid-Size – Mid-Size is everything – true statement. The XR is easy to ride, easy to maneuver and easy to have the most all-around fun owning.
2. Maintenance – The quick attach/detach side panels and top cowling make the Blast one of the easiest models to gain access to the full engine compartment.
3. Engine – Arctic Cat’s C-TEC2 single-cylinder kicks out an impressive 65-class horsepower and combined with CVTech clutches, you can get to 50mph trail speed limits quicker than most.
4. Accessories – a wide range of accessories are available to customize your Blast XR including 15.5-in tall windshield, mid-size rear storage trail pack, front bumpers and more.
Tech Talk
The XR shares many commonalities with other BLAST models, chief amongst them is Arctic Cat’s C-TEC2 engine – a 397cc single-cylinder two-stroke with 65-class horsepower and Electronic Fuel Injection. Quick, responsive power is delivered via CVTech clutches for a smooth take off every time.
The BLAST XR finds its home in the mid-size pack as one of the best all-around crossover performers – the transition from trail to deep powder riding is seamless because of its longer 146-in. suspension with 12.5-in. of travel, adjustable torsion springs and a 15-in. wide Cobra track with 1.6-in. lugs.
Dash mounted rocker controls are conveniently placed, and the easy to use hand warmers have been updated for 2023 with a high/low setting, versus the previous on/off option. Thumb warmer, headlight, and engine reverse engagement are also operated from the dash. The digital instrument gauge transmits all running info brightly and a magnetic tether switch is standard.
Crossover riders will truly appreciate the narrowness of the taller mountain seat in ergonomic relation to the premium handlebars with hooked bar ends – sit-down to stand-up riding is an easy transition.
The performance-inspired bodywork comes in Black/Gun Metal Blue and is capped with a race-height 4-in. windshield.
The BLAST 4000 XR at a Glance
- 397cc, 2-stroke, C-TEC2 Single-Cylinder Engine with EFI
- 65-Class Horsepower
- Turn-Key Electric Start with Tether
- Engine Reverse
- 37.5-in. to 38.5-in. adjustable ski stance
- Trail-6 Ski with Single-Runner Carbide
- 4.5-in. handlebar riser
- 11.7 gallon fuel tank
- Rear Bumper shared with Blast M
2022 BLAST 4000 XR REVIEW
I purchased a 2021 BLAST ZR new, and our family has enjoyed that snowmobile immensely over the past two seasons. No matter who gets on the ZR, it provokes all the fun and smiles that are great about snowmobiling – Lightweight chassis, spirited engine, short 121-inch skid frame and 1-inch x 14-inch wide track all contribute to the play factor that no other OEM has in this category (I’ve ridden em all).
When the XR was introduced for 2022, I ordered one – the thought of a longer 146-inch skid frame with 1.6-inch lug was intriguing when the opportunity arises to play in deeper snow.
Everything I loved about the ZR, remained true with the XR, but they do ride completely different. The longer 146-inch skid frame gives the XR a more “full-size” riding feeling. Most will enjoy the increased stability for cornering, and as you’d expect with the longer skid frame, the XR bridges the trail bumps better for a smoother ride. I logged about 500 miles on our XR this winter, and I continue to enjoy it more with every ride. The only real handling change I made to both the ZR and XR was replace the single-runner carbides with dual offset runners from Arctic Cat. I highly recommend doing this to eliminate the majority of trail darting, but retain the light steering.
