After a year in which Arctic Cat unleashed three new platforms, 2013 is understandably a model year in which the company is catching its breath just a bit.
Still, there are new models and improvements to existing machines.
Yep, technology marches forward.
Let’s start with the trail sleds:
The big news here is the addition of the F800 Sno Pro RR and F1100 Turbo Sno Pro RR modesl. The “RR” stands for Race-Replica.
Indeed, Arctic Cat wasn’t kidding when, as they announced the 2012 Sno Pro 600 racer, they intimated the connection between racing and “regular” machines.
Both RR models comes with race-spec goodies, including the new race version of the Slide Action rear suspension, complete with dampening-adjustable Fox Zero X shocks (the rear-arm shock is a remote-reservoir unit).
Ditto for the ARS front suspension equipped with Fox EVOL X shocks with compression/rebound clickers. Both suspensions are calibrated for the truly hardcore rider (I’ve ridden them…if you’re not into seriously-aggressive riding then these suspensions are too stiff and need recalibration. If you’re into ditch-banging and mogul-mashing, you will love the calibration.)
Race-spec runningboard edge rolls are also standard, adding extra foot traction and stout support for the foot area.
The RRs will come in green/white like the 2012 race sled as well as white/white or green/green.
The RRs also get the race version of the RMC hydraulic brake (just like the Sno Pro race sled), which includes the drilled wave rotor, a 9/16-in. master cylinder (for more powerful braking) and race pads.
Some more RR pix to further impress the point that these are for hardcore riders.
On the comfort end of the spectrum, the 2013 Cat F LXR models feature coil-over shocks tuned for supple action at speeds that I’d characterize as easy-to-just-less-than-brisk.
For so-called “regular” hard-chargers, all F models will come in the Sno Pro package, with Fox Float 2 ski shocks that, in conjunction with the Zero Pro skidframe shocks, are calibrated firm. It’s the package that your’s truly rides happily, unless it’s a family ride (during which I’d prefer an LXR package). Above is the Limited white model for 2013.
I spent last week riding the 2013 models near West Yellowstone, Montana. Here I grabbed a shot of Arctic Cat engineer Troy Halvorson aboard the F800 RR. Troy’s playing with the air pressure in the RR’s ski shocks (along with dampening adjustments on all shocks) illustrated that there is a range of adjustability that will suit a lot of different riders.
One improvement on all 2013 F-model Arctic Cats is the move to a 2.86-in. pitch Ripsaw tracks (compared to the previous 2.52-in. pitch tracks). These 2-ply tracks are lighter by 3 lbs., and show improved top speed. Nine-tooth drive sprockets are used instead of 10-tooth drivers.
You’re going to see some confusing numbers on F-model track lengths this coming season. The actual length of these tracks is 128.75-in. Some media will call them 128-in., while others (and Arctic Cat) are referring to them as 129-in. I will be Switzerland and use both, just to keep everyone on their toes.
I know there was speculation that the Sno Pro 500 would migrate to the ProCross chassis for 2013, but that didn’t happen.
I grabbed a shot of Arctic Cat engineer Gary Homme who, like other engineers, was at Arctic Cat’s test facility near West Yellowstone last week. As has always been the case with Cat, these guys were working with calibration, rear suspension mounting locations, shock valving and other stuff to fine-tune and improve the overall ride and handling of the newest machines.
The first-year gremlins that affected some 2012 models appear to be ironed-out.
Aside from bold, new graphics that are truly bold and new, the 2013 Arctic Cat XF models are mostly unchanged from last year save for the calibration stuff that improves handling and cornering. Look for a story next week or so in which I compare the XF to the F… something I spent considerable time researching while riding last week.
A couple new models are added to the XF line for 2013, however. Dubbed the CrossTour, these new models blur the line between touring/trail/deep-snow by offering a 141-in. track; 42-43-in. ski stance; mountain skis and handlebar; a mid-height windshield; rear storage and handlebar bags; mirrors; rear rack; and a heavy-duty rear bumper that easily accepts accessories like the optional 2-up seat (below).
The CrossTour comes with either the 800 2-stroke or the 1100 non-turbo 4-stroke engine.
Stock with rear rack on the left, and accessorized with the 2-up seat on the right.
The M-model family got the most changes for 2013, all aimed at easing side-hilling and maneuverability in deep snow.
The biggest news is the narrowing of the ski stance to 38-39-in. (compared to the previous 40-41-in. stance) on all but two models (M8 HCR and M1100). I spent almost two days riding the new M models, and I can vouch that this change alone makes a HUGE difference in laying the sled down in deep snow.
Here Team Arctic hillclimber David McClure rips a hard-lean in the Centennial range.
The 4-stroke-powered 2013 Arctic Cat M models (except for the standard M1100) will get the vertical steering post (right, compared to the laydown post on the left). Another huge improvement!
Another big change for the M models is the new 2.6-in. lug PowerClaw track in 153- and 162-in. lengths. With a 3-in. pitch and a stagger-set, curved-forward paddle towers (that won’t fold over or take a set), this new track delivers outstanding deep-snow performance and flotation. This track comes on the Sno Pro and HCR models,
Here, Arctic Cat mountain engineer/technician Shay Smith illustrates the flotation/performance improvement.
L-to-R: Arctic Cat mountain engineer/racer Todd Tupper; engineer Brent Magner; Team Arctic racer David McClure; and Shay Smith.
This photo from last Thursday illustrates why Arctic Cat continues to improve upon its machines year-after-year. The crew was out riding, swapping sleds, comparing notes and providing key feedback.
There’s strong competition in the mountain segment these days. Arctic Cat gets it done with the sweet vertical steering (and adjustable post on the 800); the new narrower stance; the sweet-nasty 800 twin and the sick 177-hp of the turbocharged 1100.
In other news, Arctic Cat will once again offer Limited Edition Sno Pro models for 2013, in the F, XF and M families. Color-schemes for these Limited models are white or black and, in my humble opinion, dang-sweet!
The Limiteds also get torage bags, hand guards and some other goodies depending upon the model and engine.
That’s it for now. Look for more detailed stories in the coming weeks.
Thanks for reading.