Today is a whole new ballgame for Arctic Cat, their dealers, us as consumers, and quite frankly, the way an OEM is conducting business in the snowmobile industry! I feel like a kid again receiving the JCPenney Christmas catalog two months before the big holiday! So many toys to look at and think about so early!
I’m taking all this in like the rest of you, so I’ll start by sharing the high level look at the FIRST ROUND of new 2021 products shared with me. (More new product coming Mid-November) Next week Ill post more details about the new Snowmaggedon Sales Event details, the Exclusive Factory Accessory Packages and thought behind the “Calling All Troublemakers” campaign. I suggest you visit your local dealer for more details in the meantime. For now, enjoy the look at the initial offerings of 2021 Arctic Cat Snowmobiles:
iACT is now ATAC SUSPENSION
The iACT suspension feature has been renamed to ATAC, which stands for Arctic Technology Adjustable to Conditions. This suspension system is the most advanced in the industry and allows the rider to independently adjust the front and rear suspension in less than 0.5 seconds without ever having to take their hands off the bars. It also allows them to program to separate Driver 1 and Driver 2 settings for quicker on-the-fly adjustments. This technology is available on the following pre-released models:
• ZR 6000 137 ES LTD ATAC
• ZR 8000 137 ES LTD ATAC
• ZR 9000 137 Thundercat ATAC
ZR 120
The ZR 120 continues to deliver outstanding performance for first-time snowmobile riders. New for 2021, the front ski/shock assembly provides 5 spring adjustment settings, which can be easily adjusted by the twist of a knob as the rider grows. Adjustment allows for up to a 50% increase in stiffness from the base setting to the top most setting. The spring adjustment settings can be changed with the use of a tool available for purchase through the parts and accessories team. Part number: 0644-658
Available in Medium Green
ZR 200
A top seller and clear standout in the Arctic Cat lineup, the ZR 200, expertly built for young riders, continues to deliver outstanding performance. All 2021 ZR 200 models now come with a new front and rear ski/shock assembly, which provide 5 spring adjustment settings. Like the 120, these settings can be easily adjusted with a twist of a knob as the rider grows. Adjustment allows for up to a 50% increase in stiffness from the base setting to the top most setting. The spring adjustment settings can be changed with a tool available through the parts and accessories team. Part number: 0644-658 The rear suspension has also been redone to reduce weight by reducing the number of parts and provide a cooler, more refreshed look.
Available in Red, Dynamic Charcoal/ElectroLime and Dynamic Charcoal/Medium Green
NORSEMAN X 8000 Has Returned
Back by popular demand, the Norseman X has returned to the Arctic Cat line-up for Model Year 2021. It’s built to tackle any job or any task with its standard tow hitch and tunnel bag, and riding it is made even easier with the electric start feature. New for 2021, the Norseman X now comes equipped with updated 4” single carbide runners for more responsive steering, in turn making the riders feel more in control.
One of the key features of the Norseman X is the XTRA-ACTION Rear Suspension. Here’s how it works:
- The rear of the frame articulates or “tips up”. This makes it want to climb and stay on top of the snow when in reverse, vs wanting to trench in the snow.
- Because of the rear articulation and the “floating rear,” the frame has less hard contact on the snow. This makes the sled feel shorter than it actually is and allows for improved cornering and maneuverability.
- The suspension can be adjusted to lock or unlock the articulating portion. Unlocked provides the benefits mentioned above. Locked puts the whole suspension/track in constant contact with the snow. This provides the ultimate traction for towing or hauling loads.
Available in Fire Red
ZR 6000/8000/9000
The ZR trail models continue to deliver the ultimate trail performance. For model year 2020, we released the ARS II Front Suspension, which provides added ski pressure that creates confidence inspiring steering and increased ground clearance and a revised slide action
skid with increased front arm travel for improved big bump absorption. Those features have remained on the 2021 models. We are continuing to offer ATAC technology on the ZR 6000 137 LTD ATAC, ZR 8000 137 ES LTD ATAC, and ZR 9000 137 Thundercat ATAC.
ZR Updates for 2021:
- A revised engine mounting system utilizing a carbon fiber Torque Contol Link (TCL) brings in a 2.5lb weight savings with improved engine vibration damping.
- Replaced the 11” dual runner carbides with 17” single runner carbides to provide more responsive steering.
Available ZR 6000 Models:
ZR 6000 R XC 137 in Medium Green
ZR 6000 137 ES LTD QS3 in Medium Green/Dynamic Charcoal
ZR 6000 137 ES LTD ATAC in Medium Green/Dynamic Charcoal
Available ZR 8000 Models:
ZR 8000 137 ES LTD QS3 in Medium Green/Dynamic Charcoal
ZR 8000 137 ES LTD ATAC in Medium Green/Dynamic Charcoal
ZR 8000 137 ES RR in Medium Green
Available ZR 9000 Models:
ZR 9000 137 Thundercat QS3 in Dynamic Charcoal
ZR 9000 137 Thundercat ATAC in Dynamic Charcoal
RIOT 6000/8000
The ultimate 50/50 crossover Riot was released for 2020. This came equipped with ARS II Front Suspension, which provides added ski pressure that creates confidence inspiring steering and increased ground clearance, new uncouple Cross-Action rear suspension to balance on-trail ski pressure with off-trail transfer and smooth bump absorption, and Pro Climb Skis with
80% more keel height compared to our trail ski for improved steering in powder and off-trail conditions. Additionally, the Riot was created with multiple track options with the Riot 8000 QS3 (1.35” or 1.6”) and standard snow/ice scratchers for cooling and lubrication.
Riot Updates for 2021:
• A revised engine mounting system utilizing a carbon fiber Torque Control Link (TCL) brings in a 2.5lb weight savings with improved engine vibration damping.
• 17” single runner carbides to provide more responsive steering.
Available RIOT models:
RIOT 6000 146 ES IFP 1.6″ in Dynamic Charcoal/Green
RIOT 8000 146 ES IFP 1.6″ in Dynamic Charcoal/Green
RIOT 8000 146 ES QS3 1.35″ in Woody’s Orange/Skye Blue
RIOT 8000 146 ES QS3 1.6″ in Dynamic Charcoal/Green or Woody’s Orange/Skye Blue
M 8000 MOUNTAIN CAT & M 8000 HARDCORE ALPHA ONE
The undisputed kings of the mountain continue to conquer the backcountry with the revolutionary ALPHA ONE single-beam rear suspension. For Model Year 2021, we’re continuing to use our industry-leading heat exchanger system, which minimizes snow build up on the chassis, running boards, and rear suspension to ensure solid footing and drastically reduces snow weight carried on the machine in the backcountry. And we’ve revised calibrations on all FOX QS3/ QSL shocks and springs for improved big bump absorption. In addition, all models come with standard Alpha snow/ice scratchers for cooling and lubrication, and a revised engine mounting system utilizing a carbon fiber Torque Control Link (TCL) brings in a 2.5lb weight savings with improved engine vibration damping.
Available Mountain Cat Models:
M 8000 Mountain Cat Alpha One 154 3″ in Fire Red/Dynamic Charcoal
M 8000 Mountain Cat Alpha One 154 ES 3″ in Fire Red/Dynamic Charcoal
M 8000 Mountain Cat Alpha One 165 3″ in Fire Red/Dynamic Charcoal
M 8000 Mountain Cat Alpha One 165 ES 3″ in Fire Red/Dynamic Charcoal
Available Hardcore Models:
M 8000 Hardcore Alpha One 154 2.6″ in Fire Red/Black
M 8000 Hardcore Alpha One 154 ES 2.6″ in Fire Red/Black
M 8000 Hardcore Alpha One 154 3″ in Hyper Green/Black or Fire Red/Black
M 8000 Hardcore Alpha One 165 3″ in Hyper Green/Black or Fire Red/Black
M 8000 Hardcore Alpha One 165 ES 3″ in Fire Red/Black