The Top-10 Things to Know About the 2015 Arctic Cat Snowmobiles

Thanks for the cliff-notes John. Look forward to your review on the 4000-RR…. wish it was a new C-Tec2 motor in there, but at least we know the 500 ‘zuke is prove solid !!

4000 is the 500 suzuki? Does it have reverse?

“The Cat is Back” Way to bring the original names back to the label!

Nice refinements. Continuous improvement. Great move with the ZR4000. Does it have reverse?

When can we test ride the new iron?? 🙂

Is Cat still using the TCL on these models?

The ZR 4000 does have reverse. http://www.arcticcat.com/snow/sled/ZR4000LXR

Good to see the 800 will stay untouched for another year.

I was hoping for Cat to start it’s own 800 C-tech2, but having the Suzuki around for a while isn’t all bad, rock solid engine,best 800 on the market!!!

As Adam replied, yes the ZR 4000 LXR has (mechanical) reverse, not engine reverse. The ZR 4000 RR does not have reverse.

AllenO: Yes, TCL remains.

Two things.

1 – An 800 Ctec motor, or a a turbo 7000 sled has Hay Days written all over it. My opinion. However, I am not disappointed with the lack of the 800 DI motor considering the amount of time that was obviously spent on the successful 6000 Ctec. I dont think its as simple as we assume to tool an 800, just because we now have a 600. What is the emissions time line on the HO?

2 – With USXC going to production racers, when will we actually see that ‘Production Racer’? From what I can see the 2015 6000 RR has the exact same graphics as the non production 600 of 2014 (please correct me if I am wrong).

I for one think Cat did a really solid job in 2015. I think the 4000 grouping of sleds is a complete homerun; just shy of a grandslam due to the mechanical reverse (happy the keyboard rumors of a 400cc motor were wrong). My only gripe (small) is that I wished for an LED light kit (similar to Doo) for the ProCross. I think it is just a matter of time before we see someone run with LEDs on a sled similar to the styling and function of the auto industry sparked by Audi.

John,
Any improvements to the clutching / gearing? The 2012 -2014 sleds all have sub par clutching and I was hoping to see that addressed further this year. I don’t think the 2014 fixes are the total answer. The new gearing robs a lot of top speed. My buddies 2014 F8 lxr is the slowest 800 in our group. What are they using the new engine building facility in Saint Cloud for? Why not expand the C-TECH2 motors to a 500 and 800? That is very confusing and tells me they must not be totally confident with C-Tech2. Hard to plunk money down on a 2015 Cat 800 that has the same motor as my 2010 CFR (which is way faster then my 2012 F8) when I can get an E-tech with R-Motion for close to the same price. Plus… the other 2 brands may be releasing some new goodies in March. Cat dropped the ball of yarn on this release. ;o(

Jamie that is the first honest post I have seen on here. I could not agree more I am disappointed to say the least from AC. Yes getting more into the Race Replica game was nice, but expected way more out of Cat this year. I do have hope for a new 800 still since Doo didn’t bring the 800 Etec until mid season. But with the Poo bringing a new chassis (looks like) and Doo rumored to have new motors and more weight loss I am really disappointed. I do hope that they bring the storage from the touring to the ZR that is pretty cool, than I will no longer have to retrofit the Linq system to my sled anymore.

Hey folks, remember this: “We always can’t have our cake and eat it too”. AC did what they thought was best for their business. Sure it will piss some people off for not getting what they want. With the 2015 improvements over the entire line up is what I am happy about. It comes down to what is forecasted within the snowmobile industry interms of the right product, improvements/refinements, new tech sleds, etc. Is the 570 fan cooled sled still in or did it get replaced by the Yammi Phazer engine?

Give me the ZR6000RR for xc racing

Gotta say, kind of disappointed. Only real upgrade is the new driven shaft. Other than that, graphics, shock calibration, and renaming the snopro 500 and throwing it into a procross chassis, and renaming the 570 fan and calling it a 2000. I guess the protour chassis is new (?) for those who 2-up. The 2000 is going to have a tough to up against the 600/900 ACE from Doo and the value priced Poo Indy.

John, great site, love the stories and updates.

But I have to agree with Jamie and Lucas. I mean come on what is cat doing, they announce a few years ago they will be done with suzuki in 2014, now they extend the agreement! To me that it shows a total lack of competence. Where are all the new motors?

Futhermore the whole no spare belt location, oil fill design, checking oil level, and changing of belt issues is a joke!

I’m a cat guy at heart but switched to skidoo back in 06 after stupid warranty issues with my firecat. My dad has been cat his whole life until last year he had to break down and by a polaris.
I’m waiting for cat to get it together so I can buy one again, but that looks to be a ways off.

Cat needs to be made aware they are losing customers!!

Not to mention you can buy an 800 Indy that outperforms the current Procross 800 Suzuki (see am snow shoot-out) for 1,000 dollars less then the cheapest 600 cat! They expect me to spend 3,000 more to buy an 800 cat so I can get beat buy a POO that cost it’s owner $3,000 less? What are they smoking in TRF!

Love the new sleds but something is missing. Oh! The price point base model 6000. How bout at the very least a 6000 without electric start and call it a base. How bout Ryde FX shocks to lower the price even more. Would sell a ton and could get it at around 9,000 list price. Come on John. Get them to make this sled. In green and ORANGE PLEASE!

This post will address the “not enough new stuff” sentiment:

I understand the desire to want really big, new stuff in the style of machine that I buy, every year from Cat. I too want new engines, improvements in weight, handling and quality, etc…

Just like I’ve always wanted these REALLY BIG improvements/new technologies on a year-over-year basis, going back 30 years.

But the reality is that manufacturers like Arctic Cat can’t match those expectations. Part of the reason is there are simply so many models in a line-up (when you add up all the various packages, colors, track lengths and overseas machines, Arctic Cat has more than 100 models for 2015).

For 2014 Arctic Cat gave us a new 600 engine and the Yamaha 7000 series engine. Plus a pile of detail improvements.

For 2015 they come with an all-new touring machine, the new 4000 sleds and across-the-board use of 6000 and 7000 engines. Plus detail changes.

Pretty decent amount of “new,” really. For a guy who wanted a 600 engine, these have been a great couple of years. Same for the guy who wanted a 135-hp 4-stroke.

More big news will come in the coming years. It always does, and it’s always followed by a year or so of the company catching its breath.

John,

I am with you, its exciting to see big changes year after year but I personally do not find it always productive. I find it excellent when the manufacturer refines and improves their existing designs to make them better off the showroom floor; and new isn’t always better. The Polaris IQ is still a great snocross chassis and Polaris has used that for 10+ years. It gets the consumers excited but I don’t know when we get a new machine if we always get a “better” machine. I’d rather see them refine the design and keep the price down. MSRP on the new 9000 RR is over 16 grand, that doesn’t make any of the new sleds that appetizing to me.

And one more thing…. I want all this new technology, every year, at a cheaper sticker price, too! LOL!

Regarding the 800 Suzuki:

Berning, you can interpret the continuation of their relationship with Suzuki as a lack of competence, but that’s not why the relationship has been extended.

The original plan was that Suzuki would supply through the 2015 season, so the new sleds you’re looking at are exactly as they were originally planned for.

Extending the relationship beyond 2015 benefits everyone, because it allows for great, solid engines to carry forward into future Arctic Cats. Which engines? It’s anyone’s guess. And I’m no rocket-surgeon, but the fact that Cat released the ZR 4000 with the 500 twin in the ProCross chassis means they’re planning on that engine being around for a few years at least.

As for the Suzuki 800 comparing to the competition, I don’t know what to tell you. Shootouts like the AmSnow event are not something I put a ton of faith in, simply because it doesn’t translate into my enjoyment of a sled/engine. Sure it’s great for bragging rights, but it has ZERO impact or meaning on the 100-mile ride I hope to enjoy this evening with my son.

I think the 800 H.O. has been an excellent engine. I love it except, now having ridden the 6000 C-TEC2, I want the 800 to be cleaner. And easier on oil. I don’t need/want more horsepower, 160 is plenty for me. If the Indy 800 beats me across the lake, it’s not going to ruin my day.

Honestly, I ride with a lot of different people many times during the season, often with different brand sleds. We almost NEVER race each other. I know some people do this, but I’m not one of them.

Far more important to me is quality of construction and components. And for sure there have been a few disappointments in this category the past few years. I myself haven’t experienced them, but I’m very aware that some of you have.

Interestingly, while at the SHOF this past weekend, I heard of two different examples of riders on another brand whose engines blew, completely, at around 3,000 miles. Both had already received OE updates.

I never read forums for the other brands and, frankly, I’m not too plugged in to all the problems that they, too, suffer. Engines blowing at 3,000 miles seems like a pretty big deal.

Mentioning that isn’t intended to deflect from whatever problems occur on “our” brand. I do believe all brands suffer from their own issues.

However, the price of machines today is such that problems should be minimal and infrequent. Otherwise we’re (justifiably) going to be upset.

As a long time reader of this column I don’t remember this much negativity directed towards Cat. This is usually a love fest of the product so maybe this has been festering for a while. As John pointed out ALL the brands have problems. It is our choice as consumers how we spend our money so the bottom line is if your not happy and don’t see what you want here you may have to shop else where. I have an F8 but I bought my wife a MXZ TNT 600 ETEC this season because it was a better sled for her ( she was riding a F8 LXR ) and she loves it. We have four quality brands to pick from, find one you like and go riding.

Just my 2 cents.

PS – Great column John as always

I guess blowing 3 belts on my 2012 in one season and trashing my belt guard and side panel in the process has left a bad taste in my mouth. I have also blown 5 right side head light bulbs, had to have my reeds replaced because they were shot, had my voltage regulator replaced to try and correct the headlight problem, my gauge replaced to try and correct the headlight problem and had my ECU re-flashed to correct a low idle and hard starting problem. The pull cord also snapped and left me stranded this season and it just seems like it’s one thing after the next. I am also still waiting for my big fin clutch and belt guard update I ordered back in December. Not very good in the “quality of construction and components” department wouldn’t you say? Sorry if I am not in a big hurry to run out and buy another sled that is mostly unchanged from the one I bought back in 2012.
It would be refreshing to see a story on this site that details what Cat is doing to raise the quality or fit/ finish of their products. At least something that lets us know they realize there is a problem and they are working on it.

Neil… you are so right! My next ride will definitely be another brand.

I’m 45 years old and own 3 Arctic Cats (now)… ridden nothing but Cat since I was 5 years old. My 2012 F8 has been a nightmare… more shop time than all my previous Cats combined. Leaving right now for the dealer to get broken jackshaft and cracked chaincase replaced.

New sleds are kinda what I felt would happen. Heard a rumor abut C-Tec 500 but, oh well. A new 500 with power valves and 105 hp would have gotten my attention.
I think there’s a new deal going on the last couple years where people go on websites and bash even though they don’t own said product. I can’t prove it but it sure seems that way especially on HCS. I bet the mechanics at the Ski Doo, Polaris and Yammie dealers aren’t sitting around like the Maytag repairman either. They all have their issues. And if the other brands are so fast why don’t they win many races ?

I think they need more models, LOL. every year seems to get more confusing.
and yes the Procross drive issues are very real. I dont know of one that hasn’t had issues. The 800’s seem the worst, from what many believe to be too soft rubber on the TCL(jackshaft moves causing sprockets to go out of alignment, and bang there goes the chain and some case the whole case.
Sad to see the sno pro 500 gone,that’s the best chassis in my opinion cat has built to date, 30plus year old proven chain case, TEAM secondary, and hood panels that come off in seconds giving lots of access to everything.
plus it had a unique look.
Now they ALL look the same, whether you spend 5K or 15 when it goes by you cant tell one from the next.

John.

You are right on new stuff and time but really there was not one major upgrade. In Doos time off of big new tech and toys they stil brought out a new motor or suspension and Poo a new chassis and belt drive. Come on AC. I get the feeling that most on here are loyalist to a fault. I’m loyal but am real but won’t be critical when I see a ball dropped. And further more has anyone compared the Yah to the cat. How is it that they can get a lighter better fit and finish our cats own chassis. It’s like they want to pat themselves on the back for the Ctec2 instead of push it. This sport is about innovation. Think the Rev or Pro-ride. Ideas that took major b*lls to bring out. It’s time for the falls to do something like that. Lead not bleed

TRF has the most loyal customer base of all brands in my opinion they can sell chicken sh*t and call it chicken salad and we’d buy. I am not saying that they dont have a good product because they do it is very good and on par. In reality though, it kills me to say this but it is possibly 3rd behinds Poo the Doo and hope not Yah. I am being negative but I expected better with all the positives TRF has had the last three years. I know they have something in the works I guess that’s why I’ll stick around.

I may be forced to sell my ’13 THRR 800 if Cat does not set up to the plate and fix the issues. I’ll go for the Sno Pro 500 with a big bore kit from either Speedwerx or D&D Racing

John, one question on the ZR4000…. Team secondary still? Or that POS that’s on all the other ZR’s?

Thanks John.

My 12 turbo has left me less than impressed. This line up is both expensive and misses the mark IMO. Ski Doo and Polaris offer 600 liquids @ 7Gs. No more Cats for me thanks its been an experience.

John, I think you’re missing my point. Arctic Cat is losing customers! If they are okay with that then that’s fine. But I don’t think marketing people at Cat would agree with that. The people that need to hear this stuff are them, the engineers and powers that be at Cat.

I ride a lot also with many different people, I have 2600 miles on for the year so far. A lot of the guys I ride with have new sleds and we switch and try each others out, etc. And I’ve ridden the AC 600 el tigre, very nice sled. Friends of mine had put a few hundred miles on it and liked it better than a new Polaris 600 PRO R when rode back to back.

I want AC to succeed, I want to own an AC again. But I’m not going to spend 10,000 dollars on a machine that you can’t put oil in, now AC has come up with a bag of oil to pour easier, really. Plus you can’t tell how much oil you even have in it. Or how about the dealer telling a friend of mine to change the belt on the new procross chassis you need to pull the clutch off, ridicules! And I would think when engineering a new model they would plan on a location for a spare belt, this was also a problem on the Twin Spar chassis. Having to purchase a separate belt bag on a $10,000 machine is not acceptable (off course now some models come with the bag), but what if you put on a touring bag. The switches are dated and don’t function very well, the reverse button you almost need to take your glove off to get to work. And when the procross first came out, I saw them at the show and there is this big hole in front of the steering post. They eventually came up with a screen to cover the hole in the fall and now have added a glove type box to the higher end models. But the point is I would think the engineers could have this designed and figured out before the sled was finished. And why not supply the glove box on all sleds, that screen looks stupid.

Or I can spend less money on a Polaris or Ski-doo and have a motor that is just as good if not better. The Rmotion is definitely the best out there, even friends of mine that ride new Polaris Pro R’s will admit that.

2nd

I was at a dealer first of Feb. and he had a new El tigre sitting on the show floor for $11,000+ (FYI they are not sold out like some media types have said). No way are objective snowmobilers going to purchase this sled over a Ski-Doo MXZ or Polaris Pro R at $9000. The saying you get what you pay for doesn’t apply here based on what I’ve said above.

Getting into your other comments: Or should I say excuses!

—“But the reality is that manufacturers like Arctic Cat can’t match those expectations. Part of the reason is there are simply so many models in a line-up (when you add up all the various packages, colors, track lengths and overseas machines, Arctic Cat has more than 100 models for 2015)”—-

“Manufactures like Arctic Cat”? Are you implying that Arctic Cat is a small fish when compared to Polaris and Ski-doo? If so that’s fine, I like rooting for the underdog, but then why do they hold their dealers to sales goals and quotas like the big boys? This is closed many small dealers including the local one that my whole family purchased from. I have two brothers and father that all used to ride cat, not anymore. I’m sure my dad purchasing a Polaris was partially due to his dealer closing after purchasing over a dozen cats from him over the years. The cat dealer I was at in Feb. also was complaining about how in order to get more El Tigres they had to take a bunch of the crap sleds.

As for the numerous models comment. Who’s making these decisions to make all these models, they don’t need all these. I would really like to know how many individuals spring order a M7000? Who is going to buy a 135hp 4-stroke that costs more than a 160hp 2-stroke. The Limited and El Tigre models are the same except graphics and colors.

3rd

Regarding the relationship with Suzuki. When this was first announced that it was coming to an end I was cautiously optimistic knowing that Cat would have their work cut out to develop all these motors in 3-5 years. I’ve read Greg Spaulding interviews in the past stating he is working on 3-4 new motors at any given time and I believe he was talking about 2-stroke or 4-stroke not combined. Understandably not all prototype motors make it to production but Cat has only released 1 new motor in last 6-7 years. And you can’t count the Yamaha motor, that’s an excuse. So this is my point to the incompetence comment.

Bottom line is Cat hasn’t lead the industry since the original ZR back in ’93. They’ve been playing catch up since the end of the firecat era. They are losing customers. I can’t think of one person that has bought a new Cat for the first time in the last 5 years coming from a different brand. And I’m talking about buying a new cat for the FIRST time, unless they really wanted a Tucker Hibbert look a like sled!
Oh wait, I did have a buddy purchase a Sno Pro 500 when they first came out, sold it the following year because he hated it and it started on fire. LOL

I usually don’t comment on message forums and such, but this topic has got me a little excited and I hope AC realizes what they are doing wrong.

Gents: I monitor this blog daily. Don’t post much. It’s good to see open, honest and civil debate based on thoughtful experience. Keep it up. Just passed 1,000 NW MN miles on my 14 XF7000 LTD. Flawless.

I hope AC does well with the 2015’s. I also hope that they build them with pride and quality and stand behind it when they don’t. I hope that AC does a better job in providing parts to their customers on a timely basis. Of the 8 parts I tried to order since October for my Procross, 6 were on backorder. This and other cost cutting measures including using a lot of ‘cheaper’ parts have — in the short term made the bean counters and stockholders happy. But… times they are a changing and many long time and loyal AC customers aren’t sounding as enthusiastic as they once were.

By 82I put 4300 miles on 13 f800 sno pro only problem broken secondary bolts ,my 14 zr 8000 has 3350 miles no problems,polaris 800 is a joke compadres to the Suzuki 800,plan to to get a 15 800 or 600rr

Just seen 2015 cats on internet i like zr5000lxr it said the list price here in canada is 9999.00 if correct good price. I wood consider it since yamaha got rid of the nytro.(currently riding 2010 nytro with 11 000km’s).

My fingers are to big for I phone

Arctic Cat has more to worry about than snow on POO and DOO running board, ever since that video was posted it has been all down hill. Instead of worrying about other companies image, maybe you should worry about yours first and fix all these issues with these sleds. Because “backorder and we haven’t heard of this issue before is getting old”

With all these models what makes them different? Color, shock or track option?

It’s confusing.

Gotta love the internet!

Yep Mike, the internets are an amazing place(s).

Berning, if you’re going to compare sleds and such, at least use accurate numbers:

The 2014 El Tigre ES MSRP is $11,600
The 2014 Ski-Doo 600 MXZX is $11,500
2014 Polaris Rush Pro R is $10,800 without E-start, so it’s going to be at least $11K with it (this sled will have a lower MSRP than the Doo or Cat simply because it hasn’t been a great seller).

Do I wish Cat had a stripped, low-cost 600 to compare the carbed Doo 600 or the Polaris Indy? Yes, I do.

The “manufactures like Arctic Cat” comment could have read “All snowmobile manufacturers” or “all manufacturers of everything.” Because my point is that no snowmobile company is matching the expectations of all their customers with the product they deliver.

If you think all Ski-Doo customers are happy about not having a turbo, I have news for you. If you think all Polaris customers are happy about their, uh, 4-stroke, I have more news for you. If you think Yamaha customers are joyful about not having a 2-stroke, I have… well, you get my point.

But I’m going to politely end this back-and-forth with you. I get it, you’re not happy with what Arctic Cat is doing. That’s okay. Hopefully at some point in the future, you’ll see something you like and you’ll consider the brand again. Whether you do or don’t, I still welcome your thoughts and visits here. And I’ll buy you a soda if I ever meet you in person. No hard feelings.

Rusty: the ZR 4000 has the current Cat secondary.

ericsno: dude, that’s some impressive mileage! I’m jealous.

I logged just shy of 1,800 miles on my 2013 F800 Sno Pro last season, zero problems. Shimmed the secondary so I could run the original belt the whole time.

This year I have 1,600 miles on my El Tigre. Zero problems, original belt. Depending on snow/time/life, I’m pretty sure I’ll exceed 2,000 miles for the season.

I hope that in my earlier posts today I made it clear that I’m bummed for the people who have had issues with their sleds (no matter the brand, really). If you’re one of them, make sure you visit your dealer.

If you bought a used 2012 from someone, make sure it had the updates (I’ve heard a lot of stories of people buying sleds that haven’t had the updates).

I have to run now, leaving in the morning for handful of days to ride the 2015 Arctic Cat models. I’ll do my best to garner thoughtful analysis of the sleds I ride, and will report back here in the coming weeks/months.

Thanks for the civil discussion everyone. I’ve always wanted this place to offer a sounding board for good news and bad, just so long as people are civil. Y’all have been that way on this thread, and I appreciate it.

I put new 83 belt on every 1000 miles on 13 ,this year I put new 84 on at 1600 still looks good ,how does the 600 compare to 800 , I ride trails ditches fields not much on lakes , might get 600rr to have something different

Wow. I’m surprised at angst on here. Everyone has their opinion and that’s cool. I believe every oem has issues though. I ride with a variety of brands and there is always something failing and I’m not blind to admit cats have some problems. I have a 2012 f8 sno pro ltd and couldn’t be happier. I changed my first belt at 2800 miles because I thought it was time. I’ve got 4200 miles currently and still no problems. I’ll always be a cat guy I think the company is doing a great job.

I have to believe there is new motor coming mid year or 2016 at the latest. Did anyone notice a gap (no 3000 series). That Yamaha 80 HP motor would fit nicely in that slot. I also agree too many models is very confusing. Great line up though. There’s something there for everyone!

John,

Just to clarify the pricing numbers I through out was from the price of that El Tigre on the show room floor, which I was told was the sale price. I’m pretty sure you can snow check a ski-doo MXZX for mid $10,xxx and TNT for mid $9xxx. And the price of the Polaris at $9000+ is based on a couple friends that bought in the early winter and off course that is probably because of over stock or not selling the greatest.

I agree, not all manufacture customers are completely happy with their respective lineups. But I’m not specifically talking about certain models missing. I’m talking about simple form, function, and operations of basic sled issues. And I must agree with some others comments on here about all the models being confusing, 28 different cross over models is nuts!

I appreciate the sounding board John and I’ll tell you I’ve been holding back my thoughts on this for a few years now and I guess reading some of the first responses on here got me a little fired up and that the kool-aid was going down too good for some folks:)

I love what Arctic Cat does as a company as far as how close nit the company is from having engineers and racers so closely involved with sled development. I think it’s great and cool to see guys like Roger Skime out testing sleds. I guess I’m just wishing the finish product was on par with the competition to give me the desire to purchase one again.

Last question:
Can you please explain why Arctic Cat has decided to do the 2015 spring tours on their own this year instead of with the other 3 manufactures as in the past?

And I’ll buy you a soda too!

I have to say that I am currently not in the market for a new sled, I purchased two leftover 13′ F1100 SP NA in NOV. But I did plan to trade them in after two years of riding them just like I have been doing. But with the pricing they just came out with on the 5000 I dont think that is feasable. They just depriciated my two sleds an additional $1500-$2000 over night. I am sure alot of people will take advantage of the new pricing on the 5000LXR but current 1100/5000 owners just took it in the shorts. I guess I already paid AC so I am of no concern at this point. But I gotta say after 20yrs on AC I will be shopping alot before making my next sled purchase. I dont think I can respect a company that doesnt respect me. I thought long and hard over purchasing these, based on all the bad reviews, recalls, and poor customer service that we have all dealt with over the last few years. But I chose to buy them despite all of that, based on my AC loyalty. Well I think those days are over. I am not going to continue to overpaying for a inferior product only to have it exponentially depreciated by the manufacturer. Get it together AC or your going to be on the outside looking in.

some of them engineers – racers need to be on the assembly line.

I totally agree with AllenO. I find it inexplicable some of the issues coming up with the new sleds.Many items should have be picked up during assembly.
Although I’m quite happy with my 012 turbo (only 1 blown belt at 1900mi), if it hadn’t been for extended warranty I would have been on the hook for a new jackshaft and reverse gear. Add to that $250 belt having to pay for the updates myself (sure at a reduced cost),I would have been on the hook for well over $1000 extra in 2000 miles of riding on a $16000 sled.
I’m still loyal to Cat and probably going to pickup a new 600 but I don’t think the average sledder would still be so loyal
Other than the blown belt, which I changed on the trail, the sled has never left me stranded. Having said that, even the wife has commented on how often my sled needs repairs.

Wow! Complaining about a sled that has it’s price reduced now. I guess some people like Fastman-99 would complain that there ice cream is to cold and there coffee is to hot as well. Lower prices are a good thing. To sit and worry about the resale of your sled, if you were to purchase new 5000 and the difference will be exactly the same as if they left the price the same. BTW, they lowered the price last year considerably as well and I don’t remember hearing the complaints. Grow up!

This ‘hard to put oil in’ banter really gets me, as I am sure it does most people that know how to put oil in a ProCross (but dont post their laughter). I will post tonight in the forum here detailed pictures of how to put oil in a ProCross… Without, WITHOUT, a bag… funnel… David Copperfield, Chuck Norris, or Chuck’s superior Tucker Hibbert himself. My friends, it can be done! Then you will be in this elite group. *It will take until tonight because I have NO idea how to post pictures!*

Yes “AllenO” I like my Engineers to ride desk chairs. Compete in the Iron Dog… hogwash… the I500… blasfammy! I like my engineers to speak only in geriatric AutoCad terms and Diffy Q slang, shapen #2 pencils (#3s on Friday!), and debate the elements of margins with bean counters. I like my engineers to me normal!

“Arctic Cat… Not for everyone”

John,
Let me just say I check this site everyday and if you broke my leg I would bleed green. I have always ran AC sleds but am growing frustrated with problems that seem like they should be easily corrected but some how go unchanged. For Example: I bet when customers buy a 2015 sled and turn their brights on they will be totally useless and shine up in the trees. How can that not be adjusted correctly from the factory? Clutching: Ac has been clutching snowmobiles since 1962 and they still cant get it right? Sleds are over reving right from the factory and blowing belts because of improper alignment and other driveline issues. Electric Start: My 1971 Mercury lightning has Electric Start on it and it works flawlessly. But I order a 2012 LXR and they ditch electric start at the last minute because they cant get it to work properly? Is there anyway you can do a story about the production line and if any changes are being made to improve build quality and fit and finish. I think that’s what most people are so unhappy about and why you are seeing all the negative comments posted here. You have to admit some of these problems are pretty ridiculous but we never here anything from you or AC about what they are doing to improve quality.

Great articles and info John, keep in coming!

Had to ask, what is getting extrovert drivers? My 13 1100t didn’t come with them and that didn’t work out to good. I see the 14 9000 and 7000 have them. Do the 15 4000, 6000, and 8000 have them?

Also how come the hibbert sled is the only one with the race sled skid frame (ie slide rails and rear axle setup). That seemed to go after the 2013 rr models and I see its back on the hibbert models in 15 per the picture.

Thanks for your insight!

Jamie:

You have to adjust the headlights with you on the sled as it is a weight thing. Hard to do that at the factory. Set the High beams where you like them with the little 4 mm screw under the gauges. Low beam is low but how often do you use it other than day time and meeting oncoming traffic. Not rocket science. Maybe you need a new sport to try. You obviously are not a sledder.

As much as I would like to debate your views JimR. I dont think this is the appropriate place to do it. But you do need to realize this is the site that AC faithfull come to. And it appears a large portion of the AC faithfull are unhappy with the way things are going. Eventually they will have to take notice, whether you want to acknowledge it or not.

I did adjust the headlight Jim and it is a pain in the arse to get at. Don’t tell me they cant adjust the hi beam for an average sized rider when they assemble the sled. It’s a minor thing I realize and if that is all that was wrong with the sled I wouldn’t have any complaints. It’s just something that everyone has to do when they get their sled so why cant Cat adjust it so it will be right for 75% of the people. Just a fit and finish thing they cant seem to get a grasp on I guess. I have been riding for 35 years and currently own 6 sleds so I’m pretty sure I qualify as a “Sledder”. LOL

I’d like to know how AC listens to customers…. Is it only through dealers? Websites? Haydays and other events? I have completed surveys for AC in the past – is that how? All of the above??? I think meaningful feedback could be provided diectly from the customer – but who is listening – and how? Having direct communication from the customer through some type of vehicle might be the best way to do it. Keep it clean, respectful, and productive – I wouldn’t even need a personal response — just a simple electronic message acknowledging that it was received and read by someone that matters — and I mean that in a good way.

@ Ryan Teach : Kudos for the oil comment. I was thinking the same thing. I was wondering if people were trying to fill the oil with out folding back the knee panels?

To say that racing doesn’t mean much on here is a understatement. When Arctic Cat wins there is arcticles on here about it, when they lose well, that form of racing doesn’t mean anything anymore. Arctic Cat should take notice cause the Indy 800 is a lesser priced model.

On the other hand, who in there right mind would pay more for a 4stroke that has less hp than a 800 and who would pay more for da 600 when the 4s has more hp.

What is so different between each models that make them different?

Okay folks, I just purchased a ’13 THRR 800 sled but don’t have it yet. This sled will be used for open class xc racing. Am I better off getting the Sno Pro 500 with a Speedwerx or D&D big bore kit? With all this bad feedback about the Pro Cross sleds, I am starting to have my doubts about this purchase. I currently have a ’07 F10 Sno Pro which I turned into a Improved open class sled for ice/snow drags (undefeated past 6 years) and a ’09 T570 Touring for my wife and 2 girls.

Please give me honest feedback. You can send me a PM email at: dkelias@gov.nu.ca

Wow, it has been an interesting read here on these 60-some comments. Some I agree with, others not at all. As a dealer of the Arctic Cat brand I am in my final day at the 2015 model introduction out in Nevada. I have just spent the last two days mingling and interacting with about a half-thousand other dealers, of which many carry more than one brand of snowmobiles. Here are a few very over-simplified observations: Hardly anyone has commented on the prices…they are not much different from last year, and, most models are not much different from other brands. Every dealer here is aware of the problems that befell some of the 2012 and some of the 2013 models and how those problems effected their customers and their stores. Nearly any dealer here will admit that the slow-to-arrive latest round of updates is solving the vast majority of the problems that were experienced on those affected 2012 and 2013 sleds. Most dealers I spoke to feel that the 2014 Arctic Cat line up has been as solid as any brands line up in recent years. Finally, most dealers I have encountered are still enjoying one of the longest riding seasons in recent memory and one of the best sales seasons in recent memory to go along with it. Most of us dealers will be back in our stores in a day or two ready to talk about our latest models and optimistic about the 2015 snow season. There, I gotta go get me another glass of green Kool-Aid now, I love that stuff.

Derek, i would have to agree, the idea of a Sno Pro 500 with a big bore kit would be the best option. Birchpoint Cats in Ontario was actually building these for a while.

I was contemplating a new sled for 2015 but after seeing the new line up a left over ’14 Sno Pro 500 looks like the best bet. My son has an ’11 Sno Pro 500 and it has been a great machine. Four reasons it is a great sled are 1. No electric start. 2. No reverse. 3. No power valves. and 4. It has an old fashioned tried and true chain case. Forget displacement and HP numbers- make a machine light weight and you don’t need 160 HP to move it around. I would be angry too if I spent $12K on some belt-eating piece of junk with some snake-oil wonder link fitted with Chinese bearings. Does AC even test this crap or do they rely on the poor sucker that buys it to find out if it works? Magazine idiots bad mouth any sled that is 2 yrs. or older that hasn’t had a major redesign. When you come up with a proven design why reinvent the thing just for the sake of doing it? This all adds up fast. This sport is basically relying on the same pool of enthusiasts to keep it afloat. A fast, fun, & reliable entry level sled attracts a lot of attention. The Sno Pro 500 was that sled. It will be missed in the line-up.

Tucker forgot to the put the 800 in his replica sled for me. My 14rr has been great sled. 2200 miles and running strong.

I know with my 12 turbo I have never spent so much money on repairing a new sled. my dealers partying in vegas this week just off the money I forked over on parts!! Hope he is having fun!!

What keeps me up at night is my 12 turbo. If my 12 would have got me thru I could see upgrading but now Im shy. Im going to sell it this spring and take a few years off from snowmobiling. I did that in the early 90’s when they burned me. I quit for 10 years. Then I got back in on 03 and have put over 20,000 miles on 3 new cats. Ill prolly get back into it in about 10 years after the kids are raised and they have better quality machines. The sport has hit a dead spot just like it did 20 years ago. too much confusion. when they get there act back together Ill get my act back together.

The sno pro 500, (and 600 up to 2011) were the best sleds to EVER come out of trf in my opinion. They were in need of a competitive sled and were given free reign on the design, that is what made it special… It was never intended to be a production machine, but the need for a 85 hp sled made production a reality. Now there are no doubt things that are better about the new procross, but there are also compromises….. I have no doubt the 2015 sleds are great, and should be reliable and of good quality. Now even though I am disappointed in some of their decisions, and feel bad for those who have had issues that are not fixed, I still believe AC is trying to keep customers happy and make good products. I am going to keep believing this because I really don’t see myself driving anything else. The sno pro 500 is still the best sled maybe ever built, I am going to miss seeing it in the lineup.

I’ve been out of the sport for about 5 years and was thinking about getting back into.. I’ve been cat guy my whole life but it seems like there nothing bad news surrounding cat.. Every where I read there a lot of mad cat owners and rightfully so. My last sled was a zr 9. Maybe I will look at cfr instead of a pro cross.. Any reviews on the cfr 8????????

Dear Cgs83544,

If you have been out of the sport for a little while, and want in again, do yourself a favor and find a 2010 or 2011 f8. Has the 800 ho motor and probably one of the greatest trail chassis ever built. Dead nuts reliable and probably can be had for a bargain too….

John & Tom

I feel like because of your vested interest you are overlooking flaws or lack luster business decisions. It is a good product very good but not great and the frustration you see on here mis just the realization that there were not big steps made to make it great. The best companies are overly critical of their own that’s what keeps them pushing the envelope. I’m currently not feeling that at TRF and it saddens me. And I’m worried that even Yah has made our own setup better than ours. Status Quo is not getting it doe anymore. Look at Poo and Doo

I have a bunch of friends that work at Arctic Cat. Many of them are pretty wore out from the past few seasons. They really only get to hear the bad things and rarely get a call from a dealer or consumer with an atta-boy.

Is it because no one out there is happy with their product? Nope, there are literally 1000 times more happy Cat Customers than unhappy. The problem is happy customers don’t Google “What’s the tallest mountain I can scream, I love my Arctic Cat from?” They don’t go out of their way to make everyone know how much they love their Cats. I look at all this Arctic Cat clothing, caps, outerwear and decals. Cat customers buy the overpriced stuff religiously. It’s freakin everywhere.

I recently had a talk with someone from service. I guess an owner of a dealership called him to tell him Thank You. Thank You for admitting your wrong. Thank You for not turning a blind eye. Thank You for continuing to work with me and keeping my customers happy. Thank You for doing what you can. That dealer was an Arctic Cat/Polaris dealer, he reflected on some Poo’s a few years back that they just shut the door on and totally ignored the dealer and customer.

Arctic Cat may have had a tough couple years. They may not have the budget to blow the market away every year, but all of their “boots on the ground workers” have a heart of gold. They feel your pain and are doing what they can. You won’t be left in the dark. Please voice your opinions, be human and civil and you will be taken care of. Be an a-hole and don’t be surprised if you get some tough love.

This topic must have really struck a cord with over 70 responses! I’ve had my issues with my turbo but I don’t care about the nay sayers , I’m liking the 600’s, might even buy an RR. Lucas, I disagree with your assessment on John. Sure ,he’s a bit of a homer, but this is afterall a Cat site. How can the introduction of a domestic built 600 and incorporating what is probably the best 4-stroke mill into your lineup, be considered “status quo”??

Keep up the excellent work Arctic Cat. You guys build great products. I thank everyone at AC for their hard and honest work that they put into each and every AC product that they develop, produce and assemble.

Don’t let these negative comments bring you donw, but RISE UP to the occassion and keep the throttle pinned

I have owned nothing but Cats from the mid 70’s on I don’t buy often like every year because I’m not a rich man. I currently have a 2006 cf700 and a 2013 xf800sp.I honestly can’t say how I’m going to really like the xf so far haven’t gotten a huge amount of miles on yet! I can say this my dealer has taken VERY good care of me over the years. I can also say this, I know of two dealers in my area that had a whole lot of negative from another manufacturer, not Cat either.

Yashmak bandit.
Those were done last season. My point is looking at the market share leaders even when their on top they are still pushing it every year. DOO rmotion, tmotion, ACE family. POO new chassis, belt drive ,etc. if you look at sales numbers there was a quick spike in sales of the pro cross but since it has leveled off and many customers are riding another color waiting for team green to come back. As far as the blog yes I understand it’s an cat site but there are better ways to generate interest vs blowing smoke. As for me the customer tell me the changes what makes them better do t try to go over the top making claims that are true but building them into game changing when they are not. I want Cat on top and in my posts as well as Jamie’s I hope you feel our passion for AC but we expect more and better from the brand we hold dear to us. Reading these posts I can tell I’m not the only one to feel this way and most of your surprise is in the past the most loyal brand of customers in the market has turned this into a love fest for AC (which I have done before) but at some point you must ask why not us (AC) when it comes to a game changing idea.
Really answer me what was the last game changing evolutionary piece of tech AC has had. Answer me that and I’ll concede. (Hint while very good Pro cross is not one) if you honest with yourself it’s been a long long time. Disagree with me please

CTec Di was revolutionary. But we followed again.
Turbo. Yep first to offer it from factory. But evolutionary no it’s been in use by third party’s for a little while.

The TCL and Arctic Drive was a game changer! Helped saving money on Belts,chains and drive sprockets. Buying a 12-13k sled then having to invest another 3k.

Big but not revolutionizing the business that was bigger to AC
Guys I’m talking industry changing and their hasn’t been one for years.
REV Pro Ride 2 stroke Di type stuff.

Allen nice try but not industry changing

The issue here is we’re always following never leading.

Lucas, I’ve learned that these discussions lead nowhere so I’m bowing out now while we are still civil.
P.s. Just snowchecked a TH RR600. Looks pretty cutting edge to me through my green colored glasses. Oh by the way Canada 1 U USA nil !!!!!!

Yamabandit

I do agree sweeeet graphix!!!!!!
Needs 800 option.

Still leaving open the the discussion though

Something in the here and now that AC has done to reshape the snowmobile industry. Anyone?

My brothers, and I have been purchasing Arctic Cat snowmobiles starting in the early 1970’s. My brothers first sled was a 72 440 Panther which I think was one heck of a cool sled in its day. We also have new models which we enjoy every weekend. The majority of our Cats have been high performance models. I can honestly say that we have never had any serious issues with them. In all those years we had only one engine failure and that engine had very high miles on it so something was going to happen at some time. When we did have problems, which have been very minor, our dealer took very good care of us and we very pleased. We have a great dealer who cares about us. I ride more than the average person and I would never even hesitate to purchase Arctic Cat sleds. You guys and gals make a great sled and we don’t get the chance to thank you for your hard work and for making winter enjoyable. You sure have created one heck of a high performance sled that wins every weekend. I am proud to own “many” Cats and will continue to enjoy them for years to come. You don’t hear this enough. Thank you.

Flintsone:

I’m sorry your 2012 machine has been a bad experience. That said, judging by your comments on this site over the last few years, that negativity seems to be a recurring theme (if I recall, even prior to the 2012 model year). If you want to walk away from the sport because you feel wronged somehow, then go for it! No one’s forcing you to hang around.

Just know this; I never had more fun riding snowmobiles in my life than the years between the mid 90’s and the early 2000’s. Those ZR’s were dependable, they handled like a dream, and most of all, they were a blast to ride! Many of the memories made in that time frame still put a smile on my face to this day…. and you missed out on all those opportunities for fun and excitement because you let the negatives get the best of you.

Life’s too short man… go enjoy this beautiful winter and think about how fortunate we are to have opportunities like snowmobiling at our fingertips. If that doesn’t cheer you up, then it probably IS time for a new hobby.

On a positive note my 07 cat 4×4 has been running great all winter!! we got another blizzard thursday night. got hit hard. plowed with it all day. then when we were done plowing my little ones wanted a snowmobile ride and even though I was exhausted I agreed. Sure enough that dog gone turbo broke down again. Thing that hurtz the most is Im leaving the sport just when the kids want to go the most. My 6 year old daughter is especially in love with snowmobiles. She came home with this library book from school the other day that was all about snowmobiling. We sat down together and read it.

Fact of the matter is though Im leaving the sport. Ill come back in about 10 years.

the other thing too is if I quit riding It will buy me a ton of time to spend with the snowmobile club. Its really hard to be an active member and ride too. im much better off to just focus on the club. most of the guys in the club dont ride

My 2 cents to the discussion, seems like most of the problems some members have had have been with the higher performance sleds. Stop and think for a second, there is alot of new techonology stuffed under the hood in a very small confined area. Thank the engineers who have worked on this stuff because a segment of the market wanted this type of snowmobile. My experience has been that the portion of the market that purchases this type of snowmobile is usually a more aggressive snowmobiler who likes the power, handling, etc that come with this sled. Odds are that there will sometimes be breakdowns, frustrations, etc. That being said, there will be mechanical failures, frustrations etc on the lower powered snowmobiles also. Every snowmobiler in this group has his or her own riding style. Remember that the other manufacturers out there have their own share of problems with breakdowns, parts failures, etc and I am sure that they complain about it also. Drive by any dealer and look in the yard and shop, they are busy making repairs also. Because of a huge change in my work life, I have not purchased a new sled in the last 17 years. My 97 ZR440 still runs like the day I bought it, still looks good on the snow, and allows me to go out and enjoy the sport and scenery whenever I can. I have never lost interest in the sport, but work does not allow me time off to ride as much. Retirement is next year and the new Sno Pro 4000 has my attention.
Let’s thank the workers at AC for the work they do. I am sure that they try to do their best everyday to give us who bleed green good quality products to enjoy. To the dealers that sell and support us AC’ers. say thank you to them for the great job they do. I am sure at times it is a thankless job.
I do not mean to offend anyone, lets just go out an enjoy our AC’s and the sport
Eric is right, Life is to short to not enjoy everyday! Go out and ride, support your club! winter is great!

Nice words Paul, I hope you get that Sno Pro 4000 you want. It sounds like its going to be a great sled. I have rode and raced ARCTIC CAT since buying a new Cougar in 87. As far as using the old 800 mill from Suzuki,thats not all bad because its always been a solid engine. I have a 2013 800 Sno Pro and it gets great mileage for an 800 and has more than enough power than anyone needs. When they do release the new 800 c-tech it will be a proven engine, you have to be patient. Cat wants to get everything just right.It does no one any good to go on this page and keep *****ing about the folks at cat. I do know some of the people at cat through the racing years, and can assure you that they all care about what they are building up there. I have learned working with sleds in the past years, you have to be attentive, check out the machine after every ride and be able to repair things on your own sometimes. The more you are able to work and adjust things on the machines that you own, the more comfortable you will be to make those long runs on the machines. If you develop issues with your sleds that need factory attention, relay those to your dealer, if you do not get good answers, get a different dealer or call the factory yourself. I have ridden with guys with all four brands, and they all have some issues at times. If your in it for the long run you will be able to help yourself a lot. I have a 2013 800Sp and a 13 S.P.600 C.C. racer. Newer sleds but I am checking them out all the time, to make sure everything is right. The payoff is well worth it to me. Thanks, Jim#101.

As most of the posts say, cat is definately lacking, i agree on that. My thoughts are cat hasnt made a good sled, particularly a mountain sled, since 2011. Ive attended a couple cst shows, asked some questions on why things are done the way they are ( wide ski smtance, the definate difficulty of maintenance access, etc) then the rep couldnt even answer my questions, snsweeed with a simple ” i dont know” …. WOW way to promote your machines!!I eas happy to see the 600 ctek at least this year, now if the only had a decent machine to out it in , and they definately need to shove the 800ctek into top priority. I ve owned cats forever but hate to say, come upgrade time its gonne be Doo all yhe way. CAT… get your s*@t together .. your losing customers and sales !!!

tim norris “a decent machine to put it in”?? Have you ever driven a Procross sled? Yamaha thought enough of it to risk the ridicule that came with using a competitors chassis. Have fun on that indestructable doo!!

This has been an interesting read. I am really trying to understand what it is some of you would be happy with? The 2015 has something for everyone. And now in its 3rd year the procross is great.

You think ski doo didn’t have issues with the first year rev XP? Did you talk to anyone who owned one? Or did you even walk by and look at the kinking running boards. I only know 2 guys who own ski doo 800’s, but both had crank bearing failure. That’s no blown belt fella’s, that’s the crank.

Polaris 800. Stock up on pistons. Last year we went out west with 4 guys who have 2010-2013 Polaris 800’s. 2 of 4 scored pistons while we were there. One of them for the 3rd time that year. We went to town for parts and they bought 12 pistons just to have spares. What dealer would even stock 12 pistons? I was shocked at the time but it just seemed normal to those guys.

I apologize if I sound like I’m bashing the other brands. My only reason to bring it up is the same point. All brands have some challenges. Cat by staying with the 800 this year and updates to the pro cross has the best 800 period.

I have a 2014 600. Love it! Best sled I’ve ever ridden. 1000 miles so far. Haven’t had one thing wrong.

My regular riding partner, my father, has a 2012 800. Did the updates and loves it. 4800 miles on it. Went on a trip last week with 2 skidoo e-tec 600’s. Within 0.1-0.3 gallons on every tank. That is with a 800 that will easily blow them away. And that is the motor you are mad they didn’t replace?

Give it time guys. Needs to be a really good motor to replace that one.

And lastly, modified 500 sno pro or pro cross? Easy, get the pro cross. I had the 2008-2011 600 sno-pro’s. The pro cross is much better. No tail swap. Better handling. And I would trust the 800 stocker far over putting a bunch of power into the 500 crank that was never designed for it.

My 2cents from a very happy pro cross owner.

Paul Nadeau, it is not only the high performance sleds, I am a mechanic for a dealership and rental shop and I am sure we have a fair chunk more than any other rental places. Every year I wonder what the issue will be to keep our rentals down. We rent f5’s, 570s, and 570 2ups. Every year make has it’s own flaw. I don’t know how many flex shafts we have gone through on the 2015 f5s, yes they brought a new starter but the starter wasn’t an issue. Now have a starter the weaker components can’t handle. A multitude of other things my boss (the dealer) has tried to talk to Cat to improve, they don’t listen. They are thinking 5 or 10 years down the road, and not fixing what they have now.

Sorry, just one more thing, bring back the ACT drive, that thing is bullet proof, forget the minimal weight savings.

Guys I had a 12 800. It blew up at mile 2. Had a great dealer he not only rebuilt it but brought me a sled to ride. Got it back rode it one afternoon and found a puddle of oil under it the next morn. Far from bullet proof. This dealer is the only reason I still buy cats. Even he is frustrated with AC and the 15’s.

And for mileage Phil those 600’s must have had the valves stuck open cause I ride with 2 800 etecs and I get about 90-100 miles and am empty they only use 6-6.5 gal.

IDK I buy a new sled every year and the more I read on here the more frustrated I become. When I buy this year I’m gonna wait till all OEM unveil then decide and unfortunately it probably won’t be a Cat.

My question above is still open and have had no answers to it. I’m guessing because Cat hasn’t done anything to revolutionize the industry. They have done things to make their product better but always follow never lead they never force the others hand. Very sad. I asked the dealer the same question he had no answer either. The closest he came was the Old M sleds. But even he said they had nothing the old RMK’s didn’t.

Like I said on here you find loyalists to a fault on here and others who are giving an objectionable critic of the product. It hurts me too but guys be honest it is true.

I must agree with Dales words on the ACT drive system. I had a 10 F6 with that drive system and had no problems, just change your fluid every year. I know that system was a better design because when I changed my fluid on the F6, it would still look pretty clean. On my 13 F8 with the chain case, the fluid looks pretty contaminated after a season of riding, which tells me there is more wear and oil breakdown in the chain case rather than the ACT drive. The other issue that cat claimed was a problem with the ACT besides weight, was that system was robbing power and top end speed, similar to a automatic transmission. I did not see any of those issues. I will say though, I am very happy with the Procross front suspension, you can stay on the throttle through some nasty stuff and still come out alive. you can stay in the attack mode all the time and the machine will handle it if you can hang on. Hopefully cat is listening. Its been a great season of riding, and should be a really good sales year for all brands. But to see cat come out with all of those new model options, is kind of scary. I hope there not spreading there wings to fast. They must listen to there customers about problem areas, instead of just listening to them about more options they want for the sleds. Jim W. # 101

Lucas, stuck valves? Are you insinuating even e-tecs may have a valve issue or need maintainance? Hogwash…. Back to my original point. None are perfect.

Blown at 2 miles. That is a bummer, I can’t blame you for frustration there but would like to think that is a rarity. Obviously either not put together right or not broke in.

As for your question on cat game changers-the new 600? Having direct injection comparable mileage at less cost to produce. The Yamaha partnership? The wide stance a-arm front end? Slide action skid? Or the fact they are dominating cross country racing (1-2 in usxc i500 and 7 of top 10). Makes it obvious the pro cross is fast, and durable when equally compared to other brands under same harsh conditions.

We can all be armchair quarterbacks and super critical. I just hope you are equally critical of other brands. This is a cat site after all so forgive my prejudice as I love mine.

I think I’ll go riding now.

I wish the 15 ltds. would be, well be more ltd. like sno check only,
and to order with options in the spring also.
and they should have more of a theme behind them like they used to be like
the joker, fighter etc, i would buy them up every year!
the sno pros look better than the ltds this year, whats up with that?
any ways i have 12 800 retro 2700 mi and my wife has 13 800 ltd 800mi
and we love them and not one blown belt on either, she’s just waiting
for her starter update.
they are the best looking sleds on snow and handle great with tons of
power! keep up the good work CAT!

the technology to make anything bullet proof is out there. the question is how much effort do you want to put forth to have it.

The testing isnt to see how strong they can make it. Cats been doing this for 50 years and they know how to make it bullet proof. The testing is done to see how cheap they can make it and still meet industry standards and not lose market share.

now us north americans have much lower standards then a japanese man. the japanese are very stubborn about making every attempt to insure quality. that is a fact.

but at the end of the day it is the ceo that needs to look at the numbers and decide the next move. it is his vision of what the company will look like 5-10-15-20 years from now. he is the one that ultimately determines where to invest. I think it is great that cat has chosen to fo buisness in the usa and has teamed up with the japanese to help them because after my 2012 experience they really do need the help. what I went thru is unacceptable by anyones standards. it was hell

Phil

Again not industry changing. Those are all great and made the product better but didn’t change the industry. Those are ALL catch ups again be honest and look outside team green that is the only way to critic it.

How do you brake in a sled in 2 miles. Even if a guy left it wide open (which is ignorant) it shouldn’t blow up in 2 miles.

I just once don’t want to follow I want AC to lead. Currently far from it. I want the other OM to have to change their plans and play catch up to Cat. Currently there is nothing they are two worried about from TRF

A little food for thought….. Interesting stats…. We’ll have to see how these results effect team’s choice for their race sleds for next year…….. : )

5 Arctic Cat teams started. 0 teams scratched. 100% finished

10 Polaris teams started. Polaris won the race. 2 teams scratched. 80% finished

2 Yamaha teams started. 1 team scratched. 50% finished

18 Doo teams started. 11 teams scratched(All mechanical failures). 40% finished

David Moore(rookie status) on a 2014 Arctic Cat ZR 6000 RR teamed up with David Roberts(rookie status) a Yamaha SR Viper won the coveted Trail Class division. This class is for consumer production sleds only.

Above stats are from the 2014 Iron Dog race…

“because Cat hasn’t done anything to revolutionize the industry.”

You may want to insert “lately ” with that. Aluminum tunnels, slide rail suspension, a-arm front suspension. TCL, slide action rear, probably more I’m forgetting. Oh more recently, a 600 2 stroke with revolutionary low pressure injection. Oh yeah and Tucker Hibbert pretty much raised the level for racing !!

35 teams only 5 Arctic Cats, what percentage is that?

Paul

Great points. Lately is the word I should have used. As in your post it’s been the early 90’s since they lead in this area. That’s what I want to get back too.
And do disagree with a couple of those but most were right on. The DI 600 though is another follow for cat.
As for Tucker out of this world although I do think bed dominate no matter the sled but it’s good it’s on AC.
So here is the new task if any are up for it. The above remains open but when you post make sure you dont just say what your reason is but how it changed snowmobiling forever.
Now for the new task. All OM’s are available for this. Build you snowmobile from all OM’s current sleds for example my sled would be pro ride chassis (hope new one) 800 etec and r motion rear Cat headlights and bars and graphix I’d go with doo front suspension only because I’m rare and dont want push in the corners I’d rather have lift cat tapered tunnel. Doo linq system and instrument cluster. yah clutching (I know the issues here but this is make believe.) 129 in track with 1.5 paddles

I think the responses on here would be cool to see anyone?

Lucas, Re the question “how do you break on in in 2 miles”. There is actually a heat soak procedure your dealer is supposed to do to break these in. If you google “arctic cat engine heat soak” you can find the process both verbal, and in vidio. Knowing how long it takes to heat one up on the jackstand, honestly, had your dealer done that I dont think you would have ever had a snowmobile with 2 miles on it. Takes more than 2 miles to get it hot. With todays tight tolerances, this heat soak is more important than ever, and not doing it, could be the reason for the failure you expierienced.

As far as “game changers” looks like to me there is no right answer in your eyes so I will avoid that. I like the wish list thing though I think that is great and what manufaturors need is customer feedback. But they also have to weigh out what we are willing to pay for. They could build the “bulletproof” sled, but what does it weigh? What does it cost? Its been done before where a manufacturors tried to put together all the neat stuff they thought everyone wanted, but with the cost noone bought it (anyone remember the Blade or Revolt?) It’s a balancing act.

Lucas, I’m not exactly sure what your getting at with all these replies. Are there things we would like to have been in the 015 lineup? Sure. Have there been issues with some models? Absolutely. Afterall, I own a Turbo! Are you smarter than the rest of us? Possibly. But whatever, lets move on.
I acknowledge that Brp has been a technological leader in the industry for quite some time. I really would like to see their bottom line. They must be making money.I have no idea how they can be profitable with all the R&D and retooling they must be doing for even just their 4 stroke motors alone. Are they superior to what TRF has produced lately? I think some ways they are but in some ways not.Obviously the bean counters at TRF have chosen a route not in line with your way of thinking.
I also own a Japanese motorcycle, The model is irrelevant but it is far ahead in technology compared to what Milwaukee produces but does not come close to the sales numbers HD has. Go Figure.
Sorry for being so longwinded!!!

Hello all,

I also, was a little disappointed in cat’s lack of being a leader with new technical innovation as opposed to being a follower and playing catch up with the other brands. They are definitely behind in developing a new DI800. Correct me if I am wrong, but didn’t BRP develop the 600 and 800 at the same time, then bring out the 600 a year behind the introduction of the 800? I would expect that they did this to prove the engine’s durability. So why couldn’t cat do that? The 600 has been out a year now, and proven, I think? I was thinking about getting a new 800 ProClimb ( I ride the coastal BC mountains) but probably won’t now, knowing that my 2013 M800ltd is the same as a new one.

But I will say this: Being properly set up by Route 99 motorsports, my M800ltd has been bullet proof! I am at almost 900 mountain miles at wide open, and am still on my first belt and the clutching has been about perfect. I ride with 6 guys on XM’s and one on a pro rmk. They razzed me first and told me to buy a skidoo, but now every one respects the cat because I can always climb through stuff that they can’t. And it side hills like none other. I’m on near vertical slopes and it holds the edge perfectly. It’s a better handling sled than the other two brands in my opinion.

Lastly, I will say that in the mountains, I don’t burn any more gas than the etecs. Unless the etec rider isn’t riding as hard. oil is another story, definitely burns more oil… but it isn’t hard to pour it in. Quite easy I would say.

Cat insiders, hurry up and give us an M800 with a new DI 848 cc engine with 180 hp. I would buy that in a heartbeat!!

AllenO, that would be 14.3% of the Iron Dog Pro Class was on an Arctic Cat.
51.4% were on Doo. 40% of the Pro Class didn’t finish. 31.4% of the Pro Class that failed to finish were all trying to compete on a Doo. No matter how you slice it. Cat had a 100% finish rate. With these numbers, Doo would be my last choice for this race. Todd Palin’s team scratched 89 miles into the race because of a failed crank bearing…. Gee, never have heard of that type of failure from a Doo engine…. : )

@ J webster… Good report on the M800! Don’t get to hyped up about getting MORE HP with an 800 SDI from cat. The 800 Zuk is already an HO motor. I could imagine a slight tq increase but 180 hp is doubtfull. It would be awesome but not going to happen w/o boost or major mods.

Really, this is what we want to be spending our free time doing? Whining and totally getting off the true subject. As cat owners I think we can do better than this recent rant about who has the biggest scars.

If we really want AC to build better products (and I think we do or we wouldn’t be here) we need to ask for collaboration on non-racing sled customers in some kind of a forum in which they can generate legitimate owner feedback by product base.

In my industry they call them “Users Groups” and we get selected customers together yearly prior to the engineering boys going off to battle the current hic-ups or new product dev. To my knowledge AC has this concept developed with the racing users, but not the non-racing users.

Being that this site is underwritten by our green blooded friends this might be the perfect opportunity to initiate constructive feedback on their sled products.

AC has the one of the most passionate customer bases of any industry and it would be a shame not to tap into it for these reasons.

Just my 2 cents in the hope that we can help AC be where we think they should be. On Top!

The mentality seems to be there is nothing wrong when there is. Those are the hardest people to work with.

Brad S H – I really like the way you think.

Allen O, you couldn’t be more off. There isn’t a person at AC that would say the sleds are perfect and there is nothing wrong. The politics with-in a large manufacture are not as easy as just admitting you have a problem. There is a constant battle between proving actual problems, sorting through the BS and then developing a solution that may only fix the masses. All while answering to penny pushers. It would be awesome to just not have problems but perfect comes with great cost. Even with huge cost things still can go wrong, take a look at NASA.

You know what you have with Arctic Cat though? Insight and compassion. You don’t get much “Inside” access with any of the other big 3 out there. Arctic Cat is still a very small player when it comes to money. At least the politics that can affect the speed and accuracy of solutions still allows us as customers to get some insight and compassion like we get from Arctic Insider.

Arctic Cat entries have dropped down, why is that?

Arctic Cat entries in the Iron Dog has dropped, why is that? Not enough 600’s to go around?

Simple question. Does the new 2015 ZR4000LXR have reverse as standard equipment or is it available as an upfit option?

AllenO, being you like to ask questions that are totally subjective…. Here’s a few back to you…. Why did Ski-Doo have the poorest finishing percentage? Why do their crank bearings continue to fail after all these years of this persistent problem? Why didn’t they win? Polaris had an outstanding showing and Arctic Cat probably built some more credibility. Doo? By the results, not so much….

Gary Dwinal:

The LXR has Reverse. Go look at it on Cats websight.

One of the reasons for the decline in Arctic Cat entries was due to the fact that Arctic did not have a consumer 600 for a couple years. If you wanted to run the Iron Dog on a Cat, you had to use the 600 race version. Which once tuned down to run on 87 octane mandatory at this race, did not perform real well. The doo was then the sled many chose.

But to Todd’s point, are we going to see a changing of the tides here? Based on this years results it looks like we could.

I hope the same is carried to the trail sleds. Did owners of 2012’s endure some new model release pain? Definitely. Were there a lot of updates to help releive the pain, sure. I’d guess that has something to do with why the 2015 lineup is somewhat the same, but with improvements. I had a 12, now a 14, and the gains in calibration, fit/finish, and durability were big. Which are the items that started the rant. I’d love new tech, but I guess in some ways I’m happy with the minor changes given how much difference they make in both the race results, and our daily rides.

I feel bad for the guys with troubled 2012’s. I bought a ’13 and yes, hot clutches every time I checked. New primary, secondary update, and still blistering hot. I didn’t like the 141 skid so I bought a ’14 137″ 800. All I can say is it’s been flawless and trouble free. Cool clutch’s every time I’ve shot them with my IR. I live on a pond and it’s been run WOT a LOT. I have the two-up seat jack to throw on once in a while and have ridden two-up through slow going heavy wet snow. At 1800 miles I’m on the original belt and it still looks fantastic.
I started riding in 1966 when I was 6 years old, riding the family’s machines. After being a diehard doo kid for years, I finally bought my very own brand new machine. Well that sled broke my wallet and my heart. I learned a long time ago on that brand yellow that I would never be a first year model guinea pig ever again and switched to Cat. Teething pains sucks, and every brand can have them but I think for ’14 Cat finally has the fix. Just my .02.

1. I could really care less what the results of the Iron Dog are, that doesn’t influence my buying.
2. Nor do I pay attention to all the Arctic Cat race results posted on here.
3. I would never pay 8-9k for a 500 or 12-13k for a 600, I don’t like air shocks anyway. What is it about it that makes Arctic Cat 600 different from Polaris and Ski-Doo?
4. I hear all the horror stories about all the Arctic Cat issues on the internet, but have witnessed it, my friend sheared off his secondary bolts and went through belts which looked like cords after. I know people that are die hard Arctic Cat as it get’s but will not touch anything made 12 and beyond.

AllenO: I’m okay with people who don’t like Cat. It’s okay. If you were a Cat customer and now you’re mad, I’m sorry for whatever the problems were that have changed your mind.

You haven’t gotten the responses you’re looking for in these comments.

But now your just stirring the pot here and I’m not okay with that. So unless you have something constructive to say that moves the conversation forward, I’m asking that you quit pushing the same talking points.

Now, for everyone else, thanks for keeping it civil.

I just returned from five days of riding the 2015 models, which were being set-up and broken-in by a crew of Arctic Cat engineers who are bright, aware, dedicated and also amazing riders. They are working their butts off to make the 2015 production sleds (AND future sleds) the best they can.

Everyday I’m in communication with someone at Arctic Cat, be it from Engineering, manufacturing, marketing, PG&A, sales, service, racing and even the guy who drives the sweet truck to events (he too can ride a snowmobile like nobody’s business!).

I know this for a fact: Arctic Cat is loaded with talented, inventive, competitive, passionate people who take their jobs very seriously. Everyone is proud of their successes and working to improve the handful of problems.

The 2015 models I rode impressed me greatly. If you’re in the market for a new Cat, I’ll be posting stories in the coming weeks about the machines that I spent enough time on to give meaningful analysis. Hopefully you’ll find some value in these stories.

Feel free to keep posting on this thread, in the same spirit that nearly everyone has brought to the conversation.

I, for one, appreciate the discussion.

I don’t know if you guys are chronic whiners or bi-polar All major auto manufactures have recalls look at Toyota. My 14 XF has been flawless so if all you want to do is complain Stay on facebook, because time wont waste itself. PS no reply needed!

John,
Can’t wait to see your articles and photo’s about the 2015’s and your perspective about the new sleds. I am greatful for the “Insider” information that Arctic Cat shares with you and that they allow you to provide us with insights that we who bleed green would never see. I am sure that the folks who build Arctic Cat products are passionate about their jobs. Keep up the great work and can’t wait to read about the 2015’s

Thanks John! Very well put response. Enjoy this site more than any other. Not afraid to show my Cat pride. Don’t get this with any other brand.

I work in a busy shop here in the testing ground for snowmachines as they are used extensively for transportation for the rural residents, these machine are tested day in and day out. The mix of machines are fairly even and most of the time we work on polarises, ski doos and yamahas w/ major problems, the arctic cats have less severe problems compared to other brands, I myself have owned arctic cats since 1998 and have been satisfied w/ the brand, I’ve had all other brand before that and have no plans to switch brands. Keep up the good work arctic cat!

I am not sure what it is about the ’15 models, but the lack of something “new” seems to be what is causing many here to be frustrated. I too, like new and better things, especially sleds, but tuning it down and getting those new models for next working good is a good step in the right direction I think. No matter what happens to pol and doo which we will know in the next 15 days, I believe that arctic cats will still be the best sleds on the snow for years to come.

I do believe that for what we are paying for new machines, they really do need to step up to the plate and quit using crappy Chinese bearings and cheap components. I mean come on, these things are 13,000 dollars now days. Share holders are important but useless unless you have happy customers.

I have about 1600 miles on my 2012 xf800 and it gets 13.5 mpg when pushed hard and 15.5 MPG on hard pack. Oil use is reasonable. The thing is fast beyond belief –it is a beast. Not sure about the shoot out stuff but rode a 2013 POO 800 and it is not even close to my xf800. Belt life is good but primary clutch just failed

Hey, 800HO guy, I have a 13 800 S.P. I would agree on the mileage, I can pull 13 to 14. no problem. Have 2200 miles and have original belt and slides.The sled performs well, and the 800 motor is strong all the way up the power band. Had a little problem with the front inside ski wanting to pull up exiting corners, causing me to get off the throttle a little bit. Looked at the front limiter straps, they were set all the way out. I pulled them up to position # 4 out of 5 to the tightest. Let some air out of the front floats to 65 to70 lbs on smooth trails. Moved coupling blocks to position # 3. I got pretty good results, but realized that that motor wants to go and you can not slam the throttle down to hard when exiting a sharp corner. But I love the sled, except for having to put my ice scratchers out on perfectly good trails. Jim #101

Jamie, you are correct. The factory headlight aim is disgusting! The first night ride sure sucks when ya figure out ya can’t see! And the adjusting screw is asinine! Does the plastic grid where the goggle warmer bag goes pop out??

I’m a life long 25 year polaris rider that switched to cat. Bought a 6000rr and would love it if I could get it to turn!

what happened to Lucas?.. his wadded up panties fall off? O
r did he go back to his doo dealership?…we ride zuki 800’s in proclimb’s.. snocheck 2 a year after riding them for 2 year’s.. six in my family… almost zero problem’s.. and no warranty work except for update’s. since 2012.. with over 28,000 miles ridden… good enough for me… 2 more proclimb 800’s on the way…

Great thread to read John. I am one of those Yamaha riders who no longer can get a 2 stroke in the form of team blue! I am on the fence right now about the new el tigre’. I owned a 74 440 el tigre’ and was an instant fan (I love the name and I think its great that they have brought it back)!
I hope 14 el tigre’ gets great reviews as I read more and more so as to push me to the 15 el tigre 600!

Carl

Nope never left, and to me from what I have see thus far you better be worried about what Polaris did, pretty neat stuff albeit I would still not want their motor. And you ought to thank guys who think like I do, because We say why not push it to be better when you say “best ever no matter what” Hate to see where TRF would be with that line of thinking.

I do like how you now have commented long since this thread was going on were where you when others such as Phil, AllenO, Chris, Yamahabandit and I were going back and forth its very easy to jump in at the end with little facts and inconsequential remarks don’t you think.

Phil

Awesome thanks for the info on why my motor blew makes sense to me and seems we have found some middle ground. I would also be interested to play fantasy land and hear your ideas for the perfect sled

Yamahabandit

very good points in the HD comparison and yes you are correct I am sure Evenrude and Rotax are feeding Lynx and Ski-doo. But I still think there are ways to find a happy median for what it sounds like you want as well.

While these posts have been good by all, the reason we have this option is so people can hear the good and the bad. If you want something say so or it may never come to be

I’m going to try and get some seat time on each of the four this year yet before I make my decision, but it will be hard to get the Green away from me, Its like protesting though. The only way a loud noise works is if it is followed up by potential loss of the other color green!!

Lucas, I’m glad you came back in on this. I am definitely getting a bit nervous myself after seeing Polaris lineup and talking in depth today with people in the know at local Doo dealer. From what I heard, we will being having our collective socks blown off when they intro their 2015 lineup in a few hrs. In light of the fact that Cat will not be at the Sneek Peek shows this spring, all kinds of speculation is starting to grow. I’m not jumping off the bandwagon just yet but it is getting more difficult to argue many of the points you have made. I still bleed green but I’m not putting up quite as much fight as I did even a yr ago.

1. I am not in here to bash
2. Why is Arctic Cat making 2 600s, are they trying to outdo themselves?
3. People want a 800 DI, yet have the Suzuki 800, yet again, having to outdo themselves
4. My personal feeling, it is hard for me to work with people that can’t admit to a problem when there is one.
5. I will be on the AXYS next year.

IMO AC needs to find their niche in the market. Turbos, yes. Reliable 2S motors, yes. Great lookers, yes. However, best mpg’s; best mountain sleds; lightest; best handling; best front suspension; best rear suspension; best clutching and drive train; best fit and finish; most refined engines or chassis; best price point sleds; best spring buyer options; best packaging options; best new innovations – no. It feels like a game of catch up. Look at the side by side market right now.

AC used to have the best support of their customers – today it’s questionable. They also had the most loyal customers – but kind of like yamahabandit said I wonder if that is softening too. It’s a tough market – sleds are very expensive and buyers are very demanding for their $$$.

AllenO: Cat only makes one 600 sled unless you are talking about the 1100 motor and that really is a completely different animal. I bet you see cats 800 by mid year next year. Takes time to make perfection. Reason the 600 motor took 3 years to show back up again.

All of this anti arctic stuff makes me laugh.

If you guys honestly think that by going to another mfg you will magically have no problems and everything will be just fine and dandy you are delusional. Everyone has problems. Polaris has an 800 that eats pistons & rings for lunch. Ski Doo still can’t seem to come up with a way to build a crankshaft and properly lube it. Arctic Cat has had mostly clutching problems since the 2012s came out. I don’t know what Yamaha does because until Cat sold out their chassis I did not pay any attention to what they did with those things.

The guy claiming that Cat only follows, you are wrong as well. All the mfgs take ideas from others and call it revolutionary. The most recent one that comes to mind is the new Summit XMs. Ski Doo basically took the key parts from the Pro RMK, (suspension mounting, handlebar position, rider position) and applied it to their XPs. Let’s also not forget that it was Cat that started the whole trend of purpose built mountain sleds with the M7 in 2005.

I am very happy to hear that the 800 ‘zuki will be sticking around. It’s simple, bulletproof, and powerful. Something that neither Polaris or Ski Doo can say about their 800’s. Do I care if it doesn’t get the greatest fuel range, oil consumption, or smokes a little? Absolutely not! Sometimes the “latest and greatest” isn’t a good thing.

My last sled was a Pro RMK and my next one will more than likely be an M8 of some variation. Pick your poison, ride, wrench, repeat. One isn’t better than the other.

I would make a recommendation to anyone considering buying an AC sled! DON’T DO IT. I used to be an AC rider back a few years ago. Sleds seemed to be of good quality. I changed to Doo and loved them but I my son want a cat so I bought one for him in Jan. He rides with me and I can attest to what was done on this sled. Took him to the West Coast of our Island to do some powder riding. About 200km in the bracket on the left running board broke. Brought back to dealer and it was fixed under warranty. Went again to same area but this time we didn’t get off the trail (trail wasn’t groomed – lots of bumps) the same bracket broke again. We headed back to cabin but by the time we got there, the bracket on other side broke and tunnel was kinking on left side. Arctic Cat keeps asking if we are sticking to our story and won’t cover under warranty. The truth isn’t a story and if they had any sense about customer service they would realize that they just lost a new AC buyer. Can’t believe that they covered this under warranty first and find it even harder to believe how delicate this machine is. Warning to all potential buyers – Stay Away from AC!!!!!!! $17000 worth of advice!

Dave H:

I would recommend no one by a Doo. Crank Bearing eating S.O.B’s You go ahead and come on to a cat site and tell people what to buy. You will be ignored like you were not born. Cat beats Doo in every aspect. Looks, reliability comfort Etc. If you like looking at your sled, buy a doo or better yet a poo. God you are a true idiot! I bet you don’t even own a newer sled. Elans have not been built in what? 30 years or so? Go ahead and buy your Mexican built snowmobiles though. I am sure they get lots of testing done in the desert .

I owned a 2012 Turbo Sno Pro Limited and a 2014 Turbo Sno Pro Limited, drive belt assasinator’s, and neither one of these sleds will tolerate moderate speed trail riding. At 30~45 mph the drive belts on both of these sleds “fry like over cooked bacon on a excessively hot skillet”. Neither sled can make 250 miles on a $200.00+ drive belt. The disintegrating exploding belts will devastate your belly pans and your belt guards. I am out $1,000’s of dollars for “countless drive belts” and hauling this junk around trying to get it fixed.
After owning 15+ prior very good brand new good Arctic Cat snowmobiles and ATV’s, I want to personally have a private back room chat with the “engineer”..cough cough.. that signed off on the flawed and reckless design of these two insults to consumer intelligence. These clutch and chain case and reverser designs “ARE 100% FLAWED JUNK”.
“Stern Warning To You All”, Please never suffer the financial assault/insult that I have suffered on this JUNK. Please, protect yourself and “run away” from these hopelessly flawed turbo Pro-Cross sleds as fast as you can. I am already hopelessly screwed big-time with out a class action law suit. Please learn from my financial abusive punishment.

I read most of the comments and not need to read more because pretty much the same complaining.

Anyway, to a guy name Kevin who talked about the surveys on Arctic Cat.

I did a survey in 1984 when Arctic Cat returned into snowmobile industry. As a free-lance designer, I surveyed with people I knew who rides snowmobiles. Well, I was the one responsible for telling Arctic Cat (Arctco at the time) to do two things people I knew wanted from Arctic cat the time. They wanted the Z returned and the hammerhead machines back. So, I told Arctic Cat what people have asked me. I originally was researching what people wanted in a machine or what the looks be and that was the results.

After the results, the Z returned in the 1990’s and the hammerhead cowl machine started with the 1989 Arctic Cat Prowler. The Z was very slowly appearing as early as 1988 thundercat with the lighting Z look on the cowl. Because of this, this lead to the way Arctic Cat looked throughout the 90s.

I have not been in touch with them with any design concepts or anything like that.

However, I did mentioned in a forum few years ago that my “imaginary” snowmobile company has 65 models and I always get one step ahead of time in snowmobiles. I think Arctic Cat got the idea of the line up I have, they have actual count of 65 machines! I actually counted the 2015 models.

I am glad the El Tigre, the Pentera, and the Lynx are back. I have in past few years to have the cat names back. I even told the cat reps at the snowmobile show to bring it back. They got mad at me for no reason after I asked them to bring back the feline names since I got sick of all alphabets names they have in past few years.

It was my fault for starting with the Z! Go figure! I only wanted the Z name stake out there since customers wanted it. But not to drop the feline names. Now they ruined it with the Panther because if they kept the Panther namestake, the 2016 model would have been the 50th anniversary. A great marketing potential for the Panther. Now you can’t have the 50th Anniversary. Thanks Cat!! Should have kept making the Panther since 2008! It is now 2015!! Nice going! And…

The Pantera, Lynx model returned only to be as re-labelled because they are using same platforms from other models. They should have had all new ground up models for the Pantera, Lynx, and the El Tigre. They better have all new ground up for the feline cats for 2016 PLUS.. maybe 50th Anniversary Panther with ALL NEW look that is not a copy and paste machine from another model of theirs! I love the way they did it in 1970’s with the models that it was unique for each model. But today, they practically use the same platform for most of them! I know it is cost cutting but marketing idea disaster. Needs to be really stay away from the 1980’s GM Cookie Cutter Syndrome!

I like to see Arctic Cat do:
1. Improve their engines as I have seen many said they want improvement in the engine compartment.
2. Be more cautious about press-releases confusion such as they did with the engine supplier. Now they have renewed contract with Suzuki!? That is my point.
3. Drop the alphabet except for the “Z” and return the Feline names on all other models.
4. Get back to the all manufacturers Sneak Peek shows like they did in past.
5. Keep it light!
6. Return the Panther back to line-up and get it right and have 50th Anniversary on that machine!
7. Needs to hire internet social media manager who can read the comments and get back to the R&D department and engineering department to review problems and repairs them.
8. Cut down the number of models to 40-50 models but they need to come up with new unique machines that they still do not have what I have!! I still design machines that no manufacturers have–yet! 🙂

I have been designing snowmobiles since age 8. I came up with IFS machine way back in 1973! As a kid, I didn’t know how to patent it.. I could have mass produced first before the Trail Cat, the first IFS snowmobile produced for customers. (I am aware of Chaparral had their IFS racing sleds as the first IFS machines for racing only AFTER I designed the IFS unknowingly that year).

What would be a better sled 2013 f800rr or the zr9000rr 2015

So,I always come back to this site & seem to read more & more.. The comments about why AC doesn’t do this,they don’t do that SkiPoo does this Poolaris does that..Maybe someone said this in the comments already but I didn’t see it.. I think AC has a great platform for all models..Maybe they are not the fastest lake runners out of the box..Maybe they are not bullets from corner to corner in the twisties,maybe they are to stiff riding for some people..How many combinations would they have to come up/out with to please the masses..There are plenty of after market companies that offer tons of bolt on products to fine tune your sno scooter to your liking..Sorry,but I think Arctic Cat has come leaps & bounds & builds tons of great sleds!!It’s Nov.29/14 & I purchased a new 2014 zr 8000 sno pro 2 weeks ago & think it’s great!! I can’t excpect TRF to know what I want in clutching,suspension,riding positon,where I want the power to come on strong etc as the 50 people up the road want something different..There are tons of different profiles of different people out there who want different things..I for one am once again a AC fan after leaving for a number of yrs,only to get burnt with the skipoo 800 ho’s cranks etc..I have already purchased different springs for the clutching,but that’s just to tune it more to what I like.. I was very pleased with my sled off the showroom floor..However,the clutching is just 1 of a few small things I will change,at my expense..I see no problem with that either..As far as little things like seeing the oil level etc.. I pretty much “& I say I” keep it topped up always & already have an idea of how far I can ride safely before the light comes on..
The 800 HO Cat/Zuk motor is a proven motor & a very nice platform “zr” & I will stick with AC once again, until proven otherwise..I didn’t jump ship from those lemon colored rev’s/Grenades..I mean Renegades for nothing!!!

Have all those complaining about AC owned other brands? I had a 99 ZR that I beat the snot out of and dropped into a stream once and into a lake another time entire thing under water for 30 min. Never touched anything mechanical on it ever. Pulled out plugs, pulled over to expel the water, continued to ride it like I stole it. Was bulletproof. Rode skidoo’s for 10 yrs after the cat. My friend with an 05 800 doo put 4 pistons in his sled before hitting 3,300 mi. 2 other friends with 01 and 08 800 doos dumped around $2,500 -$3k on crate engines at 3000 and 1400 miles, because once they were opened, it looked like a bomb went off with extensive top and bottom damage. We all rode doos and in 1 day 3 of the 4 sleds we were riding died, all 3 losing compression on one piston. That was the day I vowed never to own doo again. The 4th doo that survived that day destroyed the crank a few Mo later for $2,500!!! I owned a 1000 Summit. Biggest POS I have ever owned. My 73 JDX8 i had as a kid was just as reliable as that pos. Top end melted down, rebuilt top & bottom, running twice the oil through it per doo forums & mechanics recommendations to try and keep the finiky 1000 fm blowing up. Crank self destructed after the first rebuild in 150 mi. Spent around $4k in 150 miles & in the end was scared to even run it in fear it would grenade. A guy who owned a doo shop rebuilt his 4 times in 2800 mi. Being sick of the doo time bombs, I now have a 12 Turbo Cat. Thing is truely the king of the hill out west. Destroyed a 14 800 Doo with a rider that weighs 150 lbs, I am 220. I will give credit where credit is do, the doo with RMotion is the best handling sled i have ever ridden, but with their time bomb engines, it is no fun putting $2,500 in every 2500 miles. I doubt I will ever experiment with any other brands ever again. Cat for life now.

Surprised about the post about the 12 and 14 turbo eating belts. I am still using the original one that it came with, with 1450 mi on it now, and they have not been easy miles. Plenty of deep powder and driving a 162″ track.

It’s funny how every time on brand becomes faster than another, people make up stories. The last few years all sled have been pretty darn good.
95% of the guys who have problems, are the ones that don’t leave them alone. I hope all the Manufactures keep one upping each other every year. That way we as consumers end up getting more the our money. If your all
really worried about who has the fastest sled, learn to tune. All sleds are within 1 to 2 MPH. A good tuner will make up that with no problem.

I’m a little surprised at some of the negative comments I’ve seen here about the Cats. I’ve never owned anything but this brand and always will. I’d be interested in knowing how the people who have had problems were treating the sleds. Maintenance? Riding style? Other? The person I ride with and I NEVER get passed on the trail. We ride very aggressively. And the cat always gets me home. I’ve broken a belt or 2 but that’s it. And what is all this top speed baloney. NO ONE rides wide open for more than a few seconds AT BEST. The rest of the time is just trail or woods riding. Sounds like a bad case of SPS. All brands have their issues. They are all close to the same price. (Yes, $5-800 is close.). So but what you like, deal with any issues, and go riding. I’m headed to the dealer tomorrow to order a new
Cat.

First cat 5000 4 struck 4000 KS no problems @

Yea I am surprised about the belt eating comments also. I ride my 1100 turbo very aggressively and the belt never went, replaced it around 2,100 miles simply because the engine was only spinning around 7,500 vs. 7,900 rpm it is rated at, but had no indication of any sort of failure anytime soon. Looked like it would have kept going.

I got a zr 4000 rr my plugs are always getting black change them once a day and I’m using apv oil any ideas need help. Marcel

Alright guys I don’t know if you could give me some help with this but I have a 2015 m8000 sno pro limited 153 I wrote it yesterday went down the trail I had a octane light come on shut the machine off was fine pretty much the rest of the day after I filled it up with 93 and then about halfway through the day a knock sensor code came on code 21 then it went out shut the machine off turn back on everything is fine literally wrote it the rest of the day not a problem head down to snowmobile straightaway give a little fuel the engine light came on and then completely shut down any ideas what might be the problem still has compression still wants to start but literally starts back up spits sputters and shuts back off

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