1999 arctic cat panther
Amsnow
The Panther established new standards with its first slide rail suspension way back when. Over the years the Panther name has been attached to everything from full-blown factory racing machines to this year's fleet of solid-duty,trail touring sleds. For 1999 there are three engine choices available in essentially the same chassis and suspension configuration.
The top line Panther salvages an old friend, Suzuki's lightweight 550 liquid-cooled twin. Where the other sled makers opt for fan-cooling in their "500" class econo-touring sleds, Cat goes for the extra quiet,greater efficiency, more consistent power of the liquid-cooled mill. Thereis a price to pay in weight. The 550 Cat is easily 30 pounds heavier than the fan-cooled Panther 440.
The 550 is a proven motor. Heck, it's a former all-star performance king in the old EXT iteration. Now it's out fitted with 38mm Mikuni carbs and electronic ignition to haul two passengers and power a 136-inch track.
At a rated 50 horsepower, the Panther 440 puts out slightly more than 60 percent of the 550's potential (80 horses). The fan-cooled 340 version delivers a claimed 33 hp.
All three measure 128 inches in overall length and have ample seating for a pair of hulky snowmobilers. The ski stance is 41 inches and all three Panther models feature the Cat's AWS-V wishbone front end with 8.4 inches of total travel. The key differences come in the shocks and springs area.The $6,400 Panther 550 gets the best setup. Its gas shocks come with adjustable rate springs. You'll find a quality difference in shocks and spring adjustability with the fan-cooled Panthers.
You'll also discover that both the larger displacement Panthers feature Ryde FX shocks in the FasTrack slide rail system. While the 340 model has a similar 13.3 inches of rear travel, the shocks are basic gas bag units.All three models retain the fiberglass overload springs and torque-sensing link rear suspension arm. At just under $4,100, the Panther 340 is a greatdeal when you look at engine and suspension features, reliability and overall value.
When looking at "whoa-power," the 550 is the big winner. It comes standard with the race-proven Wilwood hydraulic brake. The fan-cooled models feature Cat's recently upgraded Quick-Adjust mechanical disc. Wefeel that this brake is suitable for the 340, but just adequate for the440.
We found the Panther models to be quite rider friendly and suited for two-up touring. The 10.5 gallon fuel tank holds more than enough fuel foran all day ride with the 340. That will be the most fuel-stingy Cat of all.But the 550 will be fun when you set the overload springs for solo ridingand grab a handful of throttle. They may be touring Cats, but these Panthersknow how to claw up the snow for a good time.
Arctic Cat Panther 550
Overall Height: 47 inches
Overall Length: 128 inches
Weight: 553 lbs.
Ski Stance: 41 inches
Engine: 550cc liquid-cooled Suzuki twin
Exhaust: Tuned pipe
Clutch:
Drive: Arctic, RPM sensing
Driven: Arctic, torque sensing
Suspension Travel:
Front: AWS V double A-arm, gas shocks, 8.4 in.
Rear: FasTrack, torsion springs, Ryde FX shocks, fiberglass overload springs,13.3 in.
Fuel Capacity: 10.5 gallons
Key Features: Wilwood hydraulic disc brake, hand and thumbwarmers, speedo, trip meter,tach, steel skis, carbide runners
Retail Price: $6,399