1999 arctic cat z 370
Amsnow
In the earliest days of snowmobile racing, an Arctic Cat Panther withan Austrian-built 370cc JLO was considered quite a race machine. In 1968such a race Cat came with a slide rail suspension and performance that couldget you up to 50 miles per hour.
Thirty years later, Cat again lists a 370cc sports-oriented machine inits inventory. But a lot has happened in those 30 years. That 370 engineis now a twin cylinder and produces 37 horsepower, a performance level greaterthan a 594cc JLO or Hirth 600 common to Panther days. That slide rail suspensionis still in vogue, but now as a state-of-the-art FasTrack unit with overa foot of suspension travel. Are we still longing for the "old days"?
Cat's nifty Z 370 was a surprising hit with our jaded and grumpy testcrew. Maybe it had something to do with the impressive value to fun ratio.This Cat brought smiles to every test rider.
Veteran American Snowmobiler test rider Steve Ingram noted, "TheZ 370 was a complete surprise and probably one of the highlights of ourtest session. It will make some young racer happy. I loved this little sled."
What makes a 30-year snowmobiling veteran like Steve smile? How aboutthe fact that this Cat is light enough to really toss around on or off thetrail. At a manufacturer's claimed weight of 439 pounds, the Z 370 is noticeablylighter than the more powerful ZR 600 EFI with which it shares some features.
Cat knows that sports riders would like a ZR, but not all riders canafford one when starting out. So, Cat redefines "hot" sleds withthe Z 370.
The little "Z" is practical as well. With its new 367cc twin,it is as fuel efficient as it is responsive. These qualities come from ablood line that include dependability from the Jag lineage and the ZR'sracing heritage.
Look for adjustable preloading on the springs. Check out the FasTrackrear suspension- Cat's premium unit- mounted in the ZR-like extended traveltunnel. Add in race-style handlebars. All that and Jag pricing.
Cat makes it really hard to say "No" to this nifty little creature.After all, you get the best features of the ZR models combined with thedurability and value of a Jag. We're not seeing a down side here.
Plus, those young Cat racers who want to move from the Kitty Cat ranksto a major circuit have a sled to help them make the transition. And weolder chaps can enjoy it as well. Just ask our test riding crew. AS
Arctic Cat Z 370
Overall Height: 45 inches
Overall Length: 112 inches
Weight: 439 lbs.
Ski Stance: 41 inches
Engine: 367cc fan-cooled, Suzuki twin
Exhaust: Tuned pipe
Clutch:
Drive: Arctic rpm sensing
Driven: Arctic torque sensing
Suspension Travel:
Front: AWS V double wishbone A-arms, gas shocks, 8.4 in
Rear: FasTrack, ETT, adjustable torsion springs, gas shocks, 13.5 in.
Fuel Capacity: 10.5 gallons
Key Features: Quick adjust disc brake, 3-bulb headlamp, plastic skis, mid-height windshield,speedo, tach, low oil light
Retail Price: $3,599