2003 arctic cat mountain cats
Amsnow
The AmSnow Mountain Test Staff kept busy this past season riding early production 600 EFI, 800 and 900 1Ms. We froth with glee when we saddle up to the 1Ms knowing the sleds are near perfect, if not perfect for the mountains. The 900 1M is a lightweight rocket; thanks to its nearly 15-pound lighter skidframe, lighter seat, A-arms, spindles and chaincase, to name a few. Add to that a dropped and rolled chaincase, new 10-tooth drivers, underseat storage, quick-detach hood and a new track pattern that makes the 900 1M wallop every mountain in its path.
The 900 1M's engineering is carried down to the 800, 600 and 570 fanner. This makes the battery-less EFI 800 and 600, and 570 fan-cooled light and oh-so agile. Let's not forget increased- drastically increased- power-to-weight. These sleds rock.
From the onset, the 900 1M is a buyer's dream. Its powerful motor and lightweight chassis do not command high dollars. The 9 1M comes equipped equal to an 800 Polaris Vertical Edge (not the standard RMK), and equal to the Vert's price. Do the math.
AmSnow's mountain staff, praise the 1Ms' new grippy seat, wide running boards with serrated edges, best-on-the-market handlebars, large storage area, and praise be to the snow gods, track drivers set in vertical line under the handlebars awesome center-of-mass feel.
A debate rages among test riders and other brand and model designers that the wide boards hang up a Mountain Cat (or Summit for that matter) thus preventing the track from seeking traction. We have not noticed - or have not paid attention to - this with the 1M or Summit, and will debate this throughout the summer. Regardless, the 1M is driver-solid for boondocking and buzzing a mountain in half.
The powerplants Cat has in each 1M are right on for each segment. The Arctic Power Valve 900`s monster torque almost takes the challenge out of hillclimbing because there is little it can't conquer. The 800 with its EFI is wicked and twisted. The 600 EFI is a trials bike set on skis and a track- a deeply underappreciated snowmobile. The 570 fanner, a fun little rocket, is underpowered for seasoned hill climbers but the perfect excuse to introduce the young ones to the sport; and we did have fun on it once we remembered what it was all about.
All in all, though, the 1M 900 is the choice for overall best mountain sled for '03.