2003 arctic cat zr 800 efi
Amsnow
There are certain models that stay special in our test crew's minds, no matter what new technology the design team puts out. The ZR 800 EFI is one of those sleds.
The 785cc Suzuki twin gave us quite a thrill when it first came out in carb form two seasons ago. When it got the hassle-free, pull-and-go EFI system last season, our riders fell in love. The sled delivered phenomenal performance without the hassle of carb tuning and with a feather-weight throttle pull. Our dyno testing put it at 141 hp.
The 2003 version didn't change much from last year's sled. It still uses the coupled FasTrack rear suspension with ACT shocks. The couplers not only help the skid soak up the nasties with vigor, but they also keep the skis on the snow when you give the gas a whack coming out of a corner.
Like the ZR 900, our crew was very impressed with the ZR 800's nimble handling on the trail. They rated it Excellent through all aspects of the suspension performance.
The Cross Country hooked bars are a homerun for Arctic Cat, as far as our crew is concerned.
"The bars fall naturally into a rider's personal ergonomic package," said Test Rider Jerry Bassett. "Every other sled maker would do well to copy this concept."
Cat also includes the wide running boards on the ZR package. They are wide enough to accommodate most boots all the way back to the rear
suspension bolt.
It gives plenty of option for hard charging through the rough. The grippers also keep your feet planted firmly as you go blasting through the ditches.
The ZR 800 EFI tips the scales at 507 factory pounds and is listed at $8,199.