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Cat 800 RR gets a new name
But it still keeps the aarRRRRs! Arctic’s 800 RR, which was spankin’ new last year, is now called the ZR 8000 RR for 2014. We compared these two last year (the X-RS and the RR) and very little has changed engine-performance-wise. The Cat 800 is still ridiculously strong and still feels quicker out of the hole in many different snow conditions than the X-RS, but it is clutched to hit harder. The Cat performance sleds have a new driven clutch sheave with an improved heat treat process used in its finishing and larger fins, and new Vespel bearings which all helps lower belt temps significantly and add reliability. There is also a new belt with supposedly better durability as well.
Cat extended its contract with Suzuki to be able to buy motors from them and we are guessing the 800 engine was some of the reason. Our hypothesis is that Cat needed to buy at least another year until it announces an 800cc powerplant to be based off its dual stage injection technology - new this year on its new 600cc El Tigre engine. The current Suzuki 800 likely has a limited life span, of a year to two at most, in Cat’s lineup.
So what is new on the RR? Mostly BNG. Since this was a totally new sled last year, we didn’t expect much new on it for 2014, but it is still one of the sharpest looking sleds right out of the box! The new ZR 8000 RR also has a new fuel tank that ups the capacity from 10.6 gallons to 12 gallons. This could easily get you another 20 miles down the trail which is great for those longer distances between gas stations. You will also notice slightly different spindles on the new RR. These are machined for weight loss (1lb.) and a sleeker look.
There is a slight change to the front torque arm mounting and geometry in the slide-action rear suspension as well. This sled hugs the trail even more now and has less inside ski-lift than last year’s version. You will also notice a different (43mm taller in front and 31mm taller in the back) seat with new foam and a bit more grip to the top overlay material. There is also the new RipSaw track on the RR with chopped sides for better lateral side-slide predictability. Finally, there are new side panel vents in front of the clutches for venting to keep the clutch area cool.