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We’ve been enamored by Arctic Cat’s flashy two-up touring sled, the TZ1 and the tested Turbo LXR version for several years.
Simply put, the TZ1 Turbo is fast, efficient and comfortable. Plus that big ol’ screened grille in front looks like you mean business, even though you’re touring. Sort of like wearing a tuxedo T-shirt shows you’re formal, but ready to party!
Yeah, it’s a Hemi
In all its forms the TZ1 still rides in Cat’s comfortable Twin Spar chassis and offers either a standard Suzuki-built 1056cc 4-stroke or the same engine with a turbo to boost the power to a monster 182.9 hp. We like to think of the turbo version as the Hemi of snowmobiling.
The turbo is great especially if you plan to do quite a bit of solo touring. The TZ1 handles well with light steering effort and good cornering ability, despite its heft. Like most Cat sleds in the Twin Spar chassis, you point it into a corner and the tail follows the skis. There’s a little corner push, as can be expected with a 144-inch sled, and if you’re fully loaded with two folks and their gear, you’ll need to ease up a bit in the corners… if only to keep your passenger’s heart rate in check.
Power is not a problem and clutching is spot on too. You can ease in and out of the throttle smoothly to keep the passenger in back happy. There is little turbo whine and no turbo lag, so controlling the power is simple.
We also like how the slide-action suspension works to even out the bumps and even with two folks on board we’ve not had any trouble bottoming the sled. And we’re guessing some of our testers have run this one a little harder than you, because the guy hanging on the back isn’t our spouse!
This Turbo LXR model is a luxury limo with more features than most normal folks could ever want.
The short list includes electric start and push-button reverse, rear passenger hand warmers, detachable passenger seat with adjustable backrest, IRP adjustable handlebars, and heated driver and passenger seat. Want to start your sled from the comfort of your cabin or motel room? Remote electric start is standard too.
Touring often means bringing along at least one change of clothes or undies and the TZ1 in all its versions boasts three storage bags on the back to help you out on your road trip. Tell mom and the kids that they’ll still smell fresh and clean at the lunch and dinner stops too as this is a 4-stroke, so no smoky oil smell.
We like the sled’s comfort factors in addition to some of those goodies like heated seats. The seating position is good and upright while the cushion is well padded. Cat delivers hooked bars too and the sled comes with mirrors that are easy to see and use and fairly stable too.
Cat’s standard windshield provides good wind protection, but the optional high shield will knock down the wind even better. We would opt for that.
A Best of The Best
What’s not to like? Not much. We’ve named this sled as one of our best touring sleds several times!
We wish the turbo didn’t prefer 91 octane gas, but if you want the performance that’s what it requires. If you want all the other luxuries, but can live with less power then check out the TZ1 LXR or standard TZ1 with the non-turbo 4-stroke. Those go for $11,999 and $10,999, respectively. These sleds will help you go green, and by that we mean putting more bucks in your bank account!
If you intend on riding your two-up touring sled for years and want comfort, power and a unique look, the TZ1 Turbo LXR is a primo choice.