heard about arctic cats 440 sno pro

 Arctic Cat unveiled its 2004 Sno Pro 440 to the HayDays masses Sept. 6. Team Arctic was on hand, amidst the sweltering heat and swirling dust, to catch a peek at the company's first snocross-specific sled.

In true model year 2004 fashion, the biggest change to the 440 is the rider position. A triangular steering support moved the handlebars eight inches forward and four inches higher. The rider position moved forward and more legroom was created thanks to an integrated and refitted hood and belly pan.
The bulkhead decreased two degrees and the side plates were strengthened for quicker and more aggressive cornering as well as more center ground clearance.

One big engine related change is the inclusion of a hot start button. The concept was originally developed in 1996. It is mounted on the handlebars, and when activated, allows a timing map in the CDI ignition system to create heat in the pipe. A temperature limit function keeps the pipe at the optimal start temperature for take-offs.

In other engine areas, the 440's system evolved into a three-port exhaust with a large volume airbox and a new pipe designed to improve acceleration and throttle response. The Cat reportedly reaches 104 horsepower at 8600 rpm, more than four hp better than last season's model.

It looks like it will just be a matter of time and snow before we can tell whether this Sno Pro will live up to the success of past 440s.