m1000 more of a good thing

Cat's new M1000 is a sundae with the cherry on top, or in this case a 1000cc mill under the cowl.

To be sure, unleashing a 1000 is risky. Ski-Doo's Summit 1000 hasn't started a sales stampede. The action is mainly on the 800 side, but in our comparison we found we liked the 1000 just as well (see the scorecard) as the M800, despite its weight disadvantage. So we say, "go for it."

You read our nits about the track and reverse gear weight in the 800 comparo, so let's move on to what the M1000 is all about. It's about weight, not much of it for a motor this size. When comparing Sno Pros with 153-inch tracks, there's a 20 lb. weight difference in the M8's favor. The M1000 tipping the scales at 520 lbs. That's not bad for a 1000cc motor.

Kevin, my brother and fellow test rider, feels the M1000's added weight isn't a drawback in handling or riding. He didn't tire all day and the sled rips the snow like little else. He ranked it No. 1 over the 800s. The M1000 certainly has a fatter torque band than the M8 and a better power-to-weight ratio. Comparing SnoPro 153s again, the M8's power-to-weight is 3.41 lbs. per hp vs. 3.12 lbs. with the 1000.

This all-new lay-down motor runs a bore and stroke of 90.03 x 78 and the big twin snuffs air through 50 mm throttle bodies. Like the 800, it runs its ignition through twin-headed spark plugs per cylinder head. Cat estimates power is 162 horses, but that may grow by final production. Plus the 1000's drive clutch is a beefed up 4-tower unit, unlike the 3-tower on the M8 and M6 models.

Good news too, on the track-size front, you can choose either 153- or 162-inches. I prefer the 153-incher, as it fits my height better. Kevin, who is taller, wallops the slopes on the 162. Either will work, depending on a rider's size, abilities, riding style and preferences.

Since we didn't get a chance to ride the Summit 1000 alongside this one, we can't do a real comparo here, but we feel the Summit wins the sheer oomph battle, while the fun factor and light feel of the M1000 put it at the top of our list for everyday riding.

In the end, the M1000 is all about riding, rocketing up the steeps and sashaying through trees in the deepest snow. It's all can-do mountain muscle. Just think of it as an M8 with bigger lungs, pecs, quads and biceps. - Matt Allred