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We were looking forward to this day all week. It's an exciting year for Arctic Cat- four new engines, uniform body work and best of all… a new gas tank!
"Arctic Cat did a really good job of redesigning the tank this year," noted Test Rider Jerry Bassett. "It's as comfortable as the old 10-gallon unit, plus the larger filler hole will be a bonus at the gas station. I also really like the ATV-style fuel gauge incorporated in the tank itself."
The day's most impressive sled, of course, was the ZR 800 with the new APV system. It delivered the goods, as Cat had promised. It was smooth, relatively quiet and pulled like a champion. Its throttle pull was light and easy. The Wilwood brake managed the speed well. It handled decently in the corners, with a little bit of push. We'd probably take the limiter strap in a little bit from where it was to create more ski pressure. Everything about the Great Green Hope was good in our crew's eyes. "Finally, Cat has given us what we want," said Test Rider Doug Erickson. "This is a sled to be proud of."
The new ZR 500 APV package was equally impressive in its class. "This is really all the sled a person could ever need," said Test Rider Steve Ingram. "It has a lot of power. It's responsive. It's light and it's fun."
At this time, Cat only has the APV set up for the carb version of the 500 engine, but the technology is definitely working well. The temperature sensor in the pipe determines where to set the ignition map. "The sensor will allow the sled to run at peak performance whether the pipe is warm or cold, "explained Cat's Snowmobile Product Manager, Joel Hallstrom. "If you stop and take a smoke break on the trail, the pipe is going to cool down. This new system will sense this and make the necessary changes in the ignition timing. As the pipe heats up, it'll accommodate that as well.
"This is an example of something coming directly from racing and giving a benefit to consumers," Hallstrom continued. "As time goes on, I think you'll start seeing even more race -bred technology migrating to the consumer sleds. This is only the tip of the iceberg."
We took the ZL 800 esr out for a spin, too. "It has a smooth ride," noted Test Rider Doug. "I like the electric start on it, too. I would not like to be the one to make the first pulls on a cold 800 twin in the morning. The flex cable starter is a good idea that seems to work well." Our crew noted that the ZLs seemed big and bulky, from the cockpit. Hallstrom explained that the enormous windshield was prototype and that it would be taken in an inch on the sides, which will help alleviate that perception, and better facilitate seeing the mirrors.
There's a lot to be excited about with the Arctic Cat lineup for 2001. The new engines seem to deliver on their performance claims, with lower sound output and lower fuel consumption. The new fuel tank is comfortable to ride. "Arctic Cat seems to have responded to all of our objections from last year with its 2001 offering," commented Test Rider Jerry. "Cat really did a great job throughout the lineup."
But like the other three brands, if there's something you want specifically, you should talk to your dealer in the spring. We anticipate the new twin-powered sleds will be in very short supply on sales floors, come October.