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Arctic Cat rolled out the new Sabercat line in 2004 and found a tract of buyers willing to pay for a sled that didn't have an 'F' in its name.
Cat's idea behind the Sabercat was to produce a sled that could perform like an F7, with add-ons that the long-distance traveler needs. Sabercat was a big "outside the box" step for Arctic Cat, and with the continuation of the line this year, it looks like it's beginning to pay off.
The 2005 sled is equipped with a new three-wheel rear axle assembly. Standard on Firecats as well, this change replaces the '04 design and sets the wheels back to the outside of the slide rails. Also new on the '05 Sabercat is a saddleless ski, which saves the Sabercat weight up front.
While still being the "larger brother" of the F7 EFI EXT by about 40 pounds, the Saber's ride is not 'tank-like.' The Sabercat EXT's longer 144-inch track and 1.25-inch lugs make it a fun sled to take through the powder off trail. This sled isn't a pure "powder sled" so don't get overconfident and try following your friend with the Mountain Cat everywhere he goes. In that case you'll most likely end up doing some digging, but the Saber definitely isn't afraid of a few feet of powder.
The Sabercat EXT's comfort level is 'Grade-A' choice. The long track with Ryde FX shock and ACT position sensitive shock in the rear combine with the AWS VI front suspension to give this sled a ride like a Lexus. The long track will eat up the big bumps and the AWS quiets those chattery little potholes.
Luxury amenities on the Sabercat include a noise-deadening new foam hood liner for a quieter ride, removable trunk hard case for extra gear, larger windshield for wind deflection and more comfortable handlebar hooks. Reverse, electric start and windshield-mounted mirrors are all standard as well.
Don't let the tamed down options of this Cat fool you, this baby is fast on the draw. The 2-stroke liquid-cooled engine with 698cc of displacement will make any seasoned trail rider grin in response to action off the throttle. Finally, the unique 'Lay Down' placement of the Suzuki powerplant allows better mass centralization lower in the sled.
Our test evaluation is simple; the Sabercat isn't going to win all the races across the lake or up the mountain, but it won't come in last, and you won't be half as sore as the rest of the riders at the end of the day. Retailing at $9,199 this is a great all-around ride for a seasoned rider who wants to cross an entire state in a day and still be able to walk to dinner at night.
2005 Sabercat 700 EFI LX EXT specs:
Price: $9,199
Engine: Suzuki liquid-cooled twin 46mm throttle body battery-less EFI, 698cc
Exhaust: AV w/ tuned pipe & canister
Clutch: Arctic (rpm sensing)
Driven: Arctic (roller cam)
Front Suspension: AWS-VI double wishbone A-arms, Ryde FX shocks, adjustable preload springs & sway bar
Front Travel: 9.2
Rear Suspension: FasTrack long travel slide rail, Ryde FX shock on front torque arm/Arctic Cat Position Sensitive rear shock
Rear Travel: 13.5
Ski Type: UHMW plastic ski
Ski Stance: 43"
Fuel Capacity: 12.6 gal
Track: 13.5 x 128 x 1.0 lug
Official Dry Weight: 512 lbs.
This story ran in the January 2005 issue of American Snowmobiler magazine