1995 arctic cat

There are quite a number of changes with Arctic Cat for the coming season. The highlight of the line is the three cylinder ZRT 800 which combines the performance of the Thundercat with the handling prowess of the ZR series. The other premier model in the Cat line is the Pantera, which has all-new styling and the advantages of the ZR's AWS IV chassis along with a fuel injected 580cc twin.

You'll find a completely new breed of workaholic Cat in the Bearcat series of sports/utility sleds. And, while the names may be the same for 1995, you'll discover some of your all-time favorites have been seriously upgraded. For example, the Cougar now has a 550cc twin in the AWS III chassis. The new Cougar is essentially the old EXT of a couple of seasons back. Arctco has upgraded many of its models by either equipping them with bigger displacement engines or moving them into new chassis/suspension packages.

However you cut it, the new breed of Cat is changed for the better in 1995. Here's a quick overview of what's new at Arctco.

Thundercat and Thundercat MC
The big thunder is still the 900cc triple cylinder in the Thundercat. Once the premier chassis and suspension package, the AWS III of the '95 T-Cat has been passed by the ZR package of AWS IV wishbone suspension. The engine package is still the cat's meow at the top end as nothing in snowmobiling can top its straight line speed.

If you can get one to slow enough for observation you'll see what makes the fastest Stock Class snowmobile attack at over 113 mph in just 1,000 feet. In the belly of the beast is a refined 900cc liquid-cooled engine with a counter-balance shaft built into the crankcase. Using three Mikuni carbs and triple tuned pipes, the T-Cat is essentially a graphically enhanced repeat of last year. New is its long-tracked sibling, the Mountain Cat version with a longer, 136-inch track. There's also an optional deep-lug track to keep you riding high through powder and propel you up hills. However, if our experience with this style of track means anything, you only want this aggressive semi-paddle option if you spend the vast majority of your time off the trail in deep snow. It is not a track that will make you (or trail groomers) happy on groomed trails.

Both beasts are supported in the front with AWS III double-wishbone suspension, chrommoly A-arms, progressive-rate spring, swaybar and adjustable coil-over Ryde FX gas shocks. The rear suspension comes with an Arctic FasTrack extra-long travel slide rail and Ryde FX gas shock.

Both Thundercats have up-graded five-inch speedometers and tachometers.

ZR Series
Stealing the T-Cats thunder is the ZRT 800, a perfect blending of Thundercat power and ZR prowess. Last year Arctic Cat introduced the ZR series after having unqualified success on the track. Continually improving the breed, this year's ZR class will feature the ZRT 800 Triple Engine.

Add the power of the 800cc triple to the ZR chassis and the ZRT 800 becomes the fastest in a family of champions. By no means does that make the ZR 700 second-rate. Both chassis feature AWS IV front suspension with lay-down gas shocks, chrommoly wishbones, steel spindles and a 40-inch stance, now standard on all ZR models.

A low-mounted engine, wider ski stance, performance carbides and fade-resistant floating piston Fox® gas shocks ensure added control at race speeds.

Besides having 100 more cc's than the 700, the 800 has three cylinders instead of two, three VM 38 Mikuni carbs instead of two VM 40 Mikuni's and three tuned exhaust pipes instead of two.

The 800 comes with a new, rounded-style hood and belly pan, five-inch speedometer and tachometer, ZR seat and 9.9-gallon gas tank, hydraulic brake and wrap-around bumper.

Plastic-composite skis, which were originally planned as standard features on all ZR models, will be limited to the ZRT and ZR 440. The new, bigger and easier to read five-inch diameter dial speedometers and tachometers are standard on all ZR models.

The rest of the ZR class, which includes the ZR 580, ZR 580 EFI, ZR 440 and Z 440, roar with lightweight Suzuki engines which are teamed with an aluminum tunnel chassis. Five hundred and eighty cc's of displacement takes charge under the hoods of the ZR 580 and ZR 580 EFI, while the ZR 440 and Z 440 have 440 and 431 cc's respectively. All except the fan-cooled 431cc twin are liquid-cooled.

The on-going changes made to the ZR 580 last season result in a more powerful ZR 580 for 1995. It comes with dual 40mm carbs and a three-port exhaust, the breathing pattern that's also used in the EFI version.

Introduced late last season, the knob-adjustable front arm of the rear suspension remains exclusive to the ZR 440. Its function is to let you quickly fine tune your chassis to the terrain. Designed with professional racers in mind, the feature is a nice conversation piece for trail riders.

While all the ZR models are essentially unchanged, the Z 440 is a ZR-chassis replacement for the Jag 440 "Z" model. Powered by a fan-cooled twin, Cat's "boy racer" gets the AWS IV chassis and styling. It also includes the ZR type hydraulic brake and ZR seat.

Wildcat
Another Cat getting a major upgrade in 1995 is the Wildcat series, which for '95 includes the Wildcat 700 EFI, Wildcat 700 EFI Touring and Wildcat 700 EFI Mountain Cat. They all share the 700cc liquid-cooled twin and the top line AWS IV front suspension.

A milder version of ZR, this species has evolved and features a ZR-style hood, belly pan, and wrap-around bumper and seat. Also new are the 11-gallon tank, five-inch speedometer and tachometer and 40-inch ski stance.

The Touring model has a two-up plush seat with adjustable backrest, reverse, rack, electric fuel gauge, overload suspension and dual side mirrors.

The Mountain Cat has the 136-inch track and also offers a deep lug option.

EXT 580s
The 1995 EXT 580 Cats, which include the EXT Powder Special, EXT 580 EFI Mountain Cat, EXT 580 EFI and EXT 580, have drawn on the ZR's for refinements. Up front on all but the new Powder Special is the AWS IV suspension. Designed to traverse deep snow, the Powder Special retains the narrower AWS III suspension and chassis. Ski stance measures 37 inches center to center to keep the sled nimble in the mountains.

Powered by 580cc liquid-cooled engines, the carbed EXT 580s come with dual VM 40mm carburetors and a tuned exhaust. The fuel injected version relies on the 46mm throttle body with its liquid temperature-controlled housing. Cat's EFI offers the crispest response of any electronic unit.

Increased horsepower without increased weight is what you get with the Powder Special. Based on last year's EXT chassis, the Powder Special is designed to be a deep snow machine. The 136-inch deep-lug track keeps you up and out of the deepest snow. The three-port exhaust system makes the 580cc liquid-cooled engine a smooth breather in mountain country and retains strong power without adding the weight of a third cylinder. Plastic skis are standard fare on the new Powder Special.

Other new features on the EXT 580 Carb, EFI and Mountain Cat and Powder Special models include ZR style seat, 11-gallon gas tank, five-inch speedometer and tachometer and hydraulic brake.

The Mountain Cat has an optional deep lug and the EFI has a restyled fuel pump.

Cougar and Cougar Mountain Cat
The 1995 Cougar is proof that a high-performance sled with a low-to-the-ground price is possible. And this year's lightweight 550cc engine makes it more powerful than ever. In our opinion, this is one of the snow world's best values. It has the rounded styling of the ZRT, the power of an EXT, and the value of a Jag.

With Cat's new quick-adjust disc brake, you no longer need any tools to make adjustments and maintain top braking performance. We can tell you based on personal experience that this is a much needed improvement. The Cougar's new console includes larger, five-inch backlit gauges, a tachometer, speedometer, trip meter and temperature light.

The ZR-influenced wrap-around bumper, hood and belly pan give this animal a new look, plus a design that improves airflow to cool the engine, brake and clutches.

Other evolutionary features on the Cougar and Cougar Mountain Cat include a 40-inch ski stance, 11-gallon tank, ZR style seat and dual VM38 carbs. The Cougar Mountain Cat gives you a 136-inch track that allows you more flotation and traction needed in deep powder.

Pantera
The name is the same. Virtually all else is new. For 1995 the Pantera receives the consistent performance of a fuel injected 580cc liquid-cooled engine combined with the chassis technology that helped stabilize the ZRs at race speed. For two-up travel, the Pantera is a beast that gives you power without compromising comfort.

Standard on the 1995 Pantera is AWS IV suspension with gas shocks and a 40-inch stance. In the rear is an extra-long travel skid-frame with fiberglass overload springs and gas shock for smooth sailing with or without a passenger.

The new aerodynamic hood features a halogen headlight. Dual mirrors and a high windshield make this a true luxury cruiser. It also features full instrumentation, electric start, thumb and hand warmers, reverse gear, plus a plush seat with an easy-adjust backrest.

On the Pantera's new console are a new gas gauge and five-inch tachometer and speedometer. Also new on the Pantera are chrommoly a-arms, hydraulic brake, EFI with 46mm throttle body and a new dark red color.

Prowler 2-Up
The only remaining model carrying the Prowler name in 1995 is the Prowler 2-Up. The name that took Cat into the world of wishbone technology now comes standard with the AWS III chassis which makes it perfect for you and a passenger. If you like to ride alone, just flip the lever on the FasTrack skid frame's fiberglass overload system. No matter how many you have on the machine, the AWS front suspension and 8.5 inches of travel at the rear will give you a remarkable ride. Comfort continues with a softer and larger, deluxe dual passenger seat. A high windshield and purple, aerodynamic hood help the 550cc liquid-cooled engine perform even better by cutting wind resistance.

A 40-inch ski stance and quick adjust brake enhance the driver's control. Additional new features on the Prowler include a redesigned belly pan, standard front and side bumpers, chromimoly a-arms, new console, five-inch speedometer and dual VM38 carbs.
Some of the other extras that come standard on this sled include reverse gear, thumb and hand warmers, trip meter and luggage rack.

Panther Deluxe
The longest surviving name in snowmobiling, the Panther Deluxe is a proven favorite with value conscious snowmobilers. It is a reliable and durable 2-up that has been an affordable family favorite for over a quarter-century. For 1995 the Panther features a few upgrades along with the bold new graphic treatment.

Under the hood lies a lightweight 440cc fan-cooled engine. The Panther Deluxe also features a longer 136-inch track with an overload rear suspension that lets you adjust the springs for one or two riders with the flip of a lever.

A quick-adjust disc brake gives you top braking performance plus convenience, while a softer seat and backrest make for great traveling companions. The Panther Deluxe even has electric start, reverse gear, a speedometer and an 11-gallon tank. The Panther Deluxe features a new evergreen hood color.

But of all the Panther's features, the one you may appreciate most is that it easily fits your budget.

Jag and Jag Deluxe\>
When you're on a Jag you're on an economical powerhouse with enough guts to stay with the pack. The Jag for 1995 hasn't changed much, but when you pop open the hood, you'll find value in the fuel efficient 440cc, fan-cooled engine. When it comes to ride you'll find an older-style AWS front suspension with coil-over gas shocks, seven inches of travel and a 37-inch ski stance.

In the rear, the Jag's heavy-duty gas shock skid frame boasts a full 8.5 inches of travel. It even has a quick-adjust disc brake plus a softer, more comfortable seat.

The Jag Deluxe gives you all that plus electric start and a thumb warmer.

Puma
Little is new in the Puma family, but the Puma, Puma 2-up and Puma Deluxe are already excellent machines for the money.

The Pumas are powered with 340cc fan-cooled oil-injected engines with tuned exhaust.
If you're looking for more growl than the Puma, the Puma Deluxe comes complete with standard features like electric start, a speedometer, an odometer, thumb and hand warmers, low oil warning light and a gas gauge.

All three 1995 models featured new and improved Arctco Drive Clutches.

Bearcat
The new sports utility models from Arctco are real Bearcats for work. Available with a 550 liquid-cooled twin or a choice of two fan-cooled powerplants, the new models are based on the AWS III chassis. All three Bearcats - 550, 440 and 340 - feature wrap-around bumpers and ZR-style hoods for better aerodynamics. The Bearcats also feature wide-ratio Arctco clutches to increase low-end torque and add pulling power.

A 37-inch ski stance makes cutting through the snow and sidehilling simple. The 550 and 440 models feature wide 16-inch by 156-inch tracks and articulated FasTrack rear suspension to help keep you on top of the snow. The 340 has a 136-inch track and overload rear suspension.

Each Bearcat boasts enough muscle for tough jobs with their lightweight engines. All you have to do is decide if you want 550cc's, 440cc's or 340cc's.

Other features you'll find on the 1995 models include a five-inch speedometer, ZR style 2-up seat with large backrest, 11-gallon gas tank, new console, new dark green hood color, new 2-way swivel hitch and larger windshield.

Kitty Cat
The way Arctic Cat sees it is that you're never too young to join in the fun of snowmobiling. There's no better way to start than on a Kitty Cat. Its fan-cooled, one-cylinder engine gives your kids the chance to experience the true flavor of riding their own snowmobile, but it also gives you peace-of-mind with enough safety features built in to free your worry. They have a governor-controlled engine that peaks at eight mph, padded handlebars and rubber-tipped skis. The 1995 model is even safer with its new full-sized bumper and fiberglass ski springs. This year be sure to start your kids on the right track with a Kitty Cat.