'09 M8 Sno Pro Ride and Review

[skibumm]

The boys of Heber Motor Sports really hooked us up today with a ride on the the new and improved 09 M sleds today. We had a couple of M8 162's, a M8 153 and a couple of M1000's with 162's, all Sno Pros.

Initially when I heard what Cat was doing for '09 I was not impressed with what I saw in the pictures and what I heard. After putting many miles on a M8 162 Sno Pro today I can tell you that I'm more than pleasantly surprised with what Cat has done. I know Cat hasn't published the HP gains on these sleds yet, but there is noticable "seat of the pants" difference in the power. Very crisp bottom end with much more top end than the '08 M8. I was having so much fun on the M8 that I didn't even try the M1000. The suspension transfers much better than before, tunnel traction is better, and they side hill with conviction and ease. Easiest chasis to boondock yet IMO, with the Dragon chasis running a close second. Cluthing seemed like it was spot on, which is surprising for a demo. Taller bars, better handling, stronger engine all were very obvious. Cat didn't just massage the old M8, it is actually much better than the '08. Last, but certainly not least, the track was one of the most impressive aspects of the new package. We were able to put the track through steep climbs, up and down, crud snow, and even some Spring cement. I liked it so much that I would actually try the track on my M8T. Actually hooked up as well as my Camo 2.5 and seems to get on top of the fluff much quicker.

A week ago I would have said that Cat probably did the least for '09, but after having put some miles on it, I would say Cat hit a home run with the M8 162 Sno Pro!

Hopefully someone else can give us a report on the 09 M1000.

Thanks to Cat and Heber Motor Sports for a great day!

 

[Dogmeat]

When does the Arctic Cat sno-check period begin?

I was planning on snow-checking one from them this year ...

 

[clutch]

Good to hear! Thanks for the update.

 

[skibumm]

When does the Arctic Cat sno-check period begin?

I was planning on snow-checking one from them this year ...

I'm pretty sure you could Snow Check from now until April 15th. I'm sure Darren at Heber Motor Sports could tell you for sure. I think they have prices already worked up and everything.

 

[CatWoman]

Thanks much for the review!

 

[Megadeth]

Good to hear. Snow checking one for sure!

 

[Dogmeat]

I'm pretty sure you could Snow Check from now until April 15th. I'm sure Darren at Heber Motor Sports could tell you for sure. I think they have prices already worked up and everything.

I'll give them a call tomorrow morning and see what kinda prices I'm looking at .. I've had my eye on the M100 SnoPro for a few months now, I just don't know for sure if I'll be able to get enough saved up to buy it before next winter

 

[Seeyacop]

I rode the 09's last weekend and I tried all the M8's we had and the M1000. The M8's were running well and I agree with the original post on here about how they are dialed in very well from the factory. I also liked the track and found that it did have good hook up but I was not impressed with its braking ability. Felt a lot like an attack 20 when coming down hill.

I rode the m1000 and I thought it was a pig compared to the M8. It barely felt more powerful and climbed the same. This sled does have great potential and with a pipe and can on it they rip. Later in the day I rode my buddies 07 m1000 with an slp pipe and can on it and it was a night and day difference from the stock 1000.

If I was buying an 09 I would go with the 1000 and plan on buying a pipe for it. Otherwise if I was going to keep the motor stock I would buy the m8.

 

[Sambo11]

Did they have electronic reverse????

 

[Skogen]

How do the M8 and M1000 compare with how they handle? I rode a 07 M1000 a few weeks ago and seemed more like a point and shoot sled. Have not rode a M8 yet.

Will a 09 M8 with a can and a giggle button be enough to keep a person happy?

Yes, the 09's do have electronic reverse.

 

[MtnCrazy]

Good to hear, thanks for the report!!!

 

[skibumm]

Did they have electronic reverse????

Yes, and it worked great.

 

[skibumm]

How do the M8 and M1000 compare with how they handle? I rode a 07 M1000 a few weeks ago and seemed more like a point and shoot sled. Have not rode a M8 yet.

Will a 09 M8 with a can and a giggle button be enough to keep a person happy?

Yes, the 09's do have electronic reverse.

I'm partial to the nimble feeling of the M8. No doubt the M1000 has more power and torque. I've owned both and would be happy with either one. If you have to himark everyone start with an M1000 and go from there. If fun factor is the most important, go with an M8. Or you can do what I did and boost the M8 which will give you the best of both worlds!

 

[Jaynelson]

I rode a piped and nicely dialed in M8 last weekend....he had the clutching bang-on + a Boss seat and risers. It was the first M8 I've ridden that was actually impressive and not a lump...if the 09's feel something like that, and they can work on the suspension a bit, I think they'll have something. Sounds like they're headed in the right direction!

 

[Seeyacop]

The electronic reverse worked perfectly. The rear suspension is way better than the 07and from what I could tell is about the same as the 08 skid but the rails have a ton of machined holes in them to lighten it up. The suspension on the 09's felt better than my 2005 skid with the geo mod, holz relocation and also holz valiving in my shocks. The new track is also lighter than the camo. I rode the 153's and 162's and the 162 did not climb any better and it felt like it pushed the sled around more.

All the sleds we had out were the sno pro's. I did not care for the floats up front but they also were not set up for my weight or riding style. I was impressed with the M8's power and it was not that much slower than my BB800 running twins.

The stock 1000 I was not impressed with power wise. I did not notice the weight difference and it made more torque but did not climb any faster. Realistically I see no reason to buy an M8 unless I was going to keep it stock. The 1000's rip with an aftermarket pipe and can and they end up being almost as light as the new m8 once you ditch the suitcase muffler.

 

[minet]

09 infos

http://www.arcticchat.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=80756

 

[minet]

looks like that weight guarantee is posted on the offers page on ac website
also looks like the xf and m are exluded from the best deal part , the choice of spring or fall promotion whatever is best .. unless i am reading this wrong