Took the 2017 mountains cats out today for the first time. Had both 153 and 162. Luckily had a big storm move though Utah last night and had 12-18" of new snow. Prepped the sleds by putting in 66gram weights for riding at 9,000-10,000 feet. It's the first tank of fuel do oil mixed for break in. Unfortunately didn't have another person to come along to bring the 2016 LTD to compare sleds. The sleds got stronger as the day went on and totaled close to 50 miles by the end of the day.
I'll try and cover the main things changed on the sled. First the handle bars and grips. Really didn't notice much difference. I was hoping the grips would be better, but still not as "grippy" as I would like.
I was pretty happy the first 10 miles not hearing any clutch noise. Unfortunately the grinding noise started up between 10-15 miles, not as bad as my 16', but still there. Adjusted the belt deflection and that helped quiet it down a little.
If you are an aggressive rider you will really like the boards. The two inches forward opening just makes side hills and transitions more natural, smoother and easier.
The best part for me was what I'll call the "pop" when you hit the throttle. Polaris calls it lift, I'll call it pop. The front end would really just "pop" up when you hit the throttle, much more than my 16. I attribute that to the track, gearing (8-tooth driver) and drop and roll. Sled just easily stayed on top of the snow and just pop up out of it when you hit the gas. By the end of the day full throttle runs up hill holding consistent rpms at 8,000-8,100.
I'd have to say for only adding weights and nothing else to this sled it is very good. The 17' is just more fun and easier to ride than the 16'. The 16' is a great sled, but the 17' is an awesome sled. For the very aggressive rider it is well worth it.
I'll try and cover the main things changed on the sled. First the handle bars and grips. Really didn't notice much difference. I was hoping the grips would be better, but still not as "grippy" as I would like.
I was pretty happy the first 10 miles not hearing any clutch noise. Unfortunately the grinding noise started up between 10-15 miles, not as bad as my 16', but still there. Adjusted the belt deflection and that helped quiet it down a little.
If you are an aggressive rider you will really like the boards. The two inches forward opening just makes side hills and transitions more natural, smoother and easier.
The best part for me was what I'll call the "pop" when you hit the throttle. Polaris calls it lift, I'll call it pop. The front end would really just "pop" up when you hit the throttle, much more than my 16. I attribute that to the track, gearing (8-tooth driver) and drop and roll. Sled just easily stayed on top of the snow and just pop up out of it when you hit the gas. By the end of the day full throttle runs up hill holding consistent rpms at 8,000-8,100.
I'd have to say for only adding weights and nothing else to this sled it is very good. The 17' is just more fun and easier to ride than the 16'. The 16' is a great sled, but the 17' is an awesome sled. For the very aggressive rider it is well worth it.
