Arctic Cat reliability/performance

[TA]

I have been riding an 04 Ski Doo Summit 800 151 for about 5 years. I sold the sled am have been researching on and off for about a month. Really confused about the reliability of the Arctic Cat. I am strongly considering the 2012 M8 800 and HCR. I was just about ready to commit to Arctic Cat but concerned with a lot of the re calls and reliability concerns with Cats new platform. A few reviews have also expressed concerns with the Cats maneuverability when in trees and sidehilling. Any opinions appreciated. Warranty is strong so still tempted to take a chance.

 

[Stuck]

If you are set on getting a new cat and are concerned about the new models ride and reliability get a holdover 2011. The m series handles great and the 2010 and 2011 had great power and reliability. You can't go wrong.

 

[89sandman]

arctic cat still makes sleds seriously the 12's had a lot of problems, just head over to the cat section and do a search.

 

[TheJett29]

We had 5 brand new PC 800 in our group last winter and they all ran flawlessly. Have to ride them different than the m chassis for sure but once you adapt I really liked it. All of our sleds still have factory belts. Only have around 600 miles on these sleds. Only thing I would say is almost a must is some kind of aftermarket ski. We run slp powder pros. Stock skis were stupid bad.

 

[powderken]

They are not reliable

Don't go there. You wont be happy.

Skidoo or Yamaha

 

[CatRpillar]

Lots of negative discussion on the PC board which is the result of blowing things out of proportion imo. Owning one and being on that board for a year this is what my view is.

Some early motor failures due to improper oil line purging by dealer/factory. Not an issue anymore from what I know.

Main rad hose rupture. Happened on HCR's mainly but recall done and 2013 is corrected with new hose.

Belt failure - happened to some, and repeatedly in some cases. Numerous small updates should have mitigated it but it does appear that a year latter that the 2012 batch was a bit of a lottery on this issue. Better than blowing motors though, I guess.

Steering stem extension joint sketchy.

Doesnt sidehill as well as well as a Poo.

Heavy but $500 gets you into Poo territory if that is a concern.

Otherwise, great motor, good trail and climbing chassis that still boondocks well, and has real lousy skis. Lol

 

[MT rydn]

If you are set on getting a new cat and are concerned about the new models ride and reliability get a holdover 2011. The m series handles great and the 2010 and 2011 had great power and reliability. You can't go wrong.

Agree with this advice. Excellent. FAR better than any skidoo or polaris or that other brand I have never actually seen off a trail in any sort of serious powder ride.....(trying to start an argument)
Seriously good advice though on 2010 and 2011 M8. Used also OK.

 

[Braaap12]

Don't go there. You wont be happy.

Skidoo or Yamaha

If you want to be heavier and slower than everyone get a yammy and if you want to break things get a skidoo. I havent had much experiance with the proclimb but i've had 2 m8's and I love them. If I got a new sled tomorrow it'd be a cat or a polaris

 

[WaBackcountry]

Go green. A few inexpensive upgrades to a 2012 ProClimb will do wonders.

 

[Spiced Wafer]

there is a guy in moscow idaho who is still trying to sell a 2011 m8 162 sno pro, never been rode for $9700.00 ....kinda spendy if you ask me for a hold over two year old sled...but if you want a brand new one....

don't have any experence with the new chasis, saw a 1100turbo a couple of times last year, but it didn't seem like anything special.

 

[Ryan-41]

Get a 2012, the re calls and issues were all really small things, you can't go wrong with a Cat!

 

[madmax]

All the s,eds these days are great. Each have Thier own little problems. I had a 12' pro and a 12' cat last year, both awesome. You will love the cat, tons of power and very easy to ride.

 

[carlc]

The "issues" with the 12s were very small IMO. Me and a few other guys have 12s and they have all been very reliable. Don't be scared of all the keyboard boondockers on here. Just buy one and don't look back

 

[Chris6060]

Mine and my dad's 12's have both been great. The Cat 800 is known for reliability. Awesome motor. Neither of us have blown a belt, I have about 600 KMs on mine, and he has just under 1000. Both on the factory belts.

 

[CascadeXP]

Every new chassis has issues. I had the first year of the Skidoo XP (08), great sled, but there were alot of updates done to it. Switched last year to a 10 M8 Cat, loved it. Make the dealer take you out for a ride on one that you want to buy. If it feels good to you go for it.

 

[polaris dude]

I'd say if you wanted a new sled the '13 PC would be the way to go for reliability. Both the Pro and the XM this year have remarkable changes to them so as first year sleds(pro for the belt drive and drive shaft; skidoo for the track and the skid). But if you wanted the best ride outta the box, I think its a toss up between the poo and the doo.

 

[high time]

I will only speek for myself......

I made only one trip to IP last year. I had a brand new 1,100 T Proclimb. I suppose I should have been pizzed off. I had nice ride each day, but for a couple days when I could have used full power a hose blew off, then my clutch broke. At most I lost a few hours of riding. After a total of 750 miles the sled has been a fun one with no other problems and now the sled is back for updates and they are giving me a additional year warranty for my troubles. Make up your own mind, but I wouldn't want any other sled, well maybe a '13 1,100 T.

Owen

 

[Dogmeat]

The cat 800 motor is and has been the most bomb proof 2 stroke motor ever.built IMO..... i ha ent ridden the new.chassis but my M has been flawless for me the last few years even under boost

 

[Sleds R Fun]

M8

I agree with "stuck". I feel Arctic Cat has some home work to do, and rushed out of there old chassis. The M8 motor is IMO a great mill, perhaps strongest on market! Good luck with your decision.

 

[Rixster]

I am a cat guy and after riding a 12 last year for a few days I would buy a 10 or 11 M8 before I would jump into one of the new cat chassis sleds.