Grab your iPod, go to iTunes and listen to AC/DC’s Thunderstruck while you read this, because Cat lovers rejoice…Thundercat is back!
You maybe had an idea that the Cat/Yamaha relationship would bring something big to both camps, and you read about Yamaha’s Sidewinder. Well, Arctic Cat’s version is the Thundercat and it’s full of Cat Pride, all the way down to the graphics.
Ok, so that model isn’t the only one with the new 998cc Turbo motor, but the Thundercat package does have an exclusive combination of suspension and niceties for the seasoned trail/lake rider.
Now that we got that out of the way, let’s dig into what’s new from Arctic Cat for 2017.
What’s New?
There have been improvements across the board in the green camp. Every series received tweaks, including the ZR120, which got new grips and handlebar heaters.
ZR120 Grips
Engineers were able to shave off a half-pound from the handlebars and increase the strength by using a new dual phase material. To compliment, they developed new grips that are almost 4mm smaller, softer, and have a new grip pattern for improved glove traction.
New grips on some models.
The Slide-Action rear suspension also gets a new Torque Sensing Link with a new profile for increased strength and less weight.
Headlights were improved as well. The halogen light reflector was changed to throw the beam pattern 5 degrees further down range. Accent lighted LEDs are new this year on some models. LEDs draw less energy for the same amount of light, so both high and low beams can be on at the same time when turning on the high beams. This gives better overall lighting on the trail.
A TEAM Rapid Response II Drive Clutch is new this year. It eliminates the need for belt deflection adjustments, a lower starting ration (lower gear) which gives a smoother takeoff.
Arctic Cat has eight engines to choose from. The engine designates the series in the model lineup. The new 9000 Series engine is the Yamaha-built 998 Turbo, but Arctic Cat puts their own spices and seasonings on it to get the ride characteristics their customers love.
Fox QS3R Kashima shocks adorn a few of the new machines, and there are several new track options throughout the lineup.
For the hillers, a new Mountain Drive system repositions the track drive shaft lower in the chassis. This flattens the approach angle which helps get the machine on top of the snow quicker. The footrests are also pushed forward and the running boards are narrower for better sidehilling.
Here are the model offerings by Arctic Cat in 2017.
Trail
Lynx 2000 ES – 570cc Fan, Twin Spar chassis
Lynx 2000 LT ES – 570cc Fan, Twin-Spar 2-up
ZR LXR – 500cc/600cc/800cc 2-stroke, 65HP/125HP/135HP/180HP 4-stroke, ProCross chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, rear storage, 15×1.25×129/137 tracks
ZR Sno Pro – 500cc/600cc/800cc 2-stroke, 135HP/180HP 4-stroke, ProCross chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, revised rear suspension, Fox 1.5 Zero RC shocks, 15×1.25×129/137 tracks
ZR Limited – 600cc/800cc 2-stroke, 135HP/180HP 4-stroke, ProCross chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, tunnel flares, rear storage, goggle holder, Fox 1.5 Zero QS3 shocks, 15×1.25×129/137 tracks
ZR El Tigre – 600cc/800cc 2-stroke, 135HP 4-stroke, ProCross chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, tunnel flares, rear storage, goggle holder, Fox 1.5 Zero QS3 shocks, 15×1.25×129/137 tracks
ZR RR – 600cc/800cc 2-stroke, 135HP 4-stroke, ProCross chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, updated rear suspension, Fox 1.5 Zero QS3 Kashima shocks, 15×1.25×129/137 tracks
Thundercat – 180HP 4-stroke, ProCross chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, tunnel flares, rear storage, heated seat, LED headlights, Fox 1.5 Zero QS3 shocks, 15×1.25×137 track
Crossover
XF Crosstour – 135HP 4-stroke, ProTour chassis, Rear Cargo, 4.3 gal aux. fuel, Heated seat, TEAM Rapid Response, push-button reverse, 15×1.25×146 track
XF Crosstrek – 600cc/800cc 2-stroke, 135HP/180HP 4-stroke, ProCross chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, Tunnel bag, Saddle bags, Heated seat on 4-strokes, 15×1.6×137 track
XF Cross Country Limited – 600cc/800cc 2-stroke, 180HP 4-stroke, ProCross chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, Fox 1.5 Zero QS3 shocks, 15×1.75×137 trak
XF High Country – 600cc/800cc 2-stroke, 180HP 4-stroke, ProClimb chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, Fox FLOAT 3 shocks, 15×2.25×141 track
XF High Country Limited – 600cc/800cc 2-stroke, 180HP 4-stroke, ProClimb chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, Fox FLOAT 3 Evol, track size depending on engine
Mountain
M SE ES – 600cc/800cc 2-stroke, ProClimb with new Arctic Mountain Suspension, fixed vertical post, Electric Start, TEAM Rapid Response, 12×2.25×141/153/162 track
M Sno Pro – 600cc/800cc 2-stroke, ProClimb chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, Fox FLOAT 3, 15×2.6×141/153/162 track
M Limited – 800cc 2-stroke, ProClimb, TEAM Rapid Response, Fox FLOAT 3 Evol, 15×2.6×153/162 track
M HCR – 800cc 2-stroke, ProClimb, TEAM Rapid Response, 40” ski stance with 4” adjustment, Fox 1.5 Zero QS3 shocks, 15×2.6×153 track
Mountain Cat – 800cc 2-stroke, ProClimb, TEAM Rapid Response, Mountain Drive System, Fox FLOAT 3 Evol, 15x3x153/162 track
Touring/Expedition
Pantera 3000 – ProTour chassis, adjustable backrest, large rear storage, 15x146x1 track
Pantera 7000 Limited – ProTour chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, large rear storage, 4.7 gal. aux. fuel tank, 15x146x1.25 track
Pantera 7000 Limited XT – ProUte chassis, TEAM Rapid Response, WR3 transmission, 20x154x1.375 track, articulating suspension
Utility
Bearcat 2000 LT – ACT Drive, Engine Reverse, Twin spar chassis, 15x151x1.25 track
Bearcat 2000 XT – ACT Drive, Engine Reverse, Twin spar XT chassis, 20x154x1.375 track, articulating suspension
Bearcat 3000 LT – Arctic Drive system with pushbutton reverse, ProUte chassis, 15x146x1.35 track
Bearcat 7000 XT – TEAM Rapid Response, ProUte WT chassis, 20x154x1.375 track, articulating suspension
Bearcat 7000 XT GS – Groomer Special with front winch, light bar, shovel mounts, flood light, beacon light
Wrap Up
The 2017 lineup from Arctic Cat is chock full of improvements, tweaks, updates, and brand-new models, including the return of Thundercat. While Cat has had a turbo engine in the 180HP range for many years, the new Yamaha version should prove to be smoother and more predictable, and quite possibly even more powerful than the previous version.
If you’re a Cat lover, and even if you’re thinking of crossing over to the green winner’s circle, there are a plethora of models and engines to choose from. Go to http://www.arcticcat.com/snow/sleds/ to learn more.
