That looks like minimal snow, glad you got a chance to ride anyway. How did the Catalyst cooling system handle the snow conditions? I had the Catalyst Riot get warm on me during the photo shoot last January, but had no problem with the ZR's. To be fair, I was riding the Riot on freshly groomed rock hard trails and a quick flip into loose snow brought the temp right back down.
There's two distinct arctic cat sounds: The scream of an 800 suzuki engine at full bore, and the rattle of an AC electric start that sounds like it's ready to fall off. Nice impression. Looks more like a test race than a test ride though.
It's a fun ride. Much lighter and smaller than my SRViper, for sure. It's not groundbreaking enough for me to switch; I like my current sled. I did appreciate the ATAC shocks. I think I would get more use from those than a standard QS3 or other click-adjust shock since you can adjust on the fly.
@@GR8BBQNY How did the power feel compared to the viper? With the weight loss and slight bump in power compared to the Procross I'm thinking it should give the viper a run for it's money now, or am I wrong?
I like the low end torque of the SRViper better; just personal preference. There's definitely a weight difference, but I feel that the Viper has more overall, usable power for the way I ride.
I still think I got the right combo I got my Turbo 1100 for trails and my SKS 850 for back country.... Not sure this would be enough power for me to be honest.... Cat is going in the right direction I was a die hard until I snowchecked my 2020 SKS 850 now I'm split.... How light do you think this machine really is my SKS is about 460 lbs dry.... Thanks for info you got there Cheers
It's still a 600, so I'd say "good for a 600." Lance (testing with me) rides an NA 850 XRS, and the Catalyst wasn't enough power for him. It's a fun ride. Much lighter and smaller than my SRViper, for sure. It's not groundbreaking enough for me to switch; I like my current sled.
I actually preferred the shorter track of the ZR. Probably because I'm used to a long track (144) and the shorter track added to the "fun" of the smaller machine and lightness. I think it's going to be mostly personal preference that's the biggest factor.
I think you can get any snowmobile to wheelie with the right conditions and setup. That said, the conditions in Old Forge were... what I call Mashed potatoes and there was no wheelieieng to be had.
That looks like minimal snow, glad you got a chance to ride anyway. How did the Catalyst cooling system handle the snow conditions? I had the Catalyst Riot get warm on me during the photo shoot last January, but had no problem with the ZR's. To be fair, I was riding the Riot on freshly groomed rock hard trails and a quick flip into loose snow brought the temp right back down.
It was very warm this day. Above freezing if I remember correctly. Minimal snow for sure. The sleds didn't overheat at all that I saw.
There's two distinct arctic cat sounds: The scream of an 800 suzuki engine at full bore, and the rattle of an AC electric start that sounds like it's ready to fall off. Nice impression. Looks more like a test race than a test ride though.
Arron, Thanks for sharing! Would like to hear what your thoughts are on the new Catalyst ?
Sorry for misspelling your name - should have been Aaron.
It's a fun ride. Much lighter and smaller than my SRViper, for sure. It's not groundbreaking enough for me to switch; I like my current sled. I did appreciate the ATAC shocks. I think I would get more use from those than a standard QS3 or other click-adjust shock since you can adjust on the fly.
@@GR8BBQNY Thanks for the follow up, I hear you not to mention the cost of new machines these days!
@@GR8BBQNY How did the power feel compared to the viper? With the weight loss and slight bump in power compared to the Procross I'm thinking it should give the viper a run for it's money now, or am I wrong?
I like the low end torque of the SRViper better; just personal preference. There's definitely a weight difference, but I feel that the Viper has more overall, usable power for the way I ride.
I still think I got the right combo I got my Turbo 1100 for trails and my SKS 850 for back country.... Not sure this would be enough power for me to be honest.... Cat is going in the right direction I was a die hard until I snowchecked my 2020 SKS 850 now I'm split.... How light do you think this machine really is my SKS is about 460 lbs dry.... Thanks for info you got there Cheers
I snow checked an rxc
I tried several Catalysts during the demo. My favorite was the RXC, followed by the ZR with ATAC, then lastly the straight ZR.
How many miles do these demo sleds have now? When i rode them in eagle river they didnt have alot of miles on them yet.
I think I saw about 400 miles on them
Why are you riding on the wrong side of the trail?
How was the power
It's still a 600, so I'd say "good for a 600." Lance (testing with me) rides an NA 850 XRS, and the Catalyst wasn't enough power for him. It's a fun ride. Much lighter and smaller than my SRViper, for sure. It's not groundbreaking enough for me to switch; I like my current sled.
How was the Riot compared to the ZR?
I actually preferred the shorter track of the ZR. Probably because I'm used to a long track (144) and the shorter track added to the "fun" of the smaller machine and lightness. I think it's going to be mostly personal preference that's the biggest factor.
Can any of the models wheelie?
I think you can get any snowmobile to wheelie with the right conditions and setup. That said, the conditions in Old Forge were... what I call Mashed potatoes and there was no wheelieieng to be had.
I guess we know who this sled is marketed for.
Who , please tell us 🤦🏻♂️