It is already time to present my first impressions on the 2015 Pantera 7000 Limited I have the chance to pilot this season. Provided by Arctic Cat, partner in the long term trials of your web magazine Motoneiges.ca, the Pantera will be the subject of a detailed analysis all season long and our final report will be published at the end of the season. We anticipate to cover more than 8 000 km on this snowmobile in all conditions, 1- or 2-up.
I could not wait to try it out and I have not been disappointed, on the contrary. The 2015 Arctic Cat Pantera is a very enjoyable snowmobile to pilot. Right from its delivery at the dealer’s, I have been seduced by its stylish and classic looks. Its black painted tunnel and its rigid storage cases quickly caught my attention.
From the first kilometers of its breaking-in period, I knew I would adore this snowmobile. Because despite its impressive looks, most of touring models are so. The Pantera is very agile even on sinuous trail. With a more forward riding position, cornering is easier and we get the feeling we are piloting a sport machine instead of a touring one. As we are talking about riding position, I will say that it is probably one of the most comfortable on the market. Effectively, we have a wide range of positions for our legs. From very forwarded to backwards, the leg positions allow us to ride long distances without fatigue. The height of the handlebar provides a very comfortable standing riding.
I think that another great feature is the versatility of this snowmobile. In a few seconds, we go from touring to solo mode by removing the passenger seat and storage cases. Thus, it becomes less impressive and lighter. The windshield height and air deflectors located on side panels minimize cold air on the pilot and his passenger.
Since we are talking about the passenger, let’s say dans during a 2-up ride, the passenger benefits from a comfort that only few snowmobile models can offer. Effectively, the equipments such as the adjustable backrest, the footrests, the wind deflectors, the handles and mostly the heated seat provide to the passenger enjoyable long rides without being worried about freezing cold, often the worst ennemy of the passenger.
It is no surprise that the engine and clutches are soft as well as powerful, as anticipated after our test of the XF 7000 last year. No problem here, this is a winning combination.
Also, we have the possibility to adjust quickly the suspension from touring to solo mode and it can be done rather easily. The ProComfort suspension includes preload blades for an optimal travel even with a passenger and luggage. These adjustments are quickly achieved before leaving for a ride. No need to be a mechanic nor to have other tools than the ones in the tool box.
One of my favorite features is the auxiliary gas tank of 16 liters on the Limited edition. You must absolutely pick this edition. These 16 supplementary liters added to your main reservoir provide an increased fuel autonomy of over 100 kilometers (based on our first consumptions of about 15 l / 100 km). Other manufacturers should do the same and thus, eliminate the need to carry a gas container we never know where to fix. Bravo Arctic Cat!!!
After a few rides 1- and 2-up, I can say that this snowmobile fulfills all our expectations, an uncompromising versatility.
Special thanks to Arctic Cat manufacturer https://fr.arcticcat.com/ who allows your web magazine Motoneiges.ca to run this long term trial and to Arctic Cat Junior Mécanique Plus in Rimouski (website) and their team who prepared and take care of our trial snowmobile.
All season long, you will be able to follow our analysis of this snowmobile on this site www.motoneiges.ca . We will present our final report on this long term trial in the coming weeks.
Have a great season!!!
Steve Gaudreau – SledMagazine.com Columnist and test rider
