Before the season began, I had the chance to take possession of my new sled for the next months. Personally, it will be a new adventure as I am going back to the 2-stroke engine experience. Effectively, since 2005, I had the opportunity to test many 4-stroke models. Don’t get me wrong, I still like the snowmobiles with 4-stroke engine but this season, I wanted to test something totally different… To get another perspective !
Last season, I tested a hybrid snowmobile and I liked it. This year, I chose a model in the same category, the new 2016 Arctic Cat XF 6000 CrossTrek snowmobile. Before riding my first kilometers, here is my analysis of this snowmobile in regards of its features and my expectations for the coming months.
The XF 6000 CrossTrek : a snowmobile that is well-adapted for Québec territory
If you take a closer look at this model, you will quickly see that Arctic Cat people probably had the Quebecers’ wish list when they wrote down its characteristics. Effectively, the CrossTrek lineup offers features for optimal comfort when riding on trail and off trail as well as equipments for optimal convenience. So, it is a hybrid model with various personalities that should meet the expectations of a large number of snowmobilers.
The XF ProCross chassis
Found on the Arctic Cat snowmobile lineup since many years now, the XF chassis is known in the industry for its incredible versatility. It comes in three choices, the ProTour, ProClimb and ProCross. Each one presents characteristics designed for a specific use. For example, the XF ProCross chassis is designed for snowmobilers who want a hybrid machine that performs on trail as well as off trail. The CrossTrek lineup is thus built on this one. During the season, I am going to test the XF 6000 CrossTrek on groomed trails and I am also going to enjoy areas covered with wonderful powder snow !
The Arctic Cat 6000 C-TEC2 engine
During the last years, the 6000 C-TEC2 engine, designed and built by Arctic Cat, has proven to the industry its very good performances and its reliability. According to the manufacturer, the dual-stage fuel injection system and the electronic oil pump allow the engine to meter optimal fuel / oil ratio all while offering an important reduction of fuel consumption. So, I am going to take a good look at the performances of this engine and its fuel and oil consumption. It should be very interesting !
Team clutches
For 2016, the XF models are equipped with Team clutches that are designed to eliminate belt skid and at the same time, to reduce temperature. Along with a positive impact on the belt lifetime, it reduces the loss of power due to sliding, which improves the performance of the snowmobile. So, this is pretty good news for owners of 2016 Arctic Cat snowmobiles.
Arctic Race front suspension
As the name says, the geometry of the Arctic Race suspension comes from many years of research and refinement in the world of racing. The suspension of the XF 6000 CrossTrek includes Fox Float 3 shocks that can be adjusted according to the pilot needs and preferences.
Slide-Action rear suspension
The Slide-Action rear suspension is famous in the industry for the comfort it provides in most of the situations. It is equipped with Arctic Cat Internal Float Piston shocks of 2 in. / 5,1 cm.
Cobra track of 1.5 in. / 3,8 cm
This model is equipped with the Cobra track of 137 x 15 x 1.5 in. / 348 x 38,1 x 3,8 cm. It seems to be a good compromise for trail riding but also for off-trail adventures. It will be interesting to see how it performs in various conditions.
Deluxe digital gauge
This snowmobile is equipped with deluxe digital gauge package. It offers all informations needed by most of snowmobilers. Among them, there are 2 trip meters, a clock and the coolant temperature light. You can also choose how the data is displayed.
Convenience and comfort
The CrossTrek package also includes the following features : mid-height windshield of 27,9 cm / 11 in., 12V outlet, electric start, tunnel bag for the belt, two medium collapsible saddlebags and engine reverse.
Ready for the season !
With all these features, it is obvious to me that the 2016 XF 6000 CrossTrek is well-adapted to my snowmobiling needs. Then, it should meet my expectations on trail as well as it should allow me to have fun in off-trail riding when it will be possible. Also, this snowmobile really seduced me with its looks and its choice of colors and graphics.
I invite you to follow this trial all season long…
