When time comes to choose a new snowmobile, many informations have already been processed. If it is an existing model, tests have probably been run in order to confirm the final choice before this important purchase.
2017 Arctic Cat XF 9000 Cross Country Limited
If it is a new model, there is less information available and it is very hard to run a test on trail. This is when the analysis of the available data becomes even more important.
So, here is in short what we can tell you about the new machine built by Arctic Cat along with Yamaha Motors within their mutual agreement that surprised so many of us.
Engine
Let’s start with the heart of the XF 9000 Cross Country Limited. This is definitely the most important feature. Everything else, such as the chassis, the suspension, the clutches or any other component, will only accompany the new turbocharged 3-cylinder engine and will be measured in consideration of the outstanding performances it can deliver. We know it, the association Arctic Cat / Yamaha has created a new category with the 180 HP they announced. We must see now if the other components of the machine will be effective.
What is even more impressive with this engine is that its main goal was not the optimal power. Effectively, the design of the package was rather made to offer a power band well distributed and the lowest time of response possible. The maximal power measured on dynamometer in spring (see the article https://www.motoneiges.ca/actions/page?docId=8973&ctx=ctx&p=Le%20moteur%20Genesis%20turbo%20de%20pre-production%20depasse%20les%20200%20HP%20) indicated around 8 800 RPM while at 6 500 RPM, over 150 HP were already available. In matter of time of response, the exhaust manifold, the turbine and the less inertia compressor along with the 3 throttle bodies should help to reduce it to the minimum.
No need to say that we are going to check this out and we will be ready to analyze the performances of this new engine. We are going to report each detail during all the 2017 season.
Clutches
The Team engineers have designed the clutches of the Arctic Drive system that will take care of the important task of adjusting the speed of the output shaft. Skid has been reduced for lower operating temperature. We will check if this will be enough to provide decent lifetime to the belt.
Another interesting element is that the clutches tuning may give a different personality to the snowmobile. Will the Team engineers have chosen comfort and smooth accelerations or pure performance with sudden starts? Probably a compromise, but between both extremes, there are many possibilities. The tests ran this season by our pilots will say which choice has been made.
We must notice that, due to the hybrid nature of the XF 9000 Cross Country, the ratio 22/48 (0,458) used in the magnesium chaincase differs from the Thundercat ratio of 24/50 (0,480) for example (see article https://www.sledmagazine.com/actions/page?docId=9440&ctx=&=2017%20Arctic%20Cat%20ZR%209000%20Thundercat%20%20-%20Pre-ride%20analysis&request_locale=en). This ratio being about 4,8 % shorter on the XF 9000 will help it work better in deep snow.
Other characteristics of the clutches are also interesting. What is the system inertia? How are the pick-ups? The snowmobile clutches are closer to esotericism than science for many pilots. We will have the chance to taste the potion carefully prepared by Team gurus and then, later in season, we will be able to report on all the magic produced.
Front suspension
Arctic Cat knows it, more snowmobilers than ever want to ride off trail. What is attractive about the XF 9000 Cross Country Limited is that it makes it possible all while keeping the capability to ride on groomed trails. Combining these 2 sports is a tour de force made possible, among other things, by the suspension tuning. At front, we find Fox shocks adjustable in 3 settings. Setting 1 provides the greatest comfort while setting 3 provides a more sport type of riding. Clickers are of a good size and should be easy to operate even with gloves on.
Front suspension and Fox Zero QS3 shocks
Rear suspension
Rear suspension of the XF 9000 Cross Country Limited
There is another Fox shock at rear end. It is also a Zero QS3 model equipped with a 3-position clicker located here between the suspension wheels. The access being rather uneasy, we may not be interested to proceed to changes during a ride. Mostly when snow or ice will have piled up after few minutes on trail.
Location of the rear shock clicker
At the center of the rear suspension, we have the Arctic Cat IFP gas shock. The Slide-Action principle is used, like it is in many Arctic Cat models.
U-shaped skid like the Slide-Action
Skis
ProCross – 6 skis have been chosen to guide the Cross Country on trails and in powder snow. Their deep keel will help maneuvers in all conditions.
Track
Arctic Cat made the interesting choice of the Backcountry X track of 137 in./348 cm that confirms without doubt the goal of the XF lineup. Lugs of 1.75 in./4,45 cm will provide good traction in deep snow.
Controls and gauge
Even if they are efficient and easy to manipulate, the hand and thumb warmers offer only 3 settings, Off, Low, High. We need to often adjust the intensity to keep a comfortable temperature. We will see during our trial if the maximal setting is enough.
Well located controls
The 12V outlet will be very useful. Easy to reach and protected as it is located right behind the windshield, it will allow us to plug in a GPS or a phone charger. We can even use it to place an adaptor to connect a heated visor, as it is not a standard feature.
Always useful 12V outlet
The dual gauge of the XF 9000 Cross Country is very efficient to show the data chosen by the pilot. 5 types of data are displayed and we can choose where to show the clock, the trip meters (2), the odometer, the speedometer, the RPM, the coolant temperature, the inlet air temperature, etc…!
Gauge
At night, display remains easy to read without being blinding.
Heated seat
Yes, a heated seat! We can adjust it to Low or High intensity. This is an interesting addition for our long rides that end after sunset or else, when after we get hot during our off-trail adventures. Warm butt means no more shivers in your back!
Look
Even if the look does not play an important role, it is still the first element we notice. In this matter, no problem : the XF 9000 Cross Country Limited will be noticed. Some improvements have been made to the panels that are now easier to manipulate. We can even turn the buttons with our gloves on.
New panels hold buttons
With all the features offered by the XF 9000, we are going to have lot of elements to evaluate : performance, comfort, handling on hardened trails or not, handling off trails, suspensions adjustment and much more! The next articles will give you more details on these elements and we will try to transmit to you the emotions we feel piloting this snowmobile.
Talk to you soon!
