Arctic Cat Norseman X 8000 2019: Mid-Season Impressions

After more than 1000 km with the Arctic Cat Norseman X 8000 2019, here are my impressions of this multitask snowmobile. The Norseman X 8000 is a snowmobile classified in the utility range. However, it could easily be described as a hybrid utility since it can be use in many situations. It’s like a “Swiss Army knife”!

Arctic Cat introduced the Norseman utility line-up last year with the Norseman 6000. I was the driver for the test, and I loved this versatile snowmobile. Here is the link to read the articles on the Arctic Cat Norseman 6000 2018 (read).

With its aggressive look and its track with big studs, you wouldn’t think it was a utility machine at first.

For 2019, it was a logical continuation for Arctic Cat to introduce the 8000 model with the 800cc 2-stroke engine instead of the 600cc. Even more interesting, the X version features a track with 2.25” studs to make it even more dynamic in deep snow.

The Norseman 8000 X offers excellent performance thanks to its 800cc C-TEC2 2-stroke engine producing 160 horsepower

Equipped with the 800cc C-TEC2 2-stroke engine, the Norseman X 8000 has no reason to be jealous of the competition with its 160 horsepower. Fully redesigned in 2018, the engine offers generous torque from low revs to full. An exciting sound comes from the exhaust, and you want to play more with the snowmobile.

All the power you need is there so you can accomplish various tasks. Whether it’s on federated trails, to work or just to play in deep snow… You’ll never feel like you’re running out of power!

The Norseman X 8000 is very competent on trails despite its utility vocation and aggressive track.

First, I decided to take the Norseman on federated trails to see how it behaves. The engine offers a lot of smoothness in the acceleration and exit of curves. The accelerations are very direct! In fact, the 153-inch track and 2.25-inch studs perfectly transmit the 160 horsepower to the snow-covered surface. However, the aggressiveness of the studs leads to the inconvenience of lifting the front easily, and you must be careful in curves not to leave your trajectory. It is easy to keep a good speed, and the effort required on the handlebars is reasonable considering that it’s a utility snowmobile.

For the transmission, it has the Arctic Drive system with TEAM Rapid Response pulleys that works perfectly. We are surprised by the smooth ride and its efficiency for quick take-offs and retakes without delay.

Then, I wanted to test in its main segment, the utility snowmobiles. I decided to put it to work, so I groomed the private trails on the family estate. Despite the very heavy and sticky snow, the Norseman X 8000 did the job, due to the engine and the TEAM Rapid Response system. The two work together to pull without any hesitation with smooth take-offs.

The Norseman X 8000 is easy to handle in deep snow.

Also, I wanted to test the Norseman X 8000 off-trail in the deep snow. After all, a track of 153” with 2.25” studs is more suitable for mountain snowmobiles, right?

So, I took it several times in deep snow to push it to its limit. The wide skis (10” at the front and 8” in the middle) offers increased flotation on the snow. There is omnipresent stability, and you quickly feel comfortable off-trail.

In deep snow, I tried to swing the Norseman from left to right. The wide skis that help float on the snow don’t help much when maneuvering. The weight at the front makes it easier, but it is not ideal for fluid maneuvers in deep snow. However, it’s not its vocation, the Arctic Cat Norseman X 8000 still does well in these situations. With the engine power and aggressive track, you can have fun in deep snow. 

The XTRA-ACTION rear suspension has an articulated and lockable area.

One thing I appreciated was the articulated XTRA-ACTION rear suspension which provides more comfort in rougher and bumpier trails. Its flexibility makes us think that we have a with a shorter track. The combination of the XTRA-ACTION suspension and the curved skis at the rear makes it’s easy to go backward, as the back of the snowmobile tends to lift and float on top of the snow.

The front of the Norseman X 8000 is equipped with ARCTIC RACE triangulated arms combined with adjustable gas shock absorbers that deliver excellent performance. It works well both on and off the trail and allow a simple driving experience.

The standard equipment on the Norseman X 8000 is interesting because it has:

• A mid-high windscreen that provides good protection against wind and cold without being too intrusive (at least with my 6’ 3“ it’s not disturbing at all for my vision). 
• A cargo space to bring a suitcase (or anything you want)
• A bag under the seat large enough to fit an emergency kit.

Here is the report of my mid-season impressions regarding the Arctic Cat Norseman X 8000 2019. I suggest you follow the test in our magazine.

Sledmagazine.com want to thank our partner RPM-Rive-Sud, Arctic Cat dealer in Lévis, for making this test possible. We invite you to meet passionate people who can advise you on the purchase of a future vehicle, for mechanical maintenance or a complete range of clothing and accessories.