Let’s face it, Arctic Cat has surprised us in recent months with strategies that could be described as "unconventional". Today, Thief River Falls‘s manufacturer does it again with a very early announcement of several 2021 models. This is the first announcement and the rest of its fleet of 2021 snowmobiles will be announced in mid-November. Yes, that’s right, the entire fleet of Arctic Cat 2021 snowmobiles will be announced several weeks before the holiday season!
What can explain this strategy? This is surely a great way to keep Arctic Cat snowmobilers waiting before they turn to the competition offers. Now, let's take a closer look at what the manufacturer announces today:
ATAC SUSPENSION
The iACT suspension feature has been renamed to ATAC, which stands for Arctic Technology Adjustable to Conditions. This suspension system is the most advanced in the industry and allows the rider to independently adjust the front and rear suspension in less than 0.5 seconds without ever having to take their hands off the bars. It also allows them to program to separate Driver 1 and Driver 2 settings for quicker on-the-fly adjustments.
This technology is available on the following pre-released models:
- ZR 6000 137 ES LTD ATAC
- ZR 8000 137 ES LTD ATAC
- ZR 9000 137 Thundercat ATAC
ZR 120
The ZR 120 continues to deliver outstanding performance for first-time snowmobile riders. New for 2021, the front ski/shock assembly provides 5 spring adjustment settings, which can be easily adjusted by the twist of a knob as the rider grows. Adjustment allows for up to a 50% increase in stiffness from the base setting to the top most setting. The spring adjustment settings can be changed with the use of a tool available for purchase through the parts and accessories team. Part number: 0644-658
ZR 200
A top seller and clear standout in the Arctic Cat lineup, the ZR 200, expertly built for young riders, continues to deliver outstanding performance. All 2021 ZR 200 models now come with both a new front and rear ski/shock assembly, which provide 5 spring adjustment settings. These settings can be easily adjusted with a twist of a knob as the rider grows. Adjustment allows for up to a 50% increase in stiffness from the base setting to the top most setting. The spring adjustment settings can be changed with a tool available through the parts and accessories team. Part number: 0644-658
The rear suspension has also been redone to reduce weight by reducing the number of parts and provide a cooler, more refreshed look.
NORSEMAN X
Back by popular demand, the Norseman X has returned to the Arctic Cat line-up for Model Year 2021. It’s built to tackle any job or any task with its standard tow hitch and tunnel bag, and riding it is made even easier with the electric start feature. New for 2021, the Norseman X now comes equipped with updated 4” single carbide runners for more responsive steering, in turn making the riders feel more in control.
One of the key features of the Norseman X is the XTRA-ACTION Rear Suspension. Here’s how it works:
• The rear of the frame articulates or “tips up”. This makes it want to climb and stay on top of the snow when in reverse, vs wanting to trench in the snow.
• Because of the rear articulation and the “floating rear,” the frame has less hard contact on the snow. This makes the sled feel shorter than it actually is and allows for improved cornering and maneuverability.
• The suspension can be adjusted to lock or unlock the articulating portion. Unlocked provides the benefits mentioned above. Locked puts the whole suspension/track in constant contact with the snow. This provides the ultimate traction for towing or hauling loads.
Arctic Cat ZR 8000 2021
ZR 6000 & ZR 8000
The ZR trail models continue to deliver the ultimate trail performance. For model year 2020, we released the ARS II Front Suspension, which provides added ski pressure that creates confidence inspiring steering and increased ground clearance and a revised slide action skid with increased front arm travel for improved big bump absorption. Those features have remained on the 2021 models. We are continuing to offer ATAC technology on the ZR 6000 137 LTD ATAC, ZR 8000 137 ES LTD ATAC, and ZR 9000 137 Thundercat ATAC.
We’ve implemented 2 new features for 2021:
1. A revised engine mounting system utilizing a carbon fiber TCL brings in a 2.5lb weight savings with improved engine vibration damping.
2. Replaced the 11” dual runner carbides with 17” single runner carbides to provide more responsive steering.
RIOT 8000
The ultimate 50/50 crossover Riot was released for 2020. This came equipped with ARS II Front Suspension, which provides added ski pressure that creates confidence inspiring steering and increased ground clearance, new uncouple Cross-Action rear suspension to balance on-trail ski pressure with off-trail transfer and smooth bump absorption, and Pro Climb Skis with 80% more keel height compared to our trail ski for improved steering in powder and off-trail conditions. Additionally, the Riot was created with multiple track options with the Riot 8000 QS3 (1.35” or 1.6”) and standard snow/ice scratchers for cooling and lubrication.
Updates for the 2021 Riot include:
- A revised engine mounting system utilizing a carbon fiber TCL brings in a 2.5lb weight savings with improved engine vibration damping.
- 17” single runner carbides to provide more responsive steering.
M 8000 MOUNTAIN CAT & M 8000 HARDCORE ALPHA ONE
The undisputed kings of the mountain continue to conquer the backcountry with the revolutionary ALPHA ONE single-beam rear suspension.
For Model Year 2021, we’re continuing to use our industry-leading heat exchanger system, which minimizes snow build up on the chassis, running boards, and rear suspension to ensure solid footing and drastically reduces snow weight carried on the machine in the backcountry. And we’ve revised calibrations on all FOX QS3/ QSL shocks and springs for improved big bump absorption.
In addition, all models come with standard Alpha snow/ice scratchers for cooling and lubrication, and a revised engine mounting system utilizing a carbon fiber TCL brings in a 2.5lb weight savings with improved engine vibration damping.
Silencing the rumor mills
Arctic Cat wants to silence critics and rumors … They are here to stay, and the announcements of today and mid-November are intended as a statement that the entire snowmobiling community that commitment and dedication of all Arctic Cat employees are moving in the same direction: Share our passion!
