A few months ago, when I learned that I was going to test a snowmobile, I wrote that I was feeling like a kid in front of a new toy. Now that the season is almost over and that the Arctic Cat XF 6000 Limited is no longer in my garage, I feel like that same boy who sees his toy being taken away… Do not worry, I am going to get over it (I am a professional, do not try this at home!). Fortunately, I still have my memories of this 2015 snowmobiling season!
And what an outstanding season with this snowmobile! This model is very versatile and allows us to ride for hours with an impressive comfort. When conditions are getting worse and make us become snowcross pilots, the cat shows its claws and is ready to attack the most agressive trails. Bumpy or not. In off-trail riding, the track of 137 in / 348 cm and the adjustable ski stance make us forget about the old times when trail snowmobiles would get stuck if the trail was not freshly groomed. In short, no matter the conditions, the XF 6000 meets the expectations!
So, this is where I stand now and it is time to present my season report. I will try to describe the best way I can, what I liked or discovered about this really interesting machine.
Digital gauge
I start here because this is usually what we notice the first time we sit on a snowmobile. The digital display is made of 4 sections that we can set to read the speed, the RPM, the time, the intake air temp, the coolant temp, the odometer and much more. So, a wide choice of data in a quite large display for a good vision.
Each snowmobiler may choose to display the data he prefers or needs by using 4 switches located all around the gauge. We can easily operate the switches even with gloves on.
In more sporty riding or during break-in period, I liked to display the intake air temp. When conditions were more icy, I wanted to see the coolant temp. During a smooth ride, I chose to display the clock… to know if I had enough time for a detour before going back home!
Large display easy to set
The key is located close to the gauge. More space would be needed because sometimes, we need to take off one glove to use it. And it is worse with the push-button reverse that is very hard to activate even with thin gloves on.
Another interesting data appears automatically during cold weather starting. A red light stays on as long as the proper engine temperature is not reached. This is very useful to keep us cool and to remember that the engine needs to warm up (just like us!) before an active day. It does not take long… but it always seems too long.
Brake
The brake also needs some warming up and we notice it the first times we use it. We must press harder on the lever. After a few times however, we can completely block the track with just one finger and the braking modulation is smooth.
Engine and performance
Now, we reach the heart of the matter! During the last ten years, manufacturers have improved the performance of the engines, no matters the type or displacement. And we can feel it in the new Arctic Cat 600 C-TEC2. The 2-stroke engine combined with the transmission does a great job. We may lose some flexibility, but when power is needed, we can feel the take-off. The response is instant. The smallest move on the throttle and we are gone!
This is perfect on sporty riding but handling at low speed requires more attention. Mostly the first times on reverse, it is better to remain seated!
Suspension – Accelerating and exiting curves
The XF 6000 is a snowmobile meant to be versatile. This said, the performance of the suspension is surprising in all conditions. However, during a strong acceleration exiting a curve, we lose the capability to achieve the turn properly. So, we must stay cool and control the acceleration.
Of course, many modifications such as the adjustment of the rear springs, the rotation of the transfer units, the shorter belts, the reduced precharge of the front spring and the pression in the skis shocks helped to reduce the problem but it was not enough. We must remember that in off-trail riding, it is best that the front end rises to improve the handling. So, it is hard in this situation to get a perfect note for both on-trail riding and off-trail riding. They are incompatible, but they can offer a reasonable compromise.
Fuel and oil consumption
Arctic Cat recommends to use the specific oil developed for the new C-TEC2 engine. It is offered in plastic pouch of 1,4 l and usually, the oil is sold in bottle. At first sight, we are surprised by this new packaging but it offers some advantages.
Unusual but very convenient packaging
Firstly, it is easier to store it on the snowmobile. Then, when you fill up the reservoir, the oil pours regularly since the shape of the container changes and does not require any air intake. In short, the pouch works very well and I am sure that other suppliers are going to use this format too.
In regards of the consumption, the oil ratios I noted all season long have been really low, from 75 : 1 to 105 : 1. Usually, 2-stroke engines required ratios of about 40 : 1. We must understand that an electronic pump is used for oil injection in the C-TEC2. So, the electronic system can accurately meter the oil injection according to the needs of the moment. This way, we save by avoiding useless over-consumption like we got before with a mechanical pump that provided a fixed ratio.
We save financially and also, there is less smoke and odor.
On the other hand, the fuel consumption has exceeded my expectations. The new engine is still being developed and I think that the fuel injection programming is generous. It is well known that an oil/fuel ratio overly rich in fuel helps improving the duration of an engine. Probably the next editions of the engine will be less thirsty.
Sound
The sound of a snowmobile often tells a lot about its personality. With the XF 6000, what we hear seems like a mad cat, somewhat hoarse, who prefers action to rest. Then, we get the looks and features of a snowmobile ready for action. And when we start it up, what do we hear? You are right! The sound of a two-stroke engine ready for action. Those who prefer this type of engine will be satisfied.
Off-trail snowmobiling
Unfortunately, the part of the province where I live is not quite appropriate for off-trail snowmobiling. So, I could not enjoy it very often but I did run a few tests and I have been nicely surprised. It takes only about 15 minutes to adjust the skis stance and it made the snowmobile more predictable in turns.
With the position of the handlebar, we are comfortable when we ride standing and the gauge remains easy to read in this position.
The Ripsaw II track of 137 in / 348 cm does a great job in various snow conditions.
I would have liked to ride off-trail more often and write more about it, but from what I experienced, I am convinced that this snowmobile can easily bring you on exciting terrains.
Conclusion
We rode more than 5 000 km all season long with this snowmobile and we got great responses from the XF 6000 Limited, despite a small problem with the start-up which is insignificant since the manual start-up is easy and available.
Good comfort during daily rides of 500 to 625 km. Efficient suspension in the worst conditions. Surprising performances for an engine of this category. An eye-catching look.
I had the chance to test a snowmobile that can make you live an outstanding season in all conditions.
This is the type of season I had and I am very grateful to Arctic Cat Canada and to www.juniormecanique.com, their dealer in Rimouski, who made this trial possible.
Competition is tough in this segment of the market and if you are looking for a versatile snowmobile, you must consider the Arctic Cat XF 6000 Limited.
