Arctic Cat ZR 8000 Sno Pro 137": Pre-ride Analysis

At Arctic Cat, the name ZR is well known because it is, since the season of 2014, the snowmobile family designed for trail riding. Up to 2017, among the 8 engines (including that of the ZR 120) there was the ZR 8000 range which was equipped with the Suzuki Motor of 800 CC. However, as announced during the pre-launch of its range at the end of last January Arctic Cat has introduced the successor of this aging gear with the 800 C-TEC2 engine.

With a maximum power of about 160 hp, this engine offers similar performance to the high-power Suzuki. However, in medium and low speeds, the torque is 18% to 36% higher. In addition, the engine is more effective hence fuel consumption is significantly reduced. Finally, better lubrication management allows for a decrease in oil consumption that can reach up to 30% at low speed.

During this pre-launch, the manufacturer introduced the "new" ZR 8000 Sno Pro 2018. This model caught our attention and it’s why our team will test it this season.  So here is my pre-ride analysis of this model.

Engine

Of course, as you can expect, our trials will test the performance, behavior and consumption of this new engine. As the gain of response time and torque affect mainly the low and medium speeds, it we will be easy to see if this engine is at the height of our expectations. In fact, on-trail, it is in this range of power that it is most of the time. We will examine the accelerations and recoveries at the exit of corners.

The gas and oil consumption will also be scrutinized. We, therefore, expect a decline in the oil consumption as well as an increase of the autonomy between two gas fill-ups.

The level of sound and vibration will also be of the elements on which we will focus. Excessive vibration or abnormal sound levels may have a negative effect on the driving experience, especially on long journeys.

In addition, the ease of start-ups in very cold weather as well as when the engine is hot will be noted. During cold starts, we will also check if the oil consumption seems less high than for a snowmobile equipped with the Suzuki engine. Smoke fumes will be a good indicator.

Clutches

Last season, I had the pleasure of testing a ZR 9000 Thundercat (read…). I had the opportunity to familiarize myself with the essence of the pulleys’ Team Rapid Response II (drive) and Rapid Reaction Boss (driven). So, it’s with immense pleasure that I will be able to test these pulleys with the new 800 C-TEC2. I, therefore, expect smooth clutch operations and without power loss and not to see premature wear of the belt.

Handling

In our trials during the Snow Shoot last March, ZR 8000 Sno Pro’s handling, as in all the ZR tried in fact, greatly surprised our team. Our expectations are high in this regard because we expect handling precision and ease to negotiate winding turns.

We will also look at the work of the ProCross 6-inch skis equipped with double deep keel carbide ski runners. It will be interesting to see if the snowmobile tends to stagger at low, medium and high speed and during sudden deceleration.

Suspension

At the front, the Zr 8000 is equipped with an Arctic race suspension and Fox Zero RC shock offering 25.4 cm (10 inches) of movement. At the rear, there is a Slide-Action suspension and Arctic Cat IFP shocks. The movement to the rear is 34.3 cm (13.5 inches).

After having tried the Slide-Action and Arctic Race combination, we expect to be very comfortable in most of the conditions that may be encountered Quebec trails. When conditions permit, we would like to test this snowmobile in more rugged terrain to see how far this suspension can go all while remaining effective.

Traction

Being first and foremost a pure trail snowmobile, Arctic Cat has equipped all its ZR 8000 with Ripsaw tracks for all 129 in. models and the Ripsaw II for the 137 in. models. Although these tracks have been recognized in the market for many years, I find that they lack a bit of traction in loose snow. I like the Cobra track with a 1.6 in. heel, which, according to me, offer a better compromise in the conditions that I typically encounter.

This said, it will be interesting to see if I notice a lack of significant traction, which could result in a decline in performance during acceleration. We could even see an increase in fuel consumption for a trip in particular.

Console

Since the introduction of the most luxurious set of dials at Arctic Cat (during the introduction of the 7000 family in 2014), I have had the opportunity test many models.

I especially appreciate the latter since they offer good visibility and a wide range of information including two counters and a clock. Another unique feature is that you can display the information according to your preferences.

I do not expect big surprises on this matter, but I am still happy to be able to count on this set of dials during this test.

Look and Side Panels

When Arctic Cat introduced its new turbocharged 9000 engine (as part of its supply agreement with Yamaha), it also unveiled a new set of side panels and a new hood. Boasting new lines, the look of the snowmobiles with this new generation of panels is very successful.

Another distinctive feature of this panel/hood set is that you can now remove them without tools in only a few seconds. This makes access to the engine’s components, pulley and oil tank a lot easier.

We rarely remove the panels for fun … so let’s hope that the only reason to do so over the course of the season will be to fill the oil tank.

And now?

As you can see, I want to perform a very thorough trial of the ZR 8000 Sno Pro 137 2018. I, therefore, can’t wait to go out on an adventure at the wheel of this beautiful snowmobile.

Thank you to the manufacturer, Arctic Cat, for making this trial possible as well as the dealer, JM Villeneuve, in Amqui, who ensures the maintenance of this snowmobile.