From Sainte-Anne-des-Monts to Tourville, going through the Saint-Pierre mountain, my quest for snow has been a little more problematic this year in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region…
However, after two months, I finally rode over 2 600 km on my 2011 Arctic Cat Crossfire 8 Sno Pro Ltd. I tested it in many regions and in all conditions you can imagine, which gives me an accurate idea about the performance of this beast.
My snowmobiling season began in the beautiful Chaudière-Appalaches region because this was one of the only places where the trails were open in December. Indeed, there had been many heavy snowfalls in a row on this region. After the first kilometers, I quickly appreciated the Power Claw 141 X 2,25 in. track. Effectively, the newly open trails had a soft bottom; but I have been impressed by the traction with a continuous transfer that took the front end off every time I pressed the accelerator. For sure, this choice of track is one of the most interesting options on this limited edition model.
For the adjustable handlebars are perfect for me because I prefer to ride standing up even in a groomed trail! I quickly come back to the seating position when it gets colder so that I can be fully protected by the windshield against wind and bad weather. I like the riding position provided by the Serie M seat. It is very comfortable and just high enough for my legs. I also appreciated the storage capacity of the seat (rope, bottles of water, oil, etc…).
And what about the look of this snowmobile! A Serie M chassis, an aggressive design also made for extreme off-trail conditions, that yet combines refinement with precision when riding in a trail. I would also like to mention how much the green color of this sled has caught the attention in the parking lots of each lodge I visisted up to now this season.
In this beginning of the season, I easily got used to the controls because they are similar to the ones on the 2010 F8 LXR that I rode last season. The only element I took more time to control is that I had to look down to read the odometer(guages) either standing up or seated position.
Let’s not forget that the 2011 Arctic Cat Crossfire 8 Sno Pro Ltd model is part of the crossover line and is designed to perform in trails as well as in heavy powder. I, myself, have always been a trail snowmobiler but with this machine, I see an opportunity in off-trail snowmobiling. I lived my first «true» experience in «true» powder snow and «true» mountains with the team of Extrême Chic-Chocs from Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and with Junior Mécanique Plus from Rimouski. What an experience and what a way to learn! I got stuck in many occasions, but as they say, «you learn by your mistakes». It took me a few hours to learn how to control the snowmobile and how to use all its potential. Now, I can fully appreciate the Backcountry riding pleasures.
The 800 H.O. engine always responses when needed, mostly during off-trail riding… The fields covered with snow in front of my house can testify it! I also saw the power of this engine during my rides on the regular trails. Despite its traction, the track does not interfere significantly with the accelerations. The engine is correctly calibrated; however, it needs high-octane fuel (91). If this type of fuel is not available, the Knock Sensor indicates it very quickly. Of course, the fuel quality is different from one gas bar to another; so a fuel additive is sometimes required if we want to get the most possible performance out of the engine.
Another element I want to bring to your attention is the very good performance of the Sno Pro suspension system. For my part, in trails, I usually adjust the suspension between 40 and 60 PSI. At rear, I set it between 70 and 90 PSI, considering my weight. This helps reducing the suspension reactions in sharp bends and also taking some weight off the skis. During off-trail rides, where there was plenty of snow, I had to set the suspension to 75 PSI at front and to 125 PSI at rear if I wanted to get the right transfer to the track. I quickly saw that rigidity provides a better control in extreme conditions.
As the Crossfire is compatible with the Serie M, a wide range of accessories is available. I have the good luck to test many of them, thanks to the generosity of Junior Mécanique Plus, Arctic Cat dealer in Rimouski and sponsor for our Arctic Cat long-term trials. For example, there is the riser block that rises the handlebar and forwards its gravity center by 1,25 in. This provides more room for maneuver to a shorter snowmobiler like me. I also chose the two-finger aluminum brake lever that makes the off-trail access easier. Since many seasons, I was always carrying a backpack when I was riding; now, the spacious tunnel pack took this weight off my shoulders.
The 2011 Crossfire 8 Sno Pro Ltd consumes the average quantity of fuel of a 2-stroke 794 cc engine. I report a fuel consumption between 13 and 15 MPG and an oil consumption rather stable at about 1 litre per tankful.
To conclude, I can say that again Arctic Cat meets my expectations and that these long-term trials promise to be very positive. In a few weeks, I will be presenting you my mid-season report on this «nervous cat»!
