First impressions: Arctic Cat Norseman 6000 ES 2018
As my counter as almost 1000 km with the Arctic Cat Norseman 6000 ES 2018, I am ready to share my first impressions with you… And I must say that I am more than happy to be the driver assigned to this test.
Introduced into the utility lineup this year, this snowmobile could be described more as a crossover utility or even good for everything! I invite you to discover the main aspects that seduced me and why the Norseman stand out in this market full of new models.
Will the Norseman 6000 have what it takes with its 599cc C-TEC2 engine?
The first question I asked myself when I took possession of the Norseman was:
"Will a 600cc 2-stroke engine (125 hp) be powerful enough to allow the snowmobile to perform all the tasks I want to do with it?"
First of all, I put it to the test in the main niche in which it is listed, the commercial snowmobile market. With a sled with heavy charges, the engine develops all the power and torque needed to pull without hesitation. Also, I want to highlight the efficiency of the TEAM RAPID RESPONSE BOSS DRIVEN CLUTCHES, which operates well, quietly and with smooth take-offs.
The Norseman 6000 ES is good on trails despite its primary vocation as a utility vehicle.
I went for several rides along the trail in solo, in group and also with a passenger in order to try out the different possible scenarios. My observation is that the engine provides everything you need to go on trails. We can keep a very good pace and we don't feel a lack of power, although sometimes we would like to have a little more punch. Once again, the Arctic Drive unit with TEAM Rapid Response pulleys works perfectly for quick take-offs and quick restarts.
The Norseman's lightweight front and wide skis provide a winning combination to increased flotation in powder.
The last type of situation I had to test was in a vast space of with lots of snow to put the Norseman to a hard test. So, I managed to find a huge isolated place where nobody has been yet to demonstrate the seriousness of the snowmobile in soft snow. On my way to the location, I immediately noticed that the Norseman floats very easily on the snow thanks to its lightness and above all to the generous width of the skis (10 inches in the front and 8 inches in the middle). Its stability impresses and it is really easy to quickly feel comfortable.
The Norseman 6000 is maneuverable in powder and is not afraid to rush into unfamiliar road.
After a short period of time, we can really feel the snowmobile and we are able to go from left to right in the snow and have a great time. However, in this type of situation, where there’s a lot of snow, we would like to have more power to get out of the snow faster. Still, you never feel like you're stuck and you're going through just about everything with the Norseman.
With such skills and after my many rides, what surprised me was the maneuverability of the Norseman that led us to wonder if it's not too easy to do everything with her…
The XTRA-ACTION rear suspension has an articulated and lockable area that really gives you the "best of both worlds".
Another aspect I enjoyed was the articulated XTRA-ACTION rear suspension that gives comfort in rough and bumpy snow conditions.
As a bonus, the XTRA-ACTION suspension combined with the curved rear skids provide a disconcerting ease of use when you go backward. The back of the snowmobile literally lifts up and floats on the snow. This suspension really makes a difference in many circumstances and adds to the Norseman's versatility.
The front end of the snowmobile is equipped with ARCTIC RACE triangulated arms combined with adjustable gas shock absorbers that deliver good performance. We end up with a snowmobile that works well both on and off the trail and allows us to have a good driving experience.
The Norseman 6000 comes equipped with a mid-high windshield that provides good protection against the wind and the cold without being too intrusive (at least with my 6'2 it's not at all annoying for my vision). Another element I love is certainly the rear part with the cargo space to bring a suitcase (or anything you want) and the presence of a bag under the seat spacious enough to put an "emergency kit" (replacement belt, spark plugs, tools, rope, etc.).
Here was the report of my first impressions. Now the fabulous Norseman is calling me again for fun rides. So, I let you enjoy the winter and suggest you follow us regularly throughout the season on the special page of the test.
SledMagazine.com team would like to thank our partner RPM Rive-Sud, Arctic Cat dealer in Lévis, for making this trial possible. We invite you to go and meet passionate people who will be able to help you with the purchase of a future snowmobile, for a mechanical maintenance or for a complete range of clothing and accessories.
