Patrick’s favourite Arctic Cat 2020
After a fantastic week in West Yellowstone during which I tested all Arctic Cat 2020 snowmobiles, I fell in love with the Riot X 8000.
The Riot model is a new 50/50 crossover model that will only be available in spring presales, replacing the XF. All snowmobiles produced in 2020 must be ordered in the spring, you will not be able to buy one at your dealer. It is due to the massive restructuring of the company!
I prefer the X model which is a 50/50 crossover snowmobile that is more off-trail oriented mainly due to the space of 39.5 and 41.5 between the skis, It’s the same front suspension as the Alpha One, the AMS (Arctic Mountain Suspension) paired with excellent Fox Float QS3 shocks absorbers on the center front and rear suspension. The shock absorbers have the quality of being easy to adjust and can absorb almost anything.
I loved playing off-trail and on the trails with its 2-inch studs track. We were in the breathtaking scenery of the Rockies. This snowmobile is manoeuvrable around the trees in the deep snow. It can be ordered with 2 other track options, 1.35“ and 1.6” of studs.
With its 2-stroke CETC 2 8000 engine producing 165 HP, it rivals all other 850cc engines. The engine is powerful.
The first time I sat behind the wheel, I was immediately comfortable. The ergonomics of the snowmobile is excellent. And the icing on the cake is the starter switch that works very well.
Riot X and Riot were born from a marriage between trail ZR and Alpha One mountain snowmobiles. The color combination with green is what strongly influences my crush; we’re really on an Arctic Cat.
The little thing that bothers me the most about the Riot X and Riot is the seat padding when you are on trails with a lot of bumps, that’s what could be improved. The perfect machine does not exist.
So, if you’re looking for a 50/50 hybrid snowmobile and you don’t know which one to choose, I strongly recommend the Riot X.
