Early in January, we went to Pro-Arctic in Montmagny to try out two Arctic Cat snowmobiles. We present today our test of the ZR 9000 El Tigré.
Upon arrival, we receive a warm welcome from the owners. The machines are almost brand new; in fact, they are still in their breaking-in period. We present here the opinions given by our three test pilots after about 200 kilometers on federated trails between Montmagny and Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, in respect of snowmobile riding regulation.
We must also mention that we run the test on a freezing day and that it is going to get even colder in the afternoon due to head winds in open areas.
First observations
At first sight, the machine is cool, stocky yet tall.
It results in an immediate comfortable riding position that is going to last all day long. Furthermore, the eye-catching aluminum front bumper gives quite a look to this machine. Especially with its bright color, painted with powder-coat finish that makes it scratch resistant.
The other element that immediately catches your eyes, or rather your ears, is the silence! The engine produces a muffled sound; even at high rev power, it remains quite silent. It will be the same on trail. The drive train is as quiet as the engine. No whistling coming from the turbo. Only a very feline purring!
The engine of the gentle tiger
This snowmobile is equipped with a bicylinder 4-stroke engine of 1056 cc with dry sump. So, it is lower and the crankshaft does not wade into a sump full of oil – accelerations are more instant! The liquid-cooled 9000 C-TEC4TM engine is turbocharged and develops 177 HP. No matter the situation, response is instant and power is fluently delivered.
Suspensions and chassis
In its standard edition, the ZR 9000 El Tigré is equipped with a 327,7 cm / 129 in track and the Slide-Action rear suspension is quite efficient to keep skis firmly planted all while absorbing bumps surprisingly well.
The unusual design of the front suspension (very tall and widely spaced triangular arms) also contributes to our comfort and excellent riding control.
The ProCrossTM chassis offers a tapered 2-piece tunnel. Narrow at the top, wider at the bottom. It is very rigid and it helps reducing not only snow spray thrown at the pilot from the sides, but also snow spray thrown up on his back from the rear end.
Comfort and conveniences
The gauge lets you choose between digital or analog display of speed and tachometer. There is also an odometer, two trip meters, reverse indicator and some other data.
A glove compartment is located at the bottom of the wind deflector. The manufacturer calls this a goggle holder and says they will be kept warm and dry. This is true. But it would also be convenient for a sandwich! A small storage bag is also located behind the seat on the tunnel. This semi-rigid bag is tied up with quick-fasten straps.
The heated seat is a standard feature (on some models) that is very appreciated. But there are only two settings available. Personally, I prefer the low one; the high setting was really too hot. It could be improved by the addition of some intermediate settings.
The accessory outlet is very useful for a heated visor.
Just turn the key to start up. It is simple and easy. Except with thick gloves or mittens on! The key is squeezed on the right side of the gauge, close to the wind deflector. And the pin (grip for the fingers) is rather short (very short). When your hands are cold, inside thick gloves, well, sometimes you must try twice or three times before start up is a success.
The windshield, or rather the wind deflector here, is really a little short and does not provide much protection. Same for the hands that are completely exposed to cold wind.
Controls and ergonomics
The brake lever extends the whole width of the left handle. It is easy to reach and operate in all situations. However, on the right handle, the accelerator is located in such a strange angle that it causes some pain after a while on trail. It should be easy to correct this.
On trail
Among our group today, and despite its low protection against wind, it is the favorite. The engine power delivery, all in softness, seems to be infinite; this is an asset. The comfortable riding position has to be mentionned.
Very stable in all conditions we met, it is also an easy-to-control machine, as long as the pilot keeps control of the accelerator. Entering a turn is easy and the machine really follows the direction you are steering to. No need of any corrective on the way. We all liked the rear suspension that does a great job in keeping the track as well as the skis firmly planted. And it seems like the track is exactly of the right length.
Conclusion
With the conveniences, the comfort and the quality of riding, I dare say that this is an almost perfect snowmobile – and all three pilots were asking for more! The evaluation summary shows our appreciation. Without favor, this snowmobile got a high score.
