The 2019 ZR 9000 Limited (137) iACT Test
I took possession of a beautiful 2019 Arctic Cat ZR 9000 Limited (137) iACT snowmobile as part of a short-term test carried out in collaboration with the Motoplex dealer in Saint-Eustache.
To begin, let’s take a few moments to do a small overview of some of the ZR 9000 Limited’s technical characteristics. We are talking here of a trail snowmobile powered by a 998 cc C-TEC4, 3-Cylinder 4-Stroke engine, which is turbocharged and equipped with the Arctic Drive System. This provides an optimum combination in speed changes and performance for maximum durability.
The new drive pulley includes a roller bearing on the shaft, which allows for the auto setting of the tension of the belt, a 12.5% reduction of the actual starting point for a more flexible commitment and a lower wear-and-tear of the belt.
The Arctic Race front suspension with 10-inch (25.4 cm) sway is equipped with the handlebar-controlled Fox 1.5 Zero SQI shock absorber (iACT) offering 3 compression adjustment possibilities and it is combined to the PROCROSS-6 saddleless trail skis. This combination provides driving precision and exceptional control.
For the rear suspension, Slide-Action of 13.5 inches (34.3 cm) sway is fitted with an Arctic Cat front shock absorber with an internal floating piston and the all-new rear shock absorber, Fox 2.0 ZERO iQS adjustable on the handlebar (iACT). All combined to the 137 in (348 cm) by 1.25 in (3.175cm) RIPSAW II track thus ensuring unmatched manoeuvrability and acceleration.
The snowmobile was ready and read a beautiful 0.2 km on the dial when I mounted it for the first time. The first word that came to mind was: Wow! It seems that it had been carefully adjusted just for me; the position of the handlebars, saddle height, and position of my boots on the steps … everything was perfect.
Once well positioned on the ride, I started to familiarize myself with the controls. The first thing that jumped out at me is the return of the emergency stop switch (the red spring cord), which was optional in previous years and that I had not seen on an Arctic Cat snowmobile for a very long time. In my opinion, an essential security component should be on all snowmobiles.
The digital instrument panel is very comprehensive and intuitive without too many explanations required; I quickly understood how to view the desired information. Everything is there and easy to control. I appreciated the 12V socket near the dials. It is perfectly positioned to connect a GPS and to charge your phone or the GoPro camera.
Regarding storage, there is an awesome tunnel bag and glasses holder just under the instrument panel that come as standard. It is warmed by the engine’s temperature and closes securely by using magnets. I put my phone and those of my riding companions in it as well as my camera and an extra battery, which is better to keep warm. At the risk of repeating myself, awesome!
I had wanted to test the new generation of Arctic Cat snowmobiles for a long time and let me tell you, I was not disappointed! When I first turned the key, it started smoothly, and the hum of the engine gave me an insight into all the power that lies under the hood.
Given the fact that it was early in the season and that almost no trails in my area are open yet, we chose to ride from St-Zénon and at the end of the day, test the effectiveness of the LED headlights. Subsequently, we went to St-Agathe on the portion of the Petit Train du Nord, which was unsurfaced. Once on the trail, it was impossible for me to hold back, I slowly pressed the accelerator, but with conviction and there I went!
With the ZR 9000 Limited (137) iACT, everything is there, and everything is in the right place. You have power and at the same time driving smoothness, comfort and ergonomics with the iACT system combined with the standard seat heater on this model. The driving precision and agility are incredible given that there is a 3-Cylinder 4-Stroke turbo under the hood.
I can say I pushed the machine quite a bit, as much in the straights as in the sub-woods. I must confess that I am impressed by the accuracy and efficiency of the suspension’s geometry. You must drive in a truly aggressive manner to raise the skis in the curves. The machine literally swallows the bumps, and when I was negotiating curves to position myself as to counterweight, my hands placed themselves instinctively to the correct position in the bends of the end of the handles.
In conclusion, the 2019 ZR 9000 Limited (137) iACT has greatly exceeded my expectations. The suspension control works wonderfully and proves to be a really interesting element when you go through different conditions of trails or different types of driving. You no longer have to kneel down to change the setting of the shock absorbers. Regarding the seat heater, which is standard on this model, I told myself that is was not very useful to me, but I was very surprised with the comfort that it gave me.
The LED headlights provide optimal performance for night rides. It is when we take a break in the middle of the forest and restart the snowmobile that we can see all the power of the lighting.
There are several optional accessories offered that can be installed on the snowmobile that I had the chance to test. Some of which are hand protectors with integrated mirrors, a socket for the heated visor, and snow scrapers (ice scratcher). They are all essential optional accessories to choose when purchasing your new snowmobile.
In the quest for excellence, I would have liked to have the handlebar controls and tank console backlit. I would also have liked to have them a little bigger for easier handling when in motion.
I also noticed quite an accumulation of ice on the intercooler, but it caused no mechanical concern nor any overheating. Other than these small points, for my part, I have nothing to complain about. When I test a snowmobile, I always ask myself, would I buy it? For this one, my answer is yes.
I want to thank the Motoplex group for having allowed me to participate in the test of the 2019 ZR 9000 Limited iACT and more particularly, Marc-Olivier Larente of the Motoplex dealership in Saint-Eustache, for his warm welcome.
If you would like more information regarding the purchase of your next Arctic Cat snowmobile or more details of current promotions at Motoplex. Please do not hesitate to contact Marc-Olivier Larente
Tel: 450-623-7007
Email : [email protected]
