By Arcticinside.com
With the excellent balance of high horsepower and a longer 15 x 144 x 1.25-inch track, the Z1 Turbo EXT was the surprise hit on the 2010 line. Arctic Cat has responded by adding an F8 EXT for 2011. The adjustable IRP “trail” handlebar suggests that this is more of a trail sled than a cross-over.
Joining the F8 LXR and F8 Sno Pro for 2011 is the F8 Sno Pro Limtied, which adds these extras to the package:
• Hand guards;
• Rear storage bag;
• Sport front bumper;
• Electric start;
• Sublime Green paint scheme.
An F6 Sno Pro, F5 LXR, and F 570 complete the F Series lineup. With the exception of the F 570 and F8 EXT, all 2011 F Series models are either in Sno Pro or LXR trim.
Back for its second year, the Sno Pro 500 gets a few changes aimed to keep its retail cost low, while the fun factor is high.
The 2011 Sno Pro 500 will come without a hood-mounted brake duct, sway bar, and tunnel-edge grip plates; the last two are available as accessory items. As many racers opted for the faster 1-inch lug Hacksaw track this season, Arctic Cat has switched to it as a production hoop.
And, finally, a switch to 5.5-inch-wide plastic skis satisfies all states’ maximum ski-stance rules.
The mystery machine for the Arctic Cat 2011 lineup turned out to be the new for 2011 Z1 Turbo Sno Pro Limited, which takes the Sno Pro-specific Fox Floats/low windshield/taller handlebar riser and adds:
• Hand guards;
• A rear storage bag;
• A sport front bumper;
• An electric-heated seat;
• The distinctive Sublime Green paint.
The Z1 Turbo Sno Pro and Z1 Turbo LXR returned unchanged for 2011, save for a higher windshield on the LXR. A huge hit last season, the Z1 Turbo EXT returns for 2011 with an electric-heated IRP adjustable seat. The non-turbo Z1 LXR and Z1 Sno Pro are unchanged for next season.
Arctic Cat indicates significant improvement to the ride calibration of the 2011 M Series Sno Pro and HCR models, benefitting both hill-climbing ability and on-trail manners.
The M8 HCR keeps its 15 x 153 x 2.25-inch Power Claw track, but gets the longer 162-inch rear tunnel extension to accommodate the additional clearance required by certain traction mods. Other changes include:
• Spacers to stiffen the rear idler wheels;
• Swapping a tether cord for the key switch;
• Additional protection for the rear coolant hoses.
The standard M8 transitions to a coil-over Fox Zero Pro shock on the rear arm, eliminating the torsion springs to deliver a lighter package without a sacrifice in ride quality.
Joining the M8 and M8 Sno Pro for 2011 is the M8 Sno Pro Limited, with extra goodies like hand guards, a BCA backpack, ice scratchers, a handlebar bag, a goggle holder, a rear storage bag, and Sublime Green coloring.
The M8 also comes with Fox Zero Pro shocks with coil-over springs on the rear arm, eliminating the two torsion springs for reduced weight without sacrificing ride quality.
The Bearcat 570 gets a 2-up riding focus to complement its utility focus, with a new rear passenger seat, foot rests, fiberglass overload, springs, and standard electric start.