2012 Cats, what do you think?

atdubs

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So, what is everyone's opinion on the new Cats? Pretty interesting that with a all new chassis, they just threw in the existing motors. I think the 1100 non-turbo is a joke. IMO I don't think it will come close to competing with the new Vector, and why they even thought about putting it in a mountain sled is a little weird. The 1100 turbo is a little different story, I think they may have quite a few potential buyers who wanted a turbo from Yamaha or Ski-Doo. Of course the great equalizer in this whole Arctic Car 4-stroke line is the dry weight of the sleds. If they come in significantly lighter than the Yammie, they will probably do pretty good, perception is everything for getting a first year model on everyone's short list.
 
After this major recall they just had, it would be hard for me to consider buying the first year of an all new design from them.
 
If the info on HCS is correct then the F1100T is listed at 548 lbs which is the same weight as my 06 RTX. Admittedly, the 2011 & 12 Apex are 25 - 30 lbs heavier than that. So yes, the cat is lighter, but not in an earth shattering way.

I'm assuming the chassis will handle well and have a nice suspension like the chassis it's replacing. But I'm still suspicious about quality and strength. It will be interesting to see how it plays out next year.

I predict many of our members who have been venting so much the last few weeks will return to their Apex after experiencing a season of Cat quality and light-weight construction. We shall see.
 
I think the reason the 1100 non turbo is offered is because they are working on an all new DI 600 two stroke that they will mid season release next year. I like there new Chassis and I don't think it will be any weaker than the XP.
 
I love them all. Great line up this year. Finally another sled I may replace my SC apex with out of the box if something were to happen.

I will be at the dealers door when they come in and very interested in fit and finish and how they hold up after the first year.
 
kinger said:
I love them all. Great line up this year. Finally another sled I may replace my SC apex with out of the box if something were to happen.

I will be at the dealers door when they come in and very interested in fit and finish and how they hold up after the first year.

;)!
 
I really enjoy riding my 06 Apex mountain, but I'm thinking of checking out these new cats. The 4 stroke game is Yamaha's to own, being the first one all in. It's disappointing to see another manufacturer introduce a lighter mountain sled (supposedly, no published weights yet) with more power than the Apex mountain that was retired. On the other hand competition is a good thing. Hopefully Yamaha will release something to compete with the new 1100 Turbo Proclimb.
 
I'm not sure how you can look at a picture and make a judgement on strength???

But I will tell you I bet with the increased distance between the A arms will significantly increase in distance between center of gravity and the roll center which will make this a formidable chasis.

I bet it will rival the new Polaris rush for handling in the deep stuff and be wicked on on the trails. That has been the biggest problem I have been trying to counteract in the Yammis. It is not the weight issue but fighting the roll center vs center of gravity in the geometry of the rx and the apex design. We have all gone to 13 mm sway bars trying to keep the ski lift under control but still have to fight the bars on the tight twisties. The power steering on the 2011's help but add a 1 piece steering linkage with no joints these must steer like your on glass.
 
Yamadog said:
I'm not sure how you can look at a picture and make a judgement on strength???

But I will tell you I bet with the increased distance between the A arms will significantly increase in distance between center of gravity and the roll center which will make this a formidable chasis.

I bet it will rival the new Polaris rush for handling in the deep stuff and be wicked on on the trails. That has been the biggest problem I have been trying to counteract in the Yammis. It is not the weight issue but fighting the roll center vs center of gravity in the geometry of the rx and the apex design. We have all gone to 13 mm sway bars trying to keep the ski lift under control but still have to fight the bars on the tight twisties. The power steering on the 2011's help but add a 1 piece steering linkage with no joints these must steer like your on glass.

I think the high mounted upper a-arm will really help with rolling.
 
AttakSnow2 said:
After this major recall they just had, it would be hard for me to consider buying the first year of an all new design from them.


No disrespect but the fact Yamaha failed to "recall" certain suspension, handwarmer and mechanical issues to name a few why would you be concerned? Im actually impressed a/c took the initiative to fix the handful of sleds with problems and be proactive to look after the rest. I have been a Yamaha owner since 07 and own 4 machines since then and im seriously thinking of giving the 4 stroke a/c a chance to prove itself with me.
 
Yes I spring ordered one of the 1st 03 rx-1's in 02 and when the motor blew they told me it 1 month out of warranty because I took delivery in october and thats when the warranty started and it blew in december of the 2nd year. hundreds of idler wheels, axles, bushings, bearings, W arms later all determined to be "wear items" I could give a crap about warranties.
 
My hat goes off to Cat...ALL of the sleds look great..CAT nailed it IMO...I'm not in the market but would consider going back when I am.
 


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