Did you guys see the new Cat Catalyst?

[Trailleader]

Don't be so sure of that not happening. I have 2500 miles with belt drive on my 998, all smiles so far

I know the belt drive works
They are on sleds over 500 hp now
I am saying is it as good?
Conflicting reviews and as I stated a long time ago they tried them
I haven’t seen a super bike yet with belt drive
Just saying
Maybe Knapp tried the belt in his racing days
Idk

 

[actionjack]

Next year's buyers and the year after will be the test pilots for the belt drive, as always.

Obviously, any mill available to Cat has been considered if not actually already mounted in the Catalyst, including the 998T. Its silly to wonder about it. Obviously, they need an 850 or equivalent including a boosted version now to keep up. You can bet those machines are ripping out west as we speak. We saw the RMK boost protos in West Yellowstone the year before they came out.

 

[cannondale27]

Next year's buyers and the year after will be the test pilots for the belt drive, as always.

Obviously, any mill available to Cat has been considered if not actually already mounted in the Catalyst, including the 998T. Its silly to wonder about it. Obviously, they need an 850 or equivalent including a boosted version now to keep up. You can bet those machines are ripping out west as we speak. We saw the RMK boost protos in West Yellowstone the year before they came out.

We saw Catalyst in West Yellowstone last week. They are riding them. Minnesota also has had a great snow year for testing. Here is two at a Bar we were at.

 

[KnappAttack]

I know the belt drive works
They are on sleds over 500 hp now
I am saying is it as good?
Conflicting reviews and as I stated a long time ago they tried them
I haven’t seen a super bike yet with belt drive
Just saying
Maybe Knapp tried the belt in his racing days
Idk

Never tried belt drive. I did however try the motorcycle chain that was supposed to be so efficient and saw zero gain.

I'm not sure there is any advantage to a belt efficiency wise. Maybe a weight advantage only, but you know darn well cat will claim it as one. When at the high HP levels were running at with the winder, you just are not going to find much to gain in efficiency in the driveline. A big gain would be to replace the track with a tire..... At that point it just becomes a motorcycle and not a snowmobile. The track is the biggest power thief in the system.

 

[Trailleader]

I’m interested in this
Not against it at all
I’ve also heard gains and losses but without using myself it’s just guessing
What do you like about yours fino?
Do you feel it’s more reliable

 

[stgdz]

The belt drive has holes in it for a chanincase cover.

 

[Big Ugly]

Biggest prob with belt drive on a 4 stroke is the lack of reverse unless someone devises a belt drive reverse chaincase but then most of the belt drive advantage is gone.

True but I seldom transport my sled ride from my place it was more of a convenience and to lose 13 pounds of chaincase and it's problems was worth it. After 2500 miles on the belt drive wish I would have done it from day one.

 

[Trailleader]

True but I seldom transport my sled ride from my place it was more of a convenience and to lose 13 pounds of chaincase and it's problems was worth it. After 2500 miles on the belt drive wish I would have done it from day one.

What was conversion cost

 

[Big Ugly]

1200.00.

 

[Trailleader]

Is there a lot of available ratios

 

[STAIN]

There is no way you could go without reverse on these 4strokes for trail riders. Getting them out of the trailer, out of the shop, fuel stops etc. would be a pain in the #*$&@. You just don't pick up the front end and toss it over like a ZR 440.
I am interested in belt drive, just not at the expense of reverse.

 

[Big Ugly]

Is there a lot of available ratios

Many. I stayed similar to stock gearing for mine is still stock other than a MBRP trail can I installed so could keep an eye on the belt drive, like you wasn't a believer at first. Quite a difference in quickness and a bit of gain on top end.

 

[Trailleader]

Good to hear
Thank you

 

[Upstater57]

There is no way you could go without reverse on these 4strokes for trail riders. Getting them out of the trailer, out of the shop, fuel stops etc. would be a pain in the #*$&@. You just don't pick up the front end and toss it over like a ZR 440.
I am interested in belt drive, just not at the expense of reverse.

Yup, Cannot fire the 4 stroke 998 backwards. If you did the valve train keepers would fall out. LOL

 

[Big Ugly]

Good to hear
Thank you

anytime