Drove the XF 9000 Cross Country Limited (137)

[upei93]

Local Yamaha/AC dealer had test rides yesterday on the XF 9000...ride was about 15 min on twisty trails with one good straight stretch. I'm coming off a Nytro XTX with a ton of mods to make it handle.

Engine...no lag at all, wouldn't have known it was a turbo. Don't think clutching was bang on and trails were icy ...pulled hard but not as crazy as I expected...buddy with me who has MC Express 180 kit on his Nytro said his pulled harder...again probably clutching/icy trails.
Rear Suspension...this is what impressed me the most...I have the Star kit on my XTX and the cat skid is better.
Front suspension...I found it twitchy on the icy trail (I have mountain tech a-arms and slydog hellhounds on my xtx) I would have liked more ski pressure but that's me...my buddy had no complaints about front.
Brake...worked well but squeaked the whole ride...this sled has been going from dealer to dealer doing demo rides so probably part of the problem.

Overall I didn't get off machine with the feeling that I had to have one, having said that it was an Arctic Cat with Team clutching not a Yamaha ...probably will wait one year and let you guys iron out kinks.

 

[stevewithOCD]

Finally some input! These were some of my concerns. My GUT feeling is Yamaha clutches will be more spot on. I know it was icy, but do you feel 129" track will be enough for this sled?

 

[stevewithOCD]

I hope more guys report with test rides. I told my dealer i'd have final decision next week

 

[upei93]

Finally some input! These were some of my concerns. My GUT feeling is Yamaha clutches will be more spot on. I know it was icy, but do you feel 129" track will be enough for this sled?

I would go longer but that's me...we don't ride with studs so usually longer is better for us...again hard to tell on an icy trail with a couple inches of fluff on top.

 

[buyrite01]

129 no way period! Cat dosent even offer it on the thunder cat? only 137 for there baddest sled they make wonder why? a lot power to try to get hooked up.

 

[Tyloooor]

That looks to be the cross country....doesn't it have a 1.75" track? no wonder it wouldn't hook up

 

[upei93]

That looks to be the cross country....doesn't it have a 1.75" track? no wonder it wouldn't hook up

Yup...1.75 backcountry. Wish I could have taken it out on some local trails that would have allowed hook up! Don't know about anything smaller then a 137...not even considering them.

 

[Tyloooor]

oh for sure that's the way I'd go. Love the mountain seat. I like that set up minus the 1.75" track- I'd go 1.5" with studs. With all that HP I think you'll need studs for sure. Otherwise it would be a scary ride

 

[Sledroll]

Local Yamaha/AC dealer had test rides yesterday on the XF 9000...ride was about 15 min on twisty trails with one good straight stretch. I'm coming off a Nytro XTX with a ton of mods to make it handle.

Engine...no lag at all, wouldn't have known it was a turbo. Don't think clutching was bang on and trails were icy ...pulled hard but not as crazy as I expected...buddy with me who has MC Express 180 kit on his Nytro said his pulled harder...again probably clutching/icy trails.
Rear Suspension...this is what impressed me the most...I have the Star kit on my XTX and the cat skid is better.
Front suspension...I found it twitchy on the icy trail (I have mountain tech a-arms and slydog hellhounds on my xtx) I would have liked more ski pressure but that's me...my buddy had no complaints about front.
Brake...worked well but squeaked the whole ride...this sled has been going from dealer to dealer doing demo rides so probably part of the problem.

Overall I didn't get off machine with the feeling that I had to have one, having said that it was an Arctic Cat with Team clutching not a Yamaha ...probably will wait one year and let you guys iron out kinks.

which shock package is on that sled ?

 

[upei93]

which shock package is on that sled ?

Ski Shocks FOX 1.5 ZERO QS3
Front Travel in. (cm) 9 (22.86)
Rear Suspension SLIDE-ACTION Rear Suspension with tri-hub rear axle system, coupling blocks, Torque-Sensing Link rear arm and adjustable torsion springs
Front Track Shock Arctic Cat IFP 1.5
Rear Track Shock FOX 2.0 ZERO QS3
Rear Travel in. (cm) 13.5 (34.29)

 

[DranttelSS]

I am not too familiar with the Cat models, but this appears to be the same setup as the Sidewinder XTX 137 LE, minus the mountain seat.

Thanks for the review

 

[nytro-king]

How was the engine noice? Smood? Or rattle clutch at idle?

 

[upei93]

How was the engine noice? Smood? Or rattle clutch at idle?

very smooth...no rattle...quiet from what I remember. Sounded like a stock viper maybe...

 

[Dealerjohn]

Finally some input! These were some of my concerns. My GUT feeling is Yamaha clutches will be more spot on. I know it was icy, but do you feel 129" track will be enough for this sled?

Yamaha clutching spot on? That'll be a first.

 

[Tyloooor]

I heard they got rid of engine braking.....did you notice that?