Sidewinder or Cat

[yamadooman]

Thinking about going with a 4 stroke again, and wondering if any of you would choose an Arctic Cat version over your Sidewinder if you had the chance to do it over.. It doesn't seem like they are having as many issues, mainly clutch issues and belt issues.. I have always been a Yamaha fan, and probably still bleed a little Blue, but would definitely consider the T Cat for the right deal (especially since it a Yamaha powerplant).

 

[**sj**]

yam better warranty dept over cat (marginally now) even with issues...yam clutches better than team especially secondary...yam belts cheaper...if you want the supposed better belt life...gear closer to cats gearing...

 

[Snowaddict]

Are you talking about getting a '17 or '18? I actually think the T-Cat had less clutching issues this year. I might actually consider a Cat if I was going to purchase a '17 again. Ironically, Yamaha's reputation for clutching was a primary factor in why I went with a sidewinder. I didn't really care for the T-Cat color options though either.
If I was getting an 18 very tough call. I like color options from both. Have no idea if any clutching changes were made in the 18s. Don't think you can go wrong with either. I have always been a Yamaha guy too. So, it takes quite a bit of problems to make me look at another brand.

 

[yamadooman]

A left over 17... I like the Red/ White /and Black combination.. A lot don't, but I do.. In Yamaha, I would look for a slightly used LE

 

[Conedodger]

I actually prefer the Tcat for 18, graphics, windshield, snow deflectors, hand guards. I saw something on their new 2018 clutches.... but it could have been new for 17? Something about a needle bearing in the primary, no adjustment needed for the secondary, and at idle the belt always went all the way out on the secondary for better/consistent off idle leave. I was also a fan of the Yami clutches when shopping 17's but I'm on the fence now. Bottom line, I like my yamaha dealer better so I'll prob go that way, he does a few extra things (storage and awesome warranty work) which seem solid to me.

 

[Snowaddict]

A left over 17... I like the Red/ White /and Black combination.. A lot don't, but I do.. In Yamaha, I would look for a slightly used LE

I liked that color the best too. I have had a few blue ones (SRX, RX-1, Vector), but love vintage Red, white and black.
If you get a '17 Yamaha, just make sure updates are done and things are tightened. I would change secondary rollers and primary spring, check offset, and machine for coil bind in secondary. Also, check filter for excess oil and antifreeze level. In both cat and sidewinder you may want to do something with the tri-hub (since both share this) due to previous failures. Others may have other suggestions, but these have been my experience after 1 season on a Sidewinder LTX-LE (Heat red of course. )

 

[jonlafon1]

Biggest and only factor I see is the belt cost between the two. The Cats have better graphics. They have always been the best looking sled on snow IMO

 

[**sj**]

Don't kid yourself...they have issues with clutches over there...not all...but some on a grander scale...and their secondary is a disposable unit...you'll start hearing about this as many get above 3-4 thousand miles.

 

[Doowithblue]

Nobody is running the stk cat belts anyway that are In the know. Too hard. Which is partly why their clutches slipped. Clutch kit with softer belt and torsional along with gearing fixes that. I have a new tcat coming and will post results

 

[Frozenstiff]

A 1000x more support on this site for the Yamaha Sidewinder, than there is for the Arctic Cat on the total net, combined.
If you want awesome product support, it is here. Way more support than any dealer can give you.

 

[AXR]

If you are talking about an LE sidewinder. The only way to get that shock package in the cat is the RR and then you lose the heated seat. Also the RR MSRP went up $450 from '17 to '18

 

[Doowithblue]

Yup that is correct. The tcat center is the weak link. Otherwise it's kashima coat vs regular which isn't a deal breaker. Tcat comes with heated seat.

 

[Pstn head]

Yami all the way.

 

[Fleecer]

Yamaha reputation for bulletproof clutches will die with the apex.

 

[Snowaddict]

Yamaha reputation for bulletproof clutches will die with the apex.

The Viper clutches are bad too?