Sidewinder vs thundercat

[NYTurbo]

Cat recalled all their clutches so no longer an issue. There was way more yamaha clutching issues discussed last year than Cat.

 

[budman 1000]

all I was saying basically was check that the recall was done before buying a Cat, not saying one brand of clutching was any better or worse than the other.

 

[NYTurbo]

The biggest advantage is the SW Jack shaft. Heftier splines and longer allowing the secondary to float.

 

[Big_Phil]

I was in the same boat earlier this season. I almost pulled the trigger on a 17 cat LTD, dealer in Ottawa had them for 13499, but ended up going with a sidewinder. Those cat belts are expensive, and I just didn't trust the cat clutches.

 

[gouldsjett1]

Even if the only difference between these two sleds was color I would hands down buy the yamaha. Simply because of the support from all the members helping each other. The knowledge one can pick up here is priceless!

 

[snowbeast]

Hey guys i currently have my turboed viper up for sale! Once sold im looking at getting a sidewinder or a zr 9000 thundercat!
It seems that the sidewinder is dominating the market over it's arctic cat version! What is the main reason for this?
From what i understand the only difference between the 2 is the clutching!
Are there any other difference?
I've been in contact with a few dealers both ac and yamaha and the zr9000 seems to be a little cheaper (around 700$)
Any input is greatly appreciated!
I'm a yamaha guy and alway have been but since the amalgamation between the to companies i can live with either brand

If you get the thundercat,it comes with shocks not much better than a SW SE if you get one of the SW with LE pkg. its the king of stock shocks.

 

[snowbeast]

I was in the same boat earlier this season. I almost pulled the trigger on a 17 cat LTD, dealer in Ottawa had them for 13499, but ended up going with a sidewinder. Those cat belts are expensive, and I just didn't trust the cat clutches.

Good Call Phil,i feel the same way,my 13 procross left such a sour taste in my mouth from there 200 dollar belts blowing up every 400-500 miles,i just could not be temted to get another turbo cat unless it was free.

 

[snowbeast]

imo cat as better suspention but sidewinder has better clutches.

IN fact the suapension is the same on both sleds,what makes them different other than color,is shocks and clutching and gearing,cats are geared lower too.

 

[Snowaddict]

Both come out of the same plant.

Yup, they do. But when Yamahas are running on the line their quality control guys are watching with a fine eye. It's still not the exact same. If you don't believe me, look at each side by side. The vipers were especially easy to see the differences. Thundercat tunnel is more plain. I ride with a guy whom has one. Still a great sled, but I still go with the Yamaha sidewinder.

 

[yamamarc]

Thanks guys awsome info thanks!!!
I am pretty convinced now to stick with yamaha!!
129" track le as you guys mentionned!
I love my viper but i'm at a point where to up the hp will take the headshim........
My viper has ran flawlessly and its still mint but i love hp!!lol
Wish me luck on selling it!!!
Then i ll be jumping into the sidewinder section of this great forum
Btw this thing is getting flashed, piped and cluthed before hitting the snow
Thanks again
Marc

 

[allyammies]

Found a leftover RTX for 10,900 man I want to pull the trigger.

 

[Big_Phil]

Good Call Phil,i feel the same way,my 13 procross left such a sour taste in my mouth from there 200 dollar belts blowing up every 400-500 miles,i just could not be temted to get another turbo cat unless it was free.

Yup. When I crunched the numbers on how much I might spend on belts, torsional converions, etc. Plus some people were telling me those Cat clutches will be garbage once they hit like 5000 miles and need replacing.

My buddy has a turned up 2012 turbo, he rides around with at least 3 spare belts. lol

 

[Sledroll]

Be sure to get the LE or RR model only IMO. The lesser models just dont ride as well.

Also, if you search up transfer..you will find these do not transfer well at all, and I see you own a 14 RTX viper, and so I assume you are good with a 129". I would recommend the 129 for better transfer.

That being said, it throws the T-Cat out of the mix, since the Tcat is only a 137.

I do believe the Qs3 shocks on the Tcat are a really good shock, and for much of the time will ride comparably to LE/RR Qs3R shocks, but they do not have REBOUND on them, which is what the R stands for in Qs3R. And I do believe the center shock is lower level then Qs3, and rear too.

Problem is, you will have hard time finding a LE now, as its early buy only....but you will find several T-cats out there, and even some 17 Tcat leftovers. If you are ok with a 137, and want to save some cash the Tat may be best way to go now. They "may" have longer belt life too.

Dan

does the Cat 137 transfer better than the SW 137 ?

 

[**sj**]

cats secondary is disposable ..literally....this is the biggest difference...if you want transfer ..go 129..137 has different mounting position which is hard to overcome

 

[ROCKERDAN]

does the Cat 137 transfer better than the SW 137 ?

No diff. Same sleds.