Arctic Cat 858 Catalyst Demo Day at ERX - February 17, 2024

[@robertbarrett6910]

I've got an 858 RXC on order and I'm getting more and more excited with every video review that I see.

[@ponycarfan]

Awesome choice! Congratulations!

[@jlo13800]

yes the 858, imagine the 2 stroke scaled up into a 930 CID 2 stroke inline 6 for trucks! im thinking of an 1716 OP 2 stroke made from 2 858 engines with the pistons facing each other lie an Mini Fairbanks Morse. here the 2 stroke OP ACE cummins: mart.cummins.com/imagelibrary/data/assetfiles/0058689.pdf

[@marvlenzner8474]

Me too I'm like a buck in the rut 😁

[@jlo13800]

@@marvlenzner8474The torque the 858 has is amazing, like a 2 stroke turbo diesel.

[@marvlenzner8474]

@jlo13800 great to hear that thanks

[@jimellis8051]

Once again great video with lots of good infromation. Glad you were able to test ride. We had no snow in Eagle River. Hopefully, the rest of the demo rides planned will have rideable snow.

[@ponycarfan]

Thank you! At the very end of the video, I pull in the to staging area and there's a rider ahead of me in a red Arctic Cat jacket you might recognize. 😉

[@stuwest7817]

Yes! I did order a 2025 catalyst 858 sno pro with a 137 track and the M8 garmin upgrade. Can't wait to get that thing. Of course we just have to get some snow for a change, The last 2 years here in western New York have been very bad!!

[@ponycarfan]

Congrats on the new sled! It will be awesome!

[@donmunro144]

Yeah I'm from Northern Ny. We didn't have enough snow this year to justify a new machine.

[@jjkcollins]

Watch the snow west show you ain't gonna be impressed I almost bought one

[@coldairbuick]

Thanks for such a great video! I planned on ordering a new 858 in a 129” track but since I don’t even have 200 miles on my 2024 Catalyst I will order a 2026. I love this sled and it is so exciting to see everyone loving this new Arctic Cat.

[@ponycarfan]

I’m in the same boat, my 24 ZR 137” is still in break-in mode. I rode a 129” ZR during last year’s photo shoot and liked it. But, I didn’t notice how much easier it was to get around tight corners until I rode a 137 and 129 back to back at ERX. The 129 is what I need for the trails I normally ride!

[@dougpullman3699]

Thank you, finally a decent video of the 858.

[@jlo13800]

i got a 2025 riot with silber turbokzbin.info/www/bejne/pYPTg4mBmbisZ9k

[@marvlenzner8474]

Tremendous video thanks, gotta 25 riot atac, g8 and orange ordered on first go 🎉

[@ponycarfan]

Congrats! I think you’ll be happy with the upgraded shocks and G8.

[@jlo13800]

Im thinking of getting a 2025 Riot with this option! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYm1eo2Ah52smLM

[@marvlenzner8474]

@@ponycarfan thanks and with the atac, gotta journey planning for it, be safe

[@steelmooseacsled2527]

They were awesome! I loved the 858 Riot and that was probably the greatest ride I’ve ever had on a snowmobile! If I were to order a new 858 catalyst, it would be the Riot Sno Pro

[@ponycarfan]

If those new AC5S shocks are any good, the Sno Pro package is a great value! I’m definitely considering it for my next Catalyst.

[@steelmooseacsled2527]

@@ponycarfan cool!

[@jlo13800]

I like this engine so much i wouldn't mind joining 3 858 together to make a 2 stroke inline 6 with turbo and drop it in an f-150! 6 858's would make a sick OP 2 stroke inline 6 125 piston like a fairbanks Morse. Here is a 2 stroke OP cummins mart.cummins.com/imagelibrary/data/assetfiles/0058689.pdf

[@KyleKAP]

You have helped me again, while I love my 24 ZR 137 Atac and may keep it as a spare, I think you are correct on the 129 with the 858. I'll probably wait a year or two an see if they work out any bugs. I am going to add the Garmin and studs for icy turns and breaking. There's an Arctic Cat demo in Munising Saturday and if we get a predicted storm I may go to it. Thanks again for a great video! Kyle

[@ponycarfan]

I’m glad my videos help, hope they’re able to have the demo!

[@Heinester]

another great video . thanks . I ordered it 858 MTN. 154 Track blue and black I'm from Washington state

[@ponycarfan]

Wow, Congrats! That should be an awesome sled!

[@sooperdan]

I really hope this engine works well for cat, it really sucks that we had a bad winter in the north east, im sure it will cut into spring orders

[@ponycarfan]

Me, too. The engine was delayed a year because of supply chain, they had this ready to go last year. That gives me usually high confidence in the design. Anything can happen when it gets into the hands of consumers, but they’ve had extra time to work out the bugs. I agree on this winter - bad snow conditions throughout North America will dampen sales across all brands. Hopefully, with the pent up demand for Cat’s new engine, those that were waiting will buy, even though others will sit on the fence this year.

[@agman4208]

2025 Mountain Cat on order. Really excited about it. My ‘19 Alpha has 2400 miles on it and has been solid. I am the only Cat on the mountain where I ride…literally. All Polaris where I am. Finally Cat has something new that is causing a lot of excitement where I am. Many friends are all ready saying they want a ride next year. Too bad I have to drive 4.5 hours to pick it up, zero dealers in my area. Cat needs to address dealers, we need more, especially in my area

[@ponycarfan]

I'm glad to hear from someone who has ridden the Alpha and wants another one. Seems (to me) like most of the people who don't like the Alpha have never actually ridden it, or don't understand how to ride it. I expect the Catalyst with the 858 and Alpha rear should be a complete dominator for mountain riders. Congrats!

[@jlo13800]

the torque this 858 makes is mind boggling!

[@fasterdura1772]

We are waiting patiently for our demo ride on March 30th in Revelstoke BC. WE DID ALREADY ORDER 2 154 2.6 and a 154 3 inch. And add to that our dealer got us a 137 zr 858 to drag race in our division for following year. Can’t wait 🏆. This sled will be another podium winner in the drag strip following the Firecat 700 that dominated from 2003 to 2009 and following the Cat 800 HO from 2010 and onto date today. 858 will carry on. 🙏🙏.

[@ponycarfan]

Congratulations on the new sleds! It will be a long summer, waiting for them to arrive! 😎

[@ramrox2460]

Oh I think the patriot 850 still has more up top

[@fasterdura1772]

@@ramrox2460 never in a zillion years son.

[@thundercat998]

ZR 137" 858 with ATAC on order. Pretty excited about it after riding a 600 last year. Can't wait.

[@ponycarfan]

That's an awesome choice! Congrats!

[@Eighty8Fitter]

My son rode the riot and he said he didn’t like it. It pushes too much in the corners but that could be the fact that the snow was man made, basically felt like sand. I rode the RXC and the thing rips, easily turns in the corners and out of the hole shot it excels. The powerband is pretty linear so that’s a big plus like you said!

[@ponycarfan]

The long track on the Riot is a liability on those tight corners. On a trail, it's less of a problem. My 21 Riot doesn't handle as well as the Catalyst version. People who don't mind the longer track for trails would be very happy with the Catalyst Riot. But I'm with you on the ZR's - much better on tight corners, which is mainly what I've been riding up north.

[@96stoker818]

I ordered a 2025 riot 858 with atac 146 track with 1.75 hurricane with g8 gauge, never rode a cat on trails or did a test drive of the new catalyst.

[@ponycarfan]

Congratulations! That’s a great choice!

[@wiitmann205]

Ordered the 858 RXC. Now I'm thinking about trading in my 600 RXC for an 858 ATAC if possible, as well. Everything I hear is Excellent!

[@ponycarfan]

Cool! Which track are you leaning towards for the 858 ATAC?

[@wiitmann205]

​@@ponycarfanI might take your advice on the 129. Really that much of a difference in the windy trails? I like the rear suspension on the 137 RXC that I have now, it eats the bumps.

[@jonathancameron2136]

The wheel above the scratcher holder is going to break those off when your suspension bottoms.

[@ponycarfan]

@@jonathancameron2136 I’ll take a look at that. Thanks for pointing it out!

[@ponycarfan]

I checked, and it's going to be really, really close. Without compressing the suspension it's hard to tell, but I'm going to investigate further. Good eye - thank you!

[@outlawracing99]

Man o man how am I going to decide on a 858 129 or 137? I have a 23 zr6000 137 now. Coming from a 20yr old cat 121 the 137 is soo nice. the 137 you have to go a tad slower in corners but I’m not exactly needing to race it in the corners just braap it hard on the straights. My 137 was a sled check that someone bailed on. Who knows what I would have bought if there was a 600 129 and 137 side by side at dealer. The choice would have giving me a headache like it is now. Damn decision’s lol

[@ponycarfan]

That was kind of my predicament a year ago. Coming from a ProCross, steering is easier and both the 129 and 137 are very flat in the corners. Having more track on the snow, I think the 137 would do a better job dealing with the extra power of the 858, especially at higher speeds. The 129 is definitely better if you want to corner aggressively and not focus as much on top speed. And, if that doesn’t help, remember that you can’t go wrong either way - they’re both great choices!

[@outlawracing99]

Well said my friend. I think you nailed it on the head with the 137 with more track at higher speeds. I agree ya can’t go wrong either way. I’ll just do 137 and go alittle slower in tight stuff. After all it’s not really a race in the long run. Thx for reply.

[@steveguenthner6697]

Will the Polaris Ride Command tie in with the new G8?

[@ponycarfan]

That’s a great question. Unfortunately, I don’t think so. Based on what I’ve been able to find, Garmin’s group ride is proprietary, meaning it is NOT compatible with Ride Command.

[@steveguenthner6697]

ok thanks.. figured it would be that way but AC makes no statement about it.@@ponycarfan

[@michaelhabada3493]

Sadly i can't buy anew sled. The winners are horrible in wisco these days. That and the 20k price tag is crazy for something i use 3 months out of the year when we do have snow. But if i did it would be the 600 catalyst.

[@ponycarfan]

I believe the snowmobile marketplace is improving for consumers, with more new and used sleds for sale. This puts pressure on prices, and we’re seeing manufacturers offer rebates on current model year machines. That hasn’t happened in several years. We’ll probably never get back to pre-covid prices, but I think it will be more realistic. In other words, I think you’ll start seeing used Catalysts for sale at prices that are more reasonable.

[@jerrydier5691]

I have had a chance to ride one and I won’t because I know I’m gonna want one. Until we get some good winters I can’t spend that kinda money my procross sleds are still bad ass

[@joshgessinger4509]

I really like the catalyst but I don’t like the seat. Like the style of it only its just to hard. Cat should have seat option to buy like ski doo does. My father has 137 catalyst with ATAK shocks have enough time on it to say great sled. Father actually had his seat widened and softened. If u think the catalyst rides good with factory my father’s seat takes it to another level. I haven’t really rode the 137 in what i call tight trails here in upstate NY we have it all. Open fields seasonal roads to one sled width trails in mountains. With catalyst iv had all my experience on seasonal roads catalyst rails the corners wide open trails. Great content like how u compared the 858 power delivery to the turbo sleds. If its like u say then its a real smooth engine because i know turbo sleds lol!! Thanks for sharing

[@ponycarfan]

There's going to be a growing market for Catalyst seats, for sure. If Arctic Cat would step up with different options, that would be great. However, I suspect most people will do what your father did. I regret not going with ATAC shocks, but probably going to have them on the next one. I know people from LI who ride upstate and love it. Hope you've had more snow than we have this season!

[@joshgessinger4509]

@@ponycarfan we had a terrible season if it wasn’t for tug hill and Saranac trails we wouldnt of road at all. There was some riding in other spots but not much. Its 60 degrees here today its over long range looks really warm. Maybe next season be better keep our fingers crossed. Lol!! Great Chanel thanks for all ur feedback it’s helpful in times of no snow to watch haha.

[@aaronmcfee506]

The seat seems hard at first until you ride it and then it's fine

[@joshgessinger4509]

@@aaronmcfee506 i rode catalyst all a few times on groomed flat trails seats fine. Ride 100 miles on shit whooped out trails i new it. Ass felt like i was riding my dirt bike im a 3 hour endurance race. Iv never felt anything like that on a sled in 35 years of riding or racing. Was a pro XC racer for many years and never felt my ass so sore as i did on the one ride on catalyst. 😂. Its called ass chap in the motorcycle world now carries over into the snowmobile world. I don’t like ass chap it sucks ill take my pro cross seat any day over catalyst. Off trail seats fine probably but long days on shit trails its to hard. Specially for older riders cat needs a softer seat for the older crowd Ive hears many complaints over the seat. Why not have more options for people not everyone like the same thing. Ski doo has seat options maybe one reason they hold the market share. Sit on a hard recliner or sofa all night not comfortable. The seats design is awesome just think its to hard for myself and others iv talked to. Should have options.

[@ponycarfan]

@@joshgessinger4509 A few owners have asked upholstery shops to add padding, same seat cover. Looks like maybe an inch of extra foam, I’m wondering if that’s enough to make a difference? Rox Speed Fx is making a seat cover, and I’m sure there will be a couple more in the near future. It’ll be interesting to see if any of them build in extra padding.

[@jjkcollins]

It's just they didn't have that eximent like I see other people have and while they are obviously polaris riders its hard to no what to do currently own the 141 high country 2019 ctec and a 2015 xf 8000 137 that's the suzuki engine

[@ponycarfan]

I’m a huge fan of being able to ride something before you buy it. Give the Catalysts another year or so and they should start popping up more often, hopefully you’ll get a chance to try one. In the meantime, they’ll figure out clutching, which appears to be the biggest problem with the Catalysts - can be very finicky on getting the right weights, springs, helixes, etc. This winter was terrible' in terms of testing and I know the aftermarket still hasn’t quite got it all figured out yet. Once they do, I think we’re going to see more people enthusiastic about the new Cats. I hope you get a chance to ride an 858 next season, because I think the engine is better than SnoWest made it sound, especially on the Riot and ZR.

[@FCUWR2020]

Why in the world do you call everything correctly as far as numbers like 129 or 800 but call this motor 8,5,8?

[@ponycarfan]

That's a great question, and I have no idea. I'm not doing it on purpose. Now that you mentioned it, I'm curious about that, will see if I can figure it out.

[@edwardabrahamiii3742]

Nice slee but i cant afford the latest and greatest not for 20k+

[@ponycarfan]

Yeah, the prices are getting high. Boats have been high for many years, but last summer Polaris introduced a UTV that costs up to $60k... unbelievable! Snowmobiles aren't immune, and it's hard to justify the price when riding season is typically short. On the other hand, I see the Powersports market softening and that might drive prices down. I think the used market prices are coming down, and after a terrible winter next fall might be the best buyers market we've seen in a long time. We'll see!

[@marvlenzner8474]

It's only money 💰

[@aaronmcfee506]

Hey ponycar, dosen't textron own garmin ?

[@ponycarfan]

That's a great question! I can't believe I didn't think of finding out until now. According to what I can find, no, Textron does NOT own Garmin. It looks like Garmin is traded on the NYSE under the ticket GRMN.

[@jjkcollins]

Ok people If you want the absolute truth about the 858 watch the snow west show. they gave their opinions and it changed my mind on buying one they say that it feels heavy it lacks low end power and it's only comparable to the n t poos and doos and that the poos and doos got more low end power also side hills and rides better so to me arctic cat came out with a piece of shit comparable to the other brands I'm so disappointed I almost bought one and I bleed green so thanks snow west u put the fuck into that.

[@ponycarfan]

While that's how episode 1 started out, they later talked about all the stuff the 858 Alpha sleds do well. After watching both episodes, they actually seem to love the Catalyst and think the 858 can hold its own against the other 850NA's. The Catalyst is a lot more than an engine. As I've said, once a Cat rider gets on a Catalyst, they won't want to get off. And by the way, I think it's good to have different opinions and to compare sleds. I want my viewers to avoid relying on a single opinion, especially when the decision will affect image, pride or reputation. I'm glad you're doing that.

[@NockNArrow]

I will never buy a snowmobile with electric start.

[@ponycarfan]

@@NockNArrow I can understand that. Even with a lithium battery, there’s still a weight penalty. If you’re going to take it off, it makes no sense to pay for it.

[@Dooguy]

never again

[@jackhammer2671]

It amazes me how FUGLY snowmobiles have gotten since 03-04...they perform better handle better but look like something from another planet.

[@ponycarfan]

I thought it was just me (who thought that)! 😆