Demo Ride 2021 Arctic Cat ZR8000 RR

[@billmustardproductions9443]

2 Notes: 1- once break in mode is finished a ctec 2 rr is about a 105mph sled. (at least mine is). and 2- yes there must have been something wrong with the 2020. The RR is ones the best trail sleds ever built of any brand bone stock with zero adjustments, even with the qs3s set at 1 all the way around.

[@ponycarfan]

Awesome! Thanks for adding your experience! The 2020's I ride were factory test mules, and I think that's probably why.

[@davefitzpatrick6370]

Sold my mustard bucket. POS. That is was! Bought it a Arctic cat blast. Never looked back. Awesome ride .. highly recommend...

[@hydrophilic2021]

In my experience, darting can be from a few things, how new the carbides are and suspension set up, plus snow conditions make a big difference too, just a thought.

[@ponycarfan]

Hydrophilic Thanks, and I agree.

[@ddellwo]

Now living in Texas, I have to stop into KZbin once a week or so to relive my old sled riding days growing up back in Minnesota! Man, have these sleds come a long way from the old machines I rode back in the early 80’s - would be fun to take a modern sled out for an afternoon and do a comparison! Although, I will have to say I think I liked the styling of the late-70’s and early-80’s machines better than the new ones......🤔

[@ponycarfan]

I ended up purchasing a 2021 Arctic Cat Riot, and have been out for a few short rides (snow conditions in MN right now are not too good). I then switched back to my other sled, which is a 2002 Polaris, and it's absolutely amazing, how much more comfortable the new one is. I liked the new Cats, because they handle about the same as my old Polarises, but the ride is light years ahead. To ride the old Indy's and then compare to the new stuff would be eye opening, to say the least. I agree about the looks, too - none of the new ones are attractive at all (to me, anyway), compared to the old stuff and I don't know why. Maybe it's like airplane design, where pre-WW II planes "looked" good, even before they flew. Nobody knew whether they'd fly good or not, but they sure looked good. Because of CAD and the giant leaps in aeronautical design, it's basically the opposite.

[@ddellwo]

@@ponycarfan - The newest sled I have ever ridden was a ‘90 Ski-Doo Safari and even that was light years ahead of the 70’s era machines I grew up with, so I’m sure a ride on a brand new one would be impressive! As far as styling, it’s kind of like cars - all the new ones pretty much look the same to me. Back in the day, when you saw a sled in the distance you could immediately tell from just the color or the profile what it was - John Deere, Polaris, Cat, etc. I will say I do like how Arctic Cat has still kept at least some of the styling heritage alive on a number of their sleds with the black and bright green color combination.....👍 If I still lived back in the Midwest I’d probably have a couple fewer collector cars and at least a garage stall full of nicely restored sleds that I lusted over as a kid but didn’t have the money for.....😂

[@joseywales898]

@@ponycarfan Put a pair of Snow trackers medium on , it will help with your set up.

[@ponycarfan]

@@joseywales898 Thanks for the advice, I’ll look into those.

[@edwardabrahamiii3742]

I like the zr 800 ctec 2 its my dream sled

[@tackdriverCA]

Some nice trails there, where is it ex?

[@ponycarfan]

We rode south of Grand Rapids, MN. Between GR and Hill City. The club there does a great job with trails. I believe that's the Itasca Driftskippers.

[@tackdriverCA]

@@ponycarfan nice. I’m in Ontario so I’ll likely never see those trails. But they are good here as well👌 can’t wait for snow

[@Bartyhummer]

I have owned all brands over my sled days. I currently have a 2018 T Cat and love the sled. Its 4 stroke power, heated seat. I don't love the weight of the sled and it shows on cornering and it almost reminds me of my 2008 Apex LTX in the corners, Advice to Arctic Cat. Strike a balance of bog power, cubes and less weight than a 4 stroke. Bring back the 900 and 1000 cc, 2 stroke, be the first. The old ZR 900 was a good ripping 2 stroke but with todays refinements in engine technology take your sales to the next level. Ski Doo and Polaris great 850's, the ski doo 850 turbo rips. Its time to anti up with big bore 2 Strokes again. Great review ponycarfan, i really appreciate your honest review.

[@ponycarfan]

Great observations and there’s definitely a gap that Cat could fill. I’m told there’s a big meeting this week with dealers, could be interesting. Thank you for your comments!

[@Bartyhummer]

@@ponycarfan Please do a post on the big meeting if you get some insight. Thanks

[@joseywales898]

I also have a 19 tcat wonder if power steering can be added ?

[@Bartyhummer]

@@joseywales898 Best to check with the tech with experts at Yamaha. With Cat/Yammy chasis and engine arrangement i do believe either the 2022 Sidewinder or SRX has a electric Power Steering unit tucked under hood some how with the 998 Turbo. Who knows it may work for you.

[@johnrafferty5266]

That little 4000 is faster then I thought, I was surprised he was only slow on the lake it looked fun

[@ponycarfan]

The Blast reminded me a lot of the fun I had as a kid. It has that light, nimble feeling of sleds from the 70’s and early 80’s, but none of the physical punishment that went along with it. Awesome little sled, even for full-sized adults.

[@Eighty8Fitter]

How do you get to go on all these demo rides?

[@ponycarfan]

98% luck. I wish it was easier to find opportunities. Since covid, none of the dealers or manufacturers seem to have extra sleds available for demos and it’s been almost impossible (at least, in MN). You can’t even see the new models in person. Hopefully, as the supply chain issues get sorted out, those opportunities will return.

[@johnstjean1422]

You should be able to get more the 90 mph. my 2013 would get 102 mph stock

[@ponycarfan]

Yeah, I agree. That engine has more than enough power and the chassis would do it. I’ll bet clutching and gears would make a big difference.

[@domshakes3434]

I happen to own one and its the most fun thing to ride! You have so much power to the thumb its just dumb. I think I could go 20 to 90 in 3 seconds

[@georgesafford8663]

What's with the white Windshield??

[@ponycarfan]

I know, right? I'm not a fan of the white skis, either.

[@georgesafford8663]

@@ponycarfan Already replaced my skis.

[@mattteixeira2788]

Love that sled

[@kolecherniwchan484]

If u guys want it to wheelie don’t buy an RR and the steering is different 🤷‍♂️ but I do ride a mountain sled so 🤷‍♂️

[@guyincognito1431]

Why on earth would anyone with half of a brain buy a cross country race replica sled and expect it wheelie? They are all built to corner and take bumps at 80mph.

[@guyincognito1431]

What a weird comment. Mountain sleds are different in literally every way shape and from. Different chassis, plastics, skis, suspension, rails tracks, even steering posts and weight distribution. Why on earth would you feel the need to come on a trail rocket video and comment about wheelies?

[@mattteixeira2788]

Take stock can off sled put mbrp race can

[@longboardguy]

That gets annoying real quick when you clock miles and miles on a trail I’ll tell you that. I went back to stock

[@angelakyle6141]

@@longboardguy Agreed, and all cans sound the same. You lose the character of the engine. Cats have a nice purr to them.