I have owned and still own a Polaris ranger, it is great, I am on my second arctic cat wildcat and love it. It is a 2013X 2 seater. My son has a 2013 4 seater to carry my grand kids. That being said, I must say I'm a little disappointed in the announcement of the Arctic Cat Sport today. It seems they are going backward. They already have a 60HP model. What gives?
Arctic Cat New Sport
- Thread starter Ozzdog
- Start date
sand shark
Well-Known Member
The sport is 60" wide model and it comes with some really nice shocks. If you get the limited you get the Elka Stage 5 shocks,which are really nice. How much hp do you really need if it is a trail specific SXS? If you are mainly going 10-20mph 60hp is plenty.
I think AC did a good job on the sport.
I think AC did a good job on the sport.
Kalop
XP900
60 HP sucks... this would have been newsworthy release if is was 2009... lol AC must be happy being in dead last in sport SxS market. They're full size wildcat continues to be dead last in HP. Sure there's more than HP, but AC must be catering to geriatric community.. or content to be dead last, it's disappointing because it is a good platform, but they've always be a dog in power. 
badassmav
Well-Known Member
A good platform indeed. I believe the "X Limited" model has 90+ horsepower. The chassis with its trailing arm rear suspension, and front a arm setup provides 18"/17" wheel travel respectfully right out of the box. Add to that, the front steer design, and a 95" wheelbase, and the stock Wildcat specs out right there with the modified top 1900 pro sportsman UTV's, and that is as delivered stock. Arctic Cat specs an "alternator" instead of magneto, and it only provides 36 amps, which isn't enough to build a desert race car around. The front and rear diffs also seemed pretty light to take the abuse that I know we would give it. I believe the rules mandate stock diffs and gear ratios, so this is a big area of concern for me. Although, the structural integrity of the chassis needs much attention, it is an awesome platform for the experienced builder. I'd love to get my hands on one of them, and inject it with some gooey green steroids. We spoke with the Arctic cat guys a few weeks back, but they didn't appear to be very motivated.60 HP sucks... this would have been newsworthy release if is was 2009... lol AC must be happy being in dead last in sport SxS market. They're full size wildcat continues to be dead last in HP. Sure there's more than HP, but AC must be catering to geriatric community.. or content to be dead last, it's disappointing because it is a good platform, but they've always be a dog in power.
sand shark
Well-Known Member
60 HP sucks... this would have been newsworthy release if is was 2009... lol AC must be happy being in dead last in sport SxS market. They're full size wildcat continues to be dead last in HP. Sure there's more than HP, but AC must be catering to geriatric community.. or content to be dead last, it's disappointing because it is a good platform, but they've always be a dog in power.
Lol! 60hp when you are only going 25mph 90% of the time is plenty. It has plenty of low end grunt and if I were a trail person the locking front diff would be nice.
I saw a 900s today and I thinks the wildcat sport will give it a run for its money.
It will sell.
Kalop
XP900
You can never have enough HP IMO... even trails. I've never understood the "less HP" advocates... with more HP, you can just push peddle down less, right? Or am I missing something?
They said the same thing when 50HP rzr was introduced.. Rhino guys defended their HP. When 800HO S was release.. some of the 50" popo guys said same, "we don't need that much HP." When 101 HP Maverick was released .. all fanboys said same, "88 HP is plenty" ... etc. etc.
You could make same argument with suspension travel, wheelbase, power to ground, on and on. But HP = sales, period, that's reality of power sports in USA.
Sure the little 60HP will sale... so does Kymco and Chinese Joyner go karts.. they all "sale". Artic cat chooses to remain dead last in HP and sport SxS sales amongst the big 3 ... shameful, AC could do much better. Just think if they'd put 120 HP in their full size wildcat in 2013, 2014, or now 2015 lineup ??? They could have been (be) leader in the UTV class... but no such luck... they seem to be happy at being last.
sand shark
Well-Known Member
A 120hp wildcat would be sweet.
So is the 900s a bust because it does not have 88hp?
So is the 900s a bust because it does not have 88hp?
Kalop
XP900
Not a bust... but step back IMO... I think Popo backed off to 75hp because their wasn't enough HP spread from their flagship xp1k and 88hp engine.... it was just too close on power to weight, Popo fans will defend the move from 88 hp to 75, talking about torque, reliability, power to ground. Like everything, there's both truth and deception in those arguments... that includes my words, it all depends on your interpretation and perspective.
My bottom line is pretty simple.. AC since 2012 has had 1 major black eye/ negative IMO.... HP. It's like they had a near complete puzzle and continue to leave out a piece. I don't understand it?? I'm not brand loyal, and while I own popo ... it's been love/hate relationship, and its 2011 and tired, I may have to refresh engine this year... I'd love to actually buy new unit, but nothing out there makes me excited. I was hoping 2015 AC would step up, I've been hearing of yamaha partnership and bigger HP... and all they release is 60HP trail 60"... it just does nothing for me. That's all.
At least we can agree on 120HP wildcat would be awesome.
sand shark
Well-Known Member
Not a bust... but step back IMO... I think Popo backed off to 75hp because their wasn't enough HP spread from their flagship xp1k and 88hp engine.... it was just too close on power to weight, Popo fans will defend the move from 88 hp to 75, talking about torque, reliability, power to ground. Like everything, there's both truth and deception in those arguments... that includes my words, it all depends on your interpretation and perspective.
My bottom line is pretty simple.. AC since 2012 has had 1 major black eye/ negative IMO.... HP. It's like they had a near complete puzzle and continue to leave out a piece. I don't understand it?? I'm not brand loyal, and while I own popo ... it's been love/hate relationship, and its 2011 and tired, I may have to refresh engine this year... I'd love to actually buy new unit, but nothing out there makes me excited. I was hoping 2015 AC would step up, I've been hearing of yamaha partnership and bigger HP... and all they release is 60HP trail 60"... it just does nothing for me. That's all.
At least we can agree on 120HP wildcat would be awesome.
What you discounting are the motors are much better than you current ride. Better shocks, frames, longerr wheelbases, etc... Either machine would be an upgrade.
Sure they could go up in the HP department, but really no need if they limit the speed to 65ish. How much hp should a trail model have?
Kalop
XP900
I'm not discounting the motors. I've lined them up and driven them all, even then new s900. I've modded my chassis, shocks, airbox, I have no plastics left, my whole ride is completely different... so NO, there's no way I can justify $20k to "upgrade" to essentially same thing I got now or worse.
How much HP on trail ? IDK ... Maverick has 60" at 101 HP .. sounds like good #. You can buy 900s or 60" 101HP maverick for same price new... I'm not sure why someone wouldn't start with maverick as their base?
I'm out on this thread at this point... You can love everything AC is doing and justify it all.... I don't really care.... I just think it's lost potential on part of AC.
How much HP on trail ? IDK ... Maverick has 60" at 101 HP .. sounds like good #. You can buy 900s or 60" 101HP maverick for same price new... I'm not sure why someone wouldn't start with maverick as their base?
I'm out on this thread at this point... You can love everything AC is doing and justify it all.... I don't really care.... I just think it's lost potential on part of AC.
