Arctic Cat snowmobiles for 1997 are years ahead of the pack for many reasons, but just to name a few: FasTrack Long Travel System rear suspension, AWS V aluminum bulkhead and front suspension, batteryless EFI, Torque Sensing Link, 1.6-inch deep lug track and the new Arctco Drive Clutch. They are some of the new features and technological advances you can only find on the 1997 Arctic Cat snowmobiles.
Arctic Cat's revolutionary FasTrack Long Travel Suspension System gives the most travel available in the industry -- 13.5" total rear axle travel in some models. This is the ultimate in long-travel comfort without sacrificing a bit of control, performance and stability. And Arctic Cat increased travel without raising the seat or rider height, so your center of gravity stays low. The FasTrack Long Travel System is available in several different versions in 1997, depending on the Cat you choose, and each is fine-tuned to suit your needs.
Suspension up front also got a boost for the new year and the best front end in the industry keeps getting better. In 1997, the new AWS V front suspension with extruded aluminum bulkhead is on the new Jag, Jag DLX, Puma, Puma DLX, Puma 2-up and World Champ ZR 440. The AWS V extruded aluminum bulkhead weighs 13 lbs. less than steel and is narrower which allows longer A-arms for more travel. As if being the world leader in two-stroke EFI technology wasn't enough, Arctic Cat introduces the batteryless EFI system in 1997. This all new fuel delivery system generates enough amperage to pressurize the fuel rail that feeds the injectors with one pull of the starter rope. The second pull starts the motor. Elimination of the battery reduces weight by 15 lbs. and eliminates battery maintenance. This feature is standard on the Powder Special EFI and the ZR 580 EFI.
On the 1997 Arctic Cat ZRs and ZRTs, there's also an exclusive Torque Sensing Link. Proven on our open-class racing machines, it uses the torque of the track to counteract the compression of the rear arm during acceleration. So the ZRs and ZRTs respond faster and maintain full travel, to attack the trails at any speed.
The '97 Thundercat Mountain Cat, Powder Extreme and Powder Specials each come standard with an aggressive 1.6-inch deep lug track, the deepest lug available standard from any manufacturer. This track will allow mountain riders to climb to the peaks of their choice this winter.
The new Arctco drive clutch was designed for better
durability, more consistent acceleration and increased top-end
speed, with wider rollers, improved tolerances and more durable
material on the bearing and movable sheave. The new Arctco drive
clutch is standard on every model for '97, except, of course, the
Kitty Cat.
With four National Snowmobile Speed Run championships to boast about, you could call the Arctic Cat Thundercat the King of the Jungle. And the world's fastest and most powerful production snowmobile just keeps getting better.
The Thundercat features the most power you can find under any production snowmobile hood. The Thundercat has a 900cc three-cylinder, liquid-cooled, oil-injected powerplant for an engine, and has a phenomenal power-to-weight ratio. This monster motor has case-reed induction with a counterbalance shaft built into the crankcase for smooth running at any speed. And all this muscle was built into a ZR-style chassis and aerodynamic ZRT-style hood to give you unmatchable beauty with unbelievable brawn, The Thundercat has Arctco's improved Drive Clutch for added durability, more consistent acceleration, greater top-end speed and increased belt life. And what would the world's fastest and most powerful sled be without Arctic's industry-exclusive AWS IV double wishbone front suspension and Ryde FX gas shocks to flatten moguls like no other. The Thundercat also has new plastic skis and extruded aluminum spindles to reduce unsprung weight and improve the suspension absorption of every bump.
The Thundercat features Arctco's new and revolutionary FasTrack Long Travel rear suspension System. FasTrack provides 13.5-inches of rear axle travel, more than any other sled on the trail, but it also keeps the rider's center of gravity low for an improved ride at any distance without sacrificing performance.
And if you like to be the first one to the top, then the Arctic Cat, Thundercat Mountain Cat may be the power version for you. It has a longer 136" track and standard 1.6-inch lug pattern -- the deepest standard lug track available -- to get you through the thick of it. If you have a need to tame the beast, the 1997 Thundercat is for you.
Tame it, or be eaten alive.
Suggested Retail Price: $ (US)
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Stand at the finish line and you'll see one, and only one, snowmobile finishing first. The Arctic Cat ZRT 800 is the fastest in a family of ZR Champions and the 1997 ZRT is the cutting edge of industry speed, power and performance. And if you're not riding one, you're most likely to see it passing you.
The ZRT 800 is a liquid-cooled, three-cylinder, triple-carbed 794cc powerhouse with a case-reed inducted motor, and seven port Nicasil cylinders. That may seem like a lot of muscle, but when you know that the 800 can do 0-60 mph in 3.52 seconds, faster than any other sled in its class, than you're aware that this is raw power at the throttle. Watch your friends be amazed as they eat your snow dust.
And then show them the suspension. The ZRT 800 has Arctic Cat's exclusive AWS IV double wishbone front suspension with Fox internal floating piston gas shocks. And in the rear, the new FasTrack Long Travel Suspension System will take you for the performance ride of your life. The FasTrack system offers 13.5-inches of travel, the most you'll find in the industry today, for improved comfort, stability and performance.
The ZR-race winning technology doesn't stop there. Arctco's new drive clutch will see the 800 through all types of uses and conditions. And Arctic's exclusive torque sensing link maintains constant track tension through the suspension's full travel for better handling and control. The 800 also features ZR 440-proven plastic skis for less unsprung weight, Wilwood hydraulic disc brakes, extruded aluminum spindles, and a stamped rail mean technology and comfort at its best.
The competition has nightmares about seeing the ZRT 800 from
Arctic Cat on the track, so try it and make all your snowmobiling
dreams come true.
Suggested Retail Price: $ (US)
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The 1997 ZRT 600 is off the racetrack and in the showroom but it won't stay there for long, a race sled bred to eat the competition alive hates to be sitting around. The ZRT 600 from Arctic Cat is a big kick of adrenaline. With one touch of the throttle you'll want to be turning tight comers, shoot down the trails -- anything to show off the 600's superior power and handling. This wild ride is not for the weak at heart.
The 600 is a triple-cylinder, triple-carbed racehorse. Designed with 15-degree canted forward cylinders for a low center of gravity, case-reed induction, Nicasil plated 7-port cylinders and a 3-pipe tuned exhaust, the ZRT 600 is a prime example of superior Arctic Cat technology. American Snowmobiler magazine clocked the 600 going from 0-60 mph in 3.52 seconds -- that's the fastest sled you can find in the 600 class.
And speaking of superiority, the ZRT 600 also has Arctco's revolutionary FasTrack Long Travel rear suspension System that provides class-leading 13.5-inches of travel. Match that with adjustable torsion springs, Fox gas shocks, and a new torque sensing link rear an-n and you've got a suspension system made in heaven, and that's only the rear! In the front, Arctic Cat's paradigm of suspensions -- the AWS IV double wishbone front, chromoly A-arms, progressive rate springs, adjustable coil over Fox gas shocks -- just hearing about it can make your blood boil.
The ZRT 600 also sports extruded aluminum spindles and plastic
skis which shaves off pounds of precious unsprung weight and the
plastic skis have been proven to be nothing less than brilliant.
You have to see it to believe it. But approach the 1997 ZRT 600
with caution, once you jump on, grab the throttle, give it some
juice and start carving up the field you'll be hooked.
Suggested Retail Price: $ (US)
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The competitions' nightmare just came true: The ZR 580 is back and better than ever for 1997. This sled is lighter, faster and meaner than before. It takes no prisoners and the ZR 580 is ready once again to take the challengers on the track, on the trail or out to lunch.
The ZR 580 is a product of superior Arctic Cat racing technology. Born and bred for high performance, this muscle machine boasts a 580cc twin-cylinder engine that delivers an incredible power-to-weight ratio. Its battery-less electronic fuel injection system allows the ZR 580 to be lighter, and demand less maintenance with a system that automatically adjusts to temperature and altitude changes, for optimum throttle response in all conditions.
The ZR 580's AWS IV front suspension and FasTrack rear suspension system have proven themselves an integral part of the most feared chassis on the snow. AWS suspension offers smooth handling and cutthroat performance. Combined with lightweight chromoly A-arms, progressive rate springs and Fox internal floating piston gas shocks in the front and rear you've got a mogul munching machine. Arctic's new FasTrack Long Travel System has revolutionized rear suspensions. And the new Torque Sensing Link maintains consistent track tension on the ride. FasTrack allows a revolutionary 13.5-inches of rear axle travel for improved rider comfort and regulation.
To control all the power of 1997, ZR 580, Arctco's new Internal Helix Clutch allows for consistent acceleration and top speed with a longer life span, and standard Wilwood hydraulic disc brakes lead the industry in giving added stopping power on Arctic's high performance machines.
The ZR 580 EFI from Arctic Cat might as well be the only sled
on the snow for those who want power, performance, style and
handling all wrapped up in Team Arctic Racing Green. Ride the ZR
580 and sleep well knowing your competition isn't going to get a
wink.
Suggested Retail Price: $ (US)
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It's no wonder SnoWest named the ZR 440 the 1997 Race Sled of the Year. This lean and green, race track chomping machine is the ultimate in racing perfection -- any time, any where, the ZR 440 stands alone. You know it, that's why you've been asking for it, and now Arctic Cat is releasing the ZR 440 to the general public. This is a machine bred for the racetrack, it lives and breathes speed, power, and victory. The ZR 440 is the racing sled of Champions Kirk Hibbert and Brad Pake. And, just as Kirk and Brad have got the competition cringing in terror, the ZR 440 has got them running with fear.
Under the lightweight, aerodynamic hood of the ZR is a 437cc liquid-cooled twin that, with a touch of the throttle, is like letting 90 horses charge wild. A case-reed inducted motor, seven-port Nicasil cylinders and new Arctco drive clutch means engine technology at its finest. And the ZR 440's suspension is so smooth it could be a pick-up line. Up front, the ZR 440 sports the all new aluminum bulkhead AWS V chassis with double-wishbone chromoly A-arms, progressive rate springs and Ryde FX gas shocks -- a total travel of 8.2-inches. And in the back, our revolutionary FasTrack Long Travel suspension System has redefined rear suspension forever. The FasTrack slide-rail system and new torque sensing link have 13.5-inches of rear axle travel -- it sneers at the most gruesome moguls. The ZR 440 is top-of-the-line in power and maneuverability. And its performance: Can you say "bye-bye?" The ZR 440 is a racing sled, so handle with caution, performance this great is highly contagious.
You'll turn heads dusting the trail on a bright
green ZR 440. But a sled this masterful deserves to be stared at.
Hop on the new 1997 ZR 440 from Arctic Cat and you won't be the
only one turning green.
Suggested Retail Price: $ (US)
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For snowmobile enthusiasts looking for a powerful, lightweight trail sled, the wait is over: The new ZL 440 from Arctic Cat is off the drawing board and can be yours. Picture yourself cruising through wooded trails, turning heads, and dusting a few buddies along the way.
The pure performance of the new ZL 440 is a mark of Arctic Cat design and technology. The ZL 440 offers plenty of power with its 436cc liquid-cooled, twin-carb engine. And its lightweight proven chassis, extruded aluminum spindles and plastic skis shave off pounds of unsprung weight and improves ride quality over rough terrain.
First-rate AWS IV front suspension is just the beginning on this sled's features. Each bump and dip is absorbed with the exclusive AWS IV double wishbone suspension, adjustable pre-load springs and Ryde FX gas shocks. And Arctic Cat put race-proven technology into the ZL's rear suspension, the new, revolutionary FasTrack long travel rear suspension system makes a smooth, sweet ride out of any long haul. FasTrack combines an extended travel tunnel with Ryde FX gas shocks to improve ride comfort with longer, 13.5-inches of travel.
The ZL 440 is designed for superior handling and performance. It also features Arctco's new drive clutch, for improved durability and performance. The ZL has a free flow hood design to allow accelerated heat dissipation for maximum engine capabilities. And Wilwood hydraulic disc brakes give the ZL an industry leading braking system for controlled stopping. It's all wrapped up in one unbelievable new package from Arctic Cat.
The new 1997 ZL 440 is the sled to be riding this
snowmobiling season. It's powerful, but light and nimble, easy to
control but not harsh or punishing like racer replicas at trail
speeds. The ZL 440 could be the perfect combination of power and
weight and you should never let perfection pass you by.
Suggested Retail Price: $ (US)
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