2016 Arctic Cat Zr 8000 Sno Pro Review

There's only one "badder" Cat than the 2016 ZR 8000 RR and that's the turbocharged ZR 9000 iv-stroker. For us and about serious functioning riders, the ZR 8000 RR will be simply about perfect.

Yep, nosotros liked this one. It's got somewhere in the vicinity of 160 horsepower in a sled that weighs in the neighborhood of Ski-Doo's MXZ 10-RS (470 lbs) and the 2016 Polaris 800 Rush Pro-X (435 lbs) with similar functioning. Effigy that however y'all work the numbers, each horsepower propels less than three-pounds. At that place'southward room for argue, especially by fans of the specific brands, merely all in all these sleds are relatively equal when they tear downwardly a clean-cut trail. Across a long, mirror smooth lakebed and you lot have reason to argue make against brand.

The RR'southward Suzuki-built 8000-serial 794cc, liquid-cooled ii-stroke is well proven and has powered Cat's 160 hp course sleds for many seasons now. Key attributes include its responsive, quick-to- rev nature; easy-starting batteryless EFI; the Arctic electronically coordinated ability valve exhaust; and hot spark dual sparkplugs per cylinder. On the trail information technology fares very well in head-to-heads with the Ski-Doo 800 Due east-TEC and Polaris' latest Cleanfire 800.

We're going to accept that these three sleds will be the primary choices for serious performance riders and that the knowledgeable Arctic Cat diehard will go for the ZR 8000 RR over the turbo 9000 version. We would because the 8000 RR volition exist lighter and less of a handful in the corners, plus about US$2000 less expensive.

Comparing: Read our review of the 2016 Polaris 800 Blitz Pro-Ten 1.75

Setup on a sled is like location in real estate. It's everything. Our examination ride ZR 8000 RR was extremely well suited for united states of america. It seemed to maximize the shock stroke without existence either too harsh or besides soft. Subsequently all, getting that sweetness spot in the sled's ride is what we endeavour to reach whenever we prepare a sled. The Cat crew got this correct and we appreciated information technology.

Of course, the RR comes with a premium shock parcel to control its x inches of front and 13.five inches of rear travel. Upwards front y'all'll take Play a trick on Float EVOL RC remote-reservoir ski shocks, which are standard on all 2016 RR models. With the shocks' extra air volume, you can expect improved dampening activeness for compression and rebound every bit you adjust the reservoir mounted clickers.

With new reservoir-mode Fob Evol "clicker" adjustable shocks for the front and rear suspensions, the 8000 RR becomes like shooting fish in a barrel to tune for a perfectly rider-friendly ride.

The familiar slide-action rear interruption adds a Fox Zero RC remote-reservoir shock to provide ride-tunable independent compression and rebound control. The Fox Zero C remote-reservoir front runway shock offers compression adjustability but.

Cat riders know that the tall spindle Chill Race Suspension, common to ProCross models like the RR, combines those tall spindles with widely spaced A-arms to ameliorate torsional rigidity and forcefulness; exactly what sport riders need in crude trail sections. While the slide-action rear interruption may not have the fancy and hyped dials and knobs common to Ski-Doo's rMotion or Polaris' AXYS setups, the Cat design is equally unique.

True cat'due south Slide-Action suspension features a U-shaped slot that fits over a fixed shaft attached through the tunnel to permit a half-inch of sliding movement. This unproblematic but efficient design results in giving the sled the full benefit of rear coupling with controlled ski elevator during acceleration. The design incorporates Chill Cat'south Torque-Sensing Link, which allows a lower and more consistent track tension; 3-position rear coupling block adjustability; adjustable spring preload; and a attached Tri-Hub rear axle assembly that'due south lighter and more durable than two separate wheels.

The rider's-eye view of the RR is all business with a 5.v-inch fixed riser, curved handlebar, easy-to-read gauge and a hint of a windshield.

Cat'south interruption story tends to take a back seat to the newer more gimmick-laden designs from Ski-Doo and Polaris, but we have become believers in the effectiveness of Cat's Slide-Action design. Frankly, we like its seeming simplicity. With the use of the new reservoir and clicker-adjustable shocks, you lot are free to make more adjustments. Nosotros practice know, that based on our test rides, the ZR 8000 RR tin be set for what we considered a near perfect ride. Of form, we volition admit that our West Yellowstone ride course was not all that demanding overall, but in our favorite section of jiggle and stutter bumps, the RR ate them upward from thirty mph to a quick accelerating sixty mph plus.

Comparing: Read our review of the 2014 Ski-Doo MXZ X-RS Review

We liked how the RR felt locked into the trail equally we slipped into corners and powered out of them. Nosotros'll admit to being tentative on our examination trails, specially during the early morning rides. Trail conditions were hard, icy, and very slick. A serious push of the throttle on high performance sleds hands caused the runway to break away. Thoughtful throttle was a must for some of us. But, after a few serious miles aboard the ZR 8000 RR, we didn't want to give it up. Simply stated, we trusted the sled. Its 160 horsepower never seemed to catch us off baby-sit. It was throttle-friendly. The 129-inch Ripsaw rail merely broke loose when we wanted it to.

We credit the new for 2016 Arctic True cat drivetrain as being key to this sled's rider-friendly performance. With a serial of embarrassing clutch issues concluding season, specially on hard-ridden pulverization sleds, Arctic Cat turned to Minnesota-based Squad Industries, a recognized OEM and aftermarket supplier of drivetrain components in the powersports manufacture. In concern since 1967, Squad enjoys a history of working with Arctic Cat equally well as Polaris on driven clutches for both wheeled and tracked product lines. For 2016 y'all'll notice a major TEAM influence under the hood of virtually all Arctic Cat snowmobiles, ranging from Team drive and driven clutches on the RR to a new three-speed manual featured on select 2016 Arctic Cat Pantera and Bearcat touring and utility models.

For 2016 Arctic Cat partners with TEAM to offer a more durable and service-friendly clutch system. To change a belt with the Dominate driven sheave, simple insert the wrench, loosen and remove your drive chugalug.

The 2016 8000 RR uses a TEAM Rapid Response bulldoze and Rapid Reaction Boss driven clutch combination. Arctic Cat claims, and nosotros agree, that the drive setup provides smoother shifting. Combined with the quick revving Suzuki powerplant, we experienced very polish and quick shifts. Only True cat buyers will know whether the new partnership backs up Cat'southward claims of maximum durability and increased serviceability.

Cat states that its new Rapid Response drive clutch offers:

• 0.25 lbs weight reduction for five per centum less rotational inertia, resulting in quicker acceleration • Flyweight durability has a 250% comeback in wear resistance • Compared to the previous aluminum spider, an all-new steel spider provides a seventy% improvement in fatigue strength • The spider roller bearings are xxx% longer than previous designs for greater durability • A 70% increment in the contact surface expanse of the spider buttons offers increased immovability and longevity

COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2015 Arctic True cat ZR 7000 RR + Video

The Cat-specified Team Rapid Reaction BOSS driven clutch features a "Built On Shaft Secondary" design. This means that the clutch is designed with machined sheaves that mount direct to the machined-matched driven shaft. Specific to 2016 Arctic Cats, Dominate eliminates the demand for a steel clutch postal service common to traditional designs. This is said to save weight, reduce rotating mass, improve clutch residuum and attain tighter clutch/shaft mounting tolerance.

Other durability and performance benefits of the Rapid

Reaction driven clutch include: • 0.25 lbs. weight reduction for 4% less rotational inertia, resulting in quicker acceleration • Optimized cooling fin geometry delivers improved cooling, with xx-degree; lower clutch and belt temperatures for improved belt life and performance • Jackshaft with a 30%  increment in torsional stiffness

The 8000 RR corners apartment and fast.

When you expect at the 2016 Chill Cat ZR 8000 RR, it will appear very similar to the previous version. Just, with the new premium daze packages and, especially, the drivetrain changes, we feel that the 2016 RR is greatly improved. The sled is more tunable and rider-friendly, once you establish your perfect settings. The overall performance is smooth and quicker, at least from an in-the-saddle feel. And that's all in improver to the extremely positive ride-ability you get from this Arctic Cat from its nicely curved handlebar, convenient gauge package, comfortable functioning seating, and True cat-favored vivid green in-your-face style. We could do with a taller windshield than the 5.5-inch top race screen, merely you can add that. And, you can add storage gear and such, too. What you tin't add, but what you lot get standard is a sled that takes on all comers and all corners. Who would have thought that Chill Cat's 2016 ZR 8000 RR would be i of our tiptop favorite sleds later a week of riding all style of new-for-2016 models? Surely not usa! But it was.

2016 Arctic Cat ZR 8000 RR Specs
Engine	Suzuki 794cc, liquid-cooled, two-stroke twin; electronic fuel injection; 3D ignition with throttle position sensor; Arctic power valve exhaust
Horsepower	160 (Claimed)
Drive	Squad Rapid Response rpm sensing drive with TEAM Rapid Reaction driven
Forepart Suspension	Arctic Race Suspension (ARS) with Play a joke on Float Evol RC shocks; compression and rebound adjustability; ten-in maximum travel
Rear Suspension	Arctic True cat parallel rail "slide-action" suspension with tri-hub rear axle system; adjustable torsion springs; coupling blocks; Play tricks 1.5 Zero C style forepart and Trick 2.0 Zilch RC rear arm shocks; upwardly to 13.5-inches of travel
Length	121.0 in
Width	47.75 in
Ski Stance	Adjustable 42 to 43 inches with dual skag vi-inch width ProCross ski
Track	15 x 129 x ane.25 Ripsaw track
Weight	NA
Restriction	Hydraulic race-blazon radial master cylinder with lightweight disc
Fuel Chapters	11.7 US Gal
Features	Standard: Button contrary; palatial multi-function digital gauge; accessory outlet; belt bag; race-style low windshield Optional: 2-upwards seat; additional gear and storage purse options; electric offset; front sport bumper; mirrors; windshield options for up to three persons
MSRP	United states of america$xiv,399

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Source: https://www.snowmobile.com/manufacturers/arctic-cat/2016-arctic-cat-zr-8000-rr-review-1938.html

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