So, what are your thoughts?
New Catalyst
Starting this thread in the hopes of having a good, logical and informative conversation about the new chassis without having 6000 ZR RR act as self appointed moderator to every post made.
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I think it’s a step in the right direction. There is so much we don’t know about it that basically all we can comment on is what might be? Like the overall look and it’s causing interest so that’s good. As has already been mentioned on a few other threads same topic is it doesn’t suit everyone but I for one don’t want a clone of what’s already out there so for me I’m interested.
I think it looks good. Hopefully get to see it in person and maybe even sit on one at NH grass drags in a month.
This it what’s good about this industry.. if your going to stay in the business you have to keep up with the others. Good move by AC to get this out and into sight because if not they where loosing too much business and costumer base. It seems it’s not all “ shook out” yet with just the 600 being offered. What is interesting they mentioned over the next 4 months they will be announcing more developments with details leading up to snowcheck ordering ? No doubt they will have upgraded engines and features, when, what yr ? The latest greatest dash option isn’t there I think because of the unknown of availability and having issues to buyers. They are moving forward for sure.
Read carefully what has been stated by Cat brass and you'll see that light weight is a key design parameter. There is a lot more to come out and I think many are judging the whole prematurely, writing it off as a minor exercise... could be some healthy servings of crow to come, lol
I’m excited about he demo rides they talked about. If I’m Cat, I’m making sure this is at EVERY significant snowmobile event.I think it looks good. Hopefully get to see it in person and maybe even sit on one at NH grass drags in a month.
I like the new design. I was 3 feet from the Riot version when they pulled the cover off. I bet it will be light. And the 600 probably will haul it through the twisties just fine. I’d really like to see this in 129 or even 121 track versions. Perhaps I’m old school, but the trail handling of the shorter tracks have a fun factor to them that the 137’s just can’t do. Really hoping they will offer it in something shorter than a 137.
One other thing I’ve never quite understood is the whole massive flatscreen units. I look at a screen all day long for work. (We’re all looking at a stupid screen right now writing and reading these things). I jump on my sled to ride. Speed, tach, temp, fuel…and I’m good to go. But I get that most want more. And it seems like an easy place for them to make it happen. Screens and head units are a dime a dozen. Partner with Garmin or Humminbird or whoever and shoehorn it in there. But I still don’t get it.
My 2 cents anyway.
Let’s keep this thread positive. I’m super excited for the new Cat. Probably buy the 600. Give it to my wife and/or kids when the big bore comes out and finally have what I want.
One other thing I’ve never quite understood is the whole massive flatscreen units. I look at a screen all day long for work. (We’re all looking at a stupid screen right now writing and reading these things). I jump on my sled to ride. Speed, tach, temp, fuel…and I’m good to go. But I get that most want more. And it seems like an easy place for them to make it happen. Screens and head units are a dime a dozen. Partner with Garmin or Humminbird or whoever and shoehorn it in there. But I still don’t get it.
My 2 cents anyway.
Let’s keep this thread positive. I’m super excited for the new Cat. Probably buy the 600. Give it to my wife and/or kids when the big bore comes out and finally have what I want.
Completely understand that there’s more to come but this debut wasn’t something revolutionary. I think Cat now has a sled that’s on par with current competition. I’m the end that’s all they need really. This makes them relevant again.Read carefully what has been stated by Cat brass and you'll see that light weight is a key design parameter. There is a lot more to come out and I think many are judging the whole prematurely, writing it off as a minor exercise... could be some healthy servings of crow to come, lol
Ya, that’s what I was kinda mentioning. Agree the had to show something is happening.Completely understand that there’s more to come but this debut wasn’t something revolutionary. I think Cat now has a sled that’s on par with current competition. I’m the end that’s all they need really. This makes them relevant again.
The more I look at it the more I like it looks wise. I personally would have made the seat about 3- 4 inches longer. But that’s it. I like it a lot in the green and black. I like 136/137 sleds so that is on the money for me. So from what I can see I like it. I can go either way on the belt drive. But like that they got rid of that particular Chain case anyway. Longer front arm on rear skid so now it just like the rest more or less. Front end was already good. I like it so far. Broken record here but I’m in the camp of where the heck is the big bore they had years since doo changed the script. I know there are reasons I just don’t except them. Lot of excuses imo and in business I don’t except excuses I except results. Anyway so far doo and poo had a baby and a cat popped out. Good for them. Wellcome back to the table.
May well be ahead in some regards when the details come outCompletely understand that there’s more to come but this debut wasn’t something revolutionary. I think Cat now has a sled that’s on par with current competition. I’m the end that’s all they need really. This makes them relevant again.
I think there’s been such a gutting of employees from Textron decisions and the Covid effected workforce there simply isn’t enough people to get things done. I’m with you and want results not excuses but the current workforce situations is real. Heidi mentioned wanting to hire 400 people in TRF. I can’t imagine how hard that must be right now.The more I look at it the more I like it looks wise. I personally would have made the seat about 3- 4 inches longer. But that’s it. I like it a lot in the green and black. I like 136/137 sleds so that is on the money for me. So from what I can see I like it. I can go either way on the belt drive. But like that they got rid of that particular Chain case anyway. Longer front arm on rear skid so now it just like the rest more or less. Front end was already good. I like it so far. Broken record here but I’m in the camp of where the heck is the big bore they had years since doo changed the script. I know there are reasons I just don’t except them. Lot of excuses imo and in business I don’t except excuses I except results. Anyway so far doo and poo had a baby and a cat popped out. Good for them. Wellcome back to the table.
Makes me wonder if Cat wishes they had a better relationship with an engine provider like Suzuki again.
Good post; reality is not always pleasant, but it is what it is. I can't imagine their R&D budget being astronomical either (given that it's typically a function of revenues, which have gone downhill rather dramatically in recent years). Many factors working against them, so it's nice that they got this farI think there’s been such a gutting of employees from Textron decisions and the Covid effected workforce there simply isn’t enough people to get things done. I’m with you and want results not excuses but the current workforce situations is real. Heidi mentioned wanting to hire 400 people in TRF. I can’t imagine how hard that must be right now.
Makes me wonder if Cat wishes they had a better relationship with an engine provider like Suzuki again.
I think finding 400 employees in a town of 8800 is impossible. I have worked in staffing for 10 years. We employed 220 people 4 years ago with 50 openings. We now employ 100 people with 200 openings. I live in a town of 70,000 and are the most successful staffing company on my city.
Glad to see them moving the needle some. Rode Cat for 27 years and switched to Poo VR1 850 this year. Didn’t want too, but weighed everything out and it made sense. I would obviously go back in a heart beat given a sled I like.
Glad to see them moving the needle some. Rode Cat for 27 years and switched to Poo VR1 850 this year. Didn’t want too, but weighed everything out and it made sense. I would obviously go back in a heart beat given a sled I like.
It's a good looking sled. But release it for orders already. None of the hype is revolutionary, Doo and Poo were saying the same things 15 years ago.
I am glad they designed a chassis just for the 2 stroke. I was hoping they would throw in a new rear skid to make it revolutionary. They front didn’t need much change. Wish the shocks were increased to at least 5 settings, and hope they include rebound on all QS model shocks. Looks to be same 3 clicks on the QS shocks. And at least piggy backs included in the non adjustable’s.
2 different skids for trail models would be perfect. One for the trail comfort to better/or same as the Rmotion. And another for the aggressive models with stellar spring and valving so we don’t get any watering down scenarios in the following MY’s.
If they do still have the yamaha agreements when this is available to all, I do hope they do not try to widen this chassis and are in development of a 4 stroke specific chassis.
2 different skids for trail models would be perfect. One for the trail comfort to better/or same as the Rmotion. And another for the aggressive models with stellar spring and valving so we don’t get any watering down scenarios in the following MY’s.
If they do still have the yamaha agreements when this is available to all, I do hope they do not try to widen this chassis and are in development of a 4 stroke specific chassis.
Agreed!I personally would have made the seat about 3- 4 inches longer.
I imagine that the market for a 600cc mountain sled is very limited and small. This was sort of a PRE-launch to show everyone that they are in fact WORKING ON SOMETHING. I don't they have even worked out the details on the shocks, gauge package, or motor displacements yet (outside of the existing CTEC 600 with some tweaks).
For Cat to succeed, they need to offer a 850/900 plus another engine displacement that the Polaris and Ski-Doo do not offer, like a 700 2-stroke. They also need to undercut Polaris and Ski-Doo in pricing. And for Pete's sake offer TRACK OPTIONS ON PRE-ORDERED SLEDS!!!
The sled looks great, it'll be interesting to hear details as they become available, and how it stacks up against the other two brands. I'm in the market to order a 24. Looking at the 600r Competition right now as it's the best price/functionality ratio. If Cat is in that field with pricing they'll be a strong contender and maybe even get the nod as it's something new and cool.
I'm not a big tech guy, just give me the best functioning sled for the best price. I'll watch my buddies play with their flatscreens as i tell them i'll be at the next intersection waiting.
I'm not a big tech guy, just give me the best functioning sled for the best price. I'll watch my buddies play with their flatscreens as i tell them i'll be at the next intersection waiting.
When they pulled the covers off the sled I thought it looked pretty cool. I couldn't get near it so I walked around for an hour-and-a-half and came back to it. It is really cool looking! But PLEASE, give us track options. The seat is very small but it looks totally "race". They would NOT allow you to crawl up and sit on it so I cannot attest to its' firmness/ comfort. Did anyone get the real story on that headlight?
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