Snow Goer February 2025 | Page 25

shocks on the RMK React front suspension travel 9 inches atop the Gripper skis . The stance between those skis is adjustable between 36 and 38 inches .
Carryover items from 2024 include 11 gallons of fuel capacity , a 53-inch height , 132-inch length and 43.4-inch width .
So what ’ s new for 2025 ? Polaris shed up to 7 pounds from the 9R Pro RMK , bringing its claimed spec dry weight down to an impressive and feathery 419 pounds .
A petite Matryx Pro-Lite seat is 1 inch lower than previous designs , lighter running boards serve to shed snow more readily , and even the headlight went on a diet . The throttle system ditches the internal TSS for a redesigned open flipper to prevent icing .
A Message Center or the 7S display can adorn the hood for instrumentation , depending on the buyer ’ s choice and the depth of his / her wallet . The 7S set an early benchmark for onscreen mapping and connectivity and still leads the way .
THE CONTENDERS : SKI-DOO SUMMIT X WITH EXPERT
Turning attention to the Ski-Doo Summit X 850 E-TEC Turbo R 154 with Expert Package , it returns in its third season of the REV Gen5 chassis with Turbo R horsepower .
Powered by a boosted , twin cylinder , 82- by 80-mm bore and stroke engine , 180 horsepower is available up to 8000 feet of elevation from the always-smooth-running E-TEC direct-injected engine .
A pull on a recoil rope sparks a cold Summit X Expert , but thereafter the high-tech SHOT refiring system reignites the Doo . Power spins through the pDrive primary clutch with clickers and onto the QRS Vent Plus secondary .
On the Expert Package , the PowderMax X-Light with fullwidth rods wraps the non-tilting tMotion XT skid to complement the rigid rear scissor setup . The KYB Pro 36 rear shock and KYB 36 Plus center move through 10.4 inches of travel . An adjustable limiter strap is standard with the Expert packge .
An ultra compact seat sits atop the short tunnel in front of two pair of LinQ attachment points , with a miniscule lightweight snowflap rounding out the rear .
Out front , the RAS 3 dual A-arm suspension sports 8.2 inches of travel through KYB Pro 36 EA-3 shocks . The Pilot DS4 skis were updated to reduce the need for counter steer effort . An adjustable brake lever actuates the Brembo stopping system . The tapered J-hook handlebar sits atop a 120 mm billet riser and features snazzy factory handguards .
In gauge land , the 4.5-inch digital screen is standard equipment , while the 10.25-inch touchscreen is optional . The latter incorporates an improved infotainment system that keeps riders connected with built-in GPS mapping and phone control .
THE CONTENDERS : LYNX SHREDDER DS
Rounding out our pack of four is the Lynx Shredder DS 850 E-TEC Turbo R 3900 .
It shares the same 180 horsepower , boosted Rotax engine previously mentioned in the Ski-Doo , providing gobs of quick-hitting power and essentially compensating for altitude by stuffing the cylinders with extra air as the rider ventures higher in search of fresh pow .
Also like the Summit , after a first morning pull of the recoil rope , the high-tech SHOT hot restart system with its ultracapacitor refires this Shredder for the rest of the day . Power is put through a pDrive primary and QRS secondary clutching system .
The simple and strong rear suspension is the PPS2-DS + that is designed for deep snow and steep slopes . It actuates KYB 36 Plus Kashima shocks in the center and rear . A similar Shredder RE model is available with larger bore / higher capacity shocks .
The 15- by 154- by 3-inch PowderMax X-Light track wraps around the skid and features full-width fiberglass reinforcing bars . The bumperless-tunnel features two pairs of LinQ brackets and is capped with a tiny snowflap .
Up front , the LFS dual A-arm suspension is set at 34 inches wide and utilizes KYB 36 Plus Kashima-coated shocks above aggressive Blade DS + skis .
In comparable trim ( 154-inch turbo ) the Lynx packs 7 extra pounds ( 465 pounds ) versus to the Ski-Doo . Its aluminum handlebar sits atop a 120mm riser and features an adjustable brake lever .
The rest of the cockpit comes with a 4.5-inch digital display , or a buyer can opt-up for the 10.25-inch touchscreen display and enjoy GPS mapping and other features without a cell connection for 2025 .
The Radien2 platform is the base of the machine , with roomy ergos and a well-finished aura .
WHO ’ S THE IDEAL MOUNTAIN CAT RIDER ?
The rider of the 2025 Arctic Cat M 858 Mountain Cat with ATAC is a creative cat . He likes to be creative and different with his toys , his apparel , his riding style , his hair , his everything .
The Mountain Cat forces you to be creative and on your toes for every maneuver due to the balance of the sled and ( now ) the extra power over the 600cc debut year which can get you to more places , terrains and predicaments .
The suspension calibration is prepped for all of the cornice flippies and wheelies you ’ d like to throw around , even on the medium setting . Riding with the skis off the ground is common , bobbing like a cork in the trees while the PowerClaw digdig-digs . Then flopping the sled on its side is a common theme for a Cat rider and fits his personality .
Mountainside chatter from our test team about the 2025 Arctic Cat Mountain Cat 858 :
• Our test unit was set up way too stiff , only seemingly using about 4 inches of its travel , which beat the snort out of us in some conditions .
• The balance point of the Catalyst throughout the trail / crossover segments bleeds right into the mountain sleds . You can weight this machine and influence the attitude with very small movements .
• When riding the M 858 with just other Cat ’ s for an entire day , everything seems really good but when ripping with other guys on Poos and Doos its shortcomings were more apparent . It
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