Got a need for a specialized ATV or UTV? Arctic Cat is trying to fill it with its dynamic 2009 model lineup that was unveiled at its hometown 2009 dealer meeting in Thief River Falls, Minn., in early June.
The company has several new models featuring more power, and some featuring less power.
Most of its machines ride a little bit lower for 2009, though one purpose-built mud machine rides a lot higher.
Cat engineers built more machines for two-passenger riding, and at the same time expanded options for younger riders. They rolled out a new Prowler UTV that’s going to bring sheer joy to performance junkies, and another new working-class Prowler that screams “utility.”
Cat’s got a new engine of its own, a 545cc liquid single, that is found in an H1 model, a 2-up TRV and a Prowler, and expanded the Thundercat engine. It also introduced new 150- and 300-class engines shared with KYMCO that are placed in a machine aimed at a new “transitional” market and a new sport quad, respectively.
All totaled, Arctic Cat eliminated 9 machines for 2009, including the 700 Diesel, 400 4x4, two DVX models (400 & 250) and two TRVs (650 & 500), while creating 13 new models. New machines include:
• Two new Prowlers, headlined by the Prowler XTZ 1000, featuring the 951cc liquid-cooled twin introduced in last year’s Thundercat, plus a Prowler 550 flatbed, featuring the new 545cc single and a flatbed rear.
• Three new TRV (Two Rider Vehicle) models, including a full-featured TRV 1000 Cruiser, plus a TRV 550 and TRV 400.
• An exciting, custom-made-for-mudding 700 MudPro, featuring huge tires, a snorkel and 14 inches of ground clearance.
• The scaled down Arctic Cat 150 — the first in an emerging class of quads aimed at teenagers 14 years and older.
• Three sporty new DVX models, including a DVX 300, plus new kids DVX 90 and 50 models.
• Two other new kids quads, 50cc and 90cc utility machines.
Plus, all full-sized Cats except the MudPro get new ergos and ride height this year, taking advantage of the suspension sit-in and lower seat that made the Thundercat ergos so popular in its debut last year. So sit down, Barack, because Arctic Cat appears to have cornered the market on change.
<b>Not For Mr. Lonely</b>
In these tough times in the ATV market, only one segment is experiencing growth: multi-passenger vehicles. Whether the seating is front-and-back or side-by-side, ATVs and UTVs that allow drivers to share the experience with a passenger are hot, and Arctic Cat is aiming to capitalize.
For traditional ATV riders, Cat is expanding its TRV Cruiser line while tweaking the engine options on the standard TRVs.
“We’re one of only three manufacturers offering 2-ups, and now we’re offering the best of the best,” explained Ole Tweet, general manager of Cat’s ATV division and VP of new product development.
There are two Cruiser models — a TRV 1000 H2 EFI Cruiser featuring the Thundercat’s big 90-degree twin, and the TRV 700 H1 EFI Cruiser featuring Cat’s 700-class fuel injected single — and both are glorious. They have a long list of standard features that includes a tall windshield connected to a new 2-piece fairing; mirrors; a cup holder; a comfortable 2-up seat with heated hand grips and a comfy backrest for the passenger; heated handlebars; a huge, lockable touring/storage case in back; and classy looking, 12-inch machined aluminum wheels. The 700 even comes standard with a winch.
We only had a brief chance to ride the Cruisers on a small test track set up for the demos, so our evaluation is far from complete. But, from what we saw, our now one-issue-old 2008 ATV Of The Year — the Polaris Sportsman 800 EFI Touring — already has stiff competition.
The other two 2-up ATVs are the TRV 550, featuring Cat’s new engine, and a TRV 400, featuring a 366 air-cooled single. On the new 550, Cat is claiming the top horsepower in its class, though they were unaware of the new Yamaha and Polaris mills being released when they made that claim. We’ll be sure to run them off and name a winner for you. The standard TRVs don’t have quite as long of a list of standard features as the Cruisers, but still make nice 2-up buggies, thanks to an expanded wheelbase and a nice seating setup.
<b>On The Prowl</b>
Like the TRVs, the side-by-side Prowler UTVs benefit from two of Cat’s newest powerplants — the 1000 and the 550.
The Prowler XTZ 1000 truly delivers ecstasy when you plant the gas pedal to the floor — it accelerates harder than any UTV on the market, bar none.
Driving over consecutive bumps, we were able to get this big dog to wheelie, but that’s not to say that it’s unstable.
Cat engineers redesigned the suspension systems on the Prowler 1000, lowering the ride height. With it, ground clearance dropped from 12.5 inches to a still respectable 10 inches, but it also stabilized the machine. Dual A-arm front and rear suspensions each offer 10 inches of travel.
As fun as the XTZ is to drive, it’s also easy on the eyes. It gets “sunset orange” paint with flame graphics. A hood scoop in front is all aesthetic — it connects to nothing — but it creates a real boss look. Foot rails, box rails, a custom-looking steering wheel, high-end shocks and a wide rear-view mirror all come standard.
The popular Prowler XTX 700 H1 EFI and Prowler XT 600 HI return largely unchanged. Features like aluminum wheels, tilt steering and a turf-saver setting come on the 700, and both have 12.5 inches of ground clearance and 10 inches of travel.
New for 2009 is a Prowler 550 H1 EFI Flatbed. As the name implies, it gets the new 550-class single from Cat, plus a flatbed in the back instead of a box. It was described by Cat officials as the work/utility-oriented “price buster” in the Prowler lineup.
<b>Custom Build For Muddy Bob</b>
Literally moments after the first wave of dealers saw the new 700 H1 EFI MudPro, message boards on mudder sites were going wild with buzz over the most ready-for-action mud machine ever built by any manufacturer.
The MudPro is far more than a name and cool graphics. It’s got multiple features that make it ready for the soupiest, sloppiest sink holes around. Starting from the ground up, it rides on giant, 28-inch High Lifter Outlaw MST tires mounted on 12-inch machined aluminum wheels. They attach to a raked suspension that features 14 inches of ground clearance.
Most notable at a glance, however, is a high-water snorkel that sucks in air higher than the handlebars. It also comes standard with front and rear bumpers, wide fenders and a 3000-pound winch “for pulling the other guys out,” a Cat official quipped.
The clutching and 4.0 gearing on the machine are specifically set up for mudding, Cat officials said. We didn’t get a chance to go bogging on it yet, but even taking it for a test drive on the small dealer demo course, the MudPro felt very tall, strong and competition-ready.
<b>A New Class For Emerging Riders</b>
Cat’s other class-breaker is the all-new 150 2x4. For years, riders and some factory officials have complained that there aren’t any machines for teenagers who are too big for a 90 but not old enough for a full-sized utility quad — in fact, all factory warning stickers tell owners that their full-sized quads are for ages 16 and up only. But sticking a 180-pound 15-year-old on a 90 is ridiculous.
Finally, after the manufacturers worked with the Specialty Vehicle Industry Association, a class was created for these “tweeners” or, as Cat called them, “transitional riders.” The first model released for them is Cat’s 150.
It features a smallish chassis, smaller than the 200s and 250s on the market, yet notably larger than the 90s. Its 149cc KYMCO-built engine is twice-governed through the CVT transmission. In stock form, it’ll top out at about 20 mph. Remove one spacer, and it’ll reach up to 30 mph. Remove both spacers, and the climbing belt will allow the machine to max out at 38 mph.
The machine comes with twin headlights and taillights, digital instrumentation and forward and reverse gears, and it weighs in at a claimed 334 pounds.
The 150 is fun. We took it for about 15 laps around the demo course and didn’t want to get off — it’s like a mid-sized go-cart. We tortured it over bumps and jumps and rollers, and it kept asking for more, and we could envision our own kids transitioning from their little quads to this machine in the future.
<b>What Else Is New?</b>
The DVX lineup changed significantly. Cat officials dumped both the Suzuki-based DVX 400 and the KYMCO-based DVX 250 and settled on a DVX 300. It’s closer in substance to the 250, featuring a dual overhead cam 270cc that’s got the same bore as last year’s 250, but with a longer stroke and two additional valves (now 4).
At 44.7 inches, it’s 3 inches wider than last year’s 250 but an inch narrower than the 400. A dual A-arm front suspension and swingarm in the rear handle the moguls, with new shock calibrations and adjustable preload up front. Power is put through a CVT tranny.
Like the 150 2x4, it feels like a transitional model more than anything. It won’t be confused with a race quad, but it’s fun and sporty nonetheless. Cat also expanded its kids quad lineup. The 90cc sport and utility machines are governed through the CVT to allow them to be certified for a Y10 category (ages 10 and older), with two settings – 15 mph and 30 mph. That eliminated the need for a 70, so Cat launched utility and sport quads. The 90s feature reverse gear – a rare feature for kids quads.
About the Author
For more articles like this, please visit http://www.atvmagonline.com to get the latest news and info in the ATV industry!
Temecula Truck Accident Lawyer’s Top Ten Things not to Do as a Result of Your Truck Accident
1. Any activity people say is "Rad, Dude."
2. Snowmobile racing.
3. Taking part in a demolition derby.
4. Roller derby.
5. Trying to take a bone away from a Doberman.
6. Wood chopping contests.
7. Tree climbing.
8 Boot camp.
9. Dude ranches.
10. Chicken ranches.
Here are ten actual tips of advice to follow if you have been in a truck accident accident. You can learn also more about how to handle a truck accident accident in Temecula, or any city, by calling the Law Offices of R. Sebastian Gibson, or by visiting our website at http://www.SebastianGibsonLaw.com and learning how we can assist you.
Obviously, if you have had an accident, and you are reading all of this advice, it may have been a few hours since the accident. However, if you ever have another accident, or if it’s only been a few hours since you were hurt, here’s what you should do from the start.
First, take a look around and determine if you or anyone, are hurt. If so, taking steps like trying to prevent further injury or loss of blood are the most important thing you can do. Even if some other driver caused you to be injured, it’s just good manners to help the other driver if they are hurt. They may even be so thankful that they admit their fault to you. The worst thing you can do is get angry or start a fight.
Second, make sure everyone is safe from being injured further. If you are in the middle of traffic, and you are dizzy, sit down away from traffic. If your vehicle is a traffic hazard and you have accident warning devices like flares or triangles, put them out on the road to warn other drivers and get away from the car. Let the police an other emergency personnel investigate the scene with the vehicles in place and move them more safely at a later point.
Third, call the police. Accident reports are extremely helpful if the police will do such a report. Let the police know you are injured immediately. Answer the police questions honestly. But if you are dazed or confused, let them know you need medical treatment and answer only what you feel sure about. Remember, your statements can and will be used against you if you admit fault, and it will be too late and too fishy to later say you didn’t know what you were saying at the scene. Police know that your best recollection is immediately after an accident.
Fourth, get the other driver’s information including their names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, make and model of their vehicles, license plate numbers, and their insurance company name and policy number. If there are witnesses, get their names, addresses and telephone numbers as well. If the other driver makes any admissions of fault, write those down as well.
Fifth, if you have a camera on your cell phone or in the car and you aren’t too injured, take some photos of the vehicles and the scene. If you can’t do it right away, do it after you are released from the hospital.
Sixth, if you are hurt, obtain medical treatment. Don’t decline the ambulance or hospital examination to save your insurance company money or to be stoic. Take your valuables out of your car if you can and get checked out at the hospital. If you are not hurt, don’t get treatment you don’t need. However, remember, after an accident, you may feel a rush of adrenaline that causes you to only start feeling symptoms of pain a few hours later. If you have a health plan that requires you to obtain permission first, call them and find out where you are allowed to seek treatment.
Seventh, call a good truck accident attorney as soon as you have had your initial treatment, so the lawyer can gather other important evidence and prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you and obtaining such things as recorded statements that you feel fine, when many of your symptoms have yet to manifest themselves. A good truck accident lawyer can save you from making a great deal of mistakes and can shoulder much of the hassle of knowing what to do about car repairs, car rentals, medical treatment, witness statements and the like. If you think you will save money by not having an attorney, think again. A good truck accident lawyer can almost always obtain much higher settlements, obtain reductions of medical bills and insurance liens and prevent you from making costly mistakes. Also, most truck accident attorneys advance costs of obtaining police reports, medical records and the like and are paid and reimbursed for these costs only out of any settlement.
Eight, you will need to report the accident to your insurance company, but since they will want to take a recorded statement from you, just like any other driver’s insurance company, it’s good advice to retain an attorney first. And if the other driver did not have insurance, remember that it is your own insurance company that will be your adversary. You will also need to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles and your lawyer can give you the form for this.
Ninth, do not agree to settle your claim privately with the person at fault for the accident. This almost never works out to your advantage. Don’t agree not to call the police. Police reports that determine the fault for an accident are golden. Your agreement to not involve the police only affords an opportunity for the other driver to change his story and blame you when the police will no longer investigate the accident.
Tenth, don’t pay a traffic ticket without a fight if you weren’t at fault or agree to accept a small payment for your vehicle repairs without knowing that the amount will in fact cover the cost of all the repairs.
If you’ve had a truck accident in Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Temecula, Murrieta, Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Fontana, Palmdale, Victorville, Hesperia, or anywhere in Southern California, we have the knowledge and resources to be your Temecula Truck Accident Lawyer and your Murrieta Truck Accident Attorney. Be sure to hire a California law firm with auto, motorcycle, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, car, bus, train, boat and airplane accident experience, wrongful death experience and insurance law expertise who can ensure you are properly represented and get the compensation you deserve.
If you have a personal injury legal matter, a dog bite or if you’ve lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, call the Law Offices of R. Sebastian Gibson, or visit our website at http://www.SebastianGibsonLaw.com and learn how we can assist you.
About the Author
The Sebastian Gibson Law Firm serves auto, motorcycle, and truck accident victims in Temcula, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Corona, Murrieta, Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Fontana, Redlands, Yucaipa, Hemet, Colton, Palmdale, Victorville, and Hesperia. We also serve car, bicycle and pedestrian accident clients from San Diego to Orange County, Long Beach and Santa Monica, Palm Springs, Palm Desert and Indio, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Oxnard and San Luis Obispo, and all of Southern California.
Visit our website at http://www.sebastiangibsonlaw.com if you have a personal injury legal matter of any kind. We have the knowledge and resources to represent you as your Temecula Truck Accident Lawyer and Murrieta Truck Accident Attorney or your attorney in and around the cities of Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Carlsbad, Oceanside, La Jolla, Del Mar and Escondido. We also serve Orange, Fullerton, Costa Mesa, Corona, Westminster, Buena Park, Mission Viejo, Garden Grove, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Vista, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Laguna Niguel, Chino Hills, San Clemente, Pacific Beach, Coachella, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Joshua Tree Lake Forest, Tustin, Yorba Linda and Newport Coast.
