And then there was one.
With the announcement earlier this spring that Ski-Doo was
ceasing production of the Summit
1000, the number of sleds in the 1000cc class was all of a sudden cut in half.
That means the Arctic Cat M1000 can crow that it is the
biggest, baddest stock sled on snow for 2008. So, if you feel the need for climbing high o n
the mountain and plastering smaller sleds all over the snow with brute, potent
horsepower then the 1000cc class is for you and that means the M1000.
No one will argue that the M1000 doesn't have the ponies to
tame most any mountain and with some refinements for 2008, this Cat doesn't
only like to climb, but it likes powder-the deeper the better, especially with
the 162-inch track. Most of the refinements took place in the ride department,
specifically the rear suspension (practically all new) and front spindles.
There are also new running boards which will help on those deep powder days
when riders are constantly working to keep the boards free of snow buildup.
All those refinements helped shave about 10 lbs. off the
M1000, which means the machine is back to its pre-reverse weight. Now riders
get reverse without the weight penalty and a better ride to boot. Not that it
matters much now, but the M1000 had the Summit
1000 beat in the weight department-lighter weight department that is.
The M1000's price tag shatters our $11 grand theme but
sledders should expect to pay a premium price for a premium machine. The M1000
is not for your new-to-the-sport riders or those who have no desire to bust
deep powder and climb like a mountain goat. No, the M1000 is for hardcore
sledders who think of the backcountry as a personal playground.
Also, the statement about there being only one model in the
1000cc class is a little misleading-there are actually four models to choose
from: M1000 with a 153-inch track; M1000 with a 162-inch track and Sno Pro
versions of both track lengths. The Sno Pro difference comes at a price but
adds premium Fox Float shocks for an even better ride.
One model-four different versions. And one heck of a ride on
the snow.
Class Facts
1000cc
Mfgers represented Arctic
Cat
Models 1
Average MSRP $12,099
(includes Sno Pro models)
Estimated average horsepower 165
Track range-length 153-162
inches
Track range-depth 2.25
inches
Weight range 500-510
lbs.
Details in which issue October,
2007