Thoughts on the new 2014 YamaCat...

So.
After months and months of intense speculation, today all the rumors were laid bare.

Yamaha and Arctic Cat are in bed with each other, just as suspected.

The "Spy Photos" of what looked like a new Arctic Cat with Yamaha graphics all over it, turned out to be just that. A new Cat with Yamaha Graphics.

While we all get over the shock and let-down of NOT seeing anything new for the mountain segment, no one has asked the most obvious question of all.

Will this new business relationship bring us a BETTER MOUNTAIN SLED in 2015?

I think everyone here pretty much agrees that the Nytro has outlived it's original design longevity and desperately needs to be updated in a MAJOR way.

A few weeks ago I got to participate as one of the test riders in the 2013 SnoWest Deep Powder Challenge, which does NOT include Yamaha 4-stroke Sleds (as the mag doesn't feel they are able to compete against any of the 800cc 2-strokes)

Having been given the opportunity to ride the new Polaris, Ski-Doo and Cat, I cast my vote for the Cat as the best all around sled. This was a REAL SURPRISE for me as I went in fully expecting the new Polaris Pro to win.

With that day's ride in mind, maybe, just maybe, this new union of Arctic Cat and Yamaha will result in a winning combination of ergonomics, dependability and power..:face-icon-small-hap

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modeloverview/cat/2014/61/model_overview.aspx

<table id="MasterTemplate__PageTemplate_cphCenterContent_SpecsContent_tblSpecs" class="SpecList" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="specMSRPtitle" valign="top" width="25%">MSRP*</td><td class="spectext" valign="top" width="75%">$12,999 (Yamaha Blue) Available from October 2013
$12,999 (Heat Red) Available from October 2013
</td></tr><tr><td class="specCatSpacer" colspan="2"> </td></tr><tr><td class="specheader">Engine</td><td>
</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Type</td><td class="specvalue">4-stroke / 3-cyl / 1049cc</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Engine Class</td><td class="specvalue">High Performance Genesis</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Clutch</td><td class="specvalue">YVXC</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Fuel Delivery</td><td class="specvalue">3 x 41mm fuel injection</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Fuel Capacity</td><td class="specvalue">10.6 gal (40L)</td></tr><tr><td class="specCatSpacer" colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td class="specheader">Chassis</td><td>
</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Front Suspension</td><td class="specvalue">SRV</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Front Shocks</td><td class="specvalue">Fox ® FLOAT® 2</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Front Travel</td><td class="specvalue">10 in (254mm)</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Rear Suspension</td><td class="specvalue">Dual Shock SR 141</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Rear Shock(s)</td><td class="specvalue">Fox ® Zero Pro®/ Fox® FLOAT® 2</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Rear Travel</td><td class="specvalue">14.5 in (368mm)</td></tr><tr><td class="specCatSpacer" colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td class="specheader">Dimensions</td><td>
</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Track / W X L X H</td><td class="specvalue">15 x 141 x 1.6 in</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Track Type</td><td class="specvalue">Camoplast® Cobra®</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Ski Stance (ctr to ctr)</td><td class="specvalue">42-43 in (1067-1092mm) adjustable</td></tr><tr><td class="specCatSpacer" colspan="2"></td></tr><tr><td class="specheader">Features</td><td>
</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Electric Start</td><td class="specvalue">Standard</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Reverse</td><td class="specvalue">Push Button</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">DC Output</td><td class="specvalue">Automotive</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Heated seat</td><td class="specvalue">Accessory</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Color (s)</td><td class="specvalue">Yamaha Blue, Heat Red</td></tr><tr><td class="speccategoryvalue">Warranty</td><td class="specvalue">1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)</td></tr></tbody></table>

Agreed.
I would certainly THINK they will be IN the Deep Powder Challenge next year!

If they come out with a 6-8psi OEM boosted MTX next year it should be plenty competitive against any other 800cc 2 stroke.

RACINSTATION said:

Baby steps. This is the first step toward some great things. Next year, 2015....look for a different engine configuration, boost, long tracks etc from Yamaha. Cat will get the Yamaha engine (new one) in 2015 and hopefully the clutching package too.

People get so caught up in my brand, or your brand. This union will help us all have better snowmobiles, no matter the color. It should cut production and tooling costs too, I only hope the manufacturers pass those along.

Click to expand...

Agreed.
In the long run "I" think this will be a positive step for all of us Yamaha true believers!

Turbo11T said:

MAybe I am a dreamer. . . But do you think it is possble that cat cornered yamaha by giving them the chassis and is going to use the nytro motor with a turbo and didn't allow yamaha to turbo the viper? Now I am really interested to see what cat is getting from this deal.

Click to expand...

Can't confirm this.
But..
I was told the reason we do not have OEM boost is EPA.
And that the EPA issue will be resolved this year and that will allow the boosted sleds to be released as 2015 units.

Supposedly they could release them in Canada now, but they didn't think that would go over well in the market...

Turbo11T said:

Also I may be over analyzing the pics. . .But that blue viper has a exhaust flange like the cat 1100 does inside the mag side panel window.

Click to expand...

The steel tube is visible in all 4 images.