The only one for 2021 that retains the famous Yamaha 998 CC turbocharged engine! So, if you want an Arctic Cat model with this engine, the Thunder Cat is your only option for 2021.
Two versions are available for 2021: the model with the standard suspension or with the ATAC electronic suspension adjustable on the handlebars.
Changes in 2021
Aside from the colors and graphics, we noticed only one notable change compared to the 2020 model, and that is the track. In 2020, the company mentioned that it was responding to a need for extreme performance by using a one-inch track, allowing for very high top speeds. In 2021, the company is back with a Ripsaw 2 track with a 1.25 inch bead, giving a better grip that will certainly give back to the power under the hood…
Besides the track, the color scheme for 2021 is slightly more sober with very little green on the snowmobile. The gray color is in the spotlight for the new vintage, with the suspension and ski rims going to steel gray.
Power
If there’s one thing that’s not in doubt for 2021, it’s power… Yamaha’s 1000cc three-cylinder turbocharged engine is by far the most powerful production engine with 200 horsepower. Time and time again, people associate power with high noise levels and brutality, but it’s really the opposite that strikes first-time riders. This three-cylinder engine is remarkably smooth to the ear, so much so that you have to be careful on your first few trips… Acceleration is smooth, which doesn’t reflect the reality of the speed reached. As there is very little roar from the engine compartment, you have to keep an eye on the odometer to quickly realize that, in the time it takes to say it, we’ve reached very high speeds… This phenomenon is also due to the behavior of the rear suspension, which keeps the skis on the ground, thus reducing the surprise effect.
Our tests in West Yellowstone hardly reflect the reality here in Quebec. With an altitude of over 6000 feet, naturally aspirated engines lose a lot of their power at this level, the cause being the quantity of oxygen molecules which is much less than at sea level. However, a turbocharged engine undergoes virtually no change, which makes it much more difficult to compare with the competition, which offers vehicles equipped with two-stroke engines.
Suspension
What a topic of discussion! The options used by the manufacturers can make a big difference in the ride, but also in the feeling perceived by the rider. A suspension that allows a lot of weight transfer increases the feeling of performance, but also brings its share of instability, especially when exiting corners… However, at Arctic Cat, we have been opting for stability for years, and 2021 is no exception. The American manufacturer’s thoroughbred is the epitome of stability in turns. The combination of the relatively high weight of the front of the snowmobile with the very low weight transfer keeps the skis nailed to the ground at all times. When you push the throttle on the exit of a turn, the behavior remains predictable and gives a good feeling of confidence. The slight tail skid effect found on the 2020 models with a one-inch track is virtually gone with the RipSaw 2 offering a little more bite. One could even say that on rare occasions during our tests, the front of the snowmobile was pushed to the outside, and you had to compensate by counterbalancing towards the inside of the turn.
Not to be overlooked is ATAC’s optional suspension system that allows for electronic suspension adjustment. Controlling the front and rear suspension shocks, the rider has the option of selecting three resistance modes: Soft, Medium or Firm. This FOX technology is so easy to use, it’s impossible for any rider not to try it. The manual suspension adjustments found on the market require a bit of physical effort, and many times the owner decides to keep the same settings. With the ATAC system, there is no excuse: a simple push of the button on the handlebar and you’re done. This increases the internal resistance of the FOS Zero IQS shock absorber, thus reducing the sag when the terrain becomes rougher. We tested the switching from one mode to the other several times during our tests, and the efficiency is impeccable. The changeover is very quick since it is really a matter of changing the position of the valve on the shock absorber. Fast and efficient.
There is no doubt that the high performance enthusiast will find something to like with the Thunder Cat, which ranks among the best in its class on the trail. Stability and comfort reduce fatigue levels after a long day of riding.
Your new ride will come with an eleven inch medium windshield, electric starter, bezel bag, hand guards and the high performance LED front light!
At the time of writing, we have learned the good news about the out-of-court settlement between Arctic Cat and BRP. To put you in the picture, a patent lawsuit filed by BRP prevented Arctic Cat from selling snowmobiles equipped with the same chassis used since 2012 on a large number of models. For the good of our favorite sport, this agreement will allow all fans to make a free choice regarding their snowmobile, the whole industry will come out a winner and this will reduce the uncertainty of the next season!
