Snowmobile Arctic Cat M 8000 HARDCORE ALPHA ONE 165 (2019)

Arctic Cat developed and brought to life the M 8000 HCR 153 snowmobile (the modern analogue is the Arctic Cat M8000 153 HCMC), its main purpose is driving in deep snow. Because of its capabilities, it has taken pride of place in the top of all snowmobiles.

This result was achieved thanks to the Suzuki engine. Its volume is 800 cubic meters, fuel injection is regulated by an electronic injector. Despite the small size of the engine, the engineers managed to squeeze 163 horsepower out of it. Such good performance was achieved thanks to the installation of a lightweight crankshaft and electronic exhaust valves, which are equipped with temperature sensors.

The M 8000 HCR 153 has a unique drive system. It includes a cross-shaped crankshaft, good hydraulic brakes and a strong drive chain. Snowmobile brakes are lightweight and feature a radial master cylinder and very lightweight discs.

As for the front suspension, the M 8000 was equipped with Float EVOL shock absorbers, custom-made by FOX. Its stroke is 23 centimeters. The snowmobile was also equipped with ProCross skis. It is worth noting that they are not very suitable for eating in deep snow.

The model featured a unique rear suspension with 40 cm of rear travel. It was designed by Arctic Cat and FOX.

On this model, the engineers decided to use a fixed steering wheel with a vertical post, rather than installing the usual telescopic steering type.

The driver's seat was made very comfortable. It is also worth noting the housing heating system, which will protect it from ice freezing. If we compare the model of this year and 2012, we can safely say that the first model has significantly less snow and ice on the hull than before. Moreover, the weight of the system is 2 kg less.

The dashboard allows you to fully control your ride. Operating modes: digital and analog. On the panel, in addition to standard indicators, you can monitor altimeter data and trip duration.

For good traction on the road, a 3.9-meter PowerClaw track was used; to put it simply, it’s a caterpillar. To quickly move through the snow, ridges with a height of 660 mm are installed on the track in increments of 750 mm. The hardness of the track is 85. Thanks to the forward curved tread, the snow will first be compacted and only after that the ridges will begin their work.

This snowmobile is more suitable for professionals who have seen a lot in their lifetime. This is due to the fact that the M 8000 is not controllable enough, and it will be difficult for a beginner to handle it.

If you love rough riding on snowy mountains, then this is the model for you.

Engine characteristics

Suspension

Arctic Cat M 8000 HCR 153 2014 Snowmobile Review

The M 8000 HCR 153 was designed by Arctic Cat specifically for deep snow riding. However, this snowmobile has much more capabilities than similar machines. Perhaps only two snowmobiles can compete with the M 8000: the RMK Assault from Polaris and the Ski-Doo XM RS Freeride. But what is so special hidden in our cat? Let's figure it out together.

First of all, it’s worth talking about the engine. Engineers equipped the M 8000 with a Suzuki engine. The two-stroke engine has a displacement of 800 cubic meters; fuel injection is controlled by an electronic injector (EFI). Thus, it was possible to extract 163 hp from a seemingly compact engine. power. To ensure maximum performance, the engine is also equipped with a lightweight crankshaft and electronic exhaust valves with a temperature sensor.

Also worth noting is the special Arctic Drive System. It consists of a cross-shaped crankshaft, a powerful drive chain and hydraulic brakes. The brakes, in turn, consist of ultra-light discs and a radial master cylinder.

Now let's talk about the front suspension. The model is equipped with excellent Float EVOL shock absorbers from the world's leading suspension company, FOX. The front suspension travel is almost 23 cm. They also decided to equip the snowmobile with ProCross skis. Speaking of skis, it is worth mentioning that ProCross is more suitable for fast skiing on flat snow. In deep snow they are clearly inferior to their competitors.

The rear suspension is a fusion of the best technology from FOX and Arctic Cat's own design. Suspension travel is approximately 40 cm (15.5 inches).

The type of steering wheel design was a bit of a surprise. Instead of a telescopic steering wheel, the engineers decided to install a fixed steering wheel and a vertical post.

The driver's seat does not cause any complaints. Everything is done to the highest class, in the signature Arctic Cat style. In addition, the system for protecting the housing from freezing of ice and snow deserves special attention. Comparing the modern M 8000 with the 2012 M 8 model, it becomes noticeable that the heating is much more efficient. And this despite the fact that the heat exchanger has become 2 kg lighter!

Continuing the theme of the driver's seat, it is also worth mentioning the dashboard. It operates in two modes: digital and analog. In addition to standard indicators, the panel also displays data from an altimeter and trip time counter. There is also an engine and reverse status indicator.

Traction is provided by a track (colloquially called a track) called the PowerClaw. This name is translated as “powerful claw.” To understand why the truck received this name, you just need to familiarize yourself with its parameters. Along the entire track, 6.6 cm high ridges are installed in 7.5 cm increments. By the way, the M 8000 has the highest ridges in its class. Track hardness is 85 (Shore). Another feature is the forward curved tread. Thus, first the snow is compacted and only after that the “claws” of the snowmobile come into play.

Unfortunately, the M 8000 model is only available with a 3.9 m track length. If you are not satisfied with this length, you will have to turn to the services of the M 9000 snowmobile, which can offer a 4.1 m track and a liter four-stroke with two cylinders. Naturally, such a car will cost much more.

Now we can draw some conclusions. Of course, the Arctic Cat M 8000 is an excellent snowmobile with excellent technical characteristics. However, handling leaves much to be desired. Of course, if you are an experienced driver, then you will like this “seal”, but beginners will have to work hard when driving through the snow-capped mountains.

The M 8000 is a machine that is accustomed to rough handling. Even the most difficult driving conditions are not scary for her. But be prepared for decent physical exertion and crazy speed. Can you handle this? Then this snowmobile is for you!

Specifications

Appearance

2014 Arctic Cat M8000 Sno Pro and Sno Pro Limited Review

According to many experts, the M8000 Sno Pro from Arctic Cat was recognized as the best mountain snowmobile.

The M8000 model was previously produced under the name M8. What has changed since then? Firstly, it is worth noting the significant “weight loss” of the new product. The previous model was 8 kg heavier. It would seem that the figure is not significant at all. However, when riding in deep snow, the weight of the snowmobile is extremely important.

Secondly, the M8000 Sno Pro received an updated seat that provides even more comfort and space for the passenger and driver.

Changes also affected the design of the chain drive and the location of the rear suspension. Let's remember what the 2013 models were like. The M8 Sno Pro snowmobile and its Limited modification have been heavily criticized for three reasons:

1. The snowmobile got stuck in deep snow;

2. Unstable behavior of the rear of the car (especially at high speed);

3. Significant body roll when descending a slope.

The funny thing is that the 2012 model had almost the same shortcomings. Engineers declared with full confidence that the new generation of snowmobiles will get rid of all “bad habits.” But, as it turned out, the Americans only managed to worsen the situation.

But let's return to the modern M8000 Sno Pro and Sno Pro LE. In addition to the fact that the snowmobiles lost 8 kg of excess weight, they also became more obedient.

The weight of the car was reduced thanks to a new seat, as well as the replacement of the heat exchanger and some fasteners. Now, as for the sitting. It became noticeably lower. This design move allows the driver to more effectively control the snowmobile by moving the body to the right or left.

There was also a small glove compartment, very small, but still better than none.

The Arctic Cat M8000 Sno Pro also features a lightweight heat exchanger. Compared to the previous version, the heat exchanger has become 2 kg lighter. In addition, its design protects the snowmobile from snow accumulation. By the way, the 2012 model was simply terrible in this regard: the snowmobile seemed to be a magnet for snow and ice.

The new M8000 Sno Pro is equipped with a 153-inch track, while its LE modification is equipped with a 162-inch track. The track width on both models is 15 inches (38 cm).

The design of the snowmobile uses the excellent ProClimb platform. As you know, on models and chassis it is used in conjunction with ProCross skis. For the M8000 Sno Pro models, this option turned out to be unacceptable, because thin skis are not able to provide the level of cross-country capability required by a mountain snowmobile.

Now the engine. The driver has at his disposal an 800 cc two-stroke from Suzuki. The engine has already demonstrated its best qualities. The unit is incredibly powerful and reliable. Failures of this engine are extremely rare.

It is also worth talking about some changes in the transmission. For the 2014 model, engineers decided to change the gear ratios. In this way, it was possible not only to improve throttle response, but also to lower the heating temperature of the belt. Additionally, the gear ratios were chosen to suit the Power Claw track with its 6.6cm lugs.

The new version of the M8000 Sno Pro LE has lost its hand protection and windshield. Oddly enough, many considered this an advantage, because when driving in the mountains, these protective “devices” get in the way. Let's look at some more advantages of the new M8000:

1. Telescopic steering wheel;

2. Rotating dashboard;

3. All controls are located on the steering wheel;

4. Special heated compartment for glasses;

5. Sturdy and spacious footrests.

To summarize, let's say that the M8000 continues to progress rapidly. It is quite difficult to make a highly specialized snowmobile based on a “civilian” platform. But, as we have seen, Arctic Cat is not afraid of difficulties. The new M8000 Sno Pro certainly has a unique character and all the qualities you need in a true mountain snowmobile.