Great to see a company standing by their dealers and helping them clear out old stock and not overstock 2020 models. Been a few rough winters on sales for everyone.
Too bad they didn't do that from the get go, instead of forcing sleds on dealers and expecting them to sell every one. Way too many dealers have gotten out of selling because it's just not worth it for them. In the end, you sell what you sell. You can do all the marketing you want, but if there aren't the buyers in a given region, you won't sell all they give you. Cat should give the dealers what buyers want, and only the amount they know they will sell. If they need more, then dealers can order more. Anyway, just my thoughts.
They all do that. My sister works for a place that sold Ski Doos and Yamahas and they quit snow mobiles last year for that very reason. You are spot on though they're cutting there own throats. Only make dealers take what they sell. You can have the greatest sled in the world but if no one sells it so what.@@shaneroper477
Even nowadays coming up on the 2021 season, I had my eyes on a Riot, and this just helped me finalize that decision! You touched base on everything I was wondering and I know that this will be the best winter I’ve had in a while!
@@skylermummert24 ,enough nuts to make up for a significant price difference ? Also, dont thing AJ brought it up, but the AC 800 , got a boost in HP this year and is now considered a 165 hp Class engine. And no I am not reffering to the 880 he mentioned, this is related to the 800 HP increased for 2020..
Bullshit I've ridden a 2014 2015 and a 2016 free ride 146's and 153's and I rode a 2014 arctic cat hcr 800 153 and it would spank any of the 800 etecs I've ridden I've ridden more ski doos than anything but as far as I'm concerned cats number one Polaris is awesome but they can't build a motor and ski doo is pretty deadly but the t motion washes out weird and there darty when you side hill where as the cat and Polaris side hilling feels more planted
Funny thing is I had never tried a new Cat before and my buddy lent me his Alpha and damn I was so impressed at the power and Carving was childish easy ! I know this isn't the Alpha but i'm just saying I would'nt mind having a Cat at all ! They are way better than most people think they are ! Love it !
Well I had the pleasure of taking out a new Riot earlier today thanks to the great folks at Adventure Centre in Marquette. I own quite a few sleds, as I have several kids and they all love sledding. And these sleds are from different manufacturers bc I do my homework and match my kid’s riding style to the best sled available. I’ve had some terrible experiences with every maker and I’ve had great experiences with most. That being said I ride a TCat but I also own an 850 Assault that I ride quite a bit, that is when I can get it wrestled away from my son. I do love that Assault. It does everything well, very well. But I spent four hours putting the Riot thru it’s paces. And bottom line is it’s very, very good. I don’t agree w Aj about the trail manners, as my experience was it handle trails very well. No push, no darting, and it surprised me that the 146 skid wasn’t more noticeable. This sled tore up the trail and was almost unaffected by studders and trail junk. At speed it was very confidence inspiring. I truly became surprised when I looked at the speedo. There is a very noticeable vibration at idle so I hope the 2020 motor enhancements handle that. As for off trail, it was easy. Other cats I’ve had seemed difficult to initiate carving, but not this bad boy. Again, confidence inspiring. They really did good, as my intention was to try it to cross it off my list, eliminate it. But not so much. Lol. Is it as good as an Assault? It’s different but it’s really good. I’d give the nod by a hair to the Assault on trail but barely. Off trail this gig made my old fat arse look like I knew what I was doing. Color me impressed. I’m ordering one and my boys can really see which one wins!
I would have to say I agree with you on all your points. I did test rides in Old Forge NY. Rode it 4 times really didn't notice the track length. If I could get off trail some I would get one in a heartbeat, just not getting the snow locally AND I would have an 850 Polaris Indy RC as well. Its impressive coming from a CAT man. Yep big time vibrations.
Got to ride an engineering test machine from the factory this weekend and loved it. Did not take it off trail, but very impressed with on trail manners.
Thats the only way they can get a chassis that comes apart at the back were its riveted together mine HAD to be fixed every year and the 141 rails are junk also we have a 2017 2018 2019 all with nothing but problems so for 2020 we order Polaris also the 800 motor is old Tec I will pay $3,000 more for better quality !!
I noticed you didn't mention anything about the new and improved C-tech 800 coming out in 2020. Have you guys had any discussions with Arctic cat about the new motor? Supposed to be in the 165hp class now with new pistons and revised cylinders ect. As always.....great video!
Seems all the demos are the standard Riot. I'd like to hear about the X also and its handling. Is the steering post fixed or telescopic? Cat shows both. What's different on the 146" besides the removal of the rear coupling blocks? Standard vs SBA? X vs SKS 146?
I got to ride a demo Riot. Never got to go off trail with it but I was expecting it to push more then it did on the trails. It felt really nice... 11 grand? Count me in!
I have been on cat for long time my 2006 Crossfire 700 has been rock solid went too 144 with it any many other tweaks....but it's time to update snowcheck one of these, I'm excited...
I've been riding since 1972 in michigan and have had a ton of great sleds and all four manufacturers make great sleds compared to the 100 plus manufacturer's in the seventies And Awesome job Aj on going through the characteristics of the cat But in deep powder or wet snow from what I seem to see all sleds tend to push in these conditions But here in michigan and many other snowbelt states we rides our trail system throughout the state in Michigan is number one and the one issue i always seem to see. Is trail conditions change throughout the day and night it could be 30 degrees and 12 inches of Base and the sun's out all sleds will push in the corners But in the evening, like midnight 10° and the snow has tightened up like ice on the trails then most of the sleds if set up right are like on rails Just a old sled head giving his opinion But you're doing an awesome job
I had the 2018 cross country does this ride like that with a little longer track? Or did the new skid make improvements. Biggest complaint with the cross country was no ski lift.
I would love this in a 137. I’m mostly on trails but do get out to break fresh trails after a good snow storm. I have a 16 zr7000 el Tigre (129) and it’s just too much of a trail sled. In powder it doesn’t not handle the turns well. I know it’s a four stroke but weighing in at 650 pounds it gets very tiring after a day of riding moderate trails.
TEXTRON ARCTICAT..... A new approach to selling Sleds..... Pricing looks great. I think that they're approach to the market is genius. This coming from a genius. Scott.
Thanks for another honest video. I am torn between snow checking the Riot or assault 850. I’m liking the 2.0 assault but not the price! I have a 129” trail sled I’m keeping for low snow and rough days. I ride in the U.P. 95% of the time. We have been getting off trail ALOT more now and enjoying it. I don’t want to regret my decision. What’s your honest opinion?
He wont even compare the assault to the other brands. He knows its better. The only difference is its 2 inches shorter. Thats it. Same trail front end as other brands, same uncoupled skid as other brands, can get same track. He says you k lw how we feel about the assault. He wants a fair review of the lesser brands
If you are in the UP and do a ton of off trail I would suggest giving the Riot X a look too. I have a 2017 Highcountry and a 2015 Crosscountry. Both are 141" tracks. The main difference between the 2 is the highcountry has the mountain front end while the cross country has the trail front. With that mountain front end the highcountry just falls over in the powder. It's super flickable and to be honest, pretty much just as good on the trail. The Riot X is basiclly a highcountry with the new skid. It has telescoping handlebars too which are great. Just my observations and suggestion.
Ive had 2 sleds with the telescoping bars a 10 limited and a 16 limited hc. Imo they are junk. I love the idea but them things flop around like crazy. A very loose design. I completely replaced one because it was so sloppy and even added the bdx fix and the other one the nut fell off the bottom while out in the woods. I would love to see cat succeed but ive already seen vidoes and can tell its still the same old tank. I know they do well offtrail and in mountains but other than that cat is a point and shoot sled. I only ride u.p and just think ski doo and polaris are far ahead. Not hating on cat i hear good things about there trail sleds. Its all i rode til i bought a ski doo and wow was i blind sided. Rode so much better. Now i ride a 850 assault with a 2 inch and couldnt be happier. It rails corners and is a blast to ride in powder. Its so nimble and forgiving. It does what u tell it to do. Feels like your cheating!
jrome m this is what I’m afraid of. I’m on the verge of going 850 assault 2” but have never owned a Polaris so I’m scared lol. It’s like 50-60lbs lighter 😯. That’s a lot to overcome. The ones I have sat on in the dealers felt very nice! I just might have to pull the trigger on it.
I switch sleds every 2 years or so. Owned many newer cats, ski doo and now ive had 2 assaults 17 and a 19. You can not go wrong with it. Ski doos are very nice to. I just think imo if the riot is anything like all the cats ive owned and rode its good but just doesnt have what the assault has. There are some things polaris could do better but splitting hairs. One thing i love about the polaris is how simple it is. Dont need special tools to work on. U can change plugs in 2 minutes. Belt change is simple. Aj calls it a switch army knife. A couple tweaks to some of the fit and finish and it will best sled on snow
On the Riot X I've seen alot of contradictions on the track. Some sled mags say it's a Challenger 2in some say it's a Challenger 2.0 whatever that is and some have said it's the Peak 2.25, any clarification on that...?¿?
I just picked up my 2020 arctic cat riot about a month ago and I have put almost 100 miles on it did push in the corners but I just put a 6” woodys carbide on it made a huge difference! The 4” from factory just isn’t enough. Just go buy a 6” and you’ll be peechy!
Do a shootout with the ski doo XRS backcountry 850 vs arctic cat riot vs Polaris switchback assault. All with 146 with 2 inch track. That’s a shootout to see.
AmSnow did a 2019 Mt Shootout earlier with a 850Summit, Alpha, RMK850, and SWinder. The Alpha cleaned up in almost every category,,, then the excuses from the other brands started flowing.
If you were to rate the trail capabilities of a ZR 6000R-XC a "10" on a scale of 1 to 10, what would you rate this Riot for HARD trail riding performance? (for comparisons sake on how much trail handling you'd lose on a Riot. Thanks for any input.
Don't really know what he means by not having the switchback assault as a comparison. That sled is the one that cat should have the bullseye on and make a big dent in what polaris sells. I own an 850 assault and it has been bullet proof and fun. The heart of the market if you ask me.
Put the SKS in the shootout PLEASE!!! Nobody has done a good review of the SKS. I think if Polaris offered a 1.6 Cobra on the SKS it would be a great comparison to the Backcountry.
No idea why cat has those huge holes in the lower side panels near where your feet go, snow just pours in the sled and gets the belt wet. Also they need a better system with the rubber boots up front, they fill with snow and freeze rock hard.
This is the best winter i have seen since i was young. Arctic cat might have the better snowmachine at a good price. Not the wheeler, side by side, dirtbike or jetski just the sled.Timing is everthing and ive been seeing a shitload of new cats on the prowl between St. Cloud and Eagle river. A few dollars must have changed alot of peoples minds on what they snow check.
If cat came out with a 880 they may as well bring back the 900 as a c-tech. I bought a 2019 hardcore and have no problem out pulling my buddies on there 850's. It a great step in the right direction for Arctic Cat in my opinion. Thanks for the video.
Hi AJ, I am a bit surprised at your call at 70/30 off Trail favor.... Reason , I am saying I am surprised because your conditions for Trail riding "Traditional trail riding" was not there.... You have pretty bad conditions for trail riding.... I think you should hold judgment on the Trail aspect of the sled... Per my point there has been a number of Trail reviews of this sled now, and No Ski left, no darting, no pushing in corners... So my suggestion would be to re-test when trail conditions are "Typical" for the "Typical Trail Ryder" thanks other then the above, always enjoy your videos!
gentile joshsaved nope it has the Zr/Xf panels. But you can swap to the m8000 side panels and belly pan, narrow boards. That’s what I’m doing to my xf8000
Ya know after riding all this season and seeing countless "STAY ON THE TRAIL OR WE WILL LOSE IT!!!!" signs I do hope that snowtrax spends an episode next season of where people can off trail and more importantly WHERE THEY CAN NOT! Seeing winter wheat poke through and then countless tread tracks going over it right next to the trail is just frustrating as hell. How many trails have been closed to the "boondockers style" over the last ten years must be countless. Trails that have been open for decades are now getting shut down.
Bro is it better then eather 850 Is the suspension better then eather 850 Is anything bettter then one of the 850 lol But these are the new budget cross overs When u can get three or four grand off u trade performance for value I own a 2014 xf turbo for smoking deal brand new when the 15s we’re out
I know you're looking to release the full review for the 2020 season... So it makes sense that you won't release that review until then, but it's really kind of a crap move since for can't get this sled by the time you release that video. Being spring check only really drives the need for consumers to have that content in their have now so they can make a decision while they still have time
The SKS is a completely different sled. This will humiliate a SKS on trail. The SKS is better off trail. The Assault is more of a direct competitor to the Riot.
bedlambikes The sks can be set out to 41” for better trail ability. The shocks can be adjusted and it comes with gripper skis instead of pro steer but the gripper skis on an assault actually do better all around than the pro steer. This sled in no way would blow away an sks in any category but would get blown away in some. 2 SBA a 1.6 and 2” as well as a 146 sks 2.25 all 2019 tested them side by side all season. West Yellow stone, lower Mi, and 5 3 to 5 day trips to the Upper peninsula. Trail, mug, Ice, 6 ft of fresh powder and everything in between. Ride safe out there
Hahaha you just prooved your polierass fan boyism with this video. You said the riot is flawless in more words then one yet say the assult or rush is a better option. Yet the cat is flawless besides a few nit pick things. Give it up and just come out and say it that your on the Polaris pay role
fireredcannon twofour Nope. If ya don’t order one by April 15th, you ain’t getting a 2020 unless a dealer somehow gets one to sell.... There’s about $3000-$4000 CAN off MSRP though.... It’s all on the website
Cats been running the 1.6 cobra for years ain’t nothing new “rides awesome with the new 1.6 cobra” 😂😂 was on my buddies 2012 xf and my 2013 xf and so on
Ok... So, I am a owner of Riot , and I own all brands , and I do not get paid for any products or snowmobile Manf. Just putting that out there before I say anything... I have put 109 miles on the Sled. I rode in both deep snow temp was 21 F , and I did a long ride in packed snow conditions at 36F @ 9000 Feet Elevation(both rides) Next what AJ speaks of is 90% Opinion based on Conditions , with some facts associated to the snowmobile itself , but without a key fact Price 11,500... This is HUGE ... Jump on Polaris build a sled and your are paying for a lot of what AC is giving you right at this price point .. Polaris you even pay for the paint on the rails.. So in Real World, you will have about 3500 US dollars if you feel there is things that are missing that you may want on your sled but I can promise there wont be , because I have been thru the process. I agree with AJ on Off Trail Ride Quality/Flotation , awesome with the 1.6 Lug and overall great things AC did with this sled. Disagree regarding track holding a lot of snow... As I did not experience that at all, you can review my ride video if you like to see this fact ... One Other thing I Disagree with AJ as I road in "Normal pack snow" conditions .... is Trail manors , This thing is just awesome on the Trails , if you did not look behind you at your rail , you swear you were on a 137 or dear I say a 121 track, IT IS THAT GOOD.... But dont take my word for it check out all the other videos on this sled regarding trail riding ... and then go test ride one yourself ... it kicks A@@ Power wise , was very good even at 9000 feet up and NO CLUTCH kit yet ... coming :) Couple of more things ... I was really impressed having owned 4 strokers how quiet this engine is at idle... and smoke was non-existent .... So, I just want to say, that I do not believe AJ purposely mislead anyone or anything like that , he is on and off so many sleds and is having to do this type of thing on the fly, things are going to be missed or said that , should not have been , we all have done it ... AND I am saying Straight up.. I am NOT perfect I have stated a combination of Facts and opinions, Test ride one yourself in a number of conditions ... Will say this ... Way to go AC ... You banged it out of the Park with this sled.... Thank you for the Value you brought to the Table...
The 1.6 track is a nice track but after 1,000 to 3,000 miles on the track then the out side lugs start to fall off and the 1.6 is $950 not worth the money and we have 3 sleds with them tracks and 4 friends with them tracks we all ride in up of Michigan and in good snow the 1.6 good traction but do not hold up so as far as dependability there are junk if you don't mind replacing your track every year they hook good all the time just need deep pockets to run that track I will never run the 1.6 every again and my buddy went to the storm1.5 track and one winter logs we missing all over on the track also, camoplast need to go back to the drawing board on there rubber they have turned to shit !!
Sorry , I am not sure were you are getting 900 dollars from, you can get a 1.6 track for 700 Dollars , google it, and check out country cat... will give you updates this year how its doing
Actually that would be incorrect. You have it completely backwards. The Riot X comes with a 2.0" track and mountain spindles. The SKS comes with a 2.25" (at the shortest and 2.6" at the tallest) track and mountain spindles. So those are sort of competitors, but the Polaris has the bigger track. The Riot (this) comes with a 1.35" or 1.6" track and a trail front end. The Switchback Assault comes with a 1.35", 1.6", or 2.0" with a trail front end. Which is more comparable to this, but once again, Polaris does have a deeper lug option here too. But the front end matches up with the intended purpose. He hit the nail on the head when saying what it lines up against, I think you might have them swapped in your mind.
@@AASparkChaser lol Seriously? The SBA is 144", only 2 inches shorter... Okay.... By your "logic" the 2019 M8000 153" can not be compared to the 2019 155" ProRMK because they are "apple to oranges". However its perfectly okay to compare the M8000 Alpha1 154" with the SkiDoo Expedition Extreme because they are both 154".....
Why is everyone in these 2020 reviews like this guy and Levi through the entire video Coughing like this does this guy think that’s normal to literally cut off 70 times in five minutes Levi levalli if that’s how you spell it haha did the same thing i
Arctic Cat: join me Yamaha Yamaha: OK Arctic Cat: *makes Yamaha make shitty snowmobiles* Arctic Cat: Haha sucker! Finally, after a long time, I'm not the worst manufacturer
