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| Arctic Cat 2003 Lineup |
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Arctic Cat
2003
James Graham
ATV Connection Staff
chat@atvconnection.com
Choose a model to view details! Sport 400500 Class400 Class300 Class250 ClassYouth 90MultiRack PlatformConcept Models
Arctic Cat rolled into Las Vegas Nevada for the introduction of the 2003 lineup with the theme "More To Go On", and indeed that's what they brought to the dealers. With 16 models, new colors, new performance, a revoulutionary new rack system called the MultiRack Platform and two all new models, they are aggressively after the ATV market.
The biggest hit of the show was the Two Person Vehicle (TRV). The TRV is based on the TBX with a 8?extended wheel base. The 500 4X4 comes with a raised rear passenger seat, pivoting backrest, passenger handgrips, and raised, angled passenger floor boards. After riding the TRV everyone agreed that it was very comfortable, both front and rear, and is very stable. The new improved 500 engine, coupled with the automatic transmission, produces plenty of power for two riders. The position of the rear seat puts the passenger back and slightly above the driver, allowing the driver full control of the vehicle with no interference from the passenger, yet allowing the passenger a good field of view. Arctic Cat made a limited run of the TRV’s and they will be traveling around the US getting input from dealers and customers. After riding the TRV we all agreed that it will be a welcome addition to the Arctic Cat line.
Another major announcement is the addition of Arctic Cats first sport quad. The sport quad will be the same quad currently available from Suzuki and Kawasaki, except of a different plastic design. The plastic on the concept quad gave it a stealth bomber look, however, it is subject to change before actual production takes place later this year.
The major changes overall for 2003 include:
-All model categories (except 90) have Fully Independent Suspension (FIS). An industry first.
-Improved engine performance on all the 500’s
-2 models available with ACT rear suspension
-New 400 (376 cc air-oil cooled) engine with 5 speed manual transmission
-MultiRack Platform (MRP
-400 4X4 Automatic MRP
-500 4X4 Automatic MRP
-Receiver rack accessory attachments
-New wheels on all models (except 90)
-Brake Enhancement among all models (except 90)
-Braided hose line
-Caliper piston diameter increased
-Reduced vibration in handlebars (400’s & 500’s)
-New handgrips (except 90)
-New, larger storage compartment (except 90)
-5 position preload shock adjust, front and rear (400’s & 500’s)
-New Arctic Cat lime green color option available (90, 400 & 500 4X4 Automatics)
The big 500 4X4 introduced in 1998 has continually seen enhancements each year, and this year is no exception. With higher compression, new carbs, (34mm to 36mm), new cam, change in ignition timing and a gear change, you will see improved acceleration and increased top speed. Adding a 5 step increment for the shock adjustment, where there was just 3 steps before, makes adjusting the shock easier. Helping out in the comfort section, the thicker walled handlebars and new grips help reduce the vibration you feel. A larger storage compartment and the availability of the lime green color round out the improvements on the 500’s for 2003.
The 400 class also receives several of the same upgrades of the 500’s, including the new wheels, lime green color, 5 position shock adjustment, larger storage box and the braided brake lines. This class will have 6 available models, including 4X4’s, 2X4’s, and the availability of automatic or 5 speed manual transmissions. The 400 class is now best-in-class with increased rack capacity of 100lbs. front, 200lbs rear, and 1050 lbs towing capacity. Standard on all 400’s you will find full length plastic skid plates, dual 12v accessory plugs, axle mounted hitch and a start-in-gear feature.
The 250/300 class saw the fewest improvements but continues to be the best value available. With new wheels, larger storage compartment, new handgrips, and new brake enhancements the 250/300 class will continue to offer two models each, 250 4X4 and 2X4 and the 300 4X4 and 2X4. All models come with the 5 speed auto clutch transmission shifted by a foot operated rocker arm. Again best in it class you will find the rack capacity of 100lb front, 200lb rear, and 850lb towing. This class has a value that will be hard to match.
Coming back for its second year, the Arctic Cat Youth 90 will get the welcome addition of the lime green color. The two-stroke engine with auto transmission and electric start is a big hit with the little guys, and with the automatic choke makes it very easy to operate. For safe operation the 90 comes standard with a 6?safety flag, full floorboards and is governor controlled to 18mph. (The governed speed can be increased by request of the parents by the dealer).
The MultiRack Platform (MRP) is a revolutionary ATV Rack system developed my Arctic Cat. The MRP, available on the 400’s and 500’s, is a open–channel receiver rack for front and rear specifically designed to accept 25 different slide-on accessory racks and specialty items. These accessories racks can be changed very easily with pull pins and used front or back interchangeably. Users may select from 25 different attachments which are unique to six different applications, fishing, camping, big game hunting, construction, waterfowl and farm and ranch. What this means is in just a few minutes you can change your working farm and ranch configuration to big game hunting. A construction worker can change to fishing, the combinations are endless. More accessory items will be added in the future as new ideas are introduced. The days of bungee cords and milk crates are gone!
We encourage you to go to your local Arctic Cat dealer and check out what he has to offer. You will surely find a quad to meet your requirements and there are also lots of accessory items available to “fit?you quad just like you want. From the MRP to trailers, generators, helmets, and clothing of all kind your local dealer can take care of all your needs.
Arctic Cat “More To Go On?/P;
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