Yamaha introduced five new snowmobiles for 2014 that will be assembled by Arctic Cats’ factory in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. The chassis will in fact be the well respected Arctic Cat’s ProCross, called the SRV chassis by a Yamaha, and feature Yamaha’s 1049cc liquid-cooled triple-cylinder 135 HP 4-stroke engine that was used on the FX Nytro models. Clutching will be by Yamaha.
What do you think of the new relationship between Arctic Cat and Yamaha? Read on and leave your comments below.
SR Viper is the short tracked base model with gas shocks calibrated for a plusher ride. The trail cruiser features a tall windshield, a 1.25 RipSaw II track, and a heated seat. SR Viper is offered in black with red accents.
Viper RTX SE has Fox Float 2 air shocks on the front A-arms and Fox IFP gas socks in the rear suspension, turning a 129-inch RipSaw track. The suspension is Yamaha’s version of Cat’s ProCross skid using coupler blocks and torque links merged with a sliding front arm. The sled is available in blue or red.
Viper LTX offers a 137×1.25 inch RipSaw II track in an affordable package that includes gas shocks front and rear, a heated seat and a mid-height windshield. The sled is black with red accents.
The Viper LTX SE also features a 137-inch long track for the crossover rider who enjoys groomed trails but still needs some deep snow capabilities. The SE has Fox Float 2 air shocks on the front suspension and comes in two color configurations, blue/white or red/black.
The RS Viper XTX SE sports a 141-inch cobra track, wide plastic mountain skis and a handlebar riser for stand-up riding. The performance-based suspension has Fox Float 2 air shocks up front and a Float air on the rear arm. These models are available in of blue/white or red with black accents.
In a press release Arctic Cat announced they were entering into an Engine Supply Agreement with Yamaha Motor Corporation to expand its purchase of snowmobile engines starting in the 2014 model year.
Arctic Cat’s Snow Division VP/GM, Brad Darling said, “The engine purchasing agreement with Yamaha, combined with the engines we plan to manufacture in house, will provide our consumers with the most well-rounded engine choices when it comes to technology, reliability and horsepower.”
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Claude Jordan, stated, “Our current Arctic Cat snowmobile chassis is renowned for its lightweight, bump control and precision handling. Combine that with our performance engine options from Yamaha, as well as our state-of-the-art engine manufacturing facility in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and we guarantee there will be exciting years ahead for Arctic Cat enthusiasts.”
In addition to expanding the engine supply agreement with Yamaha, Arctic Cat has also entered into an agreement to build select Yamaha snowmobiles in their Thief River Falls, MN factory per Yamaha’s specifications. This agreement started in 2012 with Arctic Cat building the Yamaha SRX 120 youth model snowmobile and will now be expanded to include full size performance snowmobiles starting with model year 2014. These snowmobiles will be built to Yamaha specifications using Yamaha 4-stroke engines.
Regarding Yamaha, Jordan goes on to say, “We are very excited how this relationship continues to grow and the opportunities that lie ahead for both companies. Going forward we believe this relationship will provide tremendous value to Arctic Cat, our customers, our dealers and our shareholders.”
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