2011 Arctic Cat F8 Sno Pro
Powered Up High-Performance
Quicker. Lighter. More aggressive.That sums up the F8 Sno Pro, courtesy of the powered-up (and lighter) 800 H.O. engine and more aggressive, lighter skis. A revised seat cleans up the clutter at the rear and, in concert with an open-hole pattern on the running boards, adds to their more aggressive look and feel.
Introduced for 2010, the 800 H.O. (High Output) batteryless EFI engine revs instantly and delivers class-leading 160 HP. The new exhaust system plus changes to the piston, cylinder porting, APV electronic exhaust valves, reed petals and EFI calibration increased the horsepower by 10 percent over the already-outstanding 800 twin. With the crankshaft now 4.3 pounds lighter (that’s a lot of rotating mass) and multiple improvements throughout, the F8 is a force to reckon with on the trail or at the strip. In short bursts or long pulls, the F8 Sno Pro will not be denied. This is a most impressive package.
A new rear tunnel section with a more durable heat exchanger eliminates the plastic storage compartment in favor of a new zippered rear seat pouch, improving the aesthetics while retaining much-appreciated storage. It’s complemented by new, open-hole running boards, an LED taillight and new snow flap. The ACT Diamond Drive gearcase now has splined sun gears for improved durability.
Containing the potent new engine is the ultra-stiff Twin Spar aluminum chassis which, in concert with revised suspension geometry in 2009, delivers precise corner-carving performance and its remarkable body-saving ride. New for 2010 plastic skis are wider and stiffer with a deeper keel that translates into even more positive cornering.
The F8 Sno Pro now comes with lightweight, aggressively-calibrated Fox FLOAT 2 ski shocks, a 2-in. diameter rear shock, IRP handlebars/seat, lightweight 15 x 128 x 1.25-in. Cobra track, a taller handlebar riser (5-in. instead of 3-in.), clear-coated plastic and a low windshield. And to add insult to injury on the competition, the front wheels on the rear suspension have been moved inside the rails for even more top speed.
This is arguably one of the best all-around performance sleds available and a SnowTech staff favorite. Ride one for a couple hundred miles on rough trails and you will quickly learn why it is so popular. The 2011 Arctic Cat F8 Sno Pro retails for $11,499 and comes in Arctic Cat Green or Orange.
