Arctic Cat M8 Standard

The Arctic Cat M8 has been around for a while and has had people criticize it for being outdated, boring and basically not in line with the other snowmobile manufacturers out there. But these critics it seems are far from knowledgeable about their snowmobiles and would rather follow the trend of the newer manufacturers. The M8 version of the Arctic Cat has been out since 2004 and has been bettered every year since its inception, by its upcoming models.

The Arctic Cat scheduled to be released in 2011 follows these rules to the ‘T’ and continues to build on the success that Arctic Cat has achieved under the tutelage of the outgoing boss Christopher Tworney. He has been around since 1986 and has taken Arctic Cat from mere entry-level snowmobile manufacturers to a big player in a multi-million dollar industry. His achievements in the snowmobile world have not gone unnoticed and he was inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 2008.

The 2011 Arctic Cat M8 is available in three types being: standard, Sno Pro and HCR. Modifications to the new model Arctic Cat M8 mainly involve the use of lighter materials to ensure the weight of the powerful snowmobile stays down allowing better acceleration. The drop in weight has allowed the Arctic Cat M8 to stay in the featherweight class along with the XP Summit from Ski-Doo.

For 2011 the closest rival will be the Pro Ride RMK from Polaris and will challenge the M8 as the most nimble and light snowmobile for mountains. The Arctic Cat M8 Standard comes in two basic lengths 153 inches and 162 inches and is fitted with the unmistakable 800cc Suzuki engine that delivers upwards of 160 horsepower. The 800 cc motor rotates the Power Claw under the tunnel and the claw on the Standard M8 is 80-durometer, 2.25 inch lugs with 15-inch wide track and is the track best suited to deep snow on sale presently.

The wide track connected to the powerful motor enables the Arctic Cat M8 Standard to launch itself effortlessly, claw with hunger and glide smoothly through the snow. The stance of the snowmobile is also adjustable from 39 inches to 41 inches and the Arctic Cat M8 Standard also features a non-torsion rear spring suspension.

The Arctic Cat M8 Standard does not have the 12 position telescopic handlebars made famous by Arctic Cat. The handlebars on the Arctic Cat M8 Standard are fixed like other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to the snowmobile. The suspension used in the Standard M8 is the AWS VI (Arctic Wishbone System) that is trademarked by the Arctic Cat company, along with a FOX Zero Pro gas piston floating internally. The gas piston is made of lightweight aluminum to help keep the weight of the M8 Standard down. The rear suspension of the M8 Standard snowmobile is the Fox Float Arctic Cat Technology (ACT) which uses a aluminum FOX Zero Pro IFP shock absorber no its front arm along with adjustable preload springs.

The instrumentation panel on the Arctic Cat M8 Standard is a combined digital/analog unit that shows speed, RPM and trip distance as well as the warnings for overheating and low oil.

The Arctic Cat M8 Standard may have been around for a while and although has been a consistently superior performer, Arctic Cat has only just started to understand their customers’ requirements in terms of light weight snowmobiles. The M8 Standard achieves this and a whole lot more with its mechanical modifications and is priced at $10,999 for the 153 and $11,299 for the 162.

The Arctic Cat M8 Standard is a very strong and reliable machine and this is down to its H.O. motor. Seating is comfortable on the M8 Standard and the seat also provides ample storage. The M8 Standard handles like a charm and should make boondocking, tree running and ravine bashing a breeze along with giving the drives maximum fun and control.

2010 Arctic Cat M8 Standard Specs

Engine : Arctic/Suzuki 794cc, electronic fuel injection, liquid-cooled, 2stroke, twin; 46mm throttle body

Horsepower : 160 (est.)

Drive : roller cam secondary Arctic Cat Technology drive system and Arctic rpm-sensing drive

Front Suspension : Arctic AWS VI A-arm suspension; 9.2-inches of travel; Fox Float Air shocks

Rear Suspension : Arctic Cat Technology M Series slide rail; Fox Float on rear arm; Fox Zero Pro on front arm; up to 19 in on 162 inch track

Length : 132.0 in

Width : 46.0 in

Ski Stance : 39 in to 41.0 in adjustable

Track : 15 x 153 to 162 x 2.25

Weight : N/A

Fuel Capacity : 11.4 US Gal

MSRP : US$11,599.00 (M8 Sno Pro 153)