I am not very impressed with this so called Firecat model...I'm I wrong or in powder or loose snow isn't a narrow track going to effect flotation? 13.5" may work great on the hard packed race track...but in real world situations...it is not always hard pack. The other thing that I think is more of a race track idea is the external brake caliper mounted near the track. While racing the brake is used a lot...but in real world...you may ride for quite awhile before you use the brake and over loose snow conditions...who is to say this thing is not going to freeze up? How about the 1 piece fuel tank that includes all the componets...oh great...break the neck of the oil injection res. and you are buying the entire gas tank and dash.
I got the brochure in the mail today. I don't know about the crazy decals and the american flags and the canadian flags all over them. The regular decals look okay, but the pre-orders take it too far. Also why a 500 carb and a 700 EFI? Seems a 600 EFI and 800 EFI would make more sense.
I am going to stay with my 2002 ZL 550 for trail riding. It has all the power I need and for less then $4,800 with a preorder rebate you can't beat it. I noticed the rest of the 2003 line pretty much stayed. The 500 ZL, ZR is gone. The smaller Panthers are gone...only a 570 is left. The last "veteran liquid cooled" 550 continues on in several models and the ZL SS line is expanded to include almost every liquid cooled engine size and even a remote starting option. No T-Cat...and looks like the standard 440Z has been axed...In the fan cooled area...Cat is focusing on the 570. The ZR 900 is new...I did not notice if there is a ZL 900 counterpart but it is possible. Last the 4 strokes are unchanged...even as Yamaha has for sure stealed the show for 03 with the RX-1.
I love my cats...but am afraid they are beginning to take the cross country racing too far and by next year you will find a freaking Panther on that Firecat chassis. And really for the riding most people do....what is better? The current ZL/ZR chassis or that funny looking hybrid? If cat makes every sled in the next year or two with a skinny track...funny little seats...and corny graphics and styling...and chassis that focus only on weight and size and not on practicality...then maybe a company that does focus on real world riders will get my business......