Disagree with the riding having to be aggressive. You need to be less aggressive and more consistent on an alpha. My son got one last year and he says it is easier to ride than his previous cat twin rail. I also rode his sled as did two buddies and they felt the same way. If you ride it aggressively like you had to on other machines that are harder to pull around then yes you get oversteer. I think cat should offer both skids to get an even broader customer base as some people are scared of the alpha, weather it be reliability or tipsiness.
My problem with the Alpha was primarily external inputs. It would get tossed around a lot depending on what was under the snow, and it was very sensitive to where you are positioned on the machine. Riding aggressively, or maybe better put - reacting quickly, it could be kept in check with minimal rider inputs, but it took more effort than other machines. If that at all makes sense. It could change direction like nothing else out there though. So it's not a complete failure by any means.
I think you basically nail it here. You don't need to ride the sled aggressively but you need to be 'on' at all times. It's not a sled you can sit down on to give your legs a break after poking a line while you cruise back down the slope or floating through some flats. It has a tendency for the front end to dive unexpectedly if you are not actively riding it on pretty well everything but a groomed trail.
I agree 100%. It's the same thing with the Polaris especially Khaos, which Cat has a very similar front shock length to. They are great in gnarville when you have to be on it. It sucks when you just want to sit on the seat and steer. The Cat and Poo chassis you have to ride. Small gentle slope you just want to steer and drive across, nope it will roll down the hill as soon as you turn the skis up the hill. You have to be standing on uphill board and/or be on edge. Want to just steer around that tree in deep snow, nope it will go straight into that tree well. You need to be wrong foot, counter steer and commit to doing a zero turn.
Look reminds me of doo. Hopefully see one out on hill. Putting bug in buddies ear about the 858 next year.
I would say that we have noticed this throughout the years. Our sleds always seem to be a little more boggy in mcbride areas, mainly renshaw.
I certainly agree to this. Even if the new Catalyst is successful in sales, the corresponding parts support is still in question. I Also have my doubts on the dealer network growing back to previous levels, good sled sales are one thing but It is also clear that textrons Atv and Utvs lost favour over the years making it tougher year round for the dealers. The sled on the other hand with the 858 looks promising.
I live in Edmonton. I have to go to barhead for service on my wildcat XX. Pain in the ass to say the least. One good thing is Cc Cycle lets me leave my trailer so I can drive home empty drive back, empty and pick it up.
I am thinking the turbo will be ready by then. But for the twin rail I want to ride the Catalyst with the Alpha first and see how it reacts. Maybe for a turbo you will need the twin rail as the Alpha track may not stand up to the power. Unless they modify the Alpha track I don’t know if I want to give up the extra traction by going back to the old powerclaw.
