Ziemann

Yep- then charge $20,000 for it. :-P

I'm still hung up on the S4 being barely 100 hp?? for $14,200 Versus the Indy SP 650 Matryx which is 130+ hp (and has outstanding performance) for at least $1,000 less? We haven't even compared weights.....

Nah- I'm talking the Indy SP 650 in the Matryx chassis versus what was in the Axys (600) chassis. I'd think that you could pick one up in the $12,500 range brand new right now. https://www.polaris.com/en-us/snowmobiles/indy/indy-sp/

I have not ridden an S4- so I am curious just like you are, and would also consider it down the road for my wife. General media feedback is positive- but that is what they get paid to do and praise the products of their advertisers. There seems to be some really good deals (it's all relative) out there right now on the Polaris S4. The same draw backs and benefits exist regardless of what brand 4 stroke it is. Why does he feel that a heavier S4 would be better for her versus something like the Indy SP? The SP should at least be $2000+ cheaper? If she likes the feel of the VR-1, then she probably liked the responsiveness. My thought is that the S4 would be apples & oranges.

More like an asylum......

Wait...... Wait....... Ummmm..... ***EDITED TO PROTECT THE INNOCENT** @Zambroski...... Who the fuck are you? I thought you were dead.....

Careful- I resemble that remark.

The gap between the rider and the Matryx is way too far. I thought the Procross was pretty warm actually on the '12-'17. Less warm on the second gen bodywork just in the way the body work wrapped around and you had wind wrapping around and in to your lap.....

@jonlafon1 Did you get any pics of the messed up windshield? That's amazing.

@jonlafon1 I'm starting to agree with you. Yeah- my initial impression has changed a bit once I saw the windshield comparison.

Lastly- the clearance between the primary and the side body panel is damn tight. Cat has a cool solution to keep the primary from rubbing on the side panel if you tip the sled. There is an aluminum rail that will protect the panel if contact is made.

Found a few things to watch today. This screw was making contact with the harness and needed to be relocated down and away.

I was at Skunk Works today getting some wrench therapy. I got a good look at the various windshield heights. The medium and high have decent width and should provide some decent hand protection. The windshields are not as far ahead of you as on the Matryx, and should provide better protection in the bubble. On the Matryx, the windshield is way too far forward to provide decent protection and your hands remain pretty exposed.

....

I'm ok with being called an old man. :-)

Nothing is as helpful as Jim's advice. ___________________________________________ **The view inside the Arctic Cat marketing department every time Jim posts something**

Like previously stated, this has more to do with what Cat is able to get reliably for production. 90% of the riders have no idea, and probably could care less.

Careful @Krom- That PBR is Wisconsin Kool-Aide...... :-) *RESPECT*

I am very happy with the Polaris VR-1. As I inch closer and closer to retirement, I'm moving further and further way from racing sleds (and on to plush trail cruisers). In my mind, I'm still a racer, but in reality I'm gravitating more towards old man riding and creature comforts. So, I suspect that comfort and features will drive which direction I go on my next sled. If we ever get snow, I'll be able to get some seat time with Mac's Cat R-XC and compare it directly to my VR-1.

I had the opportunity to spend 10 minutes digging in to a production R-XC last night (compared to my Polaris Matryx) at a buddy's house and came away impressed. I wish I had more time, but what I did see was impressive. The fit and finish is the best that I've seen on any Cat. The graphics, colors, and general look will really stand out on the trail. Some of my breif impressions on the Catalyst chassis: - Frankly, the headlight needed to be adjusted but provided a decent light spread compared to the Polaris Night Blade. Obviously we were in a garage and not on the trail, but the new Cat headlight seemed decent. - Just like the Matryx, the Catalyst is going to be a cold sled. The way the body work is laid out, the wind will come around the body panels and in to your lap- maybe even more than the Matryx. You sit a long ways away from the tall windshield, the the bubble of warm air will be in front of you- just like the Matrix. You're not hiding behind the windshield, it is way to far in front of you. - Stock R-XC handlebar height was perfect for me. Controls were nicely laid out. Gauge was very visible- but a dinosaur gauge. I'll re-evaluate once Cat starts shipping the new Garmin gauge. Now that I've had the Polaris 7S, I'll never go back to Cat's dinosaur gauge. - The Catalyst seat is comfy- much better than expected. It felt very similar to my Polaris VR-1 seat foam. I was impressed. The battery was stored beneath the seat like on a ProCross. - The Catalyst seat removes easily with quarter turn hardware. It is similar again to the Matryx- just easier. - The Catalyst plastic running boards are cool. Provided nice grip, and toe holds seems ample (I was in street shoes). - The large storage bag is now decent quality. It's maybe not as nice as the BRP Linq bags, but decent quality. The anchoring system looks decent. - The side panels remove easily and provide decent access. It was easy to get to the oil reservoir (that is located above the belt drive????????) and like all new sleds, it's pretty crowded under there.... I didn't remove the hood, but wish I had time. - The goggle storage compartment on the dash was pretty cool, and more practical that what is offered on the Matryx behind the 7S gauge. I'm sure I think of more things as I sit here at my desk. Frankly, the feel of the Catalyst just sitting is very similar to the Matryx (ergonomics). I could easily adopt the Catalyst platform. Frankly, my VR-1 still has this season and next season under warranty, so I won't be ordering a new sled for another 15 months. By then, Cat's 858 will be out, and the new Garmin Gauge will be out, and I will really be able to evaluate the Catalyst and Matryx apples to apples to decide which direction I am going to go. My initial impression is that my next sled could be in either chassis. They are very close. Price, performance, etc. will also be much clearer by then, so it will be fun to watch what happens over the next year.

I think there's plenty of folks willing to pony up for the 858. Cat's production numbers will still be up regardless of what Poo/Doo release. Cat will be able to earn back some of their lost market share, but 5500 additional sleds?? I doubt it. THAT is the big question. Poo and Doo are not going to allow the 858 to be the top dog.