Catalyst Updates

[Jerr2Star 53]

 

Here's a summary written up by snowest Forum member boondocker97:

"Just listened to the hour and twenty minute long SW podcast on spotify. Here are the main points:

Tested all 154 length tracks. Some 3" lug and one 2.6" lug. 3" was the definite choice in the deep snow they were in. 2.6" trenched a little more.

SW staff does not like the current Alpha Ascender. Like at all compared to a Polaris or Ski-Doo. Catalyst feels nothing like the current platform. It's lighter, more balanced, predictable, and the Alpha skid in this new chassis doesn't feel like the Alpha in the current chassis. They had one current 800 Alpha and no one wanted to ride it after being on the Catalyst.

Does not feel like a Cat. Feels like something completely different. Feels like the most naturally adapted mountain platform of any brand. Cat staff emphasized that mountain was given the priority when developing the platform.

Chassis feels shorter and smaller.

Everything is packaged about as tight as it can get.

Reduction of parts throughout. Even smaller, trimmer wiring harness.

Weight.

They believe the 10% weight reduction.

Sleds they tested all had ES and they can't believe they didn't notice the extra weight from it. No different tank or seat for ES models, but rest of ES system is largely the same as past Cat models.

There is no "breakover point" in handling. It's an even feeling rolling from one side to another and easy to compensate or make changes.

Back end never washed out.

Belt drive.

3 gear ratios available that use same belt.

Eccentric tension adjustment on the top shaft.

Steering system.

Old system uses 6-7 parts from handlebars to skis.

New system uses 3-4

New mountain steering post has a U-joint in it to get it vertical.

Steering is easier and progressive.

Aluminum accessory running boards that were on the white/blue sled iced up. Composite boards did not ice up.

600 Engine

It rips.

125hp class.

In the Catalyst chassis it goes as good as an 800 in another chassis. They would rather buy a 600 Catalyst than an 800 Ascender.

Will be no larger motor in this chassis for 2024. Cat simply does not have it ready, supply chain, manpower, etc.

They are excited for when the larger engine comes.

Limits on how many snowmobiles can be built.

Cat is going to try to price it around current 600 prices.

Everything was better than expected"

Edited Thursday at 02:29 PM by Jerr2Star
Additional info

[Jerr2Star 53]

 

 

[p51mstg 393]

No offense to the guy from SH24-7, but I just wish he could practice what he's going to say a few times before they turn the camera on.

I know he's been around a long time and is well respected, but he's really hard to watch when he's speaking off the cuff like that.

[Jerr2Star 53]

4 hours ago, Jerr2Star said:

 

Here's a summary written up by snowest Forum member boondocker97:

"Just listened to the hour and twenty minute long SW podcast on spotify. Here are the main points:

Tested all 154 length tracks. Some 3" lug and one 2.6" lug. 3" was the definite choice in the deep snow they were in. 2.6" trenched a little more.

SW staff does not like the current Alpha Ascender. Like at all compared to a Polaris or Ski-Doo. Catalyst feels nothing like the current platform. It's lighter, more balanced, predictable, and the Alpha skid in this new chassis doesn't feel like the Alpha in the current chassis. They had one current 800 Alpha and no one wanted to ride it after being on the Catalyst.

Does not feel like a Cat. Feels like something completely different. Feels like the most naturally adapted mountain platform of any brand. Cat staff emphasized that mountain was given the priority when developing the platform.

Chassis feels shorter and smaller.

Everything is packaged about as tight as it can get.

Reduction of parts throughout. Even smaller, trimmer wiring harness.

Weight.

They believe the 10% weight reduction.

Sleds they tested all had ES and they can't believe they didn't notice the extra weight from it. No different tank or seat for ES models, but rest of ES system is largely the same as past Cat models.

There is no "breakover point" in handling. It's an even feeling rolling from one side to another and easy to compensate or make changes.

Back end never washed out.

Belt drive.

3 gear ratios available that use same belt.

Eccentric tension adjustment on the top shaft.

Steering system.

Old system uses 6-7 parts from handlebars to skis.

New system uses 3-4

New mountain steering post has a U-joint in it to get it vertical.

Steering is easier and progressive.

Aluminum accessory running boards that were on the white/blue sled iced up. Composite boards did not ice up.

600 Engine

It rips.

125hp class.

In the Catalyst chassis it goes as good as an 800 in another chassis. They would rather buy a 600 Catalyst than an 800 Ascender.

Will be no larger motor in this chassis for 2024. Cat simply does not have it ready, supply chain, manpower, etc.

They are excited for when the larger engine comes.

Limits on how many snowmobiles can be built.

Cat is going to try to price it around current 600 prices.

Everything was better than expected"

IDK what was said in the video but snowest just pulled it down....... i only seen the first 22 minutes.

This is what they put out, its a shorter video.

 

Edited Thursday at 07:14 PM by Jerr2Star

[stinkipinki 231]

[p51mstg 393]

I asked to be kept in the loop on the public demo schedule and still haven’t heard anything, aside from February 11 at ERX during the Ditchbanger Nationals.  
 

Hopefully, they’ll post that schedule very soon!