| Thundercat
1000 H2 Sport Utility ATV Review >>
Continued |
The front and rear racks incorporate Arctic Cat’s
“Speed Rack “system which will allow
fast changes to various add on products. The rack
size is plentiful and should provide one with
all the needed room for the typical items carried
for a trail ride or work.
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The Thundercat gas tank is located
under the seat for a lower center of gravity,
which allowed Arctic Cat to add an extra
cargo space below the dash, which we found
extremely useful for carrying water and
other accessories |
The Control layout on the Thunder Cat is familiar,
with all controls being reached effortlessly.
All the lighting controls, on and off switches
and 4 wheel drive options are situated where
you can get to them without your hands leaving
the bars, an added bonus when you need to make
changes or turn items on/off on the go. Throttle
pressure was fairly light and should provide
no complaints from the trail riding folks, albeit
the Thundercat throttle is a tad heavier then
the other two models tested. The split digital/analog
dash provides instant feedback for the rider
and illuminates nicely when the lights are turned
on. Rider control is enhanced also by nice wide
floorboards that incorporate the foot peg and
offer good protection from mud and dirt.
The Thundercat’s stock suspension seemed
adequate, but most felt they were set up soft
and added to body roll. We did not adjust the
shocks however one could use the adjustments
to help set the machine up for your personal
taste. I actually preferred the stock plush
ride with Arctic Cat’s ride in suspension
over a more positive and stiff set up when riding
in a trail or around the ranch environment,
so I guess Arctic Cat engineers have won me
over on the built in sag that the Thundercat
employs.
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The Arctic Cat Thundercat has 10"
of suspension travel, and with 2"
of sag when you sit on the Thundercat
to lower ride height. Also, special Maxxis
4 Speed radial tires are mounted on 12"
aluminum wheels with thicker side walls
than standard 4 Speed tires to help prevent
body roll, but it was still experienced
by a few test riders |
4 wheel drive operation on all models worked
well, however the stock tires could easily be
driven to the point of no mercy especially on
the Thundercat! Aftermarket mud type tires could
easily handle some serious mudding on the 1000cc
platform! Steering input in 4 wheel drive was
noticeable on the Thundercat, but made powering
out of corners easier in the woods over running
it in 2 wheel drive, and after a long ride,
the heavy steering on the Thundercat was tiring,
but for 2009, Arctic Cat has changed the caster
angle for ligther and quicker steering, which
should make a big difference.
