With all the hype surrounding today’s side-by-sides some people does anyone really pay attention to ATVs anymore?
We admit even we get caught up in the all that hype. Who is going to argue that side-by-sides are not a lot of fun?
But when we saw Cat’s new XR ATVs at Arctic Cat’s off-road dealer meeting last fall in Las Vegas, we were more than a little intrigued. Then we got the chance to throw a leg over the new Arctic Cat XR ATV and that intrigue turned to excitement.
That chance came in the dead of winter in late January in Moab, UT, and the Fins and Things trail was a good choice by Arctic Cat to show off what the new XR can do.
Prior to the ride portion of the XR media intro, Arctic Cat ATV engineering product manager Michael Morris made a point to tell us, “The ATV market is important to Arctic Cat.”
Okay, how important?
Important Enough
Important enough to, instead of bold new graphics and warmed over changes, Cat redesigned its ATVs from the ground up and the result is the XR in three models: Standard, XT and Limited.
We experienced the XT and Limited in two different engine sizes—550 and 700—in Moab. The models we rode also—thank heavens—had electronic power steering (EPS).
In all, there are seven different XR models available. The standard XRs are the XR 500, XR 550 and XR 700 while the XT version comes in XR 550 XT EPS and XR 700 XT EPS. The Limited version features the XR 550 Limited EPS and XR 700 Limited EPS.
The basic differences with the three different XR models are: The standard version has molded body panels, powdercoated steel wheels and halogen headlights; the XT version also has halogen headlights but with a light bar, along with EPS, aluminum wheels and automotive-style paint; and the Limited is all decked out with LED headlights (with a light bar), EPS, a 3,000-lb. Warn Winch, front and rear brush guards and aluminum wheels.
All those features are in addition to the plethora of new features each XR gets, which includes an all-new chassis, new SpeedRack II, Power Sport Gauge, rear storage compartment, new suspension geometry, an 8 dB reduction in noise (on the 550 and 700 models; the clutch housing was redesigned to achieve some of the noise reduction) and a renewed focus on ease of maintenance. Cat has also upgraded the EFI to a closed-loop system as opposed to an open-loop system.
Sporty And Durable
All combined, the XR is sportier, more durable and simply a blast to ride. And it should definitely keep Cat in the hunt when it comes to mid-size ATV sales. While we can’t get our hands on specific numbers, we’re told that ATVs still outsell ROVs, at least for now. The way we interpret that is that there is still money to be made in ATVs and to do that a manufacturer needs to come to the woods and trails with something that works and has a high fun factor.
Cat is 2-for-2 there with the new XR.
If we were pressed on why we think the new XR “works,” it would come down to great handling and ergonomics, a peppy engine and confidence while riding.
According to Cat engineers, the company’s all-new suspension geometry on the double A-arm front and rear suspension takes the suspension points from the Wildcat Trail side-by-side and adapts it to the ATV. This gives the ATV more shock travel in relation to the suspension travel. The shocks feature 5-position adjustable spring preload, allowing you to adjust for the terrain and your particular riding style. The stock setup on the shocks actually worked well during our ride in Moab as we didn’t feel any need to make any adjustments.
The new chassis’ wheelbase is 52 inches long compared to the previous 50-inch wheelbase, which gives the XR a stable feel on most all kinds of terrain. That was evident in the types of surfaces we experienced on Fins and Things, which includes everything from slick rock to rocky (read: small to mid-size boulders) to sand to dirt and lots of ups and downs. While the wheelbase is longer, the actual length of the ATV is one inch shorter, so it doesn’t feel like you’re driving an ATV bus.
EPS Is Awesome
We can’t talk about the XR’s handling without talking about the EPS. The variable assist EPS gives the right amount of steering assist at any speed and it was most appreciated while we were crawling through the rocks in 4WD. A torque sensor monitors the terrain and driver inputs and then provides assist depending on the speed and rpm of the vehicle. One unique feature about Cat’s EPS is that as soon as you turn the key on, you have EPS. You don’t have to be moving for the system to activate.
The new suspension geometry is enhanced by the new chassis’ rider ergonomics. The steering post is angled so that the rider doesn’t have to reach so far while turning (a nice feature if you’re not Spencer Hawes or Andrea Bargnani). The foot position is two inches narrower as well and the engine itself has been moved forward in the footwell area to give the rider more foot area (about 3 more inches). Cat didn’t change the engine architecture, it just moved the engine more forward in the chassis.
We spent more time on the XR 700 than the 550 so we’re better able to talk about that engine than the smaller one. The XR 700 uses the H1 696cc 4-stroke, which delivered adequate power for the conditions we experienced in Moab. The big news about the engine for 2015 is the switch to a closed-loop EFI system. The closed-loop EFI uses an O2 sensor to automatically adjust for the ideal exhaust air-to-fuel ratio. The resulting advantages are improved run quality of the engine, better throttle response, up to 25 percent better fuel economy and a 33 percent decrease in emissions.
We asked Cat’s Morris for a little more detail on the closed-loop system and its benefits. He said, “The basic advantage of closed-loop EFI vs. open-loop EFI is that it is measuring the output of the engine and not only the inputs. In a traditional open-loop system, like on most other ATV products, the EFI system measures the air temp, air pressure, throttle response, coolant temp and rpm and injects the appropriate amount of fuel into the combustion chamber. In a closed-look system, the EFI also measures the exhaust gases with an O2 sensor like in your car. This allows the system to more accurately adjust the fuel going into the combustion chamber.”
And that’s how you get reduced emissions, better throttle response and fuel mileage.
Smooth And Responsive
What is so impressive about this Cat engine is how smooth and responsive it is across the powerband. It pulls hard when you want it to and responds quickly to the press of the throttle.
Since we’re on the topic of the engine, we are pretty darn impressed with the XR’s engine braking, a feature you need when riding in Moab.
A couple of ride notes from the Moab trip both revolve around how easy it is to use different features on the XR. For instance, switching from 2WD to 4WD is as easy as sliding a button on the right side of the handlebar above the throttle. And the button is somewhat protected so you don’t accidentally bump it while riding. It’s also easy to shift the Duramatic transmission (which utilizes a wet clutch for better durability and constant belt engagement) with its automatic CVT. In fact, it was maybe a little too easy to shift sometimes but the gear indicator on the sweet new Power Sport Gauge let the rider know right where you were every time.
Granted, we rode in the daylight during our Moab outing but we are still liking the LED headlights and taillights. The base model gets halogen lights while the XT gets halogen lights with a LED light bar that goes along the outer edge and bottom of the headlight. Buy the Limited and you get dual LED projector beam headlights with an LED light bar. And, according to Cat, the LED lights will last the life of the vehicle. You never have to worry about them.
Another change for 2015 to the XR ATV is the switch to a paper air filter rather than the foam air filter used in year’s past. Morris said folks weren’t washing/taking care of the foam filter so that’s why the switch to paper, which comes with a water-resistant sock. And it’s easy to get to the air filter as well as other maintenance points such as the engine, battery and coolant. Morris demonstrated just how easy it is by removing various body panels.
The new XR is a great package that helps steal some of the limelight from Cat’s Wildcats and puts it back on its ATV lineup and deservedly so. It’s got our attention.
2015 Arctic Cat XR 700/700 XT EPS/700 Limited EPS
Engine: 4-stroke, SOHC, 4 valves
Displacement: 695cc
Fuel Delivery: EFI
Cooling: Liquid w/fan
Bore x Stroke: 102mm x 85mm
Fuel Capacity: 6 gallons
Transmission: Automatic CVT with EBS, Hi/Lo range, N/R/P
Drive System: 2/4WD, plus electric front diff lock
Front Suspension: Double A-arm, 10 inches travel
Rear Suspension: Double A-arm, 10 inches travel
Brakes: Hydraulic disc (front and rear)
Front Tires: Duro Kaden 25 x 8-12
Rear Tires: Duro Kaden 25 x 10-12
Wheels: Powdercoated steel/aluminum/aluminum
Wheelbase: 52 in.
Length: 83.4 in./86.6 in. (Limited)
Width: 48.5 in.
Height: 49.5 in.
Ground Clearance: 11 in.
Dry Weight: 734 lbs./759 lbs. (Limited)
