Here are some observations (in no particular order) I made of the Firecat while at the Syracuse (NY) showing on March 4. These observations are made with the understanding that the machines on display were prototypes.
Cons~
~The "airforce induction" has a very fine screen under the aggressive looking noise piece. I realize they are trying to keep the air clean & free of snow but I am concerned about it plugging in powdery conditions.
~The spark plugs are accessible however they are very close to the exhaust pipe that wraps over the engine. It looks like a pair of mechanics gloves (that cover the wrist & forearm) will be needed if the plugs need to be changed while the pipe is hot.
~The front heat exchanger is welded to the close off panel of the tunnel. This is a concern if you are going to run studs. I am sure I am not the only one that has punctured the front heat exchanger when a stud went astray.
~The brake light assembly did not look as finished as the rest of the sled. I am sure the production version will be cleaned up a little bit.
~The monogage is tilted up similar to Polaris' angle. While viewing should be easier while sitting, I am not sure how well I could read it while standing up.
Pros~
~Both the left & right headlight assemblies are adjustable from the dash. No more lifting the cowl to adjust the headlight.
~The monogage is 6" in diameter & easy to read. They didn't have one powered up so I don't know how big the numbers on the digital portion are.
~The gas tank filler neck is large and appears to be an insert. The gage appears to be molded into the tank so the gas cap no longer imparts the force of sloshing fuel hitting the float. I believe this is what broke the neck on my '97 ZR6.
~The dimmer switch is integrated with the brake lever. No problem finding it!
~The tool kit is in a molded case under the front of the seat. There is a shelf molded into the back of the gas tank where the tool kit sits. The seat fits over the other half.
~Unlike the 2002 Sno Pro, the APV is attached to the cylinder by cap screws instead of studs. This should make removal easier as you won't have to flip with the servo cable.
~The recoil handle has been moved up out of the way of your right knee. No more annoying bruises on your knee!
~425/435 pounds dry weight? I believe it! Weight reductions abound! Many pieces have been combined to shave weight & lower assembly time. Even the ski saddles are milled out.
Have you seen the Firecat?
Tell us what u think!
Cons~
~The "airforce induction" has a very fine screen under the aggressive looking noise piece. I realize they are trying to keep the air clean & free of snow but I am concerned about it plugging in powdery conditions.
~The spark plugs are accessible however they are very close to the exhaust pipe that wraps over the engine. It looks like a pair of mechanics gloves (that cover the wrist & forearm) will be needed if the plugs need to be changed while the pipe is hot.
~The front heat exchanger is welded to the close off panel of the tunnel. This is a concern if you are going to run studs. I am sure I am not the only one that has punctured the front heat exchanger when a stud went astray.
~The brake light assembly did not look as finished as the rest of the sled. I am sure the production version will be cleaned up a little bit.
~The monogage is tilted up similar to Polaris' angle. While viewing should be easier while sitting, I am not sure how well I could read it while standing up.
Pros~
~Both the left & right headlight assemblies are adjustable from the dash. No more lifting the cowl to adjust the headlight.
~The monogage is 6" in diameter & easy to read. They didn't have one powered up so I don't know how big the numbers on the digital portion are.
~The gas tank filler neck is large and appears to be an insert. The gage appears to be molded into the tank so the gas cap no longer imparts the force of sloshing fuel hitting the float. I believe this is what broke the neck on my '97 ZR6.
~The dimmer switch is integrated with the brake lever. No problem finding it!
~The tool kit is in a molded case under the front of the seat. There is a shelf molded into the back of the gas tank where the tool kit sits. The seat fits over the other half.
~Unlike the 2002 Sno Pro, the APV is attached to the cylinder by cap screws instead of studs. This should make removal easier as you won't have to flip with the servo cable.
~The recoil handle has been moved up out of the way of your right knee. No more annoying bruises on your knee!
~425/435 pounds dry weight? I believe it! Weight reductions abound! Many pieces have been combined to shave weight & lower assembly time. Even the ski saddles are milled out.
Have you seen the Firecat?

Tell us what u think!
