Looking a Sled Ahead 2023 Model Lineup
by Joel Kunz With the 2022 sledding season in the books, snowmobile manufacturers are looking forward to 2023 with updated lineups and features. With outdoor activities leading the way in family fun, all aspects of the sport of snowmobiling from comfort to extreme use are in play when manufacturers sit down and map out their lineups. With new manufacturing technologies and materials like no other previous era at hand, snowmobiles are being transformed to fit a variety of riding styles and comforts. From horsepower to lightweight chassis improvements, there is plenty new for 2023. All the manufacturers have been dealing with supply chain issues that have led to delays in even the announcing of what is new. Horsepower and agility are on the forefront of what is on the horizon. That may be because research shows an average age of snowmobiler that is getting younger. Just a few years ago the average age of a snowmobiler was between 44 and 46 years of age, with an average family income of around $75,000. That age number has dropped to 39 years with nearly 40% of those earning around $85,000 per year. That makes it pretty easy to see what better horsepower and agility combined with improvements in comfort and function for trail and utility sleds are what’s on the minds of manufacturers. Built for speed and agility, Arctic Cat’s lineup of trail sleds sets the standard. Fan favorites such as the ZR 9000 Thundercat, the ZR 6000, the
ZR 8000 and the BLAST ZR 4000 are back, along with new additions for riders at every level. The ZR 6000 R-XC is the latest version to tame the trails, with its proven race record and agile design. If you need a sled to work as hard as you do, the Norseman 8000 X and the BLAST LT 4000 sport utility models offer dependable power and can handle the toughest jobs. Crossover sleds give riders the best of everything. The RIOT 8000 is agile and powerful enough for any snow condition, and the new RIOT 9000 packs an extra punch. The RIOT X 8000 boasts more mountain-oriented features, with the ALPHA ONE Single-Beam Rear Suspension and 2.6-inch lugs, but can still tame the trail with ease. The BLAST XR 4000 is the perfect mid-sized crossover, and for a ride with friends, the BLAST XR 4000 Touring is equipped with comfortable 2-up seating. Their mountain lineup is designed for the challenges of the back country. The M 8000 Hardcore, the BLAST M 4000 and the M 8000 Mountain Cat are equipped with the groundbreaking ALPHA ONE Single-Beam Rear Suspension, reinforced running boards, lockable rear track shocks and more features, with deep snow specifically in mind. The brand-new Blast M 4000 LTD with narrower front end and lightweight mountain seat makes it easier than ever to conquer the back country. The next generation of snowmobilers starts here. With a lineup that emphasizes safety and can adapt and “grow” with your new rider, these youth-size sleds make it easy for young snowmobilers to gain confidence and skill. The ZR 120 offers
ZR 6000 R-XC
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Minnesota Snowmobiling
