0neoldfart
Active VIP Member
I picked up a new Wildcat Trail from T&T Powersports April 2 (Thanks for a great sales and service experience yet again!), and had the opportunity to take it out for a week out at Medicine Lake. I did make a few changes for our own preferences. So I'll list what was changed, and then go into a ride review.
- The factory exhaust is very close to the firewall, so I wrapped the header and swapped out the factory muffler / catalytic converter unit for an Evolution Powersports stainless muffler. It isn't much louder then stock, and the exhaust heat has been cut in half easily. Never noticed much of a seat of the pants difference in hp, but EVO claims 4 hp.
- Tires. T&T installed 27 x 9 x 12 / 27 x 11 x 12 Mega Mayhems (1.5" lug) on the machine. They are a bit heavier, but provide excellent traction and a touch more ground clearance. The Trail's 700 motor has no problems spinning them.
- T&T also installed a winch (this is a no brainer IMHO)
- I fabricated inner fender guards for the front wheelwells from aluminum, and replaced the 15 A fan fuse with a mini circuit breaker, added dielectric grease to all connectors
- Accessories: I added front and rear bumpers, rear angle roll bars, fender flares, LED lightbars front and rear. I also fabricated a snorkel kit for the rig that exits at head level.
So, onto a ride report... I chose the Trail as it will fit on my sled deck while pulling my holiday trailer, and although a tight fit, it fits perfectly - It is a bit longer then the RZR 50" unit. The machine is very capable in the mud, and has excellent throttle response and handling - a very well balanced package. Ride quality is very plush, although I did bottom out a couple times on some deep ruts. This machine is every bit as fun as any quad I've had, and maybe more so. (I previously owned a can-am outlander xt, a sportsman, and two arctic cats). The Trail is very stable on off camber hills, and although it doesn't have power steering, I don't feel it needs it, either.
Overall, Arctic Cat has done a great job in the 50" SXS Trail, I would recommend it to anyone looking at a smaller SXS.
- The factory exhaust is very close to the firewall, so I wrapped the header and swapped out the factory muffler / catalytic converter unit for an Evolution Powersports stainless muffler. It isn't much louder then stock, and the exhaust heat has been cut in half easily. Never noticed much of a seat of the pants difference in hp, but EVO claims 4 hp.
- Tires. T&T installed 27 x 9 x 12 / 27 x 11 x 12 Mega Mayhems (1.5" lug) on the machine. They are a bit heavier, but provide excellent traction and a touch more ground clearance. The Trail's 700 motor has no problems spinning them.
- T&T also installed a winch (this is a no brainer IMHO)
- I fabricated inner fender guards for the front wheelwells from aluminum, and replaced the 15 A fan fuse with a mini circuit breaker, added dielectric grease to all connectors
- Accessories: I added front and rear bumpers, rear angle roll bars, fender flares, LED lightbars front and rear. I also fabricated a snorkel kit for the rig that exits at head level.
So, onto a ride report... I chose the Trail as it will fit on my sled deck while pulling my holiday trailer, and although a tight fit, it fits perfectly - It is a bit longer then the RZR 50" unit. The machine is very capable in the mud, and has excellent throttle response and handling - a very well balanced package. Ride quality is very plush, although I did bottom out a couple times on some deep ruts. This machine is every bit as fun as any quad I've had, and maybe more so. (I previously owned a can-am outlander xt, a sportsman, and two arctic cats). The Trail is very stable on off camber hills, and although it doesn't have power steering, I don't feel it needs it, either.
Overall, Arctic Cat has done a great job in the 50" SXS Trail, I would recommend it to anyone looking at a smaller SXS.