It's not that I don't like the 900T, it's a great sled. The biggest thing I dislike is the ergos, I don't like how the sled keeps pushing you forward and it just sits to low for me. My knees ache after every ride. Plus, I like to mix it up every two years. Polaris has been my favorite sled to date, so going back to it this time around. I miss the fun factor that chassis provides.
Honest opinions - 900T vs Thundercat
I currently have a 16 xrs 800. Been a great sled and I love it, but it's time to snow check a fresh one. Most in my group have 850s and love them, but I want the piece of kind of the 4 stroke longevity. One buddy is a Thundercat, rode it once and was very impressed with the light steering, shocks were great, and the motor was smooth and fast. I've always been a skidoo guy, but the reasonable snow check prices cat has currently are making it a tougher decision. Skidoo it better fit and finish wise, but the cat has better shocks imo, led headlights and the ability to get a 230 trail friendly tune for pretty cheap.
If skidoo added a slightly higher hp options, led headlights, and a better track option, my decision would be easy lol... oh and taller spindles would hurt either.
I would really like to hear opinions or guys that have ridden both, good and bad of both sleds.
If skidoo added a slightly higher hp options, led headlights, and a better track option, my decision would be easy lol... oh and taller spindles would hurt either.
I would really like to hear opinions or guys that have ridden both, good and bad of both sleds.
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I wish it transferred a little more but didn't mess with it. Otherwise the 280 hp tune and that sled if I was into a 4 stroke would be my choice.Jamie, what were your thoughts on the 146" sidewinder? I'm probably going to be getting ride of my 900T and buying a Matryx, and I was thinking the same thing, if I'd go buy another 4stroke it would be a Sidewinder. I ride my bothers and the front end is nice, i even like the ergos better. I would think the 146" would be fun as hell especially wicked up to 265hp.
If your going to the 998 I would choose cat for clutching. Self adjusting Trouble free.
Also easier panel removal as well
Also easier panel removal as well
My knees dont ache after a ride but I do find it annoying how it does constantly force me forward, if I'm sitting down.I don't like how the sled keeps pushing you forward and it just sits to low for me. My knees ache after every ride.
Try the comfort seat, a little taller and flatter.It's not that I don't like the 900T, it's a great sled. The biggest thing I dislike is the ergos, I don't like how the sled keeps pushing you forward and it just sits to low for me. My knees ache after every ride. Plus, I like to mix it up every two years. Polaris has been my favorite sled to date, so going back to it this time around. I miss the fun factor that chassis provides.
Rotax, yes of course... but desiring to do so vs having to do so is completely different...
FWIW the 900t is better engineered and executed everywhere... the 998t's motor was just dropped into a chassis that dates back to 2012.... and there's no way the slide action takes the tail junk like the r motion... maybe on anti bottoming it'closes the gap..both 998t have clutch issues... ....in fact the cat is worse to me... with its team aluminum sheave on splines.. being an disposable clutch... the primaries fixed sheave failing and if you run oem belts almost double the cost.. unless a guy is doing radar runs or running high speed rail grades well over 100mph the 900 tuned is a better sled everywhere... go to the section here where that one guy did 20,000 miles on his 19 with I think only a secondary spring... chance of a 998t doing that is slim... and it feels like closer to a apex where the 900 t feels closer to a 850..
FWIW the 900t is better engineered and executed everywhere... the 998t's motor was just dropped into a chassis that dates back to 2012.... and there's no way the slide action takes the tail junk like the r motion... maybe on anti bottoming it'closes the gap..both 998t have clutch issues... ....in fact the cat is worse to me... with its team aluminum sheave on splines.. being an disposable clutch... the primaries fixed sheave failing and if you run oem belts almost double the cost.. unless a guy is doing radar runs or running high speed rail grades well over 100mph the 900 tuned is a better sled everywhere... go to the section here where that one guy did 20,000 miles on his 19 with I think only a secondary spring... chance of a 998t doing that is slim... and it feels like closer to a apex where the 900 t feels closer to a 850..
Did the 2020.5 close the gap much? You really seemed to be impressed with the improvement. How did the race sled tall spindle deal stack up?I got to spend some time on an SRX, a 2016 Viper and a 2020 146" sidewinder with the riot skid. Personally I still believe all 3 handled better than my 20.5 Xrs when it came to easy steering, predictable handling and flat cornering. There is nothing wrong with the cat front end that's for sure. The rear is dated and desperately needs updating but it's not a horrible ride by any means. If I were in the 4 stroke game I too would choose a 998 over the 900T offerings.
As owner of both a Yamacat and Rev XS sleds I agree with most of what you posted. I have the RR skid and an awesome shock package so I don't find the skid to be bad at all. What I don't care for is the low frequency drone of the exhaust and the nagging little things that continually plague the Cat chassis. That and the LinQ system allows me to convert a Renegade to 2 up in a matter of minutes which really pushes me to Doo.
Cat has developed a lot of very long lived concepts, but it seems Doo does a better job of engineering, executing, and refining. The most nagging Cat mechanical issues at present are the driveshaft bearing spinning on the shaft due to excessively loose fit, and the upper chaincase bushing that doesn't ever see rotation except in reverse.
One other aside: I cannot stand broken or inverted graphics when they move from panel to panel or facet to facet. I'm talking like the current Cat and Yamacat models and the Renegade on side panels of the G4. The 2021 Doo has cleaned this up.
The Yamacats even in stock form are not holding up. Not a sled you can just gas and ride. Definitely pack a tow rope, you will need it.
Bob
Bob
You have to test ride both and decide for yourself. After my own test ride on both sleds last spring 998T vs 900T it was an easy choice and after a season on mine now I cannot imagine a better 4 stroke for trails with turns. HP means nothing when you are carrying all of that additional weight through 30-40 MPH turns.
In my opinion Cat needs a purpose built chassis for that motor. Needs better balance and it needs to shave some weight. That added weight over the 900T is absolutely noticeable anytime you are not running flat out in a straight line or through long sweeping turns. The chassis also does not transfer at all like the G4 wide does. Super easy to lift the ski's on the XRS and launch it. It is so much closer to riding a two stroke than anything else I have been on. In fact, for 2020 it is flatter in corners and needs very little body movement to keep it flat vs a 600 or 850 Etec. If the improvements for 21' make that even better? Then Cat now has even more work to do on that chassis and that is exactly what that excellent Yamaha motor deserves. A purpose build trail chassis that is better balanced, lighter and transfers better. It would definitely bring that sled into this decade......
In my opinion Cat needs a purpose built chassis for that motor. Needs better balance and it needs to shave some weight. That added weight over the 900T is absolutely noticeable anytime you are not running flat out in a straight line or through long sweeping turns. The chassis also does not transfer at all like the G4 wide does. Super easy to lift the ski's on the XRS and launch it. It is so much closer to riding a two stroke than anything else I have been on. In fact, for 2020 it is flatter in corners and needs very little body movement to keep it flat vs a 600 or 850 Etec. If the improvements for 21' make that even better? Then Cat now has even more work to do on that chassis and that is exactly what that excellent Yamaha motor deserves. A purpose build trail chassis that is better balanced, lighter and transfers better. It would definitely bring that sled into this decade......
I think the 998t is a better trail sled than the 900t. I also think the biggest factor in this was skidoos suspension. It wasn't balanced right. Pushes in corners, gets too much inside ski lift
And it didn't have a very big sweet spot when dialing it in, which means changing conditions were even more of a problem. I'm curious how the new suspension does, but I have a feeling that it's a big improvement. It was definitely needed.
I can tell you as far as trail behavior is concerned, a non studded 998t is a great trail sled. Once it's studded, you have to fight with dialing in the suspension due to too much push. Results in many guys changing ski's and carbides trying to fix it. It doesn't transfer weight and is the most planted snowmobile I've ever ridden. You have to really work to get some inside ski lift, which is a good thing.
That said, I think the reliability issues are both a little overstated and a real factor. I don't believe the "don't tune it and you will be fine" crowd. Tunes have little to do with manufacturing issues like the chain case glass falling out, turbo bolts backing out, and failed oil seals. I think the chassis/plastics look dated. Also, seeing a well done sidewinder does nothing for me mostly because everyone does it. I think non factory turbo built sleds are way more interesting.
And it didn't have a very big sweet spot when dialing it in, which means changing conditions were even more of a problem. I'm curious how the new suspension does, but I have a feeling that it's a big improvement. It was definitely needed.
I can tell you as far as trail behavior is concerned, a non studded 998t is a great trail sled. Once it's studded, you have to fight with dialing in the suspension due to too much push. Results in many guys changing ski's and carbides trying to fix it. It doesn't transfer weight and is the most planted snowmobile I've ever ridden. You have to really work to get some inside ski lift, which is a good thing.
That said, I think the reliability issues are both a little overstated and a real factor. I don't believe the "don't tune it and you will be fine" crowd. Tunes have little to do with manufacturing issues like the chain case glass falling out, turbo bolts backing out, and failed oil seals. I think the chassis/plastics look dated. Also, seeing a well done sidewinder does nothing for me mostly because everyone does it. I think non factory turbo built sleds are way more interesting.
From a studs stand point.... The same could be said for any sled... I don't disagree that the doo is engineered better. However, I do disagree that the 998 has all of the problems with turbo bolts falling out... etc... , even in stock form.. Those ones are few and far between... Having said that... There has Not been an OEM sled yet, where I have not had to wrench on because of their flaws... Yamaha (their chassis), Cat and skidoo.... They all have some issue...I think the 998t is a better trail sled than the 900t. I also think the biggest factor in this was skidoos suspension. It wasn't balanced right. Pushes in corners, gets too much inside ski lift
And it didn't have a very big sweet spot when dialing it in, which means changing conditions were even more of a problem. I'm curious how the new suspension does, but I have a feeling that it's a big improvement. It was definitely needed.
I can tell you as far as trail behavior is concerned, a non studded 998t is a great trail sled. Once it's studded, you have to fight with dialing in the suspension due to too much push. Results in many guys changing ski's and carbides trying to fix it. It doesn't transfer weight and is the most planted snowmobile I've ever ridden. You have to really work to get some inside ski lift, which is a good thing.
That said, I think the reliability issues are both a little overstated and a real factor. I don't believe the "don't tune it and you will be fine" crowd. Tunes have little to do with manufacturing issues like the chain case glass falling out, turbo bolts backing out, and failed oil seals. I think the chassis/plastics look dated. Also, seeing a well done sidewinder does nothing for me mostly because everyone does it. I think non factory turbo built sleds are way more interesting.
As far as a fit for me... I live in Ontario where the trails have a lot of wide long straight stretches, long sweepers and a middle of the row, tight twists. I also ride in the U.P of Mich where there are a lot of straights and long sweepers. Time will tell if I made the right decision. If the 900T would have had a more plated feel and more power in stock form, it would of swayed me more in that direction. I am also not a fan of how the G4 chassis looks.
When talking Sidewinder steering especially studded you need to take out the Tuner skis from the equation if you want to steer predictably without push. Sounds like they finally ditched the Tuner skis for 2021.
The tuner ski's weren't the issue. The things handle great without studs. Handles much better than my 900t from factory. Once you put studs on it then you have to fight it a lot to get it right again. That's where the tuner ski's get their hate and it really isn't a fair assessment. No stud to no stud, 998t out handles the 900t. As far as handling is concerned, I don't think it's really even close to be honest. I've spent a lot of time and money trying to get the 900t to handle closer to the 998t from the box and it's still not there. Maybe I sneak into a used 2021 after next season.When talking Sidewinder steering especially studded you need to take out the Tuner skis from the equation if you want to steer predictably without push. Sounds like they finally ditched the Tuner skis for 2021.
The Cat skis are definitely better then the tuner skis..The tuner ski's weren't the issue. The things handle great without studs. Handles much better than my 900t from factory. Once you put studs on it then you have to fight it a lot to get it right again. That's where the tuner ski's get their hate and it really isn't a fair assessment. No stud to no stud, 998t out handles the 900t. As far as handling is concerned, I don't think it's really even close to be honest. I've spent a lot of time and money trying to get the 900t to handle closer to the 998t from the box and it's still not there. Maybe I sneak into a used 2021 after next season.
Until the 900t can safely handle 280 on pump gas I'll stick to the 998T. Found the tuned 900 rather boring on any straight stretches. 900 definitely has a nice rear suspension but the 998 front is much better and just feels safer especially on the big end.
Quality goes to the 900 as well, wish they would of turboed the 1200.
900t is a nice sled however needs some more jam .
Quality goes to the 900 as well, wish they would of turboed the 1200.
900t is a nice sled however needs some more jam .
I don't think a pump gas non built 998t is ever going to feel a little scary to me from a power perspective. I know it's different for everyone and it's closer than the 900t, but it still doesn't scratch my itch.
I must say I disagree with your fit and finish assessment.I currently have a 16 xrs 800. Been a great sled and I love it, but it's time to snow check a fresh one. Most in my group have 850s and love them, but I want the piece of kind of the 4 stroke longevity. One buddy is a Thundercat, rode it once and was very impressed with the light steering, shocks were great, and the motor was smooth and fast. I've always been a skidoo guy, but the reasonable snow check prices cat has currently are making it a tougher decision. Skidoo it better fit and finish wise, but the cat has better shocks imo, led headlights and the ability to get a 230 trail friendly tune for pretty cheap.
If skidoo added a slightly higher hp options, led headlights, and a better track option, my decision would be easy lol... oh and taller spindles would hurt either.
I would really like to hear opinions or guys that have ridden both, good and bad of both sleds.
Still, Ski Doo is a great sled. I’m a TCat fan. I’m not going to suggest that AC is the way to go. I’ll stick to facts. If you’re into racing and you want the fastest and most powerful snowmobile engine ever created, then the TCat/Sidewinder is your deal. That’s not everything.
Ski Doo makes damn fine sleds and I have nothing bad to say about them. Don’t close yourself off due to brand loyalty alone. Every sled manufacturer has had issues. Wether it be engineering mistakes or part failures. That’s fact!
Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
better sleds than Cat? Ha, Bull***t!!!I had a Winder that was Yamahas version of the Thundercat.
It was and still is an awesome sled with industry leading performance.
It is much heavier than my 900 t but you would never know it while riding it.
My Winder rode and handled as good as any sled I ever owned.
I came back to Doo because of reliability concerns (even though I never had issues) and the fact that Doo just builds better sleds than Cat.
You love your Doo’s and god bless you! They’re a great sled!
again, every manufacturer has had issues. They all have had engineering fails and parts problems. You even said you didn’t have problems. All the junk being spoken out there.
I will not put down The Doo. There a great sled! But I don’t have to tell you anything when it comes to speed and performance. I could get cocky but I don’t need to.
Not sure this response to the OP's 3.5 year old inquiry is going to be that helpful. Lots has changed since then (900r, Polaris Boost, 850r, SmartShox, 7s display -- not much change for YamaCat) and he's likely made his snow check choice by now...unless this was just an excuse to talk about TCat'sI must say I disagree with your fit and finish assessment.
Still, Ski Doo is a great sled. I’m a TCat fan. I’m not going to suggest that AC is the way to go. I’ll stick to facts. If you’re into racing and you want the fastest and most powerful snowmobile engine ever created, then the TCat/Sidewinder is your deal. That’s not everything.
Ski Doo makes damn fine sleds and I have nothing bad to say about them. Don’t close yourself off due to brand loyalty alone. Every sled manufacturer has had issues. Wether it be engineering mistakes or part failures. That’s fact!
Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
Cat has really not addressed any of their known issues. It’s a good thing they have a motor that will handle added hp easily .
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