Arctic Cat F7

[MLimpert]

I dropped off my 87 Arctic Cat at the local dealer today to get fixed after endless drama trying to get the carbs adjusted correctly. Of course I had to go into the showroom and examine some sleds that were made in the last couple of decades. Anyway they have a very clean 3,000 mile 2003 F7 with EFI and the sno pro package. Their asking price is $4200. Does anyone own one, and what would I be getting myself into so far as maintainance and common failure items. I would really like to move up to something a little faster and especially more reliable, as I do ride alone sometimes. Is that price reasonable? Any other info I should know?

 

[98rammer]

i have a 2003 F7 efi sno pro patriot edition (though custom graphics, etc. ). the throttle response of the f7 motors are unlike anything i've ever driven, though top end suffers a lot (the 98 zr 600 efi's we had would go a lot faster on the top end). the clutching is a ton better than the older chassis. they also have a narrow and tall feeling. you want to make sure it has had the oil pump recall (only adds more oiling in the upper rpm band). there's little things like the pull cord bracket install recall, etc.



the sno pro's come with the 1 3/8" track, awesome for powder and trail riding (though a bit loud around 30mph). chances are you would want to put longer carbides and/or aftermarket skis as the stock 4" carbides don't do the job. and the seat also becomes slippery with good bibs.



speedwerx sells some titanium springs that help the clutch to engage as if it were new... they also have titanium suspension springs so the suspension doesn't sag. the sprigns are expensive, but wont wear out in a couple hundred of compressions.



the 03 F7's also have the highest power. they detuned the 04's and newer a lot, though you wont find it in a brochure. $4200 seems high, though i would expect that from a dealer. $3800 would be pretty reasonable.



Tom

 

[MLimpert]

Well I bought it... $3900 out the door. I'm gonna go sledding tomorrow after Christmas at Grandmas. I did manage to get it up to 40 mph in my front yard today. It seems pretty quick!

 

[Extreme1]

They are very quick and light. I've been racing Cats for 10 years and this one rocks. IT has many good things going for it. The 1 3/8" track is a quantum leap in traction compared to the 1" that comes on the non Sno-Pro's. I trailrode with my 1" track for the first year I had the sled, I put the 1 3/8" on the second year for some trail riding and I was floored by the difference.



Take some time and get things set up for yourself. The main goal in spring settings is to allow the suspension to bottom out lightly a couple times a day. If it isn't bottoming, you're not using it all. If it bottoms out as lot, you need more preload. Depending on the type of riding, you will likely need more carbides. The springs may get tired after a couple years. Storing the sled blocked up with the spring preload removed (turn doen the coil springs all the way and disconnect the rear springs) helps. Titanium springs are nice but you can buy a lot of stock replacements for the price of a set.

 

[98rammer]

Titanium springs are nice but you can buy a lot of stock replacements for the price of a set.

yeah, dad bought a set for his F7. they're tight... . too tight for me. but my stock springs are getting pretty bad. the rear end sags probably 5" at the bumper. i'll up the preload, but you can only go so far.



btw, we were told yes and no to using picks with the 1 3/8" track... . do it!

 

[MLimpert]

This was pre studded for my convenience! It hooks up very well, It just lifts the skis a bit and goes. I put about 80 miles on it in the last two days, and I'm sore from all the riding! I just cant get over the midrange power this thing has. Anyway I'm a happy customer...