2008 Arctic Cat Crossfire

For those who can’t decide between riding on a well-groomed trail and playing around in fresh powder, Arctic Cat offers the versatile Crossfire. 

Arctic Cat has four different engines to choose from, but we’ll look at the introductory Crossfire 5, which comes equipped with a liquid-cooled, 499cc, two-stroke engine.

New for 2008, the ACT diamond direct drive now allows for push-button reverse, which comes standard on all Crossfire models.

Pushing the Crossfire 5 through the snow is a 136-inch track that is 15 inches wide with 1.25-inch lugs. It is designed to handle several feet of powder with its ripsaw pattern.

The 2008 sled has a beefed up front suspension with double-wishbone A-arms and spindles taken from Arctic Cat’s race sleds. The new spindles increase the turning radius by 10 degrees for more precise cornering. The Ryde FX shocks provide a plush 9.2 inches of travel.

FasTrack long-travel rear suspension has adjustable torsion springs, Ryde FX shocks and a torque sensing rear arm. All told, the rider has 17 inches of rear travel to work with.

New running boards have large cutouts to get rid of unwanted snow and the toothy edge-roll offers plenty of grip to throw your weight around.

The handlebars are set up higher than normal, making it easier to stand up. The power strap, which comes standard, will help riders lean from side-to-side for better control in the deep snow.

To keep track of things, you can choose between digital and analog speed and tach readouts. Also included is an odometer, two trip meters, engine hour meter, reverse indicator and warning lights.

MSRP: US$7,499/C$9,499

Specs

Model Name:  Crossfire 5
Engine: Suzuki
Bore/Stroke (mm):  71/63
Lubrication:  Oil injection
Type, Displacement, Cooling, Cylinders:  2-stroke, 499, liquid, 2
Ignition:  3D
Carburetion:  38mm throttle body batteryless EFI
Exhaust:  Tuned pipe and canister
Drive Clutch:  Arctic (rpm sensing)
Driven Clutch:  Arctic (roller cam) ACT drive system
Front Chassis:  Aluminum
Rear Chassis:  Aluminum with mounted taper (ETT)
Ski-Stance (in.):  42-44 adjustable
Ski Material:  UHMW plastic – saddleless
Ski Carbides:  Dual runner
Front Suspension:  AWS VI double-wishbone A-arms with Ryde FX shocks, adjustable preload springs with swaybar
Front Travel (in.):  9.2
Rear Suspension:  FasTrack long travel system slide-rail, adjustable torsion springs, Ryde FX shocks, torque sensing link rear arm
Rear Travel (in.):  17
Track:  Ripsaw pattern – rubber/fiber reinforced
Track Width/Length/Lug (in.):  15/136/1.25
Brakes:  Hydraulic disc
Fuel Capacity (gal.):  12.2
Length/Width (in.):  127/46.5
Number of Riders: 1
Headlight:  Dual halogen (4-bulb)

Standard:  Digital/analog tachometer, digital/analog speedometer, dual stage trip odometer, mechanical gas gauge, low oil light, coolant overheat light, reverse, hi/low hand warmer, hi/low thumb warmer, belt holder, spark plug holder, mountain strap, rack

Optional:  electric start, tether switch, hitch, two-passenger seat with backrest, mirrors, high windshield

Color Options: Black