2011 Arctic Cat CFR 1000 Review

Story by Matt Allred Photos by Jake Allred & Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat creates a screamer Muscle Sled

Man has this innate love for speed. Straight. Long. Fast. Viper and Corvette style. Top fuel dragster style. For you, the junkie who seeks speed therapy, your prescription is Arctic Cat’s CFR 1000.

Fast Facts

Engine Type:Horizontal In-line

Cylinders:2

Engine Stroke:2-Stroke

Valve Configuration:Reed Valve

Displacement:999 / 61

Starter:Electric

Turbocharged:No

View Full Spec

When evaluating crossover sleds for Snowmobile.com we find these machines take to our abuse quite well. But, now and then, we like to light ‘er up a bit. When scheduling mountain and crossover evaluations for Snowmobile.com, we added in Arctic Cat’s 2011 CFR 1000.

When we approached that, uh, crossover, at our Yellowstone test site something did not appear right. The sled was low, wide in the front end and had tucked in handlebars and a low windshield. Arctic Cat’s Media man said, “Fast sled for lake blasters and mafia lords.” So, no deep powder stomping on the menu, but sheer scare and tear down the trail and around the lefties and righties. “We’re good with that.”

As we learned, CFR is not for Crossfire. The CFR though, is your big man on campus speed sled. Its big Twin two-stroke, with torque meant to twist the Earth on its ear, is sassy and fast and locked in and down for the sharp turns.

Though this is not a Crossfire, the CFR can pick its way through the trees. The CFR is lean and muscular.Though this is not a Crossfire, the CFR can pick its way through the trees. The CFR is lean and muscular.

Cat blows its trumpet when this sled takes center stage as their go fast, go long, and go straight muscle sled. But, be aware the Cat’s AWS suspension holds corners; it is as sweet through sharp right and left turns as it is blowing steam down a straight away.

The Basics

Cat’s one-liter two-stroke is designed for torque and one pull on the throttle tells you it’s “mission accomplished.”Cat’s one-liter two-stroke is designed for torque and one pull on the throttle tells you it’s “mission accomplished.”

Let’s get through the basics. The CFR is powered by Cat’s electronic fuel injected 999. The motor’s bore is 90.3 mm with a stroke measuring 78mm. Big 50mm throttle bodies feed the motor its fuel and air.

To handle the “handling,” the CFR’s front suspension is Cat’s AWS VI double-wishbone A-arms with lightweight aluminum FOX Zero Pro (IFP) shocks, with adjustable preload springs and a sway bar. Front travel is projected at 9.2 inches. Ski-stance is adjustable from 42-inches to 44-inches.

Out back, the rear suspension is Cat’s FasTrack long-travels system with adjustable torsion springs, lightweight aluminum FOX Zero Pro (IFP) shocks with coupling blocks. Travel for the rear skid is 13.5 inches. Track dimensions are 128 inches long by 14 inches wide. Lug height is one inch.

For ergos, the seat is shallow, to position the rider in an aerodynamic position. The handlebars are adjustable: height and tilt. However, these are not like the telescoping bars on Cat’s M series (mountain). Height adjustment is minor, yet the tilt forward and backward is needed for aggressive cornering. Handlebar hooks are standard.

Our Opinion

The seat is covered with tough and slippery material, which makes for fast butt action that allows the driver to drop left or right with ease. For me, well, I understand its concept, but I prefer a more tactile feel. I like a seat that is resistant to slip.

The CFR 1000 uses all its ski-stance width to keep rider while on his speed run, dialed in and nailed down. The big bore twin is also comfortable to handle and ride for the long haul.The CFR 1000 uses all its ski-stance width to keep rider while on his speed run, dialed in and nailed down. The big bore twin is also comfortable to handle and ride for the long haul.

The Sno-Pro skis keep the sled positive on the trail. The low lug height track, one-inch is all, does not bully the skis through the corners. However, speaking specifically to the track, I think the one-inch lug height is wrong for this sled. I recommend a 1.25-inch lug height, as the big mill 1000 spins the track more than needed. However it is Cat’s intention to allow the rider to dive into a corner while slamming shut the 50 mm throttle bodies for a nano moment, to kick the CFR back into life and allow the track to break loose and swing out to straighten the sled; this is power skidding through the chicanes. Personally, I prefer more hook than skid. Where allowed in your state or province of choice, ice picks would be needed to tame the big twin’s torque as it rotates the track at light speed.

Color for the CFR 1000 is white with Cat lime green graphics. Price is estimated at US $11,899 and CAN $14,499.

The CFR is meant for fast runs down long straights like a wide-open lakebed.The CFR is meant for fast runs down long straights like a wide-open lakebed.

2011 Arctic Cat CFR 1000 Specs
Engine Arctic/Suzuki 999, two-stroke, liquid-cooled, twin; 50mm throttle body, batteryless electronic fuel injection
Horsepower 160 (estimated)
Drive Arctic RPM sensing drive with Arctic roller cam ACT driven
Front Suspension Arctic AWS VI A-arm suspension; Fox Zero Pro shocks; 9.2-inches of travel
Rear Suspension Arctic FasTrack long travel parallel rail slide with Fox Zero Pro shocks; up to 13.5-inches of travel
Length 121.0 in
Width 48.0 in
Ski Stance Adjustable from 42-44 in.
Track 14 x 128 x 1.0
Weight NA
Fuel Capacity 12.6 US Gal
MSRP US$11,899.00 — C$14,499.00

Related Reading
2011 Arctic Cat Crossfire Review
2011 Arctic Cat Z1 Sno Pro Review
2011 Arctic Cat Lineup Preview
All Things Arctic Cat on Snowmobile.com

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