my review of the 2007 Firecat 800 (so far) - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

Blownsvt · 12-26-2007, 07:46 PM

We recently got a new 2007 F8 and a few guys on here asked me to let them know how it rides once i had it out so... i have had it out a few times now. right now i do not like the handling of it as much as my zrt, i think i just need more time to get used to the feel of it. the ride is very smooth and comfortable, but i think the new chasis design just has a higher center of gravity than the older chasis of my zrt so it seems a bit more tippy on side hill approaches etc. the power is incredible though. it is a freaking rocket and extremely tourguey. i can't get it to wheelie at all though. not sure if it is the design and balance of the machine of just the lack of traction though.i have had it up to over 110 mph last night. it is nuts. going to take ti to the radar runs on the 5th and see how fast it can go in 1000ft. It is really meant to be a stand up ride for most of the time. i find myself standing most all the time, but in all fairness i am the same on my zrt. the way the runningboards are set up and the handle bars just put you right upfront and almost force you to want to stand. i really like the speedo display and the back lighting is great on the cluster,(red illumination. I also like how the thumb and had warmer switches illuminate as well unlike the older models. the reverse is also a really nice feature. It would not be fun to work on though as the engine compartment is just slammed full and the even the plugs are tough to get at. over all at this point on a scalre of 1-10 i would give the sled an 8 out of 10 taking away a point for ease of working on i at home, and for the tippiness right now. i think that feeling will get better the more miles that i ride it. definitly not a sled for a beginning rider.

kccats · 12-26-2007, 09:02 PM

So what year is your ZRT in compareison? Have you run them side by side? I would think the F8 would leave the ZRT out of the hole but the ZRT would run it down! Does it seem as heavy? How do you like the adjustability of the seat, handle bars and windshield?

Blownsvt · 12-26-2007, 09:07 PM

the zrt is a 99 600, the 800 runs away all day there is no catching it as the zrt tops out around 100mph and the f8 has a top speed much higher than that. it pulls away hard out of the hole or from a running start. i don't have the lxr modle which has all the adjustable stuff, i dod check out one of those bu it was an f-5. they dod not have an 07 f-8 that was ready to go in a lxr. the sled is comfortable just how it is and i would not reall change it honestly.

tamacat · 12-27-2007, 08:23 AM

Good review.I agree with the center of gravity being higher. I don't like that. You will get use to the handling soon enough. Let us know again at the end of the season.
BTW. The FIRECAT was only made 03-06.These newer ones are just an "F" series.

Blownsvt · 12-27-2007, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamacat

Good review.I agree with the center of gravity being higher. I don't like that. You will get use to the handling soon enough. Let us know again at the end of the season.
BTW. The FIRECAT was only made 03-06.These newer ones are just an "F" series.

i know but i will always call it a firecat, just sounds way better. imo

tamacat · 12-27-2007, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blownsvt

i know but i will always call it a firecat, just sounds way better. imo

I hear ya bro. I wish they still made them.

justride · 12-27-2007, 09:42 AM

thanks for the review it is a good one. It is hard to find someone that will actually admit flaws in there machine. Last time i went riding i meet some guy with a F8 and he had the same type of review for it. Keep me posted on that radar run

Bulldog · 12-27-2007, 10:15 AM

Is that electronic reverse or mechanical?

Bulldog · 12-27-2007, 10:16 AM

Hey Tamacat, do you know what kind of clutching set up you have in your 04 F7? I'm looking to make some changes and could use some tips.

Blownsvt · 12-27-2007, 10:54 AM

it is electric just push the button and away you go. has a auto lockout feature that won't let it engage over 3000 rpm.

catkidforlife · 12-27-2007, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulldog

Is that electronic reverse or mechanical?

The reverse is mechanical, but it shifts automatically with the push of a button.

beavernutts · 12-27-2007, 10:30 PM

Thanks for the info. I took one for a test drive the other day and I must say thats its a very nice machine, but a little out of my price range at the moment.

Blownsvt · 12-27-2007, 10:44 PM

yeah i go this one for 8300 out the door. was a bit under what they wanted

Blownsvt · 12-31-2007, 11:33 AM

ok i officially love this sled. will be buying another one for sure. finnaly got used to he feel and started jumping it etc... it is the best sled i have ever ridden

justride · 12-31-2007, 11:40 AM

cool glad to hear that did you have to adjust the suspension at all by the way Blownsvt what do you got i had a 1996 svt cobra

Blownsvt · 12-31-2007, 01:53 PM

no i have not made any adjusments to the suspension at all. i have a 2003 cobra by the way.