Departments | Braking News

Larry Walton/Walton-Smith.com

On Thunder Road

When an experienced reviewer’s only criticism of a new ATV is that it’s not available in more color schemes, you know the builders have really done something right.

I mean, I’m kind of embarrassed how much I like the 2008 Arctic Cat Thundercat 1000 H2 EFI. This machine is an absolute joy to ride. It’s quick, strong, smooth and handles exceptionally well. You can throw it into a high speed drift or rock crawl at a snail’s pace and it’s at home with either.

What makes the Thundercat so outstanding as a big bore ute is that it performs and handles like a sport quad. The guys at Arctic Cat started with a built-for-torque V-Twin, SOHC, liquid-cooled, 950 cc, electronic fuel injection, four stroke engine. But this was not an irresponsible power build-up like the musclecars of old. They built the machine around the engine for outstanding performance results.

More power called for a longer wheelbase, so they added 2.5 inches to their 700 chassis design. More power also called for a new tire design. Engineers worked with Maxxis to develop a 25-inch tire right down to the carcass. With a rigid and square sidewall design, the tire does its part to contribute to Thundercat’s stability in corners.

Larry Walton/Smith-Walton.com

A lower center of gravity was also mandated. Now what looks like a fuel tank is actually a storage compartment/engine cover. The hidden fuel tank rides low over the rear suspension for balance.

The Thundercat’s suspension geometry was inspired by off-road race trucks to give it more “ride-in” and “static sage” while retaining 10 inches of travel and 11 inches of ground clearance. Camber was added to the suspension set-up for cornering, and dual-rate springs were developed to prevent over-compression in hard cornering.

Yet all of this performance comes in a workhorse machine, which can haul 100 pounds on the front rack and 200 pounds on the rear. Towing capacity is 1,050 pounds.

The Thundercat also features outstanding traction for any terrain you throw at it. With push-button 2WD/4WD and a lever-activated locking differential—plus low range and a well-tuned CVT tranny—the Thundercat offers superior utility for ranchers and hunters alike.

Before buying two quads—one for utility and one for sport—take a good look at the Thundercat. You may find that it satisfies your need for speed and takes care of your hauling and towing demands.

—Bruce W. Smith