2015 Arctic Cat 700 Atv
Arctic Cat extends its range to 42 countries for 2015, and 4×4 ATV evolution accelerates with the introduction of the XR 700, XR 550 and XR 500 4x4s, which share the same all-new frame and aggressive bodywork that's also designed for easy maintenance. The 695cc single gets closed-loop EFI with greater fuel efficiency and a new location in the frame, and rider ergonomics were also big on the 2015 to-do list. As with Wildcats, the new XR 700 and 550 are available in three packages: base, XT EPS and LTD EPS. We got a chance to test the new XR ATVs at Moab, the off-road Mecca. Let's cover the XR 700 XT EPS first.
WHAT'S NEW FOR 2015?
The "XR" designation is new to denote a complete makeover of the frame, steering geometry, suspension, bodywork, racks and lighting, as well as engine refinement and added features. The XR 700, 550 and 500 share a new frame that moves the engine forward 2 inches and adds 2 inches of wheelbase (52 total), yet keeps overall length more than an inch shorter. The shared frame has a more tilted steering stem and new steering and suspension geometry, and the engine move narrows the midsection of the cockpit by 2 inches. Increased shock travel in relation to A-arm travel improves ride quality, and there's a rear torsion bar to fight body roll in turns. There are also two tow loops up front.
The 695cc, SOHC single gets closed-loop EFI for greater fuel economy (25 percent) and a new rubber-isolated outer cover, and new gaskets reduce engine noise by 8 dB. The airbox has been moved under the seat, and the large pleated-paper filter has a pre-filter cover for increased life. The battery has a latching lid to keep mud and water out, and a nice toolkit sits in between the battery and airbox. All-new, aggressively styled plastic has racy fenders and an easily removable left-side engine cover for checking oil level. Removable panels hide a sealed fuse box and allow quick access to the engine, and the exhaust is well-shielded from the plastic. A larger 6-gallon fuel cell also extends fuel range, and a 1.44-gallon rear storage bin has a latching lid.
New Speedrack II composite racks have a rubberized, non-slip TPE coating and many tie-down points, plus integrated mounts for accessories. The sculpted front grill and fascia are meanlooking, and the XR 700 comes in three packages, with the standard coming in green with steel 12-inch wheels. The XT package upgrades to trick allblack aluminum wheels, red or blue paint, LED light bars under the halogen headlights, and variable-assist EPS. The Limited package adds heavy-duty bumpers/brush guards, a 3000-pound winch, and LED projection headlights with LED under-bars. Seat foam is also softer for more comfort, and all get a new Power Sport instrument gauge.
HOW DOES COST COMPARE?
The base XR 700 is $9199, while the XT EPS is $10,499 or $10,849 for camo, and the LTD EPS is $11,199. The Yamaha Grizzly 700 starts at $8899, and goes to $9499 for the EPS model and $10,099 for the Special Edition. Kymco's MXU700 starts at $8599, jumps to $9399 with EPS and is $9799 for the LE EPS with winch. Suzuki's KingQuad 750Axi is $8899 or $9499 for the EPS version. Honda's Rincon 680 is $9299, while the Can-Am Outlander 650 is $8699 to $10,699 for the camo XT EPS.
HOW FAST IS THE NEW XR 700?
It definitely retains its cat-quick reflexes. New closed-loop EFI increases fuel efficiency by 25 percent and reduces emissions. Throttle response feels instantaneous. Its CVT also spools up quickly and smoothly, so acceleration is rapid and seamless. We couldn't find a smooth straight long enough to top out the 695cc single, but we did get 60 mph out of it. The EFI and CVT work well together at slower speeds, and it inspires confidence when tackling Moab's rock monoliths.
WHAT ABOUT THE CVT/4X4 DELIVERY?
It's top-shelf! The CVT and EFI are super smooth and make the XR sure-footed on just about any surface. Engine braking on steep downhills is excellent and predictable, and the 2WD/4WD/diff-lock switch on the right handlebar pod commands servos for quick engagement. Even the range selector is slick, so you can select the mode you need quickly and concentrate on line selection and weighting your body. Variable-assist EPS on the XT and LTD make handling in 4WD diff-lock agile as well.
HOW SPORTY IS THE HANDLING?
Super sporty. Despite having 2 inches more wheelbase, the XR 700 turns like it's on rails. New steering and suspension geometry make it turn in effortlessly, and the extra wheelbase gives it more high-speed stability. We climbed into snow and had a blast pitching it sideways in 2WD. The handling was totally predictable. Switching to 4WD, it was all business and hard to break loose. On the sandy portions of Fins and Things, the XR was also a blast to fling into the big sand berms, yet it settled down for maximum traction on the big rocks.
WHAT ABOUT THE XR'S SUSPENSION?
It's plush and well-tuned. Travel is 10 inches all around, and it's tuned for a plush ride yet does a decent job of resisting bottoming on bigger hits. It does a great job of isolating impacts to the rider, along with the EPS that greatly reduces terrain kickback to the more-tilted steering stem. A rear torsion bar helps fight body roll, but the XR 700 still squats on its outside rear corner when powersliding in sand and snow.
IS IT A ROCK HOUND AND MUD BUG?
Yes to both and more. Low range is great for mud, rocks and big hills, and the fully locking front differential puts all the power to the ground. Articulation is also very good and aids in keeping traction in rocks. Ground clearance is 11 inches, so it's among the last to get high-centered in deep mud ruts. The new engine placement and thinner midsection also aid body English and provide almost 3 inches more floorboard room for maneuvering.
WHAT ABOUT TRAIL COMFORT?
It's much improved. The new riding position is more ergonomic, and new softer seat foam and suspension tuning provide a plush ride, even on sandstone monoliths. New heat shielding and the rubber CVT cover gasket reduce noise levels in the cockpit. As sharp as the new XR handles, it's plusher than cat fur in the saddle. It's even more easy to work on, should something break or need attention on the trail, thanks to easily removable body panels. The traction surface on the Speedracks and tie-down points makes carrying cargo easier and more secure too.
HOW STOUT ARE THE BRAKES?
Plenty stout for Moab and its steep rock faces. Three single-puck calipers squeeze perforated discs (fronts and right rear), and brake lines are braided stainless steel for better feel at the lever or pedal. The three calipers are linked and controlled by either the left hand or right foot. Expert riders prefer having separate front and rear brakes, but linking them together cuts costs, weight and complexity for casual riders. After all, in 4WD, all tires work together.
WHAT'S OUR FINAL ANSWER?
Arctic Cat did a great job on the new XR 700 in every department, especially in improving ergonomics, ride quality and styling. Power, traction, handling and suspension are all excellent, and we were totally confident on this 4×4 at Moab, whereas we are usually strapped into a UTV. EPS on the XT and LTD makes riding effortless. It's an all-new beast that even looks mean, but it's a real joy on the trail.
SPECS
ARCTIC CAT XR 700 XT EPS 4×4
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type …..Liquid-cooled, 4-valve, SOHC 4-stroke
single
Displacement ………………………………………. 695cc
Bore x stroke …………………………….102m x 85mm
Compression ratio …………………………………..9.3:1
Lubrication system ……………………………Wet sump
Additional cooling ……………………………………. None
Induction …………………………………………42mm EFI
Starting/back-up …………………………… Electric/none
Starting procedure ………… Turn key and push button
Idle adjustment ………………………………………… N/A
Air filter:
Type ………………………….. Paper pleat w/ pre-filter
Access …………………….Remove seat, undo 4 clips
Transmission …….. Dual-range CVT w/ reverse & EBS
Reverse procedure……….Move range selector to "R"
Drive system …. Selectable 2WD/4WD/4WD diff-lock
Final drives …………………………………………..Shafts
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity ……………………………………… 6.0 gal.
Wheelbase ……………………………………………….52"
Overall length/width/height ……….. 83.4"/48.5"/49.5"
Seat height ……………………………………………34.8"
Ground clearance ……………………………………….11"
Claimed dry weight …………….734 lb. (LTD, 759 lb.)
Rack weight limit: f/r ……………………… 100/200 lb.
Hitch ……………………………………………. 2" receiver
Towing limit………………………………………. 1050 lb.
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame …………………………………………… Steel tube
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front ………….. Dual A-arm w/ prel.-adj. shocks/10"
Rear ……………..IRS A-arm w/ prel.-adj. shocks/10"
Brakes/actuation:
Front ………………………….Hydraulic discs/left lever
Rear ………………………. Hydraulic discs/right pedal
Parking …………………………………. Front brake lever
Tires:
Front …………………………….. 25×8-12 Duro Kaden
Rear ……………………………. 25×10-12 Duro Kaden
ELECTRICAL
DC outlet …………………………………..Headlight shell
Lighting:
Front ……………………..Halogen headlights w/ LEDs
Rear …………………………..Dual LED brake/taillights
DETAILS
Instrumentation …Speed/odo/trip/hour/rpm/fuel/gear/
clock/2WD-4WD
Colors ……………. Green, XT Navy Blue, Vibrant Red,
True Timber Camo, LTD Black
Minimum recommended operator age ………………16
Suggested retail price $9199; XT, 10,499–$10,849;
……………………………………………….LTD, $11,199
Contact …………………..Arctic Cat, (218) 681-8558
Source: https://utvactionmag.com/2015-arctic-cat-xr-700-xt-eps-xtreme-remake/
