We’re guessing that Cat’s long-awaited Dual Stage Injection (DSI) 800 is coming in MY2018.
It’s been on the edge of being introduced for at least two years now and in light of Ski-Doo’s jump to 850ccs in the Max-Power 2-stroke ranks, we’re wondering if Cat’s mystery engine might be bigger than 800 ccs.
Sure, engine development, especially with EPA certification needed, takes a long time and Cat hasn’t had much time to react. However, given Ski-doo’s near 50-percent market share, it would make sense a competitive, new DSI 2-stroke would at least try to match the 850 to get a foothold in the top power category.
On the other hand, based on the performance of Cat’s DSI 600 we can’t help but think a new Cat 800 will be right in the hunt with the performance of both Ski-Doo’s 850 and Polaris’ very fast 800 HO.
Here’s the problem and it’s kind of abstract: So often, performance is in the mind of the buyer – especially when it’s decision time in the dealer’s showroom.
Even if the engine is just as fast – or maybe even faster – there’s a big temptation to buy the bigger-inch sled.
Strange. Isn’t it? It’s the way it always works, though.
