[Number85]

Back to the original thread, Yes the 1989 El Tigre 6000s exist. I have seen a few over the years and have one in my parts lot right now. I agree with the original author, 1978-1989 El Tigres are awesome!!

 

[Number85]

Glad to see that you landed the El Tigre, I saw it on ebay as well. I think you got a good buy on it. 1989 El Tigre 6000's do exist, I have a really poor one in our used parts lot. I saw a new one back in the day as well. There are a lot of small differences from a 1988 to a 1989 6000, maybe you are aware of them as well...decals, warning lights in the gauges, handlebars, rear idler wheels, etc. If the 6000 that you bought has everything that points to its being a 1989 but still carries an 88 serial number, then 1 of a few things are likely. As you stated, mabey an 88 chassis was put under it after a collision, etc. Or, maybe the sled has just been updated at some point with some 89 items by one of its owners. Another possibility is that it may have been a show model/test model/etc for Arctic. Prior to 1994, it was common to come across this last circumstance as they would use the prior years model as a starting point in developing the next seasons graphics, etc. As far as I know, sleds like that were no longer let out of TRF since the 94 model year. Keep us updated on your Tigre project. Tom Rowland.

 

[Number85]

There definately was 1989 El Tigre 6000s produced, as stated earlier, I have one. The 1989 6000s were announced later than the rest of the line and did not make the brochure. A little background...the 1986-1988 6000s had been fairly successful but Arctic saw a need to make a change. They developed the 1989 El Tigre EXT (not called a 6000) with many changes from the old 6000. They removed the radiator for simplicity and less weight, this allowed them to streamline the hood. They changed the cylinder porting and went to a single pipe for great acceleration, great mid range and less weight. Top end was close to the old 6000. They installed the new-for-89 rear skid frame without outboard rear shocks; that allowed better ride, less weight, more durable and better deep snow capability. They also used the new-for-1989 seat/tank/console combination for a better seating position, more fuel capacity and better sight of the gauges. The El Tigre 6000 was not to be offered for the 1989 model year until dealers and consumers cried all though the spring selling season that the 6000 was absent. Arctic then made a few tweaks to the 6000 and added it to their model line up for 1989. When winter arrived and snow fell, most buyers immediately saw that the new EXT was a much better package than the old 6000 series that everyone thought they were going to miss so much. This similar thing still goes on today when a new model line up is introduced (from any manufacturer), we are slow to give up the old and embrace the new. Great thread guys, I have enjoyed following it.

 

[Number85]

You are going to have a couple nice late 80s Cats now 7 up, I see you also have an 88 Wildcat. Post pictures of your 6000 when you get it and also snap one of the 88 650, they were an innovative sled. I'll post a picture of my poor condition 6000 in a few days or so. Tom Rowland.

 

[Number85]

Good for you, you have a cool little piece of history. Enjoy your project. I still will post some pix of mine when I pull it out of the tall grass someday. Who says neat sleds can not be found without spending a fortune?!

 

[Number85]

I guess I have not been to this thread for a while. I bought a 89 El Tigre 6000 about a year ago. As you might expect, mine needs work too. Should be able to get it running without too much effort. It kind of looks ok too. My vin number is 8919625. I guess I dont have a good picture of it at this time, its buried away in a dark building.

 

[Number85]

Is it white leopard print, or, more of a deeper grey leopard...like a 90 Pantera seat? Either way, I have never seen an El Tigre with leopard print.