The 2023 NORSEMAN 8000 X blends nearly every segment of Arctic Cat’s high-performance snowmobile offerings into one incredible do-everything snowmobile. It’s built to power through the deepest backcountry snow with high flotation, yet rally down a trail with precision, and the NORSEMAN X even has the wherewithal to carry and tow a utility load.
Why To Buy
If you are an outdoor adventure enthusiast who needs ONE new snowmobile to satisfy all your winter interests, the NORSEMAN X can tow and haul all your ice fishing equipment one weekend, lead a fast-paced trail ride the next, and spend a handful of in-season vacation days exploring the beauty and powder of the backcountry with your besties.
1. Power – Arctic Cat’s 8000-series, C-TEC2 794cc twin-cylinder two-stroke engine is at the forefront of the 165 hp-class and is the heart and soul of the do-it-all Norseman X.
2. Suspension – The XTRA in the XTRA-ACTION rear skidframe comes from its ability to articulate which decreases trenching when in reverse, and its lock-out feature helps the track put all that lug grip to the ground when towing.
3. Shared DNA – The NORSEMAN X employs direct features from Arctic Cat’s Mountain segment of high performance snowmobiles including the handlebars with mid-strap, seat (taller than ZR) and 153-inch Powerclaw track.
4. Tall Windshield – Snowmobilers appreciate a tall windshield for the wind protection on the trail and utility work, but if you need something more sport-oriented when riding in the deep stuff, the NORSEMAN X bodywork adapts well with windshields from the crossover and mountain categories.
![](https://www.arcticinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/AC-MY23-DAY3-NORSEMAN-X-06650-1024x683.jpg)
Tech Talk
The NORSEMAN X is powered by Arctic Cat’s C-TEC2 794cc twin-cylinder engine, delivering clean responsive performance with leading fuel economy and the convenience of push-button engine reverse and electric start.
![](https://www.arcticinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Norseman_8000-C-TEC2-Engine-1024x768.jpg)
A smooth power delivery is provided by Arctic Cat’s ADAPT CVT System. These lightweight Drive and Driven clutches employ a compact design with advanced idler system which maintain constant belt tension throughout the RPM range when riding. Benefits include, minimized belt wear and maximum throttle response.
![](https://www.arcticinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Norseman_ADAPT-CVT-1024x768.jpg)
The Arctic Race Suspension (ARS) at the front of the NORSEMAN X offers Arctic Cat’s 1.5 IFP ski shocks with 9-inches of bump-eating travel, while the 153-in. XTRA-ACTION articulating rear suspension boasts 13.5-in. of travel and also employs Arctic Cat 1.5 IFP track shocks. The XTRA-ACTION articulating rear skidframe works extremely well for backing up and can be locked for optimum towing when the going gets deep.
![](https://www.arcticinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Norseman_X-TRA-Action-Rear-Suspension-1024x768.jpg)
A 15-in. wide, 2.25-in. lug Powerclaw track helps the NORSEMAN X climb its way to the top of the deepest snow, while wide-tapered ProUte 10/8 skis aid in the ultimate backcountry flotation, but also provide precise groomed trail corner carving.
![](https://www.arcticinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Norseman_Adjustable-Ski-Stance-1024x768.jpg)
Additional standard features include mountain handlebars and seat, rear rack, pivot hitch, storage bag, deluxe digital gauge, dual-halogen headlight, sport bumper, tether and 14-in. mid-height windshield. The NORSEMAN 8000 X is available in Black with Fire Red.
![](https://www.arcticinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/AC-MY23-DAY3-NORSEMAN-X-08694-1024x683.jpg)
The NORSEMAN 8000 X at a Glance
- 794cc, 2-stroke, C-TEC2 Twin-Cylinder Engine
- 165-Class Horsepower
- 35.5-in. to 41.5-in. adjustable ski stance
- ProUte 10/8 tapered skis
- 153-in. XTRA-ACTION articulating rear suspension
- 15-in. x 153-in. Powerclaw track with 2.25-in. lugs
- Dual Halogen Headlight
- 14-in. Mid-Height Windshield
![](https://www.arcticinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Screen-Shot-2022-03-21-at-7.05.55-AM-1024x989.png)
![](https://www.arcticinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/AC-MY23-DAY5-NORSEMAN-X-12716-1024x682.jpg)
Does it really have a 13.7 gallon tank or is that a spec typo? The ZRs have an 11.7 so how do they get another 2 gallons w/o an auxiliary tank?
I got confirmation the tank is actually 13.7 gallons as listed in the specs. Like you pointed out, that tank is specific to the Norseman only in the Arctic Cat line-up. Hope this info helps.
That sled is gray.
The studio photo is a 2022 image with 2023 graphics. (Squint and the bodywork will look black. BOOM!) The 2023 Norseman is Black/Fire Red as shown in action photos.
BOOM!
it’s dark gray
Do they still have groomer special?
Nope but one of the clubs I belong to does have one and it is quite the sled.
I got to ride a 2021 Norseman 8000 and liked it. Not quite as maneuverable on trail as I was comfortable with, but there was a lot of interest from other riders who were attracted to the versatility. Seems like putting a passenger seat and helper springs was popular. I didn’t have any trouble with cooling on my ride (strictly on trail), but I wonder about scratchers for trail riding – it doesn’t come with scratchers, does it?
Scratchers are available as an accessory on the Norseman.
I would put the Cable Ice scratches on it . Same track that’s on my 019 HC. I run with mine down almost all the time . When on a trail. Or my slides start to get a little hot & sticky.
I belive there is also an aftermarket fan cooler kit for this sled.
Great snowmobile and very well thought out. Not, a bearcat, not a trail sled, but overall good for both.