2022 Crossover Sled Lineup

Versatility of the Crossover Genre by Joel Kunz

There is a growing fervor on the showroom floors of snowmobile dealers throughout the Midwest as customers catch the “Crossover” bug. In a discussion with Dan Thomson, owner of my local snowmobile dealership and Crossover rider himself, “too much fun” was the first thing he said when asked about the growing interest and sales of these units. I asked for some clarification as to why, and here is what we came up with.

First of all we talked about the length of the track, ride and sitting position of the new machines. Trail machines have tracks that total in length of 120 or 121 inches. The Crossover unit Dan rides has a track length of 146 inches. That puts an extra 20 plus inches of track on the ground and the rear suspension over a foot farther to the rear of the unit. In essence, the ride improves by having the rider in front of the rear suspension, not over it. By sitting taller in the saddle and forward of the rear suspension, riders in general experience a smoother feel on the trails. A simple correlation would be the feel when sitting over the rear wheels on the bus as a kid versus sitting in the middle. The front suspension on a 120-inch length track trail machine and equivalent on a 146-inch length Crossover both do their jobs in similar fashion, but it is the position of the rear suspension that is the big difference. The Crossover machine’s track length also provides for better traction with shorter lug length and a smoother ride, as it in general spans the bumps better, much like a bigger boat is better in the chop.

But like anything, there are some trade-offs. A Crossover is harder to handle in the woods, and the length of the track can feel like it is dragging a bit as you corner. But that’s like the difference between driving a full-size pickup truck and a sports car—it’s longer. Both style machines sport the same power plants in general, so the performance is generally in riding style and capability. Following are some featured Crossover options from Ski-Doo, Polaris, Yamaha and Arctic Cat for your perusal. Be sure to visit your local snowmobile dealer to learn more about the differences each machine offers for ride and performance.

Ski-Doo Renegade X-RS

The 2022 Renegade X-RS supplies race-proven performance to riders who intend to dominate every ride. With the agility of the REV Gen4 platform, ultra-responsive Rotax engines and the latest snowmobile suspension innovations, every trail is fair game. Feature highlights are the Rotax 850 E-TEC engine. It is the next generation of the most advanced direct-injection 2-stroke engine technology. It is designed for reliability and durability with proven 4-stroke and long-lasting automotive technologies. A high-performance KYB PRO shock package provides extreme-capability, extreme-durability shocks for control in the toughest conditions. Easy adjust-equipped for dialed-in compression and rebound. The Renegade X-RS features a cMotion 146 or 154 rear suspension. A Crossover-specific suspension it uses the best principles of the rMotion trail skids for confident cornering.

New in 2022 is the first semi-active suspension system ever seen in snowmobiles, Smart-Shox. For those that crave the latest and greatest, they have an option that brings cutting edge technology to their ride with an unbelievable level of handling, comfort and control. The 137-inch track length smooths any trail. Based on the agile and responsive REV Gen4 platform, and the industry’s best suspensions, the Renegade offers precise handling on the trail, incredible comfort and the capability.

A large panoramic 7.8-inch-wide LCD color display is available. The wide-screen full-color display lets riders truly customize their ride from behind the bars. Choose your preferred sled info, and see app integrated-information in a split-screen format with GPS, Bluetooth music, helmet-to-helmet communication and more. The E-TEC SHOT starter adds push-button starting with almost no added weight. It uses energy stored in the lightweight ultracapacitor to turn the magneto and with E-TEC technology, start the engine.

Complete lineup information and specs can be seen at

ski-doo.com

Polaris Switchback

The newest member of the legendary 50/50 crossover family. The Switchback XC joins the Assault as the industry benchmark for ride and handling, with the IGX rear suspension, Polaris IFS, and 650 and 850 Patriot engines. The proven Patriot Engine architecture delivers outstanding durability, refined run quality, and an instant throttle response. The units feature a lightweight aluminum chassis and lightweight body and frame with unmatched rigidity and durability. A Nightblade headlight brings state-of-the-art lighting technology to Polaris riders. Six projector beam optics deliver precision lighting with an engineered pattern to deliver exceptional visibility for night riding.

Plan and track your ride with the industry-leading 7S Display with Ride Command Technology. The 7-inch glove touch display is purpose built for snowmobiles, with onboard diagnostics, trail maps, points of interest, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication. Use Group Ride technology to see your ride group with or without cell coverage. New WiFi connectivity allows for easy updates, and transfer of Ride Command data over WiFi.

Switchbacks feature an industry exclusive SmartWarmers customizable hand and thumb warmers that can be set to an exact temperature with three customizable presets. Set grip and thumb temperature to an exact degree for a more comfortable ride. Warm up fast and stay warm. Patent pending technology allows smart warmers to heat up faster than competitive designs and maintain a consistent temperature.

The Switchback features on-trail handling with a Snocross-inspired cockpit. The open and intuitive cockpit optimizes mobility while maximizing wind protection. The narrower ergonomics with a 4.8inch narrower console that is 3 inches narrower at the knees, creates a more mobile rider experience allowing full freedom of movement for ultimate control. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) design tools ensure maximum wind protection and minimal drag for a warmer, more comfortable ride. Sculpted side panels open a new dimension of rider mobility allowing the rider to move around the sled rather being confined by it. Improved leg and lower body comfort and protection are enhanced by the windshield designed for hand protection and less wind buffeting with updated geometry for improved aerodynamics.

Industry-leading Polaris Race IFS is the perfect balance of effort, precision and zero-bump steer-stability to deliver ultimate handling and control. The high-performance, adjustable, and rebuildable FOX QS3 Clicker shocks offer easy pre-ride adjust ability and deliver outstanding performance. The remote reservoir promotes heat dissipation and ensures consistently outstanding performance in all riding conditions.

Complete lineup information, specs and more can be viewed at

polaris.com

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Yamaha Sidewinder X-TX LE 146

When it comes to a purebred crossover machine the Sidewinder X-TX LE stands apart from the rest. VersAttak uncoupled rear suspension has the versatility to provide bump eating plushness with the type of smooth transfer. Easy-to-adjust Fox Zero QS3 shock absorbers provide premium performance while the 42-inch-wide ARCS front suspension offers ample ground clearance with flat handling. The X-TX LE is finished with the Stryke single keel skis that work great to deliver precise tracking with balanced flotation.

The 998 Genesis Turbo Engine is unmatched when it comes to delivering incredible power. Every engine component from intake to exhaust is dedicated to producing uncompromised performance, earning the respect and reputation as the industry’s highest achiever. Able to withstand highly elevated temperatures, the nickel alloy turbine body is extremely strong and precise. Supported by premium ceramic ball bearings, the Inconel turbine blade assembly is very light and strong which yields a low moment of inertia for a lightning quick response to the exhaust gas input. Triple throttle bodies are used exclusively to further enhance the quick delivery of compressed air from the impeller to the intake valves.

The Sidewinder X-TX LE front suspension is equipped with Fox Zero QS3 shocks for a premium upgrade to this model. The Fox high-pressure gas, coil spring shock features a piggyback chamber to deliver reduced fading, exceptional control, and three easy-to-adjust compression damping performance settings so you can quickly and easily adjust the ride to conditions and riding preference. The SRV chassis layout was engineered to centralize mass. Approximately 60 percent of the sled’s weight is tightly centered within the main triangulation for a quick-handling, well-balanced sled that’s fun to throw around in a wide variety of conditions The VersAttak Dual Shock 146 rear suspension is fitted into a light, tapered tunnel. It also features a front arm with special 146-inch rails that utilize a long rear QS3 shock with a lightweight single pull rod. The uniquely designed shock pivot on the uncoupled front arm which provides a smooth transfer for great handling. Blending the best of on-trail bite, the 146-inch x 1.6-inch lug Cobra track is a key contributor to X-TX LE versatile make-up. The 146-inch length combined with the unique Cobra lug pattern give the X-TX the right balance between cornering grip and straight-line acceleration. The ARCS front suspension features tall, strong forged alloy spindles and redesigned lightweight upper A-arms. Revised for optimum suspension function and increased ground clearance, the Sidewinder X-TX LE has a more predictable and consistent handling with less chassis roll.

The Sidewinder’s generous 8.9-gallon / 33.6-liter fuel tank serves more purpose than just carrying a day’s worth of fuel. It also cradles the battery and is the platform for the quick-release trail seat. The ever-changing fuel load is carried low and rearward which helps centralize the overall mass and balance of the sled. The handlebar controls feature a Stealth Control System a left-sided switch cluster for “on-the-fly” access to the multi-step hand and thumb warm adjusters, the push button reverse gear shift and the multi-function gauge that can be easily select information with a convenient toggle. On the right side, a clean bar hosts an ergonomically-shaped throttle lever and a simple, stand-alone emergency stop switch. The Hayes Stealth brake cylinder is equipped with a composite brake lever that, coupled with a lightweight caliper, offers better feel and powerful stopping performance.

Complete information and specs on the Yamaha line of snow machines can be viewed at yamahamotorsports.com

Arctic Cat Riot

Arctic Cat has redefined the crossover category with the RIOT line of premium snowmobiles that offer innovations and technology for

the ultimate crossover ride experience. This model year, the RIOT 8000 and RIOT X offer further innovation with the addition of models featuring the ATAC On-the-Fly Suspension System. All units also received the new Arctic Cat ADAPT CVT System for improved performance and serviceability. With a lighter-weight, narrower design, and an advanced idler system, ADAPT maintains constant belt tension throughout the ride—resulting in minimized wear and longer belt life. The system also features lower inertia giving it quicker throttle response for more-consistent performance.

Built to take on the trail, RIOT offers the ultimate crossover ride experience thanks to its masterful blend of DNA pulled straight from M Series and ZR models. To complement that blend, riders can choose from the C-TEC2 lightweight 6000 (RIOT) or Next-Gen 8000 (RIOT/RIOT X) engines.

The RIOT 6000 and 8000 models are the perfect blend of crossover performance thanks to a combination of the ARS II front suspension and the CROSS-ACTION Rear Suspension. The uncoupled CROSSACTION suspension provides excellent bump absorption and cornering on the trail.

The ARS II front suspension comes straight off the racetrack where it redefined what precision control and big-bump comfort is all about. Other key features adding to RIOT models’ signature 50/50 blend of crossover versatility include the all-condition predictability of the G2 ProClimb—7 skis with molded boot traction, a lay down steering post like ZR models, and an adjustable 41.5- to 43.5-inch ski stance with sway bar. For 2022, the models are offered with a 146-inch Cobra track with the option of a 1.35-inch or 1.6-inch lug.

New for 2022, the RIOT 8000 ATAC offers the revolutionary onthe-fly suspension allowing crossover riders to adjust the suspension for any riding condition. ATAC features a thumb-operated button on the handlebar that controls the FOX ZERO iQS rear-track shock and the ski shocks. With the push of a button, the rider can instantly switch between three factory compression settings—soft, medium and firm—in under 0.5 seconds. The system also allows for two distinct settings—Driver 1 and Driver 2—to customize two riders’ calibrations between front and rear shocks. The result is optimized suspension performance for the varying conditions encountered riding on trail. The system also automatically optimizes shock calibration when the sled is set to reverse to improve handling while backing up.

The RIOT 8000 ATAC is available in red or green with a 146-inch Cobra track with a 1.6-inch lug. Accessory kits for the 6000/8000 models include front bumper, hand guards and rear storage.

Complete information specs and more can be seen at

arcticcat.txtsv.com

Now go visit your local dealer and join the Crossover crowd.