OSM 10.1

SCENE IT: JACKSON HOLE

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HITTING THE PEAKS WITH 3 MOUNTAIN SLEDS

LOOKING BACK A PEAK AT THE YAMAHA SRX INTO THE FUTURE CHARLES BOMBARDIER’S RDX TURBO TICKER YAMAHA X-TX LE TIME TRACKS ’71 ALOUETTE - BIG AL

DON’T MISS THE WORLD’S LARGEST SNOWMOBILE SHOW TORONTO INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW OCTOBER 25-27 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

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FAC E F OA M

clicked

SUMMER VACATION A typical summer day for Chris Burandt Photographer: Chris Burandt Location: Malalcahuello, Chile, South America

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WEDDING CAKE Carving the fresh frosting Rider: Tyler Swarm Photographer: Todd Williams Location: West Yellowstone, MT

contents

66 74 56

FEATURES 24 46 SCENE IT

JACKSON HOLE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SNOWMOBILE HILL CLIMB

TIME TRACKS

1971 ALOUETTE-BIG AL

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NEVER REST THREE MOUNTAIN SLEDS THAT ARE NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART

LOOKING BACK ON THE YAMAHA SRX INTO THE FUTURE CHARLES BOMBARDIER’S RDX

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

78 GEARBOX COLUMNS 14 DRIFTS

RICHARD KEHOE

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WINGING IT WITH LEVI

LEVI LAVALLEE

38 BACKCOUNTRY

CHRIS BURANDT

40

STEPPING UP

MARIA SANDBERG

42 SNAPPED

ROB ALFORD

24 46

DEPARTMENTS INDUSTRY NEWS 16 WORD SEARCH 22 23 SUDOKU TAKE 5 32 LAWN ORNAMENTS 44 52 SNAP DECISION THE FAB 4 54 5 MINUTES WITH… 84

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VOLUME 10 NUMBER 1

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CONTACT 1-888-661-7469 President & Publisher: Richard Kehoe Copy Editor: Rick Bloye Art Director: Darryl Aspin Production Manager: Tendra Crossman General Manager: Michael Blakoe Advertising Sales: 1-888-661-7469 Director of Sales & Marketing: Andrew McEwan Sales & Marketing: Ben Morrison, Andrew Gurman Coordinator: Logan Gamble Administrative Assistant: Sarah Day Photographers: Todd Williams, Jeff Hann, Taylor Batch, James Wicken, Rob Alford, Richard Kehoe, Tendra Crossman, Mike Blakoe, Ben Morrison, Logan Gamble, Maria Sandberg, Shelby Mahon, Chris Burandt, Emily Wicklund, Brian Caswell, Levi LeValee, Kristen LaVallee Contributing Writers: Mark Boncher, Levi LaVallee, Chris Burandt, Tyler Swarm, Ben Morrison, Andrew Gurman, Suzy Stenoff, Darren Desautels, Ross Antworth, Maria Sandberg, Rob Alford, Jason Kawczynski, Jordan Hammack, Richard Kehoe, Mike Blakoe, Logan Gamble, Jeff Steenbakkers Subscriptions: 1-888-661-7469 or info@osmmag.com

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drifts

Richard Kehoe

THE GREEN FLAG IS ABOUT TO DROP One event that has helped start the countdown is Haydays.

We seem to always take the time to roam through the swap, kicking tires on way too many things that we probably don’t need - which is kind of what the swap is…

Simply put, it’s entertainment, and/or a walk down memory lane. Walking aisle after aisle of used snowmobile ‘stuff’, and being able to haggle the price on everything in the field.

Chances are pretty good if the swapper won’t get to the price you want, the next aisle over, another will. After the swap, we always take in the grass drags and find out when the Outlaw sleds are taking the line. If you haven’t witnessed an Outlaw race sled going down the strip, you probably should add it to your list of snowmobile related “must sees”. Saying that they’re just plain fast just doesn’t give a good enough impression or visual.

If you can’t make it to Haydays this year, then you We took the seat of the Jag and sold it for more than what we paid. We mounted a grill to it, allowing us to have a portable/driveable Sno-Mo-Q. can’t miss the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & We’re still waiting on the patent for this.

Powersports Show set for October 25-27. It’s another bucket list type snowmobile event that is a great place to checkout ur crew at On Snow Magazine and Snowmobiler everything that is in, and related to snowmobiles. At the same Television really look forward to this time of year. You time, you can get all of your snowmobile needs at one place, see, for us it’s similar to the lead up to Christmas! The all at one time! countdown to the snowmobile season has started, and I only We have a lot of great stuff in this issue for you; Todd wish that there was a chocolate snowmobile advent calendar. Williams takes you on a journey to the Jackson Hole, hill We take in a lot of snowmobile events before the first signs climb. Jeff Steenbakkers shares his passion of going fast, of snow, and snowmobile talk has definitely fired up a lot of and talks about his best snowmobile season ever! Boncher people for the upcoming season. It’s always great to meet dives into some mountain sleds, and Dan Girard gives us a up with the other enthusiasts to get ready for 2020. Going to history lesson on a very big Alouette. There are some new snowmobile events leading up to the season helps with the columns in this issue, with Rob Alford and Maria Sandberg long spring and summer. It also helps calm some of chatter joining the familiar faces of Chris Burandt and Levi LaVallee. amongst us about what’s coming, what’s new, what’s the Sit back, relax and enjoy the issue, the green flag has been best, and what’s farfetched. You get the picture. dropped, and the countdown to snow is on!

O

Swap meets have the craziest things for sale that you think you need, but don’t have a place for. You can’t help but get caught up in the negotiating and end up buying it anyway. This item never made on the wall in the shop. In fact, I don’t think it made the trip home.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 1

All stuff we acquired from the swap. We sold the seat for BIG dollars and bought a grill, the helmet was gifted away before we left and the sacked out Colt hood…Well seven years later it has found its home on the wall of the STV studio! That’s a find!

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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news

IRON DOG RACE GETS TOUGHER… LONGER There’s no question about it! The Iron Dog snowmobile race is one of the toughest, if not the toughest race in the world and it’s only getting tougher with age. The 37th annual Iron Dog race in Alaska, just added an additional 375 miles. Meaning if you finish the race you’ve completed a total of 2,409 miles (3,877 kilometres). If you’re tough enough and think you and a friend have what it takes to be the Iron Dog champ visit irondog.org.

FXR IS LOOKING FOR TRAIL AMBASSADORS

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2ND LIFE FOR EV BATTERIES

FXR is looking for 4 Avid Snowmobilers to be come FXR Trail Ambassadors. If you think you might have what it takes you have to fill out the registration form at osmmag.com/FXR and hit submit. The chosen 4 riders will be given a new set of FXR gear!

With the arrival of electric snowmobiles a question many have been asking, is where do all of the used EV batteries end up? This has been a questioned that originated from the automotive industry. It seems like a potential solution has been found for the automotive side with Honda and American Electric Power are working together and conducting needed research to develop a second life for these batteries. The goal is to integrate a network of used EV batteries into American Electric Power’s electricity system. The batteries would be used as storage for the electric grid to help with electricity usage spikes. With more electric vehicles being sold daily, in the near future there could be a strain on the power grid, especially after the workday when these vehicles are being plugged in for charging. In order to drive an EV, 225-250 miles down the highway the EV battery producing 60 kWh would on average weigh ½ ton or (1000lbs.). Now a snowmobile EV battery is significantly smaller than an EV battery and for example, the battery in a Taiga snowmobile puts out between 21kWh – 28kWh and the entire snowmobile tips the scale between 534lbs and 586lbs.

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news

04 05 YOU TOO CAN SHOP AT SPEEDWERX

CRESTED BUTTE IS CAPITOL FOR LAWN ORNAMENTS

The town of Crested Butte, Colorado now has 21 abandoned snowmobiles at the entrance of the town.

The town’s officials are chaining the units together in an attempt to avoid theft however they are also trying to contact the owners of said snowmobiles to have them removed or face a fine. It sounds like it would be easier if they cut the chain that they are protecting them from theft.

Speedwerx has expanded their Arctic Cat only snowmobile performance products to now include both Polaris and Ski-Doo snowmobiles. Polaris and Ski-Doo owners can now shop the same Speedwerx catalogue/website that Arctic Cat owners have been using for sometime. Some of the more popular Speedwerx items that are now available to Polaris and Ski-Doo owners include the lightweight mufflers, supercharger kits, and clutch parts.

Speedwerx can be reached at 651-982-0600 www.speedwerxstore.com

ERX WELCOMES VINTAGE RIDE

06

Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Shows (MWVSS) has moved their ride-in event dubbed the Waconia Ride-In hosted on Lake Waconia, MN to ERX Motor Park in Elk River, MN. Dates have been set and preparations are being made for January 24-26, 2020. This year’s feature is I-500 Cross Country and terrain racers. The I-500, Jeep 500, ISOC 500 and Warroad 500 all fall under the feature umbrella.

POWER IN THE PIPES LIGHTWEIGHT, SILENCERS TRAIL PIPES & RACE PIPES

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news

07

TAIGA MOTORS READY TO LAUNCH

Gas stations beware… Taiga Motors have released three electric snowmobile models; The Ekko (mountain sled), Atlas (crossover) and the Nomad (utility/touring). These will all be based on Taiga’s TS3 platform with a starting price of $15,000. Taiga will start their launch with the Founders Edition, which will be a limited build of 300. Excitement is through the roof, and questions are being asked after Taiga’s announcement to enter the electric snowmobile market. Most seemed to be wondering, how far will you be able to travel? How much horsepower will it have? What will the weight be? The range of travel will vary between 98 and 131 kilometres. The horsepower will be between 120 to 180 horsepower depending on the engine package, and the weight will vary from 534 lbs. to 586 lbs. depending on the model. www.taigamotors.ca

MORE CORPORATE 08 BOOTHS FOR TORONTO SHOW October 25-27, 2019 at the Toronto International Centre. The 32nd Annual Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show has added more corporate vehicle Manufacturer booths this year. Arctic Cat, Can-Am, CF Moto, Cub Cadet, Dodge, Ford, Hisun, Honda, John Deere, Kawasaki, Kubota, Polaris, Ski-Doo, Suzuki, Tao Motors, Toyota and Yamaha have all signed on to be a part of the World’s Largest Snowmobile/ATV Show.

Tickets on SALE now! www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

09

CHRIS BURANDT’S SUMMER TIME BLUES The only blues that Chris and the Burandt Backcountry Adventure Team get in the summer is the bright blue Chilean sky. For six years now clients of Burandt’s Backcountry Adventure can book a summer vacation with Chris and the Team to sled in Malachuello, Chile. If you are interested to check a box off your bucket list visit www. burandtsbackcountryadventure.com Book early as spots are limited and sell out!

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

POLARIS 10 ULTIMATE OFF-ROAD VEHICLE: LUNAR ROVER REPLICA

Where we these engineers fifty years ago? The Polaris Lunar Rover Replica Team made a replica of the lunar rover that landed on the moon fifty years ago using parts from each of Polaris’s vehicles. The Polaris replica is reported to be much faster than the original Lunar Rover. Members of the original Lunar Rover crew and a NASA Astronaut worked with the Polaris Team from start of the project to the end. All of the Polaris employees that worked on the project volunteered their time.

11 YELLOWSTONE

PARK LOTTERY

The Yellowstone National Park has opened a lottery for Non-Commercially Guided Snowmobile Access Program Permit. The program is allowing four groups of a maximum of five sleds to enter the National Park, one from each entrance. Permits are valid for two or three days and the group will only be allowed to enter the park from the same entrances. Once you have been accepted you need to pay the $40 per-day recreation fee and supply group information. Hopefully this program will continue for years to come, as snowmobiling is a great way to experience the National Park.

BIG NEWS FOR NBFSC TRAILS

12

Earlier this summer it was announced that the New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs will be receiving $1.8 million towards trail grooming equipment through he Canadian Federal Government’s Canadian Experiences Fund ($900,000), the Provincial Government ($300,000) to the snowmobile trail project and the NBFSC/ Volunteers ($600,000). NBFSC/FCMNB General Manager, Ross Antworth commented, “ With community club volunteers, gracious landowners, and public and private supporter the NBFSC has created New Brunswick’s vibrant winter tourism sector; snowmobiling. We applaud Canada’s new Federal Tourism Strategy that recognizes two of the strategic pillars critical to New Brunswick’s economic tourism growth; winter activities and rural resources.”

The Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie added, “These investments will enable communities and businesses across New Brunswick to develop tourism products and experiences to attract more tourist year-round. The province has so many incredible experiences to offer tourists, from outdoor adventure around the spectacular Bay of Fundy to world-class snowmobile trails. This will help communities reap the benefits of the global tourism boom to diversify their economies and create good jobs for middle class.”

SLEDARAMA 13 November 17, 2019 at the Memorial Centre in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada – On Snow Magazine (OSM), Snowmobiler Television (STV) and Dayco will once again be the official ‘Presenting Sponsors’ of Peterborough’s largest Snowmobile Show, the 22nd Annual Sledarama Snowmobile Show, Swap Meet, and Show & Shine. Nov 17th, 2019, gates open at 8:30am.

Sledarama.ca

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 1

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Need some time alone ICONIC in your SNOWMOBILE thinking room, have a seat on the throne and give it a go.

EVENTS "Iconic Snowmobile Events" Big East X H A L L O F F A M E T S E U Q S N I A C Bonnechere Cup Cain’s Quest D A S G A R D S S A R G R R Y L S A R A S CSRA Duluth I R E N O T E C N I R P I C D K L F R Y A Eagle River G R A N D P R I X V A L C O U R T E A Q M East Coast Snocross Epping R H G A R D D E P P I N G T L E G D S U A Grand Prix Valcourt I A L B O N N E C H E R E C U P Y N D E R Grass Drags Hall of Fame P H E A I H U R R I C A N A T A J K L D A Haydays Hurricana E I R D N G H X R I F I V E H U N D R E D IFiveHundred L N I O R E E W M T R I P L E T R I P L E Iron Dog ISOC B D V W S E V A H E L O H N O S K C A J L Jackson Hole B I E O S M I A S S Q U N K I K X E H U S Kawartha Cup Novi O P R N I Q F Q U T B A C D A W S T V R R Princeton Sledarama W O H S E L I B O M W O N S O T N O R O T Sooi Five Hundred E P S P E Z O I I U A R T H X G A M E S I The Wobble Toronto Snowmobile Show H E A S T C O A S T S N O C R O S S N A C Triple Triple T C S R A D S X F O K A W A R T H A C U P USXC Y V S M K A C S W A C O N I A B E A H X M Waconia X Games

WORD SEARCH

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Sudoku - Easy

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 1

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@photofriend

sceneit

JACKSON HOLE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP SNOWMOBILE HILL CLIMB Photos and words by Todd Williams Toddwilliamsusa.com Dating back to 1975 where it all began, the Jackson Hole Snow Devils snowmobile club unknowingly launched one of snowmobiles most iconic events. In 1975 the event started with only 20 club members that raced up Snow King Mountain and some local teens, who helpfully mapped out the 1500 foot vertical race course. Fast forward to the 43rd Annual World Championship Snowmobile Hill Climb, where 300 racers competed for the ultimate bragging rights and 10,000 incoming fans doubles the Jackson, Wyoming’s population. Transforming the town into a year-end snowmobile fraternity party.

Man with dead animal engages riders in a Q&A regarding turbo’s for his 2009 APEX. Joking, no clue…

Rider? just crossing the finish line with inches to spare from being DQ if hitting gate 32.

@photofriend

Jay Mentaberry in the pits watching the big screen as he awakes his try at the hill.

PC@photofriend

Riders meeting prior to the start of the 2019 JH World Champion Hill Climb.

©Toddwilliamsusa.com

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

©Toddwilliamsusa.com

Jay Mentaberry getting foot loose around gate 29.

Justin Thomas charging hard to the top of Snow King on his Polaris Hot Rod.

JT doing a little side step dangle headed for gates 30 and 31. ©Toddwilliamsusa.com

©Toddwilliamsusa.com

Luke Rainey finishing up his run through gate 32 riding his Polaris Pro RMK. Guess we can get times if needed? From the Snowdevils website.

Luke Rainey charging through the rock garden at the 2019 JHHclimb.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com ©Toddwilliamsusa.com

©Toddwilliamsusa.com

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 1

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sceneit

©Toddwilliamsusa.com

©Toddwilliamsusa.com

The SLP brothers taking a break from the both up on the hill at Snow King, we have heard about hill help but this seems to be hair help. Those glasses?

Spanky taking his Skidoo over the top of Snow King.

©Toddwilliamsusa.com

Spank trying to find the line through the rock garden that seemed to eat a bunch of riders up this year.

Keith Curtis was unstoppable this year in the RIMSHA circuit taking the triple crown at Snow King this Year, It has never been done before in the history of the Hillclimb at Jackson. ©Toddwilliamsusa.com

©Toddwilliamsusa.com

Photo of the event from the top of the of Snow King on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

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sceneit

@photofriend

Rider 455 waiting for the green light at the starting line of the 2019 JHHC.

@photofriend

@photofriend

@photofriend

Fans basking in the sun at this years JHHC. Andy Thomas charging through the starting line on his way up to the top of Snow King.

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Riders taking a look at the starting line with a great look of the hill in the background and steeper than it looks.

Riders meeting. @photofriend

Pic from the top of Snow King.

David Sharp Jr. he was on his way to knocking Keith off the podium several years ago before he just abruptly quite racing at the start of the season. I was surprised to see him at Jackson this year.

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SNOW

P O H S P O T S E N O R U O Y

S T S A I S U H T N E R O F TRUCK

take 4

TOUGHEST SNOWMOBILE RACES OVER 500 MILES

There’s only a handful of races that are over 500 miles, but the ones that are, are legendary. These races are very demanding on the racers, teams and equipment. Some races are held in such remote places, that race teams are made up of two racers, two snowmobiles and a chase crew for safety and mechanical purposes. In all of these endurance races, the weather and temperatures are always a factor. With the mercury potentially dropping out of the minus 40C range, combining with mind numbing wind chill and the added potential for a blizzard, it forces racers to either brave the elements for victory, or hunker down in a tent for survival. No matter which endurance race it is over 500 miles, it takes a lot of driver/team self and mental awareness to win. In some capacity, all of these races get the nod for the toughest snowmobile race on the planet.

I-500 On every terrain racer’s bucket list, the I-500 is an iconic race that

even trail riders often dream of completing. Sled reliability and durability has to do a lot with this race, as the high speeds for 500 miles can put a lifetime of wear and tear on any snowmobile. For 95% of all entrants, it’s about finishing the race, not just winning it, especially in the earlier years of the I-5, when race sleds were separated from a really good consumer trail sled with some reinforcements and shock packages. The I-5 is the only race over 500 miles that racers are not racing as a team of two sleds, or a few racers sharing the work load on one sled.

Photo: Emily Wicklund

The original I-500 three-day race had racers start in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and finishing in St. Paul, Minnesota. It has gone through a few changes over the years, but it is still a race that is demanding, and riders always trying to stay focused as the miles roll down to the day’s end. Today’s version of the I-500 is the USXC’s Goodridge-Grygla 500, which takes place over two days, with two 250-mile race days.

SOO I-500

Photo: Brian Caswell

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Established in 1969, the Soo I-500 race has a lot of history, being raced and hosted on the same 1-mile long track in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and is based on the idea of car racing similar to that of the famous Indianapolis 500. Where the Soo I-500 differs from that of a 500-mile oval car race, is track conditions. The Soo I-500 track starts off as an ice oval race, with sleds running around the 120 MPH mark, and ends with a high speed, whooped up oval track. The 51st annual race had 31 sleds in the final, with only two sleds finishing on the lead lap. Combined, these 31 snowmobiles completed 11,738 one-mile laps around the oval. It doesn’t take much to imagine what 11,738 laps would do to any snow/ice surface. This grueling highspeed endurance race is so tough that teams are strung together by two, and sometimes three racers to complete the race. That is, unless your name is John Wicht III. Wicht III is such an iron-man, he raced alone, and what’s even crazier than racing it alone? Winning it four times in the late eighties to mid-nineties!

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

IRON

IRON DOG

Photo: James Wicken

DOG

Billboarded as the world’s longest, toughest race at 2,031 beautiful, rugged Alaskan miles. Racers compete in two person, two sled teams, and have to make 30 checkpoints with a minimum of 3 layovers, with specific locations for a minimum combined 30 hours. Like many of the world’s toughest snowmobile races, being in Alaska the temperature/weather can be a race factor, if not a decision maker. Before calculating the wind chill, -57 degrees Fahrenheit has been recorded during the Iron Dog. Racers are not only battling the frigid temps in some years, but also the very unforgiving Alaskan terrain. The terrain varies from mountainous to plains. The plains can cause winds to pick up and temperature to drop, and can also move the snow into drifts, or worse, blow the snow away causing snowmobiles to overheat. There’s one area affectionately known as “the tunnel” where the trees are so thick and congested that racers have been known to take the time to stop racing, pull out the wrenches, and narrow their sleds ski stance. The “tunnel” is only 5 miles in length, but has been known to take down many sleds. The available race winnings in cash and prizes in 2019 totaled $192,000, with the top pro team taking home $100,000. Mike Morgan and Chris Olds have cashed the top checks for the last two Iron Dogs, and will be using their winning formula when trying for their third in 2020. Last year Morgan and Olds won the race in 34 hours, 27 minutes and 31 seconds. Success rate of race teams finishing the Iron Dog in 2019 was an incredible 54%.

CAIN’S QUEST

Photo: Glenn Emberley

The name Cain’s Quest is a reference that Jacque Cartier made of the harsh landscape on one of his expeditions to North America, and is very suiting of one of the nastiest snowmobile races of all time. This two-person/two snowmobile race isn’t just about winning, but about finishing the 3,200 kilometers. It’s not odd that many teams never make it to the first checkpoint, not to mention the 19 mandatory checkpoints to finish the race. In Labrador the winter weather is always questionable, with temperatures often below -40 Celcius, combining the potential to have a blizzard over the course of the race. The Labrador terrain is anything but consistent. Racers can expect to deal with, and traverse everything form fiords and mountains in the north, and bogs, hills and valleys in the south.

It’s mandatory that teams bring survival supplies including food and “Arctic” quality tents, sleeping bags, clothing, etc. Most teams end up spending at least one night sleeping in a tent in the Labrador wilderness.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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winging it LEVI LAVALLEE

IT TOOK ME TWENTY YEARS TO DO WHAT YOU DID IN FOUR!

Livin LaVallee!! Levi, Kristen, Liv (daugher 4 years old), Lavin (son, 3 years old)

H

ey everyone! Man - it’s already that time again when the spring snow melts, the summer toys get pulled out, and the fun just continues with the change of seasons! One of our favorite things we look forward to each summer is the Summer X Games. Or the past couple of years, we’ve been fortunate

enough to have the Summer X Games in our home-state of Minnesota. And this year’s Summer X Games was one for the memory books for sure.

Our daughter Liv participated (yes, like an actual X Games Athlete) at Summer X Games Minneapolis this past July in the e-bike race for kids . . . Can we just

Summer X Games Minneapolis / 2019 - Athlete Welcome Center

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pause for a minute to think about the blood, sweat, and tears it took me to get to X Games, and how Liv got to go at four4 years old! Hahaha. This event was a demo type event but, it aired on ABC and Facebook Live. The kids got to keep the bikes they raced, and all the kids and parents received the full X Games athlete experience! For the first time in my X Games career, I had “Athlete Support” on my X Games credentials, instead of “Athlete”…how crazy is that?

The race was on Sunday morning, and by that afternoon, the normal Freestyle motocross, Skate Boarders, and BMX athletes that usually occupy the X Games athlete lounge now had 4-8 year old kids ripping around on e bikes! How pumped were those kids to be able to have an experience like that?! Thank you X Games for making that whole experience possible.

For Liv, she was super nervous after she saw how many other kids were running, but I told here to just go out and ride, have fun, and judging by her smile at the end of the race, she definitely had a blast!

Knowing she was able to experience

Liv, with Kristen and Levi signing Athlete Waivers

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

Levi LaVallee: Athlete Support (say what)!! 4 year old daughter Liv, Athlete!

Getting all set-up as an X Games Athlete!

Levi doing autographs at Summer X Games, with daughter Liv.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

Summer X Games GOLD (didn’t go to Levi, he did get to hand them out though!)

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winging it LEVI LAVALLEE

being an X Games athlete in a fraction of the time it took me, means that if she keeps that pace, she will have me covered before she turns 10! If she comes to me next year and says she wants to do a double flip, I think I am going to have to re-think things a little bit! Hahaha! But really, what a cool opportunity and fun event for young kids to dip their feet into the X Games scene! I am not sure how much e-bike racing we have planned for the future, but one thing is for sure - you never know if you like something until you give it a try. That’s what it’s all about; finding that passion and going for it. I was lucky enough to find my snowmobile passion by the time I was in 4th grade, and look at the doors it opened for me. It’s pretty incredible when you think about it. As our kids get older, we will encourage them to try things in hopes of finding that thing they are passionate about, because you never know where that passion will take you!

FXR Racing hooked Liv up with her own customer gear!

When you find yourself on the wall of a football stadium, one must take a selfie!

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Behind the scenes, e-bike pits!

Proud dad moment: (Left to right) Levi with daughter, Liv (4 years old), Mike Schultz with daughter Lauren (5 years old), Joe Havel with son, Marek (3 years old)

Line them up!

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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backcountry CHRIS BURANDT

THE NEVER ENDING WINTER…

A

s I sit here looking out the window, watching it snow in August at our facility in Chile, South America.

I can’t help but think I truly do have a problem. I just can’t get enough of winter. This past season, I started riding in my home state of Colorado in October, and I will wrap up riding down here in Chile in late August, giving me 11 months of riding my sled on the

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snow. People ask if I ever get sick of riding…honestly I don’t. I truly enjoy it and feel that God put me on this earth to show/teach people how incredibly cool this sport of snowmobiling really is.

I’m very blessed to be able to do what I love for a living. For my first column of the season, I wanted to share with you some pictures from one of the most magical places in the world to ride a

snowmobile…Malalcahuello Chile! This is now my 6th year taking clients down to South America to ride in the middle of summer, in the Andes, surrounded

by Volcano’s, 3000 year old trees, bamboo, green parrots flying all around, and some of the best food I’ve ever had! Enjoy the pics, and hopefully one day, you can add riding snowmobiles in South America to your bucket list!

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

YOU THINK YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES? TO BE AN FXR TRAIL AMBASSADOR Head over to osmmag.com/FXR and submit your reason why you should get a brand new set of FXR GEAR!

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stepping up MARIA SANDBERG

MOUNTAIN TOP PLAYING

A

Sea-Doo Spark and a Lynx snowmobile on a mountain top!

Who would even think about that?

At the same time I asked that question I felt like everybody should have.

It was springtime and ponds were starting to appear everywhere in the mountains. I talked with a few of my riding buddies about the idea of bringing a SeaDoo Spark up the mountain, and the reply I got was, “When do we leave?” They

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are YES people that never put limitations on anything, and always support my sometimes nutty ideas, and at times, make me feel like my ideas aren’t that far out there after all.

This past April, we were out riding, searching every corner of the mountain to find a new spot where we could ride, and maybe do something unique for our social media channels. At this point, a Sea-Doo wasn’t in our minds as an option. As we

climbed up to a mountain top to get a better view of the landscape, I noticed this perfectly shaped pond, and in my eyes, all I saw was Hawaii.

It wasn’t completely melted yet, but you could see the turquoise coloring starting to come through. I just kept imagining a scenario that we could do. I said to the boys, “In two weeks this pond is going to be incredible, let’s bring inflatables and a Sea-Doo!” T his all went down at Riksgransen in Northern Sweden, on the border of Northern Norway. I’ve been riding here since I was a little girl, and to me, this place is THE PLACE. Almost every weekend and the vacations of my childhood were spent in these mountains.

It’s an extraordinary place and it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. It’s a world-class metropolis for riding, skiing and all around outdoor recreation. The Ofotenbanen railway was finished in 1902, and in a way, it was the first milestone in the development of Riksgränsen. But it took another 26 years until the Swedish ski club could offer people overnight accommodation in the area.

The seasons can vary here; if it’s a good riding season, we can ride from late November to end of June, possibly even July. It really depends how badly you want to get up there. Our struggles in the beginning of the season are the polar nights. During this period of time, the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon, resulting in more than 24 hours of night. How dark it gets during this period will also depend on how close you are to the Poles. That means that you won’t necessarily have 24 hours of pitch black, (though most of the day might be) but there are several hours with blue hour, which can result in a magnificent, arctic light.

We ride, but with so little daylight, it limits what we can do and where we can go. That being said, we have a long riding season, and by the end of it, we’re able to ride in summer temperatures, and also in the midnight sun. The midnight sun is

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

simply the phenomenon whereby the sun doesn’t set for a period of time.

W hen we decided to take a Sea-Doo up the mountain, I started to ask for help on my social media channels to make it happen.

One of my main problems was finding a shooter to film this event.

Not having a budget for a shooter is one of my biggest problems.

I knew that this was going to go viral, so I decided to haul the Sea-Doo up. Even if we didn’t have a shooter, I figured that we could use our cell phones.

Getting a Sea-Doo up the mountain isn’t as easy as one might think. My buddy made a special trailer to haul it up there. He was on board with the idea from the get-go, and had the trailer pretty much built before I asked.

Just as everything was coming together and we were ready to go, I checked the weather forecast every day, and dang, three days with bluebird! It was Go Time! We hauled everything up there without a problem, and for us, that is a very rare situation, hahaha...

We blew up all the inflatables onsite with a power station and an air compressor. This was the only way we could get the huge flamingo floating on the water. After the flamingo was successfully floating, it all went down, a crazy, fun tropical day. And it went viral! Right now the video has reached 6.6 million people, and has been watched 3.6 million times! Kind of surreal if you ask me!

Check out our custom design FLASH gallery

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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snapped ROB ALFORD We Welcome Rob Alford as an OSM Columnist; When it comes to snowmobiling, and more specifically, free riding, the name Rob Alford has been at the top for 20 years. Rob’s talents have been featured in numerous videos and magazines over the years and he is currently a Ski-Doo Brand Ambassador. Rob’s true passion is snowmobiling, and when he’s not out riding snowmobiles, guiding snowmobile groups at his lodge, (www.logchalet.com) or being photographed on snowmobiles, he can be found fishing, enduro dirt biking, or mountain biking. He’s also a hell of a photographer! Check out OSM’s last issue of the Shooter’s Showcase where Rob is not only featured riding, but behind the lens as well.

BRING ON THE SNOW

E

ach spring I transition out of sledding season by taking off to Vancouver Island, B.C., where I grew up commercial fishing. I started fishing at a very young age with my Dad, and have worked my way up from the bottom. I have commercially fished lots of different types of marine life, but the past ten years have really focused on B.C. Spot Prawns. I now run my own boat with a crew of two guys. This job is always an adventure, with constant exploration of the ocean to find the best areas away from the competition. The weather on the ocean always indicates how our days will go and how tough it will be.

After my fishing season, I like to spend my days working on my property in Revelstoke, Mt. Mackenzie Log Chalet. I use the summer months to relax and focus getting into the back-country using my dirt bike and mountain bike. Enduro dirt biking keeps me in shape, while being able to explore new areas in the mountains and scope out sledding areas in the off season. Me and my wife typically take off on camping trips and explore B.C. on our bikes, but have found this year we have needed to stay closer to home, as we await the arrival of our first child.

On hot days I tend to bike in the mornings, and then use my mini jet boat to explore the rivers, and to cool off in the heat of the day. Summer is our time to relax!

Bring on the snow season!

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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lawn ornaments The fever for Lawn Ornaments has never been stronger as your submissions keep filling up our inbox. From rusted and forgotten buggies behind the garage, to those purt-near-mint, center-of-the-lawn, almost modern rides just waiting for first snow, we want to see the lawn ornaments in your neck of the snowbelt. Snap a photo and send it in. If your photo is selected and published, you will receive a freshly screened OSM t-shirt. Email your pics to info@osmmag.com. Remember, curb appeal is nice…snowmobiles are better.

Mike Woods from Fergus, ON found these honey’s while poking around Barry’s Bay. He liked them so much he bought them and relocated them to his house as his own ornaments! We didn’t ask Mike how his wife felt about the purchase or maybe he’s single… maybe he’s single because of his lawn décor…We think they look awesome! But we’re not married to him.

And Mother Nature takes back! Deep in the New Brunswick woods, Tyler Cassidy snapped a few photos of two long abandoned OMC Snow Cruisers.

Out of site and out of mind, the old abandoned Kawasaki Intruder sits pretty on the hillside. We’re not sure why it’s stored on the roadside of the hill for all to see like the official town monument in Taney Town, Maryland. Guess theft or gang tagging wasn’t a consideration.

Submitted by Steve Beckley

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

We always look foreword to the submissions from Octono, WI., resident David Zahn. This photo he snapped is an organized junkyard featuring a seat less and windshield less Safari Stratos.

What a gem of a find! This sled looks better now than it did in the showroom.

Corey Harris noticed that the owner took extra care to keep the track off the grass when storing the old T’nT on a skid back in the day. He also noticed that the proud owner left the keys in her so they wouldn’t be misplaced for the following winter. We’re guessing it was stored with just the right amount Sta-Bil in the fuel back in ’82 #runsonspray.

Another Zahn magnificent find! You can’t help but to be drawn to the sun bleached ski tips and cool 509 and Powermadd stickers on the ZRT 6. But the real find is the ELtigre 440 with the shotgun type hole in the windshield that and the both ski tips twisted and rolled over like tinfoil. Our only question is, “What the hell happened?”

Talk about a shrine! Mounted on 4x4’s this unknown snowmobile found somewhere in Polk County, WI., was captured by Dave Reindahl. To us this unknown buggy looks like it was on display in the middle of a farmer’s field on an island in a pond much like an ancient Mayan Temple. Could the careful placement of this snowmobile be the works of a descendant of the Mayan’s that travelled to Wisconsin in the 10th to 13th centuries? Makes sense to us.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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time tracks

‘71 ALOUETTE

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

BIG AL

by Dan Girard Contributions by Bill Fullerton, Robert Gasson and Jeremy Girard.

T

he story of the Big Alouette almost seemed more of a science fiction novel with extensive travels, negotiations and misplacement. In reality it was more of preserving an iconic piece of machinery. Many snowmobile manufactures in the early 1970’s were looking to build a jaw dropping multi engine snowmobile to display their dominating engineering capabilities, set world land speed records and of course be used as a powerful marketing tool. Alouette was one of these manufacturers wanting to showcase their concepts and ideas for the ’71 snowmobile season. They were in the game to produce something industry breaking.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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time tracks

Originally, Alouette and Alberg snowmobiles were owned and manufactured by the Featherweight Corporation in the same facility in Montreal, Quebec. In 1971 Featherweight decided to cease manufacturing the Alberg snowmobile line-up and to exclusively continue with the Alouette brand. This is the moment in time when it was decided that Alouette would enter the race to hold the world land speed record with the other “powerhouse” snowmobile manufacturers.

The Alouette management team decided to seek out and employ the services of the California King of Kustomizers himself, George Barris.

Barris, was well known for his creations and “customizations” for Hollywood cars both on the large screen and the small screen alike. His car creations include many famous and iconic cars such as the original Bat mobile, Grease Lightening, the Beverley Hillbilly jalopy, the Monkee mobile, the Munster’s mobile, the Mystery Machine, Night Rider’s car KITT, the Back to the Future DeLorean car and

George Barris put his name on many famous vehicles especially cars that were featured on both the small and large screen like the original Bat Mobile and Kit from Knight Rider.

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the General Lee were just some of is well known car creations. Alouette felt that Barris would be the individual that could build a one of a lifetime jaw dropper, world record setting snowmobile that the company sought after.

Once Alouette and Barris came to an agreement, six Alouette Villain 650cc race sleds were on the next truck to

North Hollywood, California. This helped Barris’s creativity to create an inspiring snowmobile designed to not only be used as a marketing tool but to set the snowmobile world land speed record for Alouette.

Barris’s vision turned into a snowmobile like no other. The twin track designed snowmobile had four

The 3-cylinder Kolher 650cc motors with stunning chrome pipes was both beautiful and impressive. Big Al featured four of them combining for 340 horsepower.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

650cc triple two-stroke Kholer engines.

These Kohler engines at the time were the heart beat of Alouette’s Villain race sled. These four power plants combined with 12 stunning chrome pipes put out an astonishing 340 Horsepower and turned this snowmobile into looking more like a world record setting snowmobile than a marketing tool. Barris designed “Big Al” to reach speeds of over 300 km/h and with this belief of reaching incredible speeds, Barris design included an adjustable spoiler, two Hurst-Airheart disc breaks and a 12 foot Dietz drag parachute on the back of the four engine snowmobile to help with slowing just like an NHRA funny car.

Big Al was designed and built in 1971 but it was never one hundred percent clear if it ever did attempt to set the world speed record it was designed to shatter.

In the end it was exclusively used as a marketing tool, touring to dealerships all over North America. Remarkably the Hollywood designed marketing tool was hauled on an open bed trailer in the beginning to have it on display while traveling down the road. Realizing that the elements were a problem and difficult to keep a showroom ready appearance for Big Al a new plexi-glass enclosed trailer was built allowing Big Al to be kept out of the elements and remain on display during travel.

Through a business acquisition in 1972, Coleco Industries Incorporated

purchased the Featherweight Corporation (Alouette’s owner). Sadly this was the beginning of the end for Alouette snowmobiles. The next few years had poor snow conditions, which set the stage for less then anticipated sales and profits for the Coleco Company. In 1975 Alouette was sold again, this time to the Mansfield, Ohio based snowmobile manufacturer, Rupp Industries USA. Production was phased out of Montreal and moved to Rupp’s manufacturing plant. Due to lagging sales and continued financial hardships

Rupp filed for bankruptcy in 1977 but not before rolling out their 1978 models.

Somewhere after the Alouette sale in ‘75 to Rupp Industries, Big Al and Alouette’s entire inventory was sold to an Alouette dealership, Agri Sports in Regina, Saskatchewan. The legacy of Big Al continued, Agri Sports had the once prized marketing tool mounted on poles attracting and greeting customers in front of the dealership for years to come.

Fortunately for the legacy of Big Al, the factory Can-Am race team was in

Designed to set world speed records Barris kept the cockpit tight and closely nestled between four motors keeping the length of Big Al shorter than some of the other longer drag sled like OMC’s Pegasus.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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time tracks Regina for a regional motocross race in 1980. Can-Am’s then race director Bill Fullerton, who at the time was also part of the board of the Bombardier Museum in Valcourt, Quebec, was talking to locals about another race sled he once sold to someone in the area. A young boy who was listening to the conversation asked Fullerton if he had ever seen a snowmobile with four engines. When Fullerton heard of a four-engine race sled he needed to see it. When he arrived at Agri Sports the significance of this historic snowmobile mounted skewered on poles was immediate. Fullerton knew the history of Big Al and the significance to snowmobiling and believed that it had to be rescued, restored and displayed.

After years negotiating with Agri Sports they finally agreed to sell the fourengine snowmobile. Big Al arrived at the Bombardier Museum in a sad rescue like condition due to being outside and unprotected for so many years.

Before a full restoration could begin, Fullerton flew to California to meet with the king of customs himself, George Barris. The meeting proved to be very valuable as Barris still had paint codes and other important detail specifications to help with the full showroom restoration.

During the meeting Fullerton was shown two unopened Alouette crates in the back of Barris’s property dating back to the original shipment of the six snowmobiles in 1971. Sadly each create still had a Villain 650 in them that has never been in daylight since the very day they left the factory in Montreal.

For years to come after the restoration, Big Al was on display in the Bombardier Museum as part of the “International Evolution of the Snowmobile” exhibit.

For years to come after the restoration, Big Al was on display in the Bombardier Museum as a part of the “International Evolution of the Snowmobile” exhibit.

After the exhibit ran it’s course, Bombardier adjusted the focus of the museum, changing their layout to remove other branded snowmobiles from the grounds. Many of the other branded snowmobiles made there way to the Top of the Lake Museum, located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the few remaining went on to private collectors. All but one, Big Al. This sled had a different fate.

Nobody knew exactly where Big Al ended up this time it simply disappeared for decades. In February 2018, Dan Girard from the Cochrane Classic Vintage Riders Museum received a phone call and the Big Alouette was found again.

The twin track, four engine, twelvepipe snowmobile was sent directly from the Bombardier Museum to the Museum of Science and Technology of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario. The Museum of Science and Technology of Canada did not have any paperwork for Big Al and therefore never put it on display not knowing what it was. The snowmobile simply collected

dust in storage.

Unlike the negotiations in the early ‘80s, this time they were considerably faster. By the end of April 2018 Big Al was transported to Cochrane, Ontario and is again rightfully on display at the Cochrane Classic Vintage Riders Snowmobile Museum.

The Cochrane Classic Vintage Riders Museum is part of the Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village in Cochrane Ontario.

Open 7 days a week 10am to 4pm winter, 9am to 5pm summer, Only closed Christmas day, New Years Day, Easter Sunday.

With the driver in the tube like driver console between the motors we can only assume that ear plugs were mandatory.

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

Jimmy Krantz

snap decision

Owner of Bikeman Performance Jimmy founded Bikeman Performance in 2004. Located in Saint Croix Falls, Bikeman Performance dedicates itself to engineering, testing and a manufacturer of go fast parts, and is one of the fastest growing snowmobile/UTV performance businesses in the industry. If you have never met Mr. James Krantz, we suggest that you get out to a show or a race, he’s at a lot of them. You won’t be sorry that you took the time to listen, talk and laugh with one of the most polarizing and charismatic personalities in the snowmobile business. We met up with Jimmy to ask him four simple questions to get four quick answers…and GO!

NE RACE O

WRECK O NE

POLARIS INDY STORM

If I had to wreck a sled it would 100% be a Polaris Indy Storm. They were extremely heavy and would look great ghost riding off a cliff!

RI DE ONE

My favorite trail sled of all time is a Ski-Doo Renegade 850. You can honestly ride it all day and still go to the bar after.

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THERE’S A FEW…

If I had to race a snocross a sled it be a Polaris. I think they would hold up to the worst punishment and the best and are easy to tune. If I had to drag race a sled we would run the 1100 Turbo Cat motor. It makes unreal power and the motor is lighter then the Yamaha Motor.

If I were to race Hill climb I run a Polaris. They are the most maneuverable and predictable mountain machine.

SELL ONE

SKI-DOO RENEGADE 850

Photo by Shelby Mahon

Photo by Taylor Batch

OUTLAW GRASS/ SPEED SLED

I’d want to sell my Outlaw grass/speed sled. It’s a sled that cost me the most money and time and I still could get good money for it! Interested?

Call 715-483-3003 and ask for Jimmy or jimmyk@bikemanperformance.com

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

ON SNOW MAGAZINE PRESENTS SNOWMOBILER TELEVISION

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BRIAN NELSON Earlier in the summer heat, we caught up with Brian Nelson from North America’s largest cross-country circuit, the United States X-Country Snowmobile Racing Series (USXC). Brian is widely known, not only as the Race Director for the USXC, but as a very accomplished snowmobile racer, engineer, fabricator, and has also been inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame. Brian has won numerous races and high point championships, and successfully piloted both a John Deere and an Arctic Cat to victory in the iconic Winnipeg to St. Paul I-500 race. Brian and his then mechanic, Hubert Fixsen, were responsible for the suspension package found on the 1978 and ’79 Arctic Cat El Tigre Cross-Country snowmobile. His foresight didn’t end there, as it continued for decades onto newer race sleds, namely the 1993 ZR. And ultimately, Brian fielded a very successful race team featuring Jeremy Fyle, John Sandberg and our very own technical rider and dear friend Dan Skallet. We asked Brian which four snowmobiles were most memorable to him, and here’s what he had to say.

THE #1

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My hands down favorite sled of all time was the 1979 Arctic Cat El Tigre Cross-Country Cat. The Cross-Country had a superior suspension that year, featuring a pivoting shackle leaf spring shock up front. The shock in the rear of the skid was replaced by two shocks; one mounted on either side of the tunnel giving 7 inches of travel. The sled was dependable and could run with the Polaris TXL.

THE RUNNER UP My second favorite sled was the first year of the Polaris XLT (1993). This sled was light, (469 lbs.) dependable, and had good performance. I loved the sound of a well-tuned, three-cylinder engine.

THE HATED

3

The sled I liked the least would have to be the first year (1988) Arctic Cat 650 Wildcat. This was the first year Arctic Cat used the big Suzuki twin.

It was heavy and had a lot vibration, and not to mention, it would wreck clutches and wouldn’t go through snow….It was a real pig.

THE HONOURABLE MENTION I really enjoyed the early Indy 600 and 650s. They were dependable, light and fast. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, you can’t beat the sound of a three cylinder! Both the 600 and 650 were so much fun to drive, back in the day.

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TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

IT’S IN OUR BLOOD HUNTS

WEST

WEDNESDAY 20:00 EST

Trent Gofers TKO OUTOORS

THURSDAY 23:00 EST

Mark Skage START’EM YOUNG

Luke Oke TRAIL BREAKERS

Jason Dyck GUIDE LIFE

AIRING EXCLUSIVELY ON

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THREE

MOUNTAIN

SLEDS THAT

ARE NOT FOR

THE FAINT

OF HEART.

THE 2020 HARDCORE ALPHA, FREERIDE, AND ALL NEW KHAOS GO WHERE OTHERS DARE NOT!

BY MARK BONCHER

T

he freedom of being the alpha dog means that you can create your own personal brand of Khaos! These three sleds allow their pilots to do whatever maneuvers they want, and conquer any terrain, whenever they put boots on the boards and gloves on the bars.

The new 850 RMK Khaos 155 from Polaris, the newest version of Ski-Doo’s 850 Freeride 154, and the M8000 Hardcore Alpha One 154, are all meant to be the strongest and most versatile all-mountain sleds from these three OEMs. With each 800+cc sled, you get things like reinforced frames, top level shocks, and the newest technology. Our group of super-experienced, and maybe a tad crazy, test riders rode them all, and here’s what we thought of them.

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A

S GETS WILD POLARIS RMK KHAO nd you can really put your rowdy-suit on with an 850 like this! Effortless to get on one ski, like all RMK sleds, but designed to be able to take punishment and still knife through tightly spaced trees, so what’s not to like? Polaris definitely tried to think of everything on this new mountain sled. It is the highest grade, most versatile, all-offtrail sled that Polaris makes.

The AXYS chassis with aluminum overstructure has made a living out west by being able to dig itself out of even seemingly impossible holes, but add an 850cc Liberty Patriot motor, and balance it so well that an 8-year-old can ride it, and you’ve got yourself a winner. On-the-spot power adds to the flickability of this sled.

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Plus, there is new rear suspension geometry that helps in a multitude of situations by subtracting rider effort. But that’s just a few of the things that makes the Khaos worth the $13,899US. The new Pro RMK React front suspension with forged A-arms and spindles is adjustable from 36-38 inches wide, and comes with a swaybar. Other all-mountain sleds, like Ski-Doo and their Freeride, also have swaybars, and we think this is prudent for certain situations with this focused machine. It makes the sled even more predictable, especially in varying terrain and snow conditions. This is a mountain sled that can go from blazing the corners on the trail, to carving up the POW, without skipping a beat.

Of course, with any new top of the line sled, you get the newest best shocks. That

THE ENGINEERS AT POLARIS KNOW BIG MOUNTAIN RIDERS, BUT PERSONALLY, EVEN US VERTICALLY CHALLENGED RIDERS RIDE A LOT OFF-TRAIL. HOW MANY SNO-CROSS RACERS (WHO OFTEN DOUBLE AS INCREDIBLE

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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would be the Walker Evans Velocity absorbers, standard on the Khaos. These are made for rallying big bumps, jumping off logs, your buried cabin, cornices, etc. But they also can be adjusted to be just as comfortable taking a 60-mile trail ride through moguls galore. They feature a position-sensitive velocity needle and hi-lo compression adjustment.

The engineers at Polaris know big mountain riders, but personally, even us vertically challenged riders ride a lot off-trail. How many sno-cross racers (who often double as incredible off-trail riders) do you know that are 6’5” tall? Polaris added new XT running boards that make sidehilling easier, and have more room for us folks that like to use ALL the boards.

Plus, there’s a mountain grab bar that was moved down 2.5-inches so that us perfectly proportioned dudes and dudettes don’t smash our chests into the loop, or have it uppercut our helmet when we’re trying to corner aggressively in the trails.

Plus, the shorter and lower Pro-Lite seat allows normal/medium riders to maneuver around it and hop sides like a ninja boss.

If Levi LaVallee is reading this article, he is probably nodding his head in agreement and giving the thumbs up!

The 850 has XT hyfax to go along the XT running boards. The new hyfax gives longer durability, plus it is lighter. Hasn’t everyone forgotten to put the ice scratchers down at least once when out on the trail, after being in the powder all day?

Come on, you know you’ve done it… this should help at least a little bit if you can’t smell the hyfax burning right away.

Plus, you get an option of the 2.6 lug series 6 track or the 3.0 lug series 7 track.

The Polaris Interactive Digital Display offers Bluetooth, GPS mapping and more, but isn’t standard on every model. We had it on our test model and while it is nice, it is certainly secondary to any of the other standard features on the Khaos. The standard message center gauge is all you need. But the new battery charging outlet on the ES model, next to the right boot placement, is a great idea and is definitely needed in locations like the northern reaches of Canada.

THE NEW REAR SUSPENSION GEOMETRY WORKS WELL IN ALL AREAS THAT THE KHAOS IS DESIGNED TO CONQUER. THE WORD “FLICK” IS OFTEN USED WHEN DESCRIBING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS SLED. EXPECT BETTER TRANSFER WITH THIS SKID AND LIGHTER STEERING EFFORT WHEN SIDE HILLING.

THE KHAOS GIVES YOU TWO TRACK OPTIONS FOR 2020. EITHER 2.6” LUGS OR THE 3” LUGS. FOR EXTREME USE WE SAY GO 3”, ESPECIALLY WITH THE XT HYFAX, WHICH ARE LIGHTER AND MORE DURABLE THAN PREVIOUS HYFAX ON THE RMK LINE-UP.

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THE KHAOS RUNNING BOARDS ARE WIDE, FULL-LENGTH WITH BIG HOLES IN THEM AND AN OPEN AREA OF OVER 50%, ALLOWING SNOW TO EASILY DROP THROUGH.

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Y DE 154 IS EAS I R E E R F O O D I SK

G

o big, or don’t go to the dealership!

I’ve always been a fan of the Freeride, since it first came out and spiced up Ski-Doo’s line-up over a decade ago.

This newest iteration has only strengthened my support for this segment of Ski-Doo’s mountain/off-trail line-up. But this sled is made for more abuse than the standard Summit sled, and if you are not willing to test its limits, then you probably don’t deserve one… and you probably can’t afford it anyway!

What makes this sled a stand-out is that it is just easy. It is easy to toss around; easy to launch off big jumps; easy to start; easy to go from trail to powder and back again; easy to accessorize; easy throttle pull; easy to summarize, etc. It’s wide stance and quick-disconnect sway bar still set this apart as far as versatility goes.

But let’s start with some of the big wins for

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the Freeride versus the other sleds in this group.

First off, it comes with the SHOT ultra-capacitor starting system, which is only an option on certain E-TEC 850 offtrail sleds. Why this isn’t an option on all Ski-Doo sleds, only a select, few people in Valcourt know. If you’ve never used it, you don’t know what you’re missing. It allows push-button starting, basically all day after the first start in the morning (when you have to pull the cord a couple of times). Plus, it weighs a fraction of a battery and traditional starting gear system (subtract 20lbs.).

The 850 E-TEC direct-injection 2-stroke motor puts out anywhere between 165-

170+ hp, depending on what dyno tests you trust, but the clutching is spot on to allow slow crawls along a side-hill, and then instantly turn uphill and have perfect power control on thumb-point. This is helped by the pDrive primary roller clutch which saved almost 3 pounds over the TRA VII it replaced.

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Something less talked about with the 850 sleds when they first came out was heat control and subsequent belt life.

All discussions about if, why, or what to do, was squared away this year with new flow dynamics, including new clutchside-panel venting and additional internal changes.

Possibly the two most important changes for this year on the Freeride are the full-length running boards and new ski-spindle and ski-stopper. The new fulllength running boards have 60% wider front openings, even more grip, and save 1 pound. The spindles are lighter too, and the stopper makes sure your ski doesn’t stop you!

There are too many good things to list about this sled, including KYB Pro shocks, tMotion rear suspension, deep snow seat, warmed glove box and more… but it really did not change drastically from 2019. One last thing that Canadians and Americans from the midwestern and eastern provinces/states enjoy is that sea-level calibration is available on the Freeride. I know plenty of folks in places like Labrador; Quebec; Ontario; Manitoba; Maine; New York; Michigan; Wisconsin and Minnesota who will take advantage of that!

THE RUNNING BOARDS ON THE FREERIDE FOR 2020 ARE NOW FULL-LENGTH WITH MONSTER SIZE OPENINGS.

AFTER THE FIRST PULL START, THE FREERIDE IS EQUIPPED WITH PUSH BUTTON STARTING WITH THE E-TEC SHOT TECHNOLOGY WITH LITTLE WEIGHT ADDED.

THE 850 E-TEC IS BUTTERY SMOOTH AND PRODUCES 170+ HP AND NOW THE FREERIDE’S 850 IS AVAILABLE AT SEA-LEVEL CALIBRATION. TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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ARCTIC CAT M8000 MOUNTAIN UTHFUL! CAT ALPHA ONE… THAT’S A MO

D

espite the unnecessarily complicated 7 word-count naming convention, this sled is frigging fun! Cat has made big strides in just a couple short years to really compete on par with Polaris and Ski-Doo in the mountains. The Alpha One, introduced last year, was the culmination of several years of Arctic clawing its way back to the top ranks of the rocky mountain sled hierarchy.

The Hardcore 154 is an all-mountain, smile generation station! Some will argue that the Alpha One Hardcore is more of an “RMSHA Special”, but we think dubbing the sled as a versatile sled for all days is right where this sled should be segmentwise. That said, Cat took windshields off everything in their off-trail lineup, so I guess everything is now ‘totally hardcore

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dude!’ In all seriousness, the single beam Alpha one rear suspension, paired with the aggressive shock package on the Hardcore 154, plus the 35.5 - 37.5 adjustable stance, make this sled desirable to pro hillclimbers and aggressive weekend warriors alike.

The big difference between all Alpha One mountain sleds and anything from the competition is the monorail; single beam; center pivot-point; extruded aluminum & magnesium; hollow-box design; lighter weight, and more efficient rear suspension. How is that for another mouthful? But what it means is that this rear suspension will take less effort to make it do what you want it to do, and allow you to more easily access mountain zones than any other Cat rear suspension would. It dropped 15 pounds versus the previous mountain skid,

THE ARCTIC MOUNTAIN FRONT SUSPENSION IS FITTED WITH FOX 1.5 ZERO QS3 COIL-OVER SHOCKS AND THE QSL (LOCKOUT) SHOCK IN THE BACK OF THE REAR SUSPENSION

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and holds way less snow, so there’s less weight you have to fight throughout the day.

The Arctic Mountain front Suspension is fitted with Fox 1.5 Zero QS3 coil-over shocks and the QSL (lockout) shock in the back of the rear suspension. I will take these over any air shock, and will suggest them to 95% of the riders out there. We like to call these shocks ‘dummy proof’, because there are only three options for compression, and changing spring pressure isn’t what the majority of riders are going to do. The rear shock with the lockout allows a margin of comfort/error for those Todd Tupper pro RMSHA hillclimbing wanna-bees.

Two little things we love about this Cat sled are the LED headlights and the PowerClaw track. You wouldn’t think these two things go together, but when you are trying to find your way out of a challenging area and the sun is going down, you will be happy to see things better, and the 1-ply lightweight 3.0 pitch is something that is imperative in mountain tracks. Reinforced running boards are appreciated, especially by big guys who love to jump. But I am not a fan of how small the goggle holder is in front of the steering post. It is a great idea, and awesome for basically anything other than goggles.

While this is the lone 800cc sled we tested in this group, this semi-direct injec-

tion motor got a ton of changes for 2020.

Changes are almost too numerous to mention including new cylinder; repositioned injectors; new piston; new flywheel; new fuel rail and fuel calibration, and more.

Remember, in the mountains it’s all about power-to-weight while you are riding, and torque and track speed are things that are often lost in discussions between 800s and 850s. This sled and motor combo more than hold its own in the steeps… but I know there are oodles of Cat guys and gals clamoring for an 850, like now!

THE SINGLE BEAM REAR SUSPENSION STILL DRAWS DOUBLE TAKES WHEN THE ALPHA ONE DRIVES BY.

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THE 800CC ENGINE HOLDS ITS OWN AGAINST THE COMPETITION, H OWEVER SOME ARE STILL BEGGING FOR AT LEAST AN 850.

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RIDER THOUGHTS AND CABIN/CAMP DEBATES

THE NEW LED HEADLIGHTS ARE VERY IMPRESSIVE AND MIGHT BE THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN.

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Our self-gratifying test riders, me included, debate a lot about all the sleds we ride. Comments on the Polaris include “the rear suspension and its forward position make the front end feel extremely light, and it handles a turn with greater precision.” Consensus is that in the powder, the Polaris Khaos is incredibly nimble, just like all the RMK’s, but also does the ‘big air’ better than the average of the group.

On the Alpha, many discussions revolved around the trail-ability of the sled. The off-trail initiation of turns is definitely #1 or #2, depending on how many cocktails you’ve had before the after-ride debate begins. But several of our riders actually supported the hard-pack ability of the Alpha. Don’t forget that all the Cat front ends had their initial roots in sno-cross and that, with the terrain following rear suspension, makes this sled a new beast to tame on your way out to the deep snow.

The Freeride gets very little negative feedback, and obviously every-single-rider loves SHOT. The versatility, continuous improvement, and attention to the little things are all aspects that our riders appreciate from Ski-Doo with this sled.

If I personally had to pick a sled to buy, and money was an issue, I would put the Freeride in my trailer. However, if my location, age, finances, and focus was changed, then the Khaos and the Hardcore would take the top seat. I guess the middle-aged, no effort required guy might like the Freeride… while the rider who has to have the newest tech and wow factor might gravitate to the Alpha… and the rider who just wants the best sled for showing off incredible skills to your buddies should take the Khaos. I am not preaching this as gospel, but this is one person’s take on a collective crew update.

THE FREERIDE GETS VERY LITTLE NEGATIVE FEEDBACK, AND OBVIOUSLY EVERY-SINGLERIDER LOVES SHOT.

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YAMAHA X-TX LE. TREE-TICKING TURBO!

W

ith Yamaha essentially leaving the true mountainsled market, there are few real off-trail sleds for team blue that can hold their own in the deep snow for 2020. The two that can are the BTX-LE and the XTX-LE. The XTX we feel is a more playful machine, but we will say it straight-away, this is not a mountain sled.

The reason we are mentioning it here is because it does stack up well with the ability to take big jumps, and maneuver offtrail in some of the similar scenarios that the other three do.

It is always important with the big 4-stroke turbo from Yamaha to remember that there is no other motor that produces this power at any altitude. 200+ horses is truly remarkable to hold onto with your two hands. The track speed this power produces allows any Sidewinder sled to do things that 800s and 850s simply can’t. Thankfully, there’s a new lightweight brake disc that improves stopping at the same time… when you need to pull out of warp speed.

The 2020 XTX-LE is a new model with a 146-inch long Cobra 2-ply track. This is a change from the 141-inch in 2019.

The new longer track only has a 1.6-inch lug, but that can often be enough with the turbo boost to pull some wicked offtrail maneuvers. With Fox QS3 coil-over shocks up front, and a 2.0-inch diameter QS3 in the back of the skid, this sled has all the capability in the world to bounce off boulders, or crush them. The skid (Versattack) is an uncoupled torsion spring version which was new for 2020 as well, and allows playful transfer. Paired with the 42-inch wide ARCS front suspension and 6.5-inch wide skis, this sled is stable, but is also made to play through the fields and meadows of the mountains.

Because Arctic Cat makes the chassis for all the Sidewinder sleds, this Yamaha gets all the cool updates that Cat has as well. Those include a tether (your significant other thanks Yamaha and Cat) and push-button electric start. We appreciate other standard options like a heated mountain seat, tunnel bag, ice-scratchers for low snow conditions, and racing running boards. We enjoy the RCA plug standard for a heated helmet shield option, or to run other things.

To take 200 ponies home though, is not cheap… but this sled motor will also last a minimum of twice as long as a standard 2-stroke, so take that into account.

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KERS

TEENBAK

S

BY JEFF

o n aut sed i ndling u n e a oft eh term e be th It’s a to descri road rac . g of tup e s racin teristics t c erfec chara ieve the p pting to , h e ac att m aha SRX t ng to nd when m i a a y r Y C t c e i m are rcti f th o s o A t m e g s a h n e i t te , dl om nsion when lso c e han t. cars, alanced a scribe th d by exte underca an de B Th

.

D E C N BALA

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THE 1” TRACK HELPS OUT WITH OVERSTEER. STRADDLING SMALL BERMS LEFT ON THE TRAIL CAN HELP GET THE REAR TO ROTATE WHEN YOU WANT IT.

T

his story begins in the summertime.

A passion of mine, perhaps even more so then snowmobiling, is road racing. Over the last decade I’ve had the privilege to crew and drive some spectacular cars; everything from Porsche GT3 Cup cars, to Trans Am TA2, to Chump Cars.

I also like to fabricate and wrench on the cars myself. This has lead to a rudimentary understanding of car setups and tuning to achieve the maximum grip from the front and rear suspensions.

Working with some real pros over the years, one thing that I’ve learned is that a predictable, balanced car is a fast car.

Achieving this balance is as much science as it is experience, and knowing what to

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do to correct an imbalance is perhaps the most important trait in a chassis tuner.

I don’t profess to be a guru in this department, but I do know a thing or two. For instance, if a car has a problem with grip on the front tires, such as understeer (or push) the solution may be found in the rear suspension by taking away rear grip, effectively rebalancing the grip between the front and rear of the car. To do this, there’s a good number of solutions, like stiffening up the rear sway bar, upping rear spring rates, changing tire sizes, or adjusting angles of suspension components.

Living in this asphalt world during the summer months has changed my outlook on wintertime snowmobiling. I often find myself trying to analyze what the snowmo-

ONE OF THE GRIPES I ALWAYS SEEMED TO HAVE WITH THE SIDEWINDER CHASSIS WAS THE FEELING THAT THE SLED WAS BOUND UP A BIT IN THE CORNERS.

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bile suspension is doing down there, and then make changes to tune my ride experience. But at times, I find I’m somewhat limited as to what I can do, especially with the track and skis, which as a rider, you are pretty much stuck with. I don’t know too many people who travel with different tracks for tuning purposes!

Enter the 2019 SRX and Thundercat.

With one change in particular, these sleds have become two of the best balanced 4-stroke sleds ever produced by these manufacturers. And this change was a decreased rear grip.

When first introduced to the idea of a 1” track on a 200 horsepower snowmobile, I understood the reasoning, which was to decrease rotating mass to promote lake racer speeds. I got it, agreed with the concept and liked the idea. I felt it went well with the SRX and T-Cat names, and their lower stance would resonate well with the segment of the market that were looking for ultimate speed. However, I was sceptical of how this track would perform on trails.

The decrease in grip is felt right away, and for a hole shot, it does give up some acceleration. However, track speed does gain back some of the lost lug height, so acceleration is still pretty lively. The lighter track is also felt on the big end at speed, where it’s designed to perform. These machines are awesome fast, and seem to “pull” much longer then other sleds in this class. I should also mention that braking does suffer a little from the decrease in grip, so anytime you decide to leg-out one of these sleds, you should be really thinking ahead.

The SRX and T-Cat package surprised me in areas I didn’t really expect, which is pretty much everywhere, and right in the middle between drag race style starts and lake racer speeds. The new track seemed to balance the handling characteristics of these machines, and suddenly the rear suspension became a much bigger part of turning corners than it was before.

One of the gripes I always seemed to have with the Sidewinder chassis was the feeling that the sled was bound up a bit in the corners. It seemed to perform best when a rider could square off the turns.

Fast in with hard braking, crank the turn,

LOWERING THE RIDE HEIGHT HELPED THE SRX GET DOWN, AND AROUND THE CORNERS WITHOUT SACRIFICING RIDE QUALITY.

IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT SPEED WAS THE NAME OF THE GAME WHEN THEY FIRST INTRODUCED A 1” LUG RIPSAW TRACK ON THE 200 HORSEPOWER SRX. IT’S SIMPLE MATH, LESS ROTATING MASS = MORE MPH.

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and get back to throttle was the 1-2-3 punch of cornering. I never felt the sled free itself up in the middle of the turn. It was as though the front would understeer until you could finally force oversteer, with horsepower just at the exit, and hope the sled was pointed in the right direction or wouldn’t hike an inside ski.

By decreasing rear grip, the sled now feels much freer in the turns. Braking distances are little longer now for sure, but the sled can now be trail braked much more effectively into the corners, which helps get the nose pointed where you want it to be, sooner. Also, the transition back to throttle can better balance out oversteer from mid-corner off. Here the sled is spinning the track pretty hard, but the smaller lugs tend to trench less, again giving the rear of the sled a much freer feeling.

There is a small sacrifice to pay with absolute braking and acceleration, but I believe the increased speed in the middle of the corner nets a faster and easier overall speed. For me, the fun factor goes up with the much more engaged action of the rear suspension and use of the brakes

in the corners. The sled now feels balanced.

Lowering the ride height also helped out the cornering abilities without much sacrifice to ride quality at all, and I absolutely fell in love with the electronically adjustable Fox iQS shocks. I can’t complement them enough for a stock shock package that is so easy to use for any rider.

After almost 5000 kilometres of trail riding with 90% of that at full soft, where the most amount of mechanical grip seemed to be, they still had enough damping through medium and firm settings as the trails got rough. More sleds should have these!

I also feel that a performance 4-stroke is finally embracing what it is exceptionally good at. Let’s face it, a sled like this is never going to be an effective ditch banger, or feel nimble in trees on the side of a mountain. Trying to force a square peg into a round hole never works. I know I couldn’t point the skis of the SRX into deep powder and expect good things to happen, but I was okay with that, because in addition to the Yamaha embracing what the Sidewinder SRX was all about, I did too and my season on this snowmobile was my best season on the snow ever.

THERE IS A SMALL SACRIFICE TO PAY WITH ABSOLUTE BRAKING AND ACCELERATION, BUT I BELIEVE THE INCREASED SPEED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CORNER NETS A FASTER AND EASIER OVERALL SPEED.

THE FOX IQS STANDS FOR INTELLIGENT QUICK SHIFT. THIS SYSTEM IS EASY TO USE AND EACH SETTING FROM SOFT TO MEDIUM TO FIRM CAN BE FELT BY THE RIDER. THIS SYSTEM TAKES THE GUESSWORK OUT OF TUNING!

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There is not much to say about the power of the 998 Yamaha Genesis Turbo engine that hasn’t already been said, and if you read the previous article, looking back at my 2018-2019 season on the Yamaha SRX, you should understand that I was pretty impressed with the balance of suspension, and how this sled worked on the trail. Although I didn’t get into it much, the 200 or so odd horsepower did add to the ride experience of this sled, right up to the point where we added 80 more ponies to the mix!

About halfway thought the season, STV made a trip to see the boffins at Precision EFI in Ste.Eustache Quebec, just outside Montreal to tune our SRX up with some of the products they’ve developed pushing our SRX to 280 horsepower. This part of the story is about how the rest of last season went living with a sled pushing this much power.

What I want to start with is what did change, which was absolutely nothing, unless you called for more power from the trigger. The SRX felt exactly the same at slow or moderate speeds on the trail, fuel consumption didn’t really change, it started just like it always did, it looked the same, and aside from a Precision EFI sticker on the hood, you would never know that we did anything. Even on family rides, where the average speed probably hovered somewhere around 30 km/h, the SRX was super docile and a favourite amongst riders, not because of the 280 horses, but because it was so easy to ride… and had a heated seat.

In the past, I’ve ridden modified sleds with big power, and if I’m completely honest with myself, they weren’t really that fun. They were loud and ran hot, they were unreliable, not very user friendly at all, and would never be my first choice to put a family member on for lazy day cruise on the trails. I suppose I can thank technology and forced induction systems for this shift in what a modified machine is capable of, but also in the seamless integration of the modifications made

by Precision EFI. Things changed when circumstances allowed full use of the extra power on tap. Even without trac-

DESPITE ONLY 1” OF LUG HEIGHT THE SRX ACCELERATES OUT OF THE HOLE STRONG, AND DOESN’T SEEM TO EVER STOP PULLING.

tion aids in the track, the new SRX would absolutely charge out of the corners, yet it still maintained that balance of handling.

Throughout the sweep of the throttle, there was just “more” without any unpredictable hit of power. Like I mentioned above, the SRX could be docile with small inputs of the thumb, but as you would progress through the range, the extra power became more and more apparent.

For all out acceleration, studs or a deeper lug track would be a benefit I admit, but the short 1” lug of the stock track allowed for dirt track type corner exits which continually put a smile on my face. Going back to look at the marks left by the SRX, you could see how the track would sweep a path through the corner, but didn’t dig a trench.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

WE NEVER DID GET A CHANCE TO RUN THE SRX ON A RADAR GUN TO VERIFY TOP SPEED, BUT WITHOUT MORE REAR GRIP, I KNOW TERMINAL VELOCITY WOULDN’T BE TOTALLY REALIZED ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 1

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THE BALANCE OF GRIP ALONG WITH THRESHOLD BRAKING AND SMALL THROTTLE CORRECTIONS COMES INTO PLAY WHEN RAILING CORNERS.

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Everything seemed to be turned up to 11 with the extra power, but this also made paying attention that much more important.

The new power would accelerate you to speeds that can take you into new territory, but as a rider you have to remember there isn’t any more braking available to you! In stock form, the SRX demanded that you think ahead. With the extra power of the Precision EFI Stage III kit, you needed clairvoyant-type forethought to keep from overdriving into the turns.

We never did get a chance to run the SRX on a radar gun to verify top speed, but without more rear grip, I know terminal velocity wouldn’t be totally realized.

Instead, my thoughts are from a seat of the pants experience and thinking back

to last season, and I’m left with one final thought - I want more power! There is one more kit stage available at Precision EFI, pushing the total output to 320 ponies.

I’ve ridden their shop sled with this power, while equipped with a copious amount of studs, and it’s more all over again. I do think this type of power would be too much (essentially wasted) on the SRX, with only a 1” track. Maintaining the balance between handling and power will become a challenge, but I think I’d like to take on that challenge.

You don’t “need” a sled with 200 horsepower, nor do you “need” a sled with 280, and you really don’t “need” one with 320!

However, “want” is another thing entirely…

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

ndt’s trip to Bura u A . m a e T e BBA ave yo dt and Th est and le n ll u ra f u e B h t s ri o ! m Ch ities t and terrain & learn fro h your abil g s h in u it d p w ri l il e n o w id R ture ective try Adven and persp ls il k s f Backcoun o t e ole new s ile with a wh , B.C. | Ch

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to electric movement shifting With the world’s e future th o int g be that lon vehicles, it won’t rers come mobile manufactu where many snow have already me eir very own. So to market with th d some are an t, rke ma snowmobile entered the electric isn’t when will d this. The question in testing as you rea estion is when already have. The qu they arrive, as they mobiles across ow sn riding electric are we all going to be the snow- belt.

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EACH TRACK FEATURES AN ELECTRIC SPROCKET MOTOR, WHICH SHOULD ACCELERATE FASTER THAN ANY CURRENT STOCK PRODUCTION SNOWMOBILE.

T

he concept of the RDX is a lightweight electric snowmobile with a size very similar to that of a snow bike, and is designed to weigh in at around 350lbs, with deep snow and boondocking capabilities through the thickest woods at both low and high speeds. In order to achieve this, the RDX would have to have a few key features to help the rider explore new hidden places that have previously been thought as impossible. To achieve, this Charles designed the RDX to be narrow, featuring two powered tracks and a self-balancing system.

In the development of this nimble vehicle, Charles Bombardier wanted to have more track surface for traction, and more torque from the electric sprocket motors. With the arrival of new materials, power steering and gyroscopes in powersport vehicles, he believes that this is not only possible, but is the future. The RDX’s electric sprocket motors would be positioned at each end of its tracks. These

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THE TWO MOTORIZED TRACKS WOULD HAVE A MINIMAL DISTANCE BETWEEN THEM ALLOWING FOR MAXIMUM FLOATATION WHILE ALSO MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR THE RDX TO GET HUNG UP ON OBSTACLES WHILE OFF-TRAIL IN THE DEEP SNOW.

THE RDX IS NARROW LIKE A SNOW BIKE AND SHOULD TIP THE SCALE AROUND 350LBS.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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compact motors should provide enough torque to propel and accelerate the RDX faster than any factory snowmobile. The “sprocket motor” idea was inspired by the motor wheel invented by Pierre Dubuc in 1994.

The RDX’s power would be drawn from either a liquid-cooled, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, or lithium ion batteries providing ample, long lasting power. The two motorized tracks would have a minimal distance between them allowing for maximum floatation, while also making it very difficult for the RDX to get hung up on obstacles while off-trail in the deep snow. Power steering is a must on this all-tracked, all-drive vehicle to allow for easy steering. The shape of the tracks would also play a factor to help make the RDX easier to steer in the knarliest conditions. The tracks could come in different length variations, depending on where the owner is driving the RDX, much like the difference of a trail snowmobile and a mountain sled.

DOES THE RDX END HERE? NO IT’S ONLY THE START

Knowing that all riders are not at the same level, and that when out riding, there isn’t always an opportunity to lean the RDX against something, Charles also designed the vehicle to have an electronic gyroscopic system which would not only help the rider keep upright, but also allow the vehicle to stay upright, even when not in motion, making it very user friendly. To further help the rider navigate through tight woods, or while making tight turns and chicanes on the trail, a self-balancing system has been incorporated into the design to help riders of all skill levels.

Does the RDX end here? No, it’s only the start. Charles believes that an autonomous version could be made, allowing the driver to head to the backcountry to snowboard or ski down the mountain, and have the RDX rendez-vous at the bottom.

DIFFERENT REAR TRACK LENGTHS WILL BE AN OPTION JUST LIKE CURRENT SNOWMOBILES DEPENDING IF YOU ARE RIDING THE STEEP AND DEEP OR IF YOU ARE RIDING THE FLAT WHITE CARPET.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The RDX concept was imagined by Charles Bombardier in May 2019, and designed by Adolfo Esquivel, a freelance industrial designer based in Montreal, Canada.

DESIGNED TO DOMINATE AREAS WITH DENSE FORESTS AT EASE, AND AT ANY SPEED. CHARLES DESIGN INCLUDES A ELECTRONIC GYROSCOPIC SYSTEM WHICH WOULD NOT ONLY HELP THE RIDER KEEP UPRIGHT BUT WOULD ALSO ALLOW THE RDX TO STAY UPRIGHT WHEN NOT IN MOTION.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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gear

1

M CX Lite Monosuit

Are you the type of rider that likes to go on any terrain from the backcountry to the trails but don’t have the right suit designed to comfortably do both? Order one of FXR’s M CX Lite Monosuit before they are all gone.

The shell is made with durable polyester that is seam and sealed in critical areas with HD #8 waterproof zippers through out. The M CX Lite Monosuit is an un-insulated suit that allows you to dress for the correct weather conditions and terrain you are heading out on. FXR took it one step further by adding padded knees, thermal seat, adjustable hem, and HydrX & FXR’s Dry Vent system that is a snowproof and moisture resistant body system. Stay dry and comfortable this winter with FXR’s M CX Lite Monosuit. Details at www.fxrracing.com

3

Bergstrom Skegs Contours

If you are looking for increased flotation and control but don’t want to purchase a new set of aftermarket skis, Bergstrom has come up with contours for the bottom of your skis. By adding the contours you will notice an improvement in control, flotation, and instead of the snow being pushed to the outside it’s caught between the 3/8” tall contours and the keel. Comes in a five and seven screw version. Before you go out and purchase a new set of skis try out Bergstroms Contours! Go to www.bergstromskegs.com

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2

Schaeffers XP 2-Cycle Oil One warning light you do not want to see when out on the trails, low oil. Schaeffers manufactures full synthetic 2-cycle racing oil that keeps your engine and critical parts clean while providing top performance.

The XP- 2-cycle oil from Schaeffers is premium oil that reduces smoke emissions and prevents the exhaust ports from blocking and also hard carbon deposits from forming giving you a smooth throttle response. Pick up a jug of Schaeffers XP Extreme Performance 2-Cycle oil at www.schaefferoil.com

4

Shell Pro Jacket The Scott Shell Pro Jacket was designed to give the rider the ability to match the precise and intense motions that technical riders make while riding the trails or up in the mountains. With its built-in ventilation and breathable mesh lining, this is the jacket for you.

Made out of lightweight outer material with strongly pre-shaped form, YKK zippers, and Scott Snowcuffs how could you go wrong! Purchase details at www.scott-sports.com

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

REVELSTROKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA Experience the serene ambiance of country log living surrounded by panoramic views and nestled at the base of Mt. MacKenzie. Situated on a parklike acreage, we are directly below Revelstoke Mountain Resort with the ski lifts on our doorstep.

gear

5

6

Lochsa One-Piece

Blade 2.0 Carbon Evo Helmet

The newly redesigned Lochsa one-piece raises the bar for performance-oriented backcountry snowsuits. KLIM knows the demand for the best in durability, ventilation, waterproofing, and engineered the Lochsa to surpass those needs. For deep powder and terrain that demands your best effort, this one-piece promises ventilation and ergonomic, durable construction to keep you at peak performance. KLIM’s drive for constant improvement brings the redesigned Lochsa to the peak of KLIM’s durability scale. More details at www.klim.com

Are you the type of rider that likes to stand out with the newest gear, FXR’s Blade 2.0 Carbon EVO Helmet has the bold and stand out colors and designs you have been looking for. The shell is made out of ultra lightweight hand laid 100% Carbon Fiber, an integrated mouthpiece for improved strength and style, and 3 shell sizes for optimum fit, comfort, and safety. On the comfort side the Blade 2.0 has progressive density cheek pads, engineered 365 vent control, and tuned fit for comfort on any head. Pick your colour and style of FXR’s Blade 2.0 EVO Helmet at www.fxrracing.com

7

Dayco XTX HPX HP Belts

Make sure you have one of Dayco’s performance belts the XTX, HPX, or the HP wrapped around your clutch. Dayco belts are specifically engineered to give your machine top performance at any RPM. With high temperature polymer and engineered reinforcements, there is nothing these belts can’t go through. We can’t stress in of the importance of a spare belt, pack it before you BRAAP! Find the right belt for your snowmobiles make and model at www.daycoproducts.com/snowmobile

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8

Snow Ice Scratchers - SS - 1 Snow Ice Scratchers are simplistic, durable, and ingenious by delivering a better cooling solution. When trails typically are icy and rock hard during early morning hours this is a must have accessory for your snowmobile. The Snow Ice Scratchers are mounted to the rear suspicion of the machine and throws snow ice chunks onto the hyfax for better cooling on hardpacked icy trail conditions to prevent overheating. Constructed of billet aluminum and spring steel for maximum durability and performance. The Snow Ice Scratchers is a universal fit and stores on top of suspension rail when unused.

Visit www.denniskirk.com for more information.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

9

Arctiva LAT48 Gear The all-new Arctiva LAT48 has it all and is ready to take on the toughest of conditions. This gear is ready to take you further than you’ve ever been before with its fully waterproof and durable polyester shell. Packed with top of the line 3M Thinsulate, insulation throughout the entire jacket and bib.

It doesn’t just stop there, Arctiva added in a double-layered waterproof seat, 3M Scotchlite retro-reflective patches, and equipped it with the best YKK zippers. Whether you are going out for a long adventure ride or hitting the powder, the LAT48 has you covered. Available for men and women! Check it out at www.arctiva.com

10

Bikeman Performance Cyclone Clutch Cover

Go from smoking hot to being able to hold the clutches for an extended amount of time with Bikeman Performance’s Cyclone Cover. The cyclone clutch cover will help keep your clutches and belt cool. Structurally integrated into the cover, the fans keep the airflow coming when you need it the most. The results are outstanding!

While testing Bikeman Performance saw a 40 –50 Degree Fahrenheit decrease, even on the most powerful sled outfitted with Turbos and Big Bore kits. The Cyclone Cover maximizes cooling, decreases belt temp prolonging belt life, and is made out of 6061 Billet Aluminum. Check out Bikeman Performance’s Cyclone Cover at www.bikemanperformance.com

SnoCaps TRAILER ENCLOSURES 844-223-8148

5 Year Warranty!

Get dirty on the trail. Not on the trailer!

WWW.SNOCAPS.NET

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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Pinnacle Softshell Jacket Like keeping up with the latest and greatest styles…. Just take a look at HMK’s Pinnacle Sofshell Jacket enough said! HMK’s Pinnacle Softshell Jacket is an XR-Performance 8k/5k with weatherproof technology like windproof/water-resistant/ and breathable material. Other features include YKK main zipper, ninja cuff wrist, removable hood, and zippered hand pockets. With a variety of colour schemes how could you go wrong, go to www.hmkusa. com and place the Pinnacle Softshell Jacket in your cart today!

13

Scorpion Extreme Conditions EXO-AT950

Arguably the most versatile extreme conditions helmet in the industry, the AT950 Outrigger features snow-specific features starting with our Frameless, Dual Pane, No- Fog Face Shield, cold-weather Breath Box, and neoprene Aero-Skirt. These snow- specific features are complimented by the AT950’s not-so-standard features including its multi-configuration platform, making it one of the most versatile helmets of its kind. For a full list of features, check out: www.scorpionusa.com

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12

Ultimax XS Belts

Get superior performance out of your machine with Ultimax XS Belts by Timken. These belts are designed for modern high performance snowmobilers that are designed to provide better consistency and great resistance to cracking because of its high temperature rubber compound. Ultimax belts has a formulated rubber compound found in no other snowmobile belt which is why they stand out from the rest. If it can handle the brutality from top race sleds than it can handle what you put it through on the trails. Further details on Ultimax XS Belts by Timken at www.ultimaxbelts.com

14

Motorfist Redline Jacket

It’s always nice to find a jacket that is designed specifically for your riding style/terrain and conditions. If you like to rally down the trails day and night Motorfist has the jacket for you. Motorfist’s Redline Jacket has 300D polyester panels on body and inner arms, 170g primaloft insulation throughout, eVent fabrics DVexpedition outer shell with fully taped seams, and a powder skirt that attaches to any Motorfist pant. Motorfist’s Redline jacket is their best trail-riding jacket with stellar technology and features that gives the rider a relaxed fit, ideal for layering and movement. Further details and colour options at www.motorfist.com.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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Toll Free 866-922-5066 www.usnicom.com US Chrome Corporation 650 Oak Park Ave. Fond du Lac, WI 54935

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Jeff Hann Ski-Doo Ambassador

Just this past March, at Snow Shoot in West Yellowstone, Montana, Ski-Doo rocked us with their introduction of the all-new Expedition Xtreme. When we first heard the name, we were skeptical because the word “extreme” was so overused in the ‘90s, in order to make things sound bigger, better, and often more dangerous then what they really were. It’s safe to say that the Expedition can wear the Xtreme badge with confidence. When you have a vehicle bearing this name, it’s important to have the right Ambassador representing it, and Ski-Doo has definitely used the cross hairs to find the Expedition and Skandic brand Ambassador, Jeff Hann. Jeff resides in Labrador City, NL, where the winters are cold, long and snowy, lasting between nine and ten months. Some even say the winters are so long, cold and snowy, that they’re ‘extreme’. Labrador City is the ideal place to host the start and finish line for one of the toughest snowmobile races, Cain’s Quest, and a great place for the Ambassador of the Expedition and Skandic line-up to call home. When Jeff’s not fulfilling his Ambassador commitments, or snowmobiling in the vast Labrador and Newfoundland wilderness, his occupation is delivering the explosives used to blow up solid iron ore into fragments for the Iron Ore Company of Canada. Like his snowmobile and where he lives, Jeff’s occupation is also referred to as “extreme”. We’d say Ski-Doo has found the right person for the job!

How did Ski-Doo find you in Lab City?

I actually found Ski-Doo, and made the effort and approached them. I wanted to share my passion of the outdoors, and the Ski-Doo utility sleds in Labrador with the world.

What was the process like to become an official Ski-Doo Ambassador?

There was no official ambassador program that I applied for. It was a long process, and something I wasn’t sure would even happen. It started off with me introducing myself through emails, because I wasn’t sure who to speak with on the Ski-Doo team. Eventually, the emails landed in Steve Cowing’s (PR and Media Relations Manager for Ski-Doo Snowmobiles) inbox. After a few phone calls and by chance meeting with Steve, I expressed my ideas and passion for Ski-Doo. I honestly didn’t know if anything would happen, and I had no expectations of becoming an ambassador. Days, weeks and months went by, and I never heard anything back from Ski-Doo. Then, in December 2017, just before Christmas, I received an email that Ski-Doo wanted me to be a part of their team. It was exciting to say the least, sort of an early Christmas gift.

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As a Ski-Doo Ambassador what are your responsibilities?

As an Ambassador, my role is to share my passion and showcase the capabilities and features of the Ski-Doo Utility Sleds. I share my photos and videos on social media platforms. Everything from riding tips, sled setup tips, to the clothing and accessories, I interact with riders and take part in discussions on public forums, social media and events. If you want to talk to me about the next utility sled you want, engine choice, accessories, what it’s like to ride in Labrador, or even have a chat, I’m here for the riders.

What’s the coolest experience that you have received from Ski-Doo since being knighted?

Being a part of the Ski-Doo family is definitely the coolest thing. Everybody has this passion and desire for the sport, and it’s a very close knit family. The coolest experience so far was being in the photo shoot for the new 2020 Ski-Doo’s and seeing them for the first time. It was pretty cool to see myself in Ski-Doo commercials for the new Expeditions and the Ski-Doo parts and accessories catalogue.

Labrador receives some of the harshest winters known. How does the weather affect the way, and or where you ride?

It’s definitely harsh, wind chills can get down below -50C. It’s something you have to take seriously when riding. Always be prepared and dressed for the weather.

Try to ride with a friend, and always let someone know where you’re riding and when you plan on returning. I like to use live tracking on my inReach when riding.

Over the winter, I sometimes share live tracking on big trips into the back country.

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Its great for social media, but it serves as a tool for my wife too. She can see my progress as I travel.

Is there any special gear that you bring that would be different from that of a regular trail rider?

Yes indeed! Living in Labrador and riding in such harsh/remote areas, you have to be prepared a little more then just an everyday trail rider. Riding the utility SkiDoo, you tend to venture far off trails.

Good base layers and warm gear such as the as the Absolute 0 Jacket, pants, warm boots, and gloves. A good helmet with an electric shield such as the Ski-Doo Oxygen Helmet or the Modular 3 Helmet are my go to riding gear. The Skandic and Expeditions have tons of cargo capability, and accessory options allow me to carry everything such as a the Garmin 276CX GPS, inreach; first aid kit; fire starting kit; snow shoes; axe; extra clothing/gloves; winch; rope; tarp; extra gas, jump starter, tool kit containing everything from a 10mm socket, spare fuses/relays and zip ties to spare hitch pins; ratchet straps and more.

We couldn’t believe the quantity of accessories available for the Expedition Xtreme. For the riding that you do, which accessories do you feel are must haves?

This winter, I’ll be riding the all new, SkiDoo Expedition SE with the 900 ACE Turbo that comes with the new 135 Litre Cargo box. That cargo box is a must have for storage, since there’s a ton of accessories to choose from. You can customize your Ski-Doo exactly to your needs for work or play. My must have accessories for the Expedition would be

the chainsaw holder; axe holder; winch; full body skid plate; full wrap around bumper; handlebar muffs; 12v outlet; ice scratchers and ski liners...…just to name a few.

What is the extreme riding that can be had in Labrador and Newfoundland?

Extreme Cold in Labrador! Extreme wilderness with nearly 300,000 Square Kilometres land mass. Winter begins as early as October, and lasts till May/June, remote untouched landscapes, SubArctic climate, rugged terrain, massive lake systems and forests. The Island of Newfoundland also offers great riding and amazing riding areas such as the Gros Morne National Park.

With all the riding that you do, what is your idea of a “Hero Ride”?

I’ve ridden from the east coast of Newfoundland, all the way to the Rockies in western Canada. However, my hero ride is something I do every winter, right here in Labrador. It’s planning a long getaway in the vast remote wilderness of Labrador; packing all the essentials, loading the Ski-Doo up with gear, and towing a sled with gas and food, heading to a cabin in the middle of nowhere.

It could be smack dab mid-winter where the Wind-chill is a body numbing -50C, breaking trails in the middle of a snowstorm, whiteout conditions, unexpected obstacles, and crossing massive lake systems and forests.

Sometimes nothing is guiding you but the GPS on your handlebars, because you can barely see the hand in front of your face, or the taillights of the Ski-Doo in front of you.

Some may call it crazy, and would rather sit at home and wait till the sun was shining and warmer weather, but this is what I live for.

TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2019 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

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