OSM 10.2

DON’T MISS THE WORLD’S LARGEST SNOWMOBILE SHOW!

PRESENTED BY

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCTOBER 25-27 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

CROSSOVERS TO BRIDGE THE GAP

GTYAMAHA’ REVOLUTION S GT CLASS DELIVERS CLASS AND PERFORMANCE

NO MORE RUMORS INTERVIEW WITH ARCTIC CAT’S VP CRAIG KENNEDY www.osmmag.com @onsnowmagazine VOL 10 • NO 2 • $ 5.95

DISPLAY UNTIL DEC 31, 2019

AVALANCHE 101 HOW TO SURVIVE AN AVALANCHE SCENE IT? SNAPSHOTS FROM HAY DAYS

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SCOTT-SPORTS.COM © SCOTT SPORTS SA 2019 | Photo: Gallant Visual Media

KALLE JOHANSSON

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EASY TARGET Only the fastest photographers survive at snow shoot.

Rider: Tyler Swarm Photographer: Todd Williams Location: West Yellowstone, MT

contents

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FEATURES 26 52 54 HAY DAYS 2019 OSM VISITS HAY DAYS

BELT MYTHS

BELTS MYTHS WITH ERIC MURRAY

SAY YES WITH THE BEST CROSSOVERS TO BRIDGE THE GAP

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66 70 78 88

AVALANCHE 101

HOW TO SURVIVE AN AVALANCHE

NO MORE RUMORS INTERVIEW WITH ARCTIC CAT’S VP CRAIG KENNEDY

GT REVOLUTION YAMAHA’S GT CLASS DELIVERS CLASS AND PERFORMANCE

INTO THE FUTURE CHARLES BOMBARDIER’S LAKEMASTER

94 GEARBOX 78 COLUMNS 14 DRIFTS

RICHARD KEHOE

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WINGING IT WITH LEVI

LEVI LAVALLEE

40 BACKCOUNTRY CHRIS BURANDT

42 SNAPPED ROB ALFORD

DEPARTMENTS INDUSTRY NEWS 16 WORD SEARCH 24 25 SUDOKU TAKE 5 36 LAWN ORNAMENTS 44 HONEY HAULERS 46 SNAP DECISION 48 THE FAB 4 50

VOLUME 10 NUMBER 2

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

15"

Contributing Writers: Mark Boncher, Levi LaVallee, Chris Burandt, Tyler Swarm, Ben Morrison, Andrew Gurman, Darren Desautels, Rob Alford, Jason Kawczynski, Jordan Hammack, Richard Kehoe, Mike Blakoe, Logan Gamble, Jeff Steenbakkers Subscriptions: 1-888-661-7469 or info@osmmag.com

OSM is published five times a year by OSM Publishing Ltd. Office address and undelivered copies and change of address notice is: PO Box 551, 27083 Kennedy Road Willow Beach, ON L0E 1S0, Canada. Telephone 1-888-661-7469. Printed in Canada by Trade Secrets Printing. • Copyright 2019 OSM Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. Subscription rates for magazine $19.00 per year, $29.00 for 2 years. $37.00 for 3 years.

ON SNOW MAGAZINE

HEAD OFFICE 27083 Kennedy Road Willow Beach, ON L0E 1S0, Canada toll-free ph: 888-661-7469 toll-free fax: 888-680-7469 email: info@osmmag.com www.osmmag.com 12

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 2

MOST PRECISE AND UNMATCHED CAPABILITY

2020 PRO-RMK

Experience the RMK® and discover why it’s the world’s greatest mountain sled. Go to places you’ve imagined but few have been.

Get there the only way you can — on the lightest mountain sled in the industry.

polaris.com/snowmobiles Polaris recommends that all riders take a safety training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride.

drifts

Richard Kehoe

READY TO RALLY

L

ike every September we’re swamped with numerous projects, multiple magazines, programs, trade shows and TV shows that all overlap, and will do so for the next 6 months. And we have added even more work this year with a new expansion… Which we will announce closer to the new-year. It’s all coming together.

Our fall events have been amazing, and have kept us very busy. Earlier in September we hit Hay Days and this year we brought a few staffers that have never been before, and some that haven’t been in over five years.

It’s great to support such an event with so many people, and so much SNOWMOBILE. The first-time visitors in our group; STV Editor Brent Geerlings, and OSM/ATV World Magazine/STV sales and marketing associate Andrew Gurman were surprised how many people roam a field filled with predominantly powersport ‘stuff’. These guys being sledders and off-road enthusiasts were thrilled to check out all the booths, swappers and drag racing. It’s important that new comers to any snowmobile event feel welcomed and enjoy the time spent.

STV host Jeff Steenbakkers, and OSM/STV Director of Sales, Andrew McEwan haven’t attended for five years or so, but were happy to get back to the field in North Branch, Minnesota. These guys would quietly disappear into the swap and check out what was going on taking in all that Hay Days has to offer. Where McEwan would stay a little closer by the food trucks searching out shop decor, Jeff would go in deep combing the swap and every item up for sale. Jeff’s love for parts, accessories and interesting stuff runs deep in him and as a result, would send him

Check out our custom design FLASH gallery

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 2

deep into the swap. Any triple cylinder snowmobile or parts for one in the field, he’d find it. Jeff’s always planning on upgrading stuff on his fleet of triples. I know this year he has something up his sleeve for the 2nd Annual STV/OSM Triple Tour that he is trying to keep under wraps.

This year I left the event unscathed without getting caught up in the buying of unneeded things… Like in years past, with purchasing deer heads, antlers and old carbides from the swap. I did find some decent buys, but I couldn’t find any dealership signs for sale that I was hoping for to put up in the OSM/STV shop. Maybe my next swap event will prove more successful. Perhaps the Peterborough Sledarama later this November will have what I’m looking for. Last year I missed out on three vintage signs to a collector from Quebec that purchased them all on the driveway way into the swap. Which in my mind is kind of cheating the swap etiquette, but good for him for beating the crowd.

Until next time, I will be getting ready for the big show, the World’s Largest Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show at the International Centre. There’s going to be a lot to see and a lot to do with every manufacturer present all at one place, under one roof. The show will have endless deals from various retailers, and everything that is new from the snowmobile industry. Mark your calendars now to attend the Toronto Snowmobile, ATV Show, October 25, 26, 27, 2019 at the International Centre. Make sure you check out an indoor Freestyle Show inside hall four featuring Heath Frisby, Cody Elkins, Brody Wilson, Kassie Boone and Keith Sayers. You can’t miss it, and the parking is FREE.

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news 01

KIMPEX ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE WITH MUC-OFF

With a history dating back to 1994, the U.K. company Muc-Off introduced eco cleaners that unlike the competition weren’t using any salt. As everyone knows, especially in winter sports where salt is used on the roads to for de-icing, salt is not metal friendly. Since 1994, Muc-Off has expanded their line-up to include cars and even sponsor an F1 race team. No matter what you are cleaning from cars to bikes to off-road vehicles to snowmobiles, Muc-Off has a product for you that is now in Canada is exclusively available through Kimpex.

FRISBY IS 02 HEATH BACK IN TORONTO He’s back at the worlds largest Snowmobile show, the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show, October 25-27 at the International Centre. Joining Heath will be Brody Wilson, Keith Sayers, Cody Elkins and Kassie Boone. Show attendees will be able to take in the freestyle shows twice daily with autographs to immediately follow.

Torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

CSRA ADDS UTV RACING

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The Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) will be including two UTV racing classes at select events. The two classes consist of a 0-1000cc non turbo class with a maximum width of 64” and a 0-1000cc Turbo class with a maximum width of 74”. The racing will be head to head in an eliminator format.

CSRA is also going to have a Top Gun Shootout at the high profile events that will include past Pro Champs, team owners, sponsors and manufacturer representatives.

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SPEEDWERX PRODUCT LINE EXPANDS

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Earlier this month Speedwerx expanded their Arctic Cat only snowmobile performance products to include both Polaris and Ski-Doo snowmobiles. Polaris and Ski-Doo owners can now shop the same Speedwerx catalogue 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. Interested? Speedwerx can be reached at 651-982-0600 www.speedwerxstore.com

news

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SKI-DOO AMBASSADOR CARL KUSTER WILL BE AT THE TORONTO SNOWMOBILE/ ATV SHOW Carl Kuster from the Carl Kuster Mountain Park (CKMP) is scheduled to be in the Ski-Doo exhibit October 25-27 during the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show. Carl will be on hand answering questions on the Ski-Doo model line-up and give a lot of insight on SkiDoo’s mountain sleds. CKMP is based out of the Monashee mountain range in British Columbia, and includes a state-of-the-art shop/garage and the rustic Habanero Lodge. Other lodging options are also available, as is a full fleet of the newest Ski-Doo snowmobiles.

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HUGE SELECTION OF ALL MAJOR AFTERMARKET PISTONS

SAVING MONEY 06 WITH BIKEMAN Thinking of adding some performance to your sled this year?

Bikeman Performance is offering free shipping for online orders over $100 in the continental USA (lower 48 states) by using promo code “FREESHIP100” at checkout! If your order is under $100, or if you reside in Hawaii, Alaska or Canada use promo code “ATVW8” to save 8% off your call in or online order. www.bikemanperformance.com

news

TAIGA MOTORS INTRODUCES NEW VEHICLE 07

Like many of you reading this right now, we too have been snowmobiling for a long time.

Well, Taiga Motors had us scratching our heads with a video that they recently shared of a submerged Taiga snowmobile saying, “Most snowmobiles can drive across water…but what about underwater?”

The video continues on with one of their sleds ripping down a beach and then into shallow water, followed by submerging in the water only to come back out of the water and continuing to the other side.

How does this happen?

Electric motors do not require oxygen to operate like gas-powered engines; this is why the Taiga snowmobile didn’t stall out when going under the water line. We reported back in early August that we only thought that it was a matter of time before Taiga Motors released a watercraft. Well…Taiga Motors has announced that they will be getting into the personal watercraft market. Their electric watercraft named the Orca features a carbon fiber haul and top deck, the dashboard features GPS mapping, LTE, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Taiga is claiming that the Orca will reach a top speed of 104 kmph / 65 mph and will produce 180 horsepower. The driving range is 2 hours based on typical driving conditions with a claimed weight of 580 lbs. and is said to charge 80% in 20 minutes on DC fast charge. When will Taiga Motors produce a quad or side-by-side? We’d say any day now. www.taigamotors.ca

KELLY SHIRES BREAST 08 CANCER SNOW RUN SETS DATES

The 21st Annual Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run is set to take place once again at Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville, Ontario, January 31st through February 2nd, 2020. The all woman snowmobiling event has raised over $6 million since the inception back in 2000. Participants are required to raise $1,250 with all money put in trust for breast cancer patients and distributed through the Kelly Shires Foundation.

KSBCSR has announced their 2020 raffle, 1st prize is a 2020 Ski-Doo Renegade Adrenaline, 2nd prize is a $500 Royal Distributing gift card, and 3rd prize is a one-night stay for two at Hidden Valley Resort, and the early bird prize is a 2020 Can-Am XT 570. Breastcancersnowrun.org.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 2

news

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WIN THE KLIM 20TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION 2019 POLARIS 850 PRO RMK 163 All you have to do is donate $5 to the Avalanche Alliance on the Klim website for your chance to win. The Klim 20th anniversary edition is far from just bold graphics although it does come nicely wrapped in a custom Arctic FX wrap. The Klim 20th anniversary edition RMK features Zbroz’s Exit X1 shocks, front and rear bumpers and skid plate and SLP’s Outlaw twin pipes, high flow air intake, Mohawk skis and clutch kit. Donate now for your chance to win! The winner will be announced December 16, 2019. www.klim.com

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PINK RIBBON RIDERS 2020 SNOW RUN TOUR READY TO HIT THE ROAD

The Snow Run event is celebrating it’s 16th year of the event and 14 years of the actual organization being formed.

Since being formed the organization has given $1.9 million to those in need.

The mission of the Pink Ribbon Riders organization is to provide direct financial assistance to men and women battling breast cancer.

BLAIR “SUPERMAN” MORGAN PACKS HIS BAGS FOR THE TORONTO SNOWMOBILE & ATV SHOW

Ski-Doo will have Blair Morgan in their huge BRP display at the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show, October 25, 26, 27, 2019 at the International Centre. Morgan, the multi time CMRC Motocross champion, 5 time X-Game gold medalist, and multi time World Snowcross Champion will be signing autographs in the BRP booth on Friday from 6pm-7pm, Saturday from 10am-11am and 2pm-3pm, and Sunday from 10am-12noon.

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PINK RIBBON RIDERS 2020 SNOW RUN TOUR SCHEDULE:

January 18th – Michigan Snow Run, Eagles Lodge, Gaylord February 8th – New York Snow Run, George Hildebrandt Recreation Center, Old Forge February 15th – Minnesota Snow Run, Sugar Lake Lodge, Grand Rapids, MN March 13 & 14 – Wyoming Snow Run, Togwotee Mountain Lodge, Moran For more information on how to sign up for an event, or share with a friend about the Patient Assistance Program visit www.pinkribbonriders.com

news

When safety never takes a holiday, especially on Monday mornings, maybe you should think of riding with a TekVest. Tekrider has announced a new TekVest for 2020 called the TrailMaster. Not only can the TrailMaster protect you from potential mishaps but can keep your mobile devices from freezing. At some point every snowmobiler can say that they have pulled their phone out and the cold has zapped the battery. The new TrailMaster vents your body heat through two pockets large enough for your devices to help maintain warmth and prolong battery life. www.tekrider.com

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TEKRIDER INTRODUCES NEW TEKVEST

FXR RACING EXPANDS INTO FISHING GEAR

FXR Racing is known to be a leader when it comes to gear design and functionality in the snowmobile, motocross and outdoor gear markets. FXR now offers a complete fishing apparel line for anglers no matter the season. In the warmer months anglers can rely on the M Strike line-up featuring a moisture wicking polyester, spandex blend with an important sunshield of 50.

For the colder months anglers can depend on staying warm with fishing specific insulated pants, jackets and boot combinations. For more information on FXR’s newest fishing gear visit www.fxrracing.

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

WHAT YOU’LL SEE AT THE WORLDS LARGEST SNOWMOBILE SHOW "What you'll See at the Worlds LARGEST SNOWMOBILE SHOW" C S T R O Y A L D I S T R I B U T I N G A Accessories U S V I N T A G E R I C T A C C I T C R A Amsoil M E R R O S U N D A Y S W A P N M S H A S Arctic Cat K I N A M E T T R A I L E R S O B D D R D Bacon Clubs A R D S R E K C I T S R A Y L C E S A B F CSRA Y O O M Q U H M B R P T H E G A R A G E S Customs U S E D M A R K E T C A E A R B S R O F T Dayco H S C E G W A N G L H U I K R M L A O M L Dealers O E M I O K V E U A B E N E C S E R D A E Ford L C N C G F T B M A N L G S M A D N I X B Freestyle Y C Y D G R S A E A W Y S O R T J P K I X Friends C A E M L N Y C P O M T T L P E O O S T A FXR D F X X E P M I K A H S I N G W L L R L M Gear R I L Y S P O R P T U E O S D G O A O U I Goggles U D O O S K C S A C S E S I D I E R E H T Jackets M G T O U R I S M S K R U Y L G K I W D L Kimpex B H F S D U T S C R X F R I E N D S I S U Maps

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MBRP OFSC OSM Polaris Royal Distributing Ski-Doo Skis Stickers Studs STV Sunday Swap Timbersled Tourism Trailers Ultimax Belts Used Market Vintage Yamaha

Sudoku - Very Hard

onsnow

34.2/10.2

SUDOKU - VERY HARD

osmmag.com

OSM The Sport. The Lifestyle. For Snowmobilers. From Snowmobilers.

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WOODY’S QUICK CARBIDE CHALLENGE

At the up coming Toronto Snowmobile & ATV Show, October 25-27 at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Woody’s will feature their “Woody’s Quick Carbide Challenge Event” with in their booth all weekend. In a Nascar pit crew like setting, show attendees can change carbides on the clock to see who is the fastest for top prizes.

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 2

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sceneit

Hay Days 2019 Earlier this month our crew from OSM and Snowmobiler Television packed up and headed out to the 53rd Annual Hay Days in North Branch, Minnesota. Hay Days is a huge outdoor snowmobile show and swap with a lot of outdoor features. There were sled manufactures, gear and accessories displayed, swap booths and events like freestyle, racing and mud grass drags going on. If you haven’t made your way to Hay Days, maybe it’s time that you put this September event on your to do list.

Even though the swapper says it’s a runner, may we suggest a vehicle walk around?

There were many vintage sleds on display.

A lot of these quality fixer-upper opportunities, lay throughout the swap.

For only $300 the motor will turn over, but it needs a carburetor… and lots of love.

Near mint! All it needs is a new seat cover.

Typical scene in the swap. Boys…Beers…BS being spread and of course some parts!

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Who’d have guessed that an old bus with a monster 4-place sled deck would be such a honey wagon?

If you come across someone trying to sell their old sweat filled swampers, take our advice and walk away.

We found these matching his and her’s Indy Trails for only $1000, plus they’d throw in covers and all of the parts around them.

We’re not sure why these 3 screws were sticking out of the ski on this sled.

We can only guess that it was a theft deterrent.

If you have an idea of why these screws were installed email us at info@ osmmag.com with a Subject Line “I’ve got the answer”, and if we like what you have to say we’ll send you a t-shirt. Include your size, name and shipping address!

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 2

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sceneit

Ski tips optional…One of the first attempts at weight reduction in the late ‘80s that didn’t work.

How can you say no to anything for a buck in 2019?

STV’s host Jeff Steenbakkers couldn’t believe someone would ever part with a near perfect XCR 6.

The sweat-filled used shoe and helmet market at Hay Days is both gross and surprisingly quite popular…

When you see this type of sales technique you have to stand and applaud.

We took a picture of this vibrant 1991 Wildcat to prove that some are still in mint condition. Many believed that they vibrated so badly that all the bolts and rivets would shake right out of it.

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sceneit

Savvy Swappers never miss a sale even when they’re not there.

Guess how many hoods are stacked here? Guess right and win a prize from OSM - Send answers to info@ osmmag.com Subject Line “MY GUESS”.

To many swappers had trailers like this one just over flowing with S%!#.

It wouldn’t be Hay Days if Tiny Tim didn’t make it out.

The seller clearly didn’t want to sell this honey… Not only didn’t they clean it, but they also displayed a boost pack right in front of the old Excel showing a lack of enthusiasm in the starting power.

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FXR had a monster booth across from the track.

sceneit

Polaris had a lot of their race sleds on display.

Ski-Doo was the only MFG to release a new race sled at Hay Days.

Back to back Iron Dog wins for the #10 of Chris Olds and Mike Morgan.

The Yamaha Sidewinder is one of the bestlooking sleds in the entire field.

Bikeman Performance always brings a massive set-up.

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sceneit

Arctic Cat had a new booth this year, which provided shelter to all when the rain arrived.

Turns out Brad’s true talent is with a chainsaw.

An outlaw sled ready for lift off with a Predator pilot.

As always, the freestyle show was a hit.

Watching the speeds that the elite drag sleds hit is both scary and exciting.

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take 5

TX-L INDY

INDY

The Indy name originated from Polaris’s new Independent Front Suspension (IFS).

Since the inception of the Indy name 40 years ago, it has become synonymous with winning. Polaris Indy snowmobiles have won on every type of snowmobile race track such as cross country, grass drags, hill climbs, ice oval to snow cross and everything in between. In the hands of consumers, there’s nothing that the Polaris Indy hasn’t dominated; from radar runs, to unit sales in its 40-year history!

The “Grand Daddy” of the Indy legacy. Around 40 years ago in 1980, the first Indy was released called the TX-L INDY. The TX-L had a liquid cooled 333cc twin cylinder engine, and although it wasn’t the biggest sled in the Polaris arsenal in 1980, it came to the market with Independent Front Suspension (IFS) with trailing arms, radius rods, spindles and skis with coiled over shocks which changed the way snowmobiles handled and performed. IFS changed how consumers rode snowmobiles, and put INDY racers to the checker flags first. The TX-L INDY set the table for a long, rich history, both on the trails and on the race tracks, in a dominating fashion.

INDY RXL

INDY XLT

Perhaps the largest, single season selling snowmobile of all time, the Xtra Light Triple (XLT) had a simple goal.

Make an extra light triple power plant, (lighter than smaller twin engine displacements) and sell a pile of them. Polaris managed to exceed both of these expectations. The 579 cc Fuji engine was as ultra smooth sounding as Barry White, and had people falling in love with the XLT for almost a decade. Unfortunately for the XLT, the consumer’s desire to terrorize frozen lakes and trails on triple cylinder, two-stroke snowmobiles came to an end. This made way for the rebirth of big, twin cylinder engines and the industry changing, rider positioned forward sleds were introduced.

Featuring the renowned sound of its predecessor, the 650 RXL had a sound affectionately known as the National Anthem of snowmobiling playing from under its hood. Crowds would stand and listen to 650s rumble by in awe, and respect it from near by parking lots. What truly made the RXL one of the top machines, of not only Indy’s, but snowmobiles of all time, is that the RXL was the first snowmobile to have Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI). Under the hood, it changed the way that fuel and air where mixed, and EFI caused many mixed feelings in the snowmobile community. Many felt that it was more reliable to change jets for different elevations and temperatures, rather than to rely on electronics. Those feelings went from disbelief and unfathomed reliability, to the industry standard very quickly. Consumers now had a snowmobile that would give more consistent performance, with EFI similar to that of an automobile. In today’s world, not many would remember or dream of having to change the main jets in the carburetor.

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INDY XCR 850 INDY 600

Nothing came out of a crate swinging like a Polaris INDY 600. The competition was quickly put on notice that there was a new sheriff in town. Polaris was soon sending other racers and wannabe drag strip kings of other brands to their trailers quickly, as the 600 was able to hit the 100MPH barrier all day long. Simply put, it was fast and was all black, looking mean and sinister like Darth Vader. The 600’s triple cylinder engine into triple exhaust pipes made beautiful music, to the delight of the owner and bystanders alike.

Picking up from the Grand Daddy’s roots of the TX-L, the INDY XCR 850 put the snowmobile world on notice to make room on the podium, as it was here to win. Much like the Indy name, X (Cross) Country Racer (XCR) has been synonymous for winning with its INDY 440 XCR heritage of winning cross country, oval, Le Mans and snocross races. The potent 850 Patriot Engine is scary good and scary fast, and when combined with the PRO-CC rear suspension and the AXYS chassis, it makes for a wild, exciting ride that will take some back to the ultra dominant days of the INDY raced by Jack Struthers. Like INDY, XCR, Struthers was another word for winning. Struthers was a very accomplished racers winning the I-500 three times, was the Rocky Mountain Champion six -times (including a championship run from 1990 to 1994) and also winning many two and three man team races and numerous snow cross races. Jack Struthers went out on top in 1996 after winning the MRP high point championship and his successes, like that of the INDY, brought both envy and respect from the competition.

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winging it LEVI LAVALLEE

A LITTLE REMINDER

Riding at home, Longville MN

A

re you thankful that you get to ride? Are you thankful you are able to walk? Are you thankful to be alive? . . . Is gratitude slipping from our faster, easier, automated society we live in? This topic is very broad, but let’s narrow it down to snowmobiling.

Recently, Snocross Racer Malene Andersen posted about her birthday, and hash tagged #blessedtobealive.

What a great reminder to appreciate the things we take for granted! I mean, when was the last time you thought to yourself, “I am thankful for being alive.”?

As mentioned, the topic of gratitude can go really deep, so let’s talk about sled gratitude.

When I was a kid growing up, I remember wanting to ride all day, any day, in any conditions. My buddy and I

Totally Xtreme Levi (1980 Polaris TXL 340)

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would ride the ditches, even though they looked more like a Snocross track from everyone riding them . . . and the trails were so icy, you would be in the toolies if you didn’t have a good set of carbides and studs. Even though the conditions were less than ideal, it didn’t matter because we loved riding, and we knew any kind of riding was better than sitting at home being bored. The other thing that we both had in common was that we both saved our money from our summer and weekend jobs as high schoolers to pay for our sleds. Did this help us appreciate being out riding even more? I’m sure it helped knowing that riding was the reason for all the days going to work while other kids were off doing other things.

Fast forward to today, as we scroll through social media and see the endless pictures and videos of perfect sleds, with perfect gear in perfect condition, and it seems that anything less than perfect is unacceptable by the social media measuring stick. Does the constant reminder that there are better conditions and better sleds, make a person want nothing less than the ideal situation? Does the thought of having to defend yourself against the social media

120 Wheelies

trolls deter you from sharing your sled fun, because they will let you know your sled isn’t new, or you weren’t in two feet of pow? Does this cause some people to not ride?

A “fair weathered rider” is a rider that only rides when the conditions are ideal, and they have the latest and greatest sled. Is that what we are becoming?

You wouldn’t believe the amount of people that almost sound ashamed to tell me they have a 20-year-old sled. All I think about is the incredible memories I have riding those 20+ year old sleds like my Dad’s XLT’s, XCR’s, and Ultra’s from back then!

Has social media created this unrealistic expectation of what fun is? Or have we become so ungrateful that we can no longer be happy with just having a snowmobile and getting out riding?

After my distance jump crash in 2010, where I did a 360+ ft endo at 104.9mph, and jump off the sled, which caused me to bust all my ribs, collapse both my lungs, fracture my pelvis and three vertebra, and wiped three days from my memory, I began to really appreciate being alive. The interesting thing is that one of the most important things to be grateful for is life, and we often take it for granted until something serious happens. After that crash, when I realized I realistically shouldn’t be here, I took a step back and really began to appreciate the small things. Once

Me and my dad at one of my first buddy races in 1995.

I began to really try to appreciate all things, which forces you to look at the hard times or things you dislike and try to find the positive in them, I began to look at everything like the “high school Levi” who loved to ride on the snocross whooped out ditches and icy trails.

I bagged a lot of groceries for this sled.

So, as a reminder, it doesn’t matter whether you have a new sled, an old sled, two feet of powder, or riding on ice, remember to be grateful that you get the opportunity to ride, and you will be amazed at how awesome every ride is then.

Riding with friends in Cochrane, Ontario - Awesome snow, smooth trails, and -30 Degree Temps (BRRRR) ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 2

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backcountry CHRIS BURANDT

BACK TO THE FUTURE…

PART 2

Photo by Stephen Clark.

I

t’s fun thinking about the future. I’ve written several articles in the past on this topic because, well…It’s exciting!

So cool to think back ten, or even twenty years ago, to the sleds we were riding, and wondering how they could get much better. I chuckle as I write this because in 1997, I was certain there was no need to build another sled, other than my pretty turquoise and pink, Polaris Indy 700 RMK. That sled opened my eyes up to new possibilities just like the 05 Arctic Cat M7 did, the 2011 Pro RMK did, and the more recent 2016 Axys RMK did. So what the heck is next???

As I mentioned above, I’ve written about this topic several times, and I’ve asked this same question in every article.

What’s so cool about re-visiting this year after year, is that things keep changing and evolving. A couple of things on my brain this go ‘round is the need for a REAL kids mountain sled, and is an electric sled a real possibility?

First let’s tackle the kids segment. I’ll be the first to admit that my knowledge of what’s needed from a trail perspective is pretty limited. We don’t ride many trails out west. From what I’ve seen through the Polaris Evo is pretty cool, and addresses some of the previous

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shortcomings for aspiring kids wanting to get out and ride. However, on the mountain side of things there is literally not one option when it comes to a machine for the 10-15 year old, wanting to learn how to mountain ride. And when I say learn how to mountain ride, I’m talking about being able to learn how to counter steer, get a sled up on edge, side hill, down hill turn, controlled descent etc… It’s such a tricky business model. It’s easy for us consumers to say, “Why don’t the manufactures just make a ¾ sized sled for kids?” However, when the OEM’s

look at the business model, the numbers and dollars it takes just doesn’t make sense. But then we as consumers argue that if we don’t get our kids into the sport at an early age, they may never engage in it further down the road, which would result in fewer sales in the future, and the demise of our sport in general. So how does all of this get balanced? When I look at the dirt bike industry and see their product lineup, it’s very apparent that offering something for the youth, all the way up to an adult, is a key ingredient to ensuring they have a dirt bike customer for life.

Could our industry support something like this? The numbers probably say no, the uncertainty of the weather/snow probably says no, the duration of how long the snow season is, probably says no, but as a consumer who wants to share his passion of snowmobiling with his kids, I say yes.

So now that we’ve got that the kids taken care of, what’s this whole electric thing about? In my opinion, the technology seems like it’s getting close.

When thinking about the possibilities, it’s very intriguing. Instant power; no cvt system; no loss of power at elevation; a major reduction in maintenance; the ability to put the weight anywhere you want in the chassis; no emissions, both on the sound and exhaust side of things, and whisper quiet, which would be good for all parties when it comes down to the always present land closure issues. Of

course, you have all of the challenges like batteries in the cold, battery range, recharging, weight, etc. However, we consumers don’t really care how it all works, as long as the end result is what we want. We are so needy! This topic is an interesting one. Again, referencing back to the dirt bike industry, there has been some advancements there, but it’s amazing to me how narrow minded many of the consumers have been with it all. Hating electric because they have to be able to smell the 2 stroke smell, or hear a wrapped out exhaust just seems kind of silly to me. All I can think of in terms of riding an electric motorcycle is no more changing oil, mixing gas, cleaning air filters, and how about that crazy torque it would have! I guess we will just have to see. The good news is the future is sure to be good, and it’s crazy for me to think that in ten years, I’m going to be saying, “I can remember when that 2020 Polaris Axys RMK was the king of the mountain and there’s no way it could get any better!”

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!

Photo by Stephen Clark.

ENTER TO WIN 1 of 4 SETS of FXR GEAR

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snapped ROB ALFORD

SUMMER R&R

T

his summer has been a real busy one for my wife Chelsea and me! We just had our first child, a healthy baby boy who we named Bronson. This year, I even missed Hay Days, but I think it was for a very good reason, as our little guy was born. It’s quite the experience, and I can’t believe how tough women are!

Thank goodness for good people, friends and family. Earlier this summer, my wife and I were able to track down a kid’s dirt bike from fellow Ski-Doo Ambassador, Carl Kuster, and Chelsea’s father had already purchased a mini-z for Bronson, so he is all set to hit the snow. Between Carl and Chelsea’s father, we’re ready for him to start riding as soon as he’s ready, no matter what season it is.

With Bronson on the way this summer, I decided for the most part to use the summer of 2019 for some resting and relaxing.

Meaning that instead of doing my usual yardwork and house maintenance, I chose to go biking. The ski hill in Revelstoke, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, opened a lift and operated downhill mountain bike trails, so I’ve been hitting them hard this summer on my Devinci e-mtn bike. There is a pile of other cool trails in the surrounding Revelstoke area, so there’s many options to explore.

Not only have I been riding my Devinci this summer, but I have also been spending a lot of time riding my enduro KTM 300xc, and vertigo 300 trials bike. Biking is great cross training for sledding. The only real difference is that it’s not a soft powder landing, which if need be, can be forgiving. The landings are hard dirt, meaning that you have to be a little smarter when it comes to landing your bike.

As October nears and fall is on us, I’ve been forced to cut back on the biking and refocus on my firewood project for the Chalet.

Getting the Chalet organized for the winter and ready for our guests requires some serious labor-intensive hours.

My new Ski-Doo snowmobiles just arrived, which is a further reminder that the start of the season is really close. Getting them early means that I get to put them together, accessorize them, and get them ready for the season the way I want them, so that I can show them off to my friends and let them drool over them.

LOL. One thing for sure this season is that I will be slaying the “pow”, and I have to say that the new Summit Expert is the best sled to date that I have ever ridden! The stoke is high!

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RACING

xt • mini MOUNTAIN

BX • MTX

CROSSOVER

xcs TRAIL

XPT • RZ

HIGH-PERFORMANCE SNOWMOBILE SKIS

www.caproskis.com | 1-888-321-6789

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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 the 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.

Full standing ovation to Brain Pickard from New Brunswick for his fantastic Lawn Ornament submissions. Well-done Brian, you made our day! You can tell that he is a true Lawn Ornament Photographer.

Here, he allowed the greenery to grow just enough to complement the old Bronco, but didn’t let it cover it either. Plus, the character and originality that the ole’ punch buggy gives, are second to none.

We found this Ornament on the side of the road while travelling to the OSM and STV headquarters. This one was so perfectly placed and angled directly in the middle of the house it seemed almost staged. We applaud the owner for displaying the Moto-Ski with such pride.

We found this Phazer Mountain Max late in the season just outside Bozeman, Montana. Judging by the snow bank in front of it and the snow on the seat and hood, it’s probably safe to say her owner feels she’s safe until the snow melts.

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You can try and hide a late 90’s Formula SL, but we’ll sniff it out!

There is pride of ownership here, Ski skins, mirror, and protective plastic on the running board. It’s safe to assume she’s been properly winterized from being hidden behind a spruce tree. And the removal of the windshield a necessity for the season, it ensures that it won’t cloud and will stay clear for another year.

It’s obvious that this late ‘80s MX is still running like a champ.

This road rasher is equipped with ski-skins, a fox sticker and supports custom paint from a spray can. The best theft deterrent would be a cord of wood in front of it. Check!

When the snow hits, this guy will be ready to jet. We see his time saving method of storing his snowmobile and snow blower outside for the warmer months without covers proves convenience comes first. Why cover something when you’re just going to uncover it?

They’re advice for summer storage is, “Just shut the gate”.

Long-time Lawn Ornament photographer the “Big Bear” aka “The JeerBear”, Sir Jeremy Payne had the opportunity to snap this beauty of an old but never forgotten Moto-Ski. Looks like the cottager that owns this buggy is trying to bury it with leaves…. and hoses, and tables instead of selling it for near new parts.

We caught this Viper staring around the corner in the early spring.

It’s like the snow left a long time ago and the owner just left the sled sitting there in protest.

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honey haulers

1949 DODGE

POWERWAGON

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here is a long history with the Seymour Paint’s company, and it all started with the founder Ed Seymour back in 1949, when he first opened the doors to his company with his invention of Aerosol spray paint. To mark Seymour Paints 70th year in business, current President Chris Heatley wanted it to be celebrated with one of his passions - a vintage truck. Chris found a 70-year-old truck to celebrate his company’s 70th year in business. After purchasing the ’49 Dodge Powerwagon, Chris had it shipped to 5R Trucks in Colorado, where it would undergo some rebuilding on their TV Show, “The Lifted Life”.

Shortly after the Show, the Powerwagon added a sled deck and a track kit. Braap Werks is the official owner of the truck and is a powersports brand of Aerosol manufacturer Seymour of Sycamore offering cleaners, chemicals and lubricants for the powersports industry.

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HOW DID THEY DO IT?

This custom Powerwagon is based on the 1949 frame, but had to have some modifications to handle the drivetrain and the ATS built 24 valve Cummins turbo diesel. The engine, transmission, transfer case and axles are all from a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500.

The Intercoolers, radiators and cooling fans had to be modified to fit under the chassis, and are very much needed because of the Cummins engine. Other features of this truck include a custom BDS suspension with Fox Coil over shocks, a custom bumper with a 9,000 lb. Warn winch, and a custom sled deck with a headache rack. When not cruising up the mountainside, the 1949 Powerwagon rolls on 20’ American Force rims with 37” Nitto tires.

IT’S NOT JUST ALL SHOW!

Not only is this 1949 Dodge Powerwagon a complete show piece that is regularly used at events and in booths, it’s also used for recreational driving, and if you’re in the Steamboat Springs, Colorado area, you just might be lucky enough to see it on the road, or tracked up around Rabbit Ears Pass.

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snap decision

RACE ON E 1980 JOHN DEERE LIQUIFIRE 440

Growing up in the Midwest a lot of my friends’ parents worked for John Deere and we raced the entire collection of Deere around the neighborhood. When the Liquifire came out with the Kawasaki Twin we were all amazed!

COLLECT ONE 1972 SUZUKI NOMAD

Kirk Zach

Owner and Founder of HMK Kirk has been on the snowmobile scene since he was a young lad growing up in Prescott, Wisconsin. His passion of winter sports took him to the west coast in 1990 but not in the snowmobile industry, but rather the snowboard industry. Kirk witnessed the snowboard boot revolution which believe it or not started with snow boarders wearing snowmobile boots. It didn’t take long for the snowboard industry to make their own high-performance boot leaving their snowmobile boots for shoveling their driveways.

Kirk went to the 2000 Winter X Games at Mt. Snow in Vermont and watched the snocross race, noticing that the racers were wearing snowboard boots. He talked with some of the top racers and asked important questions around their idea of what would be a perfect boot. Knowing Kirk, we’re guessing that the ride back to Oregon to design his first prototype boot could not have been longer for him. Upon the release of the HMK Highmark boot, the snowmobile footwear market hasn’t quite been the same.

Since Kirk released his first version, his entire boot line-up has exploded and expanded to include multiple models for both men and women. HMK has also expanded its product lines to include snowmobile suits, jackets, layering systems as well as a full lifestyle line.

We met up with the guy that started the snowmobile boot movement, Mr. Kirk Zach and asked him four simple questions to get four quick answers…and GO!

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Red, White, Blue and screamed America - Mine belched gas, oil and exhaust while you rode, and the aroma stuck around for days after a ride. This was the first sled I ever owned. I only paid $50 and I was able to fix it up in the small engine repair class I was taking in school. I remember riding it home during a blizzard and running it out of gas in a ditch not too far from the house. My parents were not amused.

WRECK O NE 1999 POLARIS RMK 600 WITH THE 136” “LONG TRACK

I wrecked one of these on Mt. St Helens with a giant crew. I hit rocks the size of houses and the sled and I flipped over them and came to rest well below. I lost the entire left side of the sled, ski, trailing arms, and it pushed the motor back, etc. The sled still ran, and we rode it out, and I only suffered a bruised ego, but I had a great story to tell. We rebuilt the sled and continued to use it for backcountry riding and snowboard access. This is one of the sleds we had at the start of HP Boots that went on to become HMK as we know it today.

RIDE O NE 2005 ARCTIC CAT M7 141” – EFI

A game changer for our crew as well as Arctic Cat. This was the first sled I owned that had amazing rider positioning for standing up and aggressive riding right from the factory. You can really rip the powder with this sled!

GREG GOODWIN Earlier this fall we caught up with snowmobile racing legend, Greg Goodwin of Goodwin Performance for this issue’s Fab 4 with OSM. Greg and his brother Jeff from Zion, Illinois have been entrenched in the snowmobile scene since the early 1970’s. Snowmobile racing was a pulse for the brothers and most of their racing success was on the oval track. The Goodwin brothers raced a few brands before settling in as Factory Ski-Doo oval racers. In 1991 aboard his Ski-Doo, Greg won the very prestigious World Championship snowmobile race in Eagle River, Wisconsin. 1991 proved to be a busy year for the brothers as they also launched their business Goodwin Performance, which in the year 2020 will be going into its 29th year of operation. After Greg’s World Championship victory the race team added two more World Championship titles in 1993 and 1995. In 1997, the team notched another big victory winning the gruelling 24-hours of Eagle River.

The business, Goodwin Performance has constantly been evolving and developing more products however clutching, clutch components, shocks and suspension rebuilds, continue to be the focus. In recognition of Greg and Jeff’s winning ways the Goodwin Brothers were inducted into the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 2019.

After we caught our breath catching up with Greg, we asked one question.

“What are your four all-time favorite snowmobiles?” Without any hesitation, Greg answered like the hole shot of a properly clutched sled on the ice at Eagle River.

1

1998 POLARIS XC 700

In 1998 Polaris was introducing torque based twin cylinder motors, this along with proven great handling made the XC 700 a solid trail sled.

3

2007 SKI-DOO MXZ 600 SDI XRS

Being the last year for the REV chassis prior to XP, this sled was very refined with a great shock package as well as the bulletproof 600SDI engine.

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2

2003 ARCTIC CAT ZR 700

This sled was lightweight and very fast. The 2003 ZR 700 was the performance benchmark for a couple of years.

4

2019 SKI-DOO G4 MXZ 600R XRS

This sled has the throttle response of 600R motor and the great handling G4 chassis. Up until now, this is the best trail sled I have ever ridden!

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VISIT WWW.SNOWMOBILERTV.COM FOR STATIONS AND TIMES IN YOUR AREA

Belt

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Myths

MYTH:

BELTS SHOULD BE WASHED BEFORE INSTALLATION.

ANSWER:

FALSE

Drive belts do not need to be washed. Mould release agents used in modern belt production don’t leave any residue on the finished belt. Early belt production would leave a residue that needed to be washed off with soap and water, and this is the origin of this myth.

MYTH: ANSWER:

R

BY: JEFF STEENBAKKERS ecently, the STV and OSM crew got the chance to experience the Timken Ultimax Belt factory in Springfield Missouri. We were able to check out how belts are made, and some of the machinery used to make snowmobile drive belts. Incredibly, the machinery that is manufacturing today’s snowmobile belts is the same machinery that produced some of the first belts used by the first manufactured snowmobiles.

The technology that is used in the design of todays snowmobile belts has improved by leaps and bounds, however the manufacturing process remains largely unchanged.

To help set us straight on a number of belt myths or old stories that have been handed down from generation to generation, that we believed to be true, is Eric Murray, Ultimax’s belt guru. Here’s what he had to tell us:

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FALSE

Drive belts utilizing high tech components like Aramid cord are engineered to not stretch. If it looks like the belt has gotten longer, it’s because the belt has worn slightly in width, and is sitting lower in the clutches. This doesn’t mean the belt is worn out though.

Simply adjust your clutches, and keep on riding!

MYTH:

BELTS ARE DIRECTIONAL.

ANSWER:

FALSE

Drive belts can be installed in either direction, without a reduction in performance or belt life. However, once a belt is run in one direction, it should always be reinstalled in the same direction it was removed in. That’s why it’s advisable to install a belt with the writing in the right direction, to make it easier to know its run direction.

MYTH: ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 2

BELTS STRETCH.

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MYTH:

BELTS CAN BE STORED INCORRECTLY.

ANSWER:

TRUE

Belts can be stored incorrectly. Bending a belt back on itself or turning the belt inside out, in an effort to store it in a tight space on a sled, should be avoided. BackBending a belt can put tension stress on the rubber that would normally be under compression of the cord layer, and this could lead to cracking.

MYTH: ANSWER:

COGS ARE FOR COOLING.

FALSE

Cogs on the top of a belt are not for cooling. Instead, they provide additional side to side strength in compression between the sheaves.

The same can be accomplished without cogs, but the cog design reduces wear, and flexes better as it rotates around the clutches.

MYTH:

MYTH:

BELTS CAN FREEZE

ANSWER:

TRUE

Drive bets can freeze, or reach a threshold of glass transition temperature, where the rubber will no longer flex, and simply shatter like glass. This temperature is not something typically found in nature or at least temperatures most people would consider riding in, but it’s still advisable to warm up a belt after a cold night, or bring it inside when the temps really fall.

GRIPPIER BELTS ARE FASTER.

ANSWER:

FALSE

A grippier belt can actually make your sled slower, not faster. CVT systems are designed with a specific frictional characteristic type of belt in mind for peak performance. A grippier belt can increase friction as the sheaves compress the belt, increasing resistance and making you slower. To run a grippier belt, the entire clutch system may have to be modified to work with the new belt.

And there you have it!

Everything you did, or did not know about snowmobile drive belts, according to Eric Murray, Ultimax’s Belt Guru.

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BY MARK BONCHER

CROSSOVER SLEDS THAT WILL MAKE YOU NEVER SAY NO TO A RIDE, ANYWHERE:

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0 TRY X-RS 146” 85 UN CO CK BA O DO ISK 8000 146” ARCTIC CAT RIOT 850 POLARIS SKS 146” day? Yes! Do ride the trails to Do you want to day? Yes! Do e the powder to you want to carv rth all day? Yes! fo d both, back an do to nt wa u yo on’? Then be this ‘yes pers Would you like to ds. These are an these three sle look no further th the 50/50 crowd, on at are focused th ds sle r ve so cros d for serious trail y be the right sle but could honestl rail riders. Each boondocking off-t riders OR serious a certain style to at bend slightly th cts pe as s ha sled three boast 150+ ecifically, but all ile of riding more sp incredibly versat options, and are hp motors, new ds. performance sle

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IF YOU WANT TO TAKE FLIGHT, YOU WILL HAVE NO WORRIES ON THE NEW ARCTIC RIOT. WE LOGGED OUR FLIGHT PLANS ACCORDINGLY.

DON’T GET CAUGHT WATCHING!

I

f you’re friends are not careful, the new Riot from Arctic Cat will catch every one of them sleeping! It’s not an 850, but most riders won’t notice. We reported a little bit on this sled already in our 2020 sled previews at the end of last season, and like we said earlier, this sled is really a 60/40 on-trail versus off-trail sled.

We liked the 15x146x1.6 track option more than the smaller 1.35-inch lug optional track. The 1.6-inch lug does not give up too much performance in the trail, and adds significant versatility off-trail. Plus, you can still stud the 1.6-inch lug track if

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you want to, and not have as much worry about super-long studs pulling through the track, as you would on a longer 1.75-inch lug crossover track. For folks who want the ultimate trail, lake, off-trail, and all-snow condition track… this is pretty close!

The reason we would classify this as a more trail-oriented sled versus more off-trail, is that it still has the ARS II (Arctic Race Suspension) front suspension with the standard trail A-arms, spindles, and spindle angle. Yes, it is adjustable from a 42-43 inch ski stance and has a little different roll center and different geometry, but for all intents and purposes, this is still the

WE WILL JUST MENTION THIS AGAIN, FOR PROBABLY THE 20TH TIME - WE LOVE THE PUSH-BUTTON ELECTRIC START AND REVERSE, PLUS THE TETHER THAT COMES ON THIS SLED.

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same race-inspired snocross and crosscountry racing suspension that the trail sleds are using.

It is not the AMS front suspension that comes on the Riot X and the mountain sleds, which is not a bad thing, but we are simply stating the fact that this is a trail front suspension for the most part. The ARS with Fox 1.5-inch diameter QS3 3-position, compression adjustable ski-shocks, in combination with the 1.6-inch lug track, plus the optional ski stances, makes this sled highly versatile.

Don’t forget, there’s an entirely new rear suspension in this attitude-filled machine. The Cross-Action rear suspension is marketed as a having great performance in deep snow and more transfer, as well as big bump capability. However, just like we have realized with new crossover suspensions like the cMotion from Ski-Doo, and the IGX suspension from Polaris when it came out, is that this skid is also incredible on-trail. Most of our test riders appreciated the AMS suspension more on-trail than the shorter, slide-action rear suspensions from Cat. It still has the full 13.5-inches of rear travel like the trail sleds, and our test vehicle had the Fox IFP 1.5 shock in the front of the skid, and 2.0 diameter Zero QS3 in the rear shock spot.

We will just mention this again, for probably the 20th time - we love the pushbutton electric start and reverse, plus the tether that comes on this sled. In addition, the reinforced running boards and rear rack system are a bonus. Clutch calibration is good for most any place east of the Rocky Mountain foothills at 0-5,000 feet.

All that said, the cool-looking rack system is not as well thought out as others in the industry. It does not have as many quickplacing options for accessories.

Cornering was better or best in this group of three sleds, and corner to corner speed was on par or better than the others, but top end power and trenching off-trail were two areas of issue. That’s just what the consensus of our riders was. The 794cc motor is an over-achieving engine for an 800 twin EFI, but still does not 100% compete with the 850 motors from Polaris and Ski-Doo.

GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH WHEN YOU WANT ON THE RIOT, IT CAN HANDLE IT. THIS IS NOT A NEW ALPHA BY ANY MEANS, BUT FORAYS INTO THE DEEPER FRESH SNOW IS CERTAINLY AN OPTION, WHENEVER YOU FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE.

A CROSS-ACTION REAR SKID OFFERS THE BEST OF ON-TRAIL PERFORMANCE AND OFF-TRAIL HANDLING CAPABILITIES.

QS3 SHOCKS AND A NEW SPINDLE ARE JUST A COUPLE OF NEW TRICKS UP THE SLEEVE OF CAT’S NEW RIOT.

ELECTRIC PUSH-BUTTON START AND A VERY USABLE CONTROL BLOCK ARE BIG POSITIVES THAT CAT HAS INTRODUCED RECENTLY. ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 2

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THE BACKCOUNTRY CAN PLACE YOU BACK IN THE WOODS AS FAR AS YOU WANT TO GO AND YOU CAN ALWAYS PICK YOUR WAY OUT.

TO THE BACKCOUNTRY CK BA D AN CK BA G IN GO EP WE KE

T

here’s a lot to be said for one of the most active and responsive snowmobile chassis platforms on the snow, the G4 chassis from Ski-Doo. However, there is not much new on the Backcountry 146 machine this year.

We alluded to this in an earlier article on the 154-inch version… which is actually a new length for 2020.

Even though there is technically not much new for this 146-inch machine, other than a new optional gauge that is bigger

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and better, and a new runner on the ski, it is still very technologically advanced.

The SHOT push-button starting system, powered by an ultra-capacitor is a major advantage over other boondocking sleds in particular, but also trail sleds in many situations. With just one or two easy pulls in the morning, you can have electric starting capabilities all day, with a major weight loss to the starting system.

The record continues to skip, but we believe this should be an option on EVERY Ski-Doo sled, like now. However, we

THERE ARE SO MANY GOOD THINGS WE CAN SAY ABOUT THE BACKCOUNTRY X-RS, AND I’LL BE HONEST, IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SLEDS CURRENTLY BEING MADE

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aren’t the BRP bean counters, and I am sure they have calculated a business or technology life-cycle analysis as to why customers should wait for this option to be rolled out to other models.

Back to that new gauge; one thing I like in particular is the metric/imperial setting via the menu. Our family splits a lot of time between riding in Canada and riding in the U.S., with one of us being from north of the border, and one being from the States. I like having the option of both systems on the gauge. The display also auto-corrects to dim or brighten to the light around it, which sounds great in theory, in that you can go from day/night/ foggy/super snowy/bright sun and other conditions, and see the gauges well. So far it has been great, but many more conditions and goggles/lenses will be tested in combo with this new tech.

Like the Riot, this sled has an adjustable ski stance. We think all sleds, but crossover sleds in particular, should have an adjustable ski stance. We also think that more Ski-Doo’s should have the quick-disconnect sway bar as well, especially the longer crossover sleds like the 146-inchers. Also, to make this a truly 50/50 on-trail versus off-trail sled, our test riders agreed that the 2.0-inch lugged Powdermax track was the correct choice.

It is formidable on the trail, and is hard to beat in the corners, even with the bigger lug, but loses a bit of top-end. However, with the Powdermax it is a fantastically fun, off-trail sled.

There are so many good things we can say about the Backcountry X-RS, and I’ll be honest, it is one of my favorite sleds currently being made. But the cMotion rear skid is a big reason why this sled is a favorite of so many test riders. Easy transfer, playfulness on and off the trail, ability to take a big mogul hit, are all very big kudos given from real riders. When you add KYB Pro 40 Easy-adjust shocks with 22 clicks of compression to this skid, it easily takes on anything the trail can throw at it. I mean, this is basically Ski-Doo’s race sled in a crossover chassis with lots of specific additions.

Isn’t that enough?!?!

ON TRAIL, SKI-DOO’S ARE ALWAYS LOCKED-IN, AND LEGENDARY PINPOINT PRECISION IS NO DIFFERENT ON THE BACKCOUNTRY THAN ANY OTHER SKI-DOO IN THE LINEUP.

KYB CLICKER SHOCKS THAT ARE SUPER ADJUSTABLE HAVE BEEN A STAPLE OF THE XRS FOR YEARS, AND THE NEWEST ONES CONTINUE TO IMPRESS IN RANGE AND DIALING IN YOUR RIDE.

NEW VENTING KEEP THIS SLED COOL, AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF CUSTOM TOUCHES LIKE THE EMBOSSED SEAT.

SHOT IS AVAILABLE ON THE BACKCOUNTRY, AND THIS ULTRACAPACITOR STARTING SYSTEM IS THE MOST LIGHTWEIGHT STARTER TO DATE. ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 10 • ISSUE 2

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THE SKS IS AT HOME ON THE TRAIL, IN THE AIR, OR OFF TRAIL. EVEN WITH THE RMK MOUNTAIN DNA, THIS SLED CAN HUG THE CORNERS AND A LITTLE BIT OF BODY ENGLISH GOES A LONG WAY IN CHANGING THE ATTITUDE OF THIS MACHINE.

SKS IS A SUPER KOOL SLED!

T

his one is really the best of these three sleds for the off-trail crowd. The SKS 146 with the 850cc Patriot, powerful 2-stroke motor is more of a 70/30 off-trail versus on-trail machine. Why? Plain and simple, this is an RMK. It sits in the AXYS chassis which is meant to sidehill, it is meant to clear obstacles under the snow, it is meant to be narrow and easy to manoeuvre in deep snow, and it comes with a 2.25-inch lug track, but that’s not the whole story.

The newest 850cc motor on the market is Polaris’ Patriot and it only competes with the Ski-Doo E-Tec 850 if you want instantaneous, rider-friendly, manageable power.

Well, plus the 165+ horses. This motor in the shorter 146-inch SKS means incredible track speed and an ability to perform

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tight powder turns in very little space. Plus, the AXYS chassis has an amazing ability to stay on top of the snow, and can literally dig its way out of holes.

Since the day this sled came out, we have been stacking it up against another crossover sled from Polaris, one of our all-time favorites, the Switchback Assault 144. The difference? The SKS is a little easier to initiate side-hills with the narrow 39-41-inch adjustable front end, and the ability to ‘creep’ along in deeper snow and off-camber situations off-trail. On trail, the Assault still wins, but the non-adjustable ski-stance was an issue for the Assault for many off-trail riders for years.

If there was ever a 50/50 crossover battle regarding the best rear skid, then the IGX rear suspension from Polaris versus the cMotion from Ski-Doo is the best

TWO MORE STANDARD FEATURES OF THE SKS THAT THEY DON’T BOAST ABOUT, BUT WE ARE BIG FANS OF, ARE THE LED STANDARD HEADLIGHTS AND THE GRIPPER SKIS.

IT’S IN OUR BLOOD HUNTS

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THURSDAY 23:00 EST

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competition. There are definitely areas that both excel in, but neither is bad at anything. Personal opinion is that the IGX is better off trail, and the cMotion is better in all conditions… maybe it’s why Polaris put this sled in the ‘ultimate crossover’ category this year. However, the difference is minute, and the IGX on the SKS is stellar, and an overachiever in churning big snow when you pull a hard up-hill sidehill.

One thing folks don’t think about all that much until their boots, or ice, or the mysterious twig-monster slip them off the running boards in deep snow, is how important grip is on the running boards.

Well, the PowderTrac boards are one of my all-time favorites and are great for snow evacuation, zero ice build-up, and very good grip.

Two more standard features of the SKS that they don’t boast about, but we are big fans of, are the LED standard headlights and the Gripper skis. Both are not expen-

sive, but very helpful and utilitarian. We all need to see better at night than we have in the past, hence wider- spanning and better penetrating LED lights. We need to also have easier ways to get unstuck, and not be stuck in the first-place. Hence, ribbed skis on top like the Gripper, so we can stand on them and not slide off, plus, have the underneath steering side be great as well.

FINDING YOUR WAY AND SEEING WHERE YOU WENT IS EASY WITH THE NEW POLARIS GAUGE. IT IS BIG, EASY TO SEE, AND SETS IT APART FROM THE COMPETITION.

HANDLEBAR AND LIGHTS ON THE SKS ARE NOT CONTROLLED ON THE BARS LIKE THE OTHER SLEDS IN THIS GROUP, BUT SIMILAR TO THE RMK MOUNTAIN SET-UP.

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PUTTING THE SKS INTO ORBIT IS EASY, AND THE WALKER EVANS SHOCKS EQUAL BUTTER SOFT LANDINGS, EVEN FROM THE 3RD STORY UP.

THE SKS HAS PLENTY OF PADDLE TO HELP YOU WADE THROUGH SNOW THAT ONLY OTHER PURE MOUNTAIN SLEDS CAN GO.

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WHAT SHOULD I BUY? First, do not ask your significant other, just buy what you want. But if you want the newest, coolest, most popular name in the industry for 2020, get the Arctic Cat Riot. It’s a great trail sled with some additional super-positive off-trail opportunities.

Second, if you speak French, which is pretty persuasive, then talk your significant other into buying at least one, preferably two, Backcountry X-RS 850’s. Neither of you will be disappointed.

Even if you only speak redneck, this sled will be worth every nickel you spend on it because you can be as excited to ride on-trail, off-trail, or off the biggest highschooler made jump in your neighborhood.

Third, if I bought a Polaris SKS 146 with the 850 Patriot, I would take all the decals off it, put some old school stickers on it, and then make all the 162-inch ‘mountain riders’ look silly while riding a little 146-inch sled.

Come on, that would be fun!

At the end, the most versatile 50/50 sled is the Backcountry X-RS 146inch from Ski-Doo, but every weapon has its purpose!

IF YOU SPEAK FRENCH, WHICH IS PRETTY PERSUASIVE, THEN TALK YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER INTO BUYING AT LEAST ONE, PREFERABLY TWO, BACKCOUNTRY X-RS 850’S. NEITHER OF YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED.

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YAMAHA SIDEWINDER XTX LE 141

R

BLUE TEAM KEEPS IT LEGIT!

ealistically speaking, the Sidewinder is still the fastest and most powerful production snowmobile to date. It is also best in crossover versions, in my opinion. There are plenty to choose from, even after Yamaha cleaned up their lineup with fewer total machines. A personal favorite of many of our riders is the XTX LE with its 141-inch long track.

Why? Lots of reasons, but top of the list is still the 200+ hp turbo, 998cc fuel injected triple cylinder 4-stroke motor. There is no perceivable lag with this motor, and it’s not like turbos of old, and it is not even comparable in performance, lag, or excitement, even to other current turbo systems. This is more of a 60-40 on trail versus off-trail sled as far as where it shines best, but it is fully capable to hang with any sled through the twisties on a groomed, woodsy trail, or through 2-feet of powder off-trail. Oh, and you will ALWAYS be first in any impromptu drag race. No snowmobile-blooded person can tell me that it isn’t totally mind-blowing to grab this throttle.

Up front we like the single keel mountain skis that come standard on this 40-inch wide front end, and of course, the coil-over Fox Zero QS3 shocks to suck up any big hits and easily adjust to the conditions. The uncoupled SR 141 rear suspension adds playful abilities off-trail and more transfer, but still has plenty of bump-soaking ability with the QS3 shocks in it as well. The Backcountry track with 1.75-inch lugs is a perfect snow thrower and allows for on-trail performance, with enough paddle to move it through the powder as well.

Yamaha quality and standard features are tops here too with a heated-seat, automotive style DC output for your gadgets, LED headlight, electric start, reverse, and more. The Hayes Brake shortie brake lever is a big plus too, especially for folks with smaller digits, but it also allows better feel through your gloves which is of utmost importance on a machine that goes 0-awesome in 2 seconds flat.

As far as new features go, you’ll get new, lightweight suspension rails with an extra set of idler wheels. Plus, there is a new Stealth control system on the handle bars which allows easy toggling through the gauge and push-button starting… which is much better than the old key-start. Finally, you’ll see a new, medium tunnel bag on the top of the tunnel with more storage. All-in-all, this is a good-looking speed demon with lots of versatility.

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What you really need to know!

M

BY MIKE DUFFY

ost of you have heard the basics, and reasons for safety guidelines when riding in avalanche country.

I’m going to give you the important details you’ll need to know. This article is based on years of researching avalanche accidents, mountain rescue, guiding experience, avalanche instructing, and training, and these are tips from 25+ years of being an avalanche educator.

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The Basics I have outlined the basics of what you need to know to begin, and this info is courtesy of ISMA.

5 Key Safety Guidelines

•

Get the Gear… everyone in your group will need an avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe, and knowledge on how to use each of these pieces of equipment.

•

Get the Training… Everyone in your group should, at minimum, attend at least one avalanche training course.

•

Get the Forecast… The weather report is a must, and it’s constantly changing. Make a riding plan based on the current avalanche and weather forecast.

•

Get the Picture… If you see recent avalanche activity and unstable snow exists, then you must assume riding on or underneath slopes is dangerous.

•

Get out of Harms Way… Always go one at a time on all slopes, and don’t go up to help your stuck friend, and don’t group-up in avalanche run-out zones.

The details on the details Transceiver: The quickest way to find someone who is completely buried

is with a transceiver. This beacon transmits a signal that can be tracked by others in your group with their transceivers. Having one is absolutely necessary. Trying to find someone with only a probe can take hours and even days.

You’re not going to just dig yourself out of the snow if completely buried.

Furthermore, it doesn’t do you much good if you’re just wearing a transceiver and aren’t proficient in how it works. At the time of rescue isn’t the time to learn how to use it. You will want a digital 3-antenna avalanche transceiver.

This new technology means advanced features, ease of use and faster rescues.

Shovel:

Get one that is metal, with a larger blade and high quality. I prefer one with an extendable shaft which makes it easier to dig deeper. Inexpensive and plastic shovels could break. I carry two shovels with one in my airbag pack, so that if I get separated from the snowmobile or the snowmobile gets buried, I can still pull off a rescue. The second shovel is on my tunnel bag and it’s a hoe type shovel (so I can move snow faster in many situations).

If stuck in or below avalanche terrain, I don’t have to remove the pack to access the shovel, therefore losing the safety of the airbag. If I have only one shovel, it’s always in my pack.

Probe: Get a large diameter aluminum one or carbon fiber that is 300cm or longer. This length allows you to stand upright and probe deeper. Flimsy probes will deflect to the side or could break. Also, get a probe you can deploy with your gloves on.

Pack: Get one that fits your body. I don’t wear a pack larger than 25 liters.

Lighter/smaller volume packs are more comfortable, then it won’t tire you out, and wont’t hinder your technical riding. Make sure all the essentials for survival, rescue, and first aid goes into your pack. Also make sure your transceiver is worn on the body, never in the pack. Packs can get separated from riders in avalanches.

Airbag packs: They work, but are used in conjunction with advanced training, educated decisions, good judgement, and terrain selection appropriate for the avalanche problems. However, it is not the end-all for surviving an avalanche.

Unfortunately some avalanches are just not survivable. Too many riders are forgoing advanced training and buying an airbag instead, which is not a recipe for success. I wear a protective vest that incorporates an airbag pack that is transceiver and radio compatible. I always wear the leg strap so my pack doesn’t get ripped off my body in an avalanche.

Pack Contents: Be ready to spend the night out, administer first aid and get help to your location. A GPS satellite messenger is a great tool that every group in my opinion should have. I use the Garmin InReach Explorer. Other items should include a map and compass, fire starters, headlamp, spare batteries, bivy sack, first aid kit, survival kit, saw, food and water, tow strap, knife, tools, clear goggles, and extra clothes. Essentials for survival, rescue and first aid go in pack, extras go in the tunnel bag.

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Getting the training There are many levels of avalanche training and all are positive, to some extent. You can start here with free training on these websites, but don’t stop here. www.backcountryascender.com or www.avalanche1.com Being skilled takes hands-on, on-snow training, practice and feedback from professionals. Take the time to take a class, no one I’ve ever met over decades of classes and sessions have ever regretted it.

Don’t learn about avalanches through trial and error. Your one mistake could be your last, and avalanche accidents are easily avoidable with the right knowledge and terrain selection. This doesn’t mean staying at home or staying on mellow terrain all the time, it could be as simple as picking the right terrain for the conditions. The higher the danger, the higher the skill you require. Get your entire group trained, so everyone is on the same page and at the same skill level. If you’re the only one with training and get buried, you’re out of luck.

Never go out without knowing the weather. You can get vital information on the current avalanche and weather forecasts.

Know what is happening within the snowpack All snow looks good, and you need to understand that certain layers within the snowpack can fail under more weight (you on your sled). Approximately 90% of the fatalities in avalanches are triggered by you or someone in your group. The avalanche danger rating is not the key factor you should be looking at in the forecast. What you need to know and understand is the “avalanche problem” or type of avalanche(s) you are dealing with and the terrain that is suggested for the problem. Even on a moderate danger day, a slope with a persistent weak layer and connecting slopes should be avoided. Remote triggers are likely with persistent weak layers. These avalanches can be very unpredictable and the stability varies greatly.

Tracks on the hill, do not mean it’s safe, it usually means someone has not hit the weak spot yet. Stability can vary greatly from slope to slope and on the same slope. Educated riders know when to back off when persistent weak layers are present. Moderate danger with a persistent weak layer essentially means it is harder to trigger, but if it does go, it could still be large and deadly.

Patience to wait until conditions are right and the discipline to alter your riding according to the problem are essential.

Just wearing a transceiver isn’t good enough! You have to know exactly how it works. When you need it you will not have time to refer to the instruction book.

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Airbags like the BCA Float 42 Avalanche Airbag 2.0 feature 150 liter airbag and not only does it create buoyancy and decreases your burial depth but it also protects your head and neck from trauma in an avalanche.

On the top, all snow looks good. You need to understand the layers within the pack to know the real dangers.

When going anywhere where you might get stuck it’s recommended that you bring a shovel and saw.

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Getting out of harm’s way ALWAYS GO ONE AT A TIME ON OR UNDER AVALANCHE SLOPES. Multiple complete burials in North America statistically result in a fatality. It is much easier to rescue one person than multiple. A rescue is delayed if you as a rescuer gets caught.

NEVER GO ABOVE YOUR PARTNER. GET OUT OF THE WAY IF YOU ARE BELOW A RIDER. Going above or going to help your friend on an avalanche slope can trigger the avalanche.

Don’t help someone who is stuck on the hill.

The additional weight can trigger an avalanche.

If they can’t get their own sled out, they shouldn’t be riding the slope. This is a common mistake that has resulted in many fatalities.

HAVE A PLAN, AND COMMUNICATE IT. Radios have changed snowmobiling. It is so much easier and safer to ride with them. Have decision points and constantly discuss options.

• Who’s first, who’s last?

• What is the route.

• Where is your stopping area.

• Where are safety zones, where viewers will watch.

• Escape route.

STAY IN VOICE OR VISUAL CONTACT. If you’re in avalanche terrain out of view of the group and get caught, first they need to realize you’re missing, then they have to spend time looking. This can significantly delay the attempted rescue. Radios can warn riders of conditions, routes, oncoming avalanches and easily locate stuck riders. Use the buddy system in trees.

ALTER YOUR RIDING ACCORDING TO THE AVALANCHE PROBLEM(S).

For a long career riding in the mountains, you must adapt your riding to the avalanche problems, otherwise you are just relying on luck. Sad to see so many fatalities when dangers were obvious to educated and informed riders.

Keys when riding pote

ntial avalanche areas

IS THE SLOPE STEE P ENOUGH TO SLIDE? Get an inclinometer (slope meter) or slope angle app. Mo st riders are not even close to being accurate in guessing the steepness and do n’t realize they are in avalanche terrain.

With a slope meter, you become much be tter. I use the Avalanche Inclinom eter app by Iterum, LLC and the BCA ap p.

Klim has made it really easy with this survival pack. This 3 in 1 pack provides medical supplies for dressing wounds, stabilizing fractures and treating illnesses; survival tools to signal rescuers, start fires and to stay warm. There’s also an ultra-light nylon organizer bag with detachable pouch for shorter trips.

ARE YOU IN THE RU NOUT ZONE? Will the avalanche hit you? Are nearby tre es damaged or missing branches from gettin g hit by avalanches? Th e run out zone is ho w far the avalanche can run an d where the debris en ds up. A generalization is the avalanche can run out 2.5 times the ve rtical fall of the avala nche.

Too many riders park too close. Are you in or above a terrain trap that will compound the consequences of an avalanche? Look at the trees, rocks, cliffs, de pression, steep creek bed, or narrow valley.

A good set of radios should be mandatory when you are on the slopes.

I hope this has been helpful. It’s just a start in being a smart mountain rider and preparing for what you could encounter.

Implement what you have learned and take advanced classes – be prepared.

Have a great winter.

Mike Duffy

A good pack like the FXR Ride Pack 20 will help keep all of your tools and supplies organized while allowing you to easily bring them up the hill.

When deciding on a backpack make sure it’s waterproof, has good weight displacement and will properly carry your shovel and probe.

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ce President, Craig Kennedy, Vi through-ander bil avid snowmo ionate down to through is a pass snowmobiler. earth experienced he e, ag g From a youn primanded re ing be s er rememb of new as for sketching his ide getting of d tea ins snowmobiles ne. his homework do

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I

n his 22 years with Arctic Cat®, Kennedy has held various engineering and leadership positions where he has excelled to become the Vice President. He started with the company in 1997 as a Tigershark® Watercraft Engineer. After serving in a few leadership roles as a supervisor of engineering in both watercraft and offroad, Kennedy moved into an engineering product management role for all ATVs that he held for over 10 years. His final engineering project was leading the development of the original Wildcat®.

In 2012, Kennedy moved into international business working with Scandinavia, Europe and Asia for off-road vehicles, snowmobiles, along with parts, garments and accessories. After two years, he became the product strategy director for offroad vehicles where he was responsible

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for global multi-generational product plans and providing guidance and leadership for business financial objectives.

After the acquisition of Arctic Cat

by Textron Inc. in 2017, Kennedy was promoted to Vice President of Snowmobiles and International Powersports. His deep knowledge and understanding of the industry saw his responsibilities expand in early 2019 when he became the Vice President of Arctic Cat (Snowmobiles and Off-Road). In his current role, he has general management responsibilities for Arctic Cat, within Textron Specialized Vehicles.

Basically, Craig is a really big deal, his expertise is unmatched and he probably really does bleed green!

In his spare time, Kennedy enjoys the outdoors on anything motorized, with an occasional mountain bike ride.

Lucky for us, Craig was able to meet up with us for a quick interview.

THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL RUMORS CIRCULATING ABOUT ARCTIC CAT THAT ARE NOT TRUE. WE ARE NOT FOR SALE OR BEING SOLD, AND WE WILL HAVE A RACE TEAM AND WE HAVE A FULL TEAM OF ENGINEERS WORKING TO BRING YOU EXCITING NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2021.

NOW AVAILABLE ALL ACROSS CANADA CONTACT YOUR TV PROVIDER

WWW.MAVTV.CA @MAVTVCA

FACEBOOK.COM/MAVTVCANADA

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We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to talk with you today. How are things these days at Arctic Cat? Things are going very well. We have taken the off-season to get our house in order and focus on making Arctic Cat profitable. We knew we couldn’t be profitable operating the same way we always have. We took necessary steps to get our dealer channel and business healthy.

Our Snowmageddon presale event we implemented for our 2020 model year was extremely successful. We presold three times the amount of sleds of any other presale we have done. This season, we will fire on all cylinders and I’m confident in the future of Arctic Cat. The industry has been buzzing the last few weeks with rumours circulating about the future of Arctic Cat, and who might be looking at purchasing the company in the near future. Can you tell us more about this, and put an end to these rumours?

There have been several rumors circulating about Arctic Cat that are not true.

We are not for sale or being sold, will have a race team and we have a full team of engineers working to bring you exciting new product for 2021.

It’s a busy time of year, and here we are already heading in to the 2020 snowmobile season. How excited are you with the fresh approach that Arctic Cat is taking?

I’m very excited. You can only do things the same way for so long. Times are changing and we recognized we needed to adjust our business model. The industry needs a rejuvenation and fresh ideas infused into it for the future of the sport.

We will continue with our presale-only business model and we will announce our 2021 products earlier as part of that.

In 2017 Textron purchased Arctic Cat, how if at all has this impacted Arctic Cat? Textron is a large, profitable company who knows how to run successful businesses. While there were some growing

pains and difficult changes, it is sometimes what is needed to get a business back in the black. The combination of Arctic Cat’s legacy and the new ideas Textron has brought has set Arctic Cat up to be a successful and viable business.

Arctic Cat moved its corporate office out of the Twin Cities and back to Thief River Falls, how has that move back to the factory helped the company?

The people of Thief River Falls are the heart and soul of Arctic Cat, and it is my job to ensure they are taken care of. Being there gives me a finger on the pulse of the business.

Arctic Cat has a lot of strong dealers with a lot of loyal customers across the Snowbelt. What is the dealer strategy moving into 2020?

We’ve worked in the off-season to make our dealer chain healthy. This included aligning with dealers interested in being great business partners. We worked to get inventory levels down so our dealers could run a viable business. We were successful at reducing non-currents and the channel is much stronger. The implementation of the pre-sale only Snowmageddon business model gives us the opportunity to produce what the dealer needs vs what they think customers want. This sets them up to run a healthier business where they can focus on customer service instead of worrying about selling through noncurrents.

Is there availability of product for customers that did not ‘snow check’ a snowmobile last Spring?

Snowmageddon was pre-sale only so it’s unlikely. There could be the occasional situation where a dealer took a deposit on a 2020 and a customer doesn’t follow through with the purchase. There are

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PHOTO CREDIT AARON KENNEDY

some non-current models in the channel.

A customer should check with their local dealer to see what’s available.

You have been riding Arctic Cat’s for a long time and have been working there since 1997, what is your all-time favorite Arctic Cat snowmobile?

I absolutely loved the 700 Firecat! It was a rocket ship. Lots of great memories on that snowmobile. And, it’s still getting it done in the grass drags today, all these years later.

We’ve heard from many snowmobilers that they were hoping for a new 850, or even a larger engine for 2020 and many were thinking that you would be releasing a new platform. Can you give any insight for the 2021 Arctic Cat line-up?

I cannot give specifics on the lineup until it launches, but I can tell you we will have several new sleds introduced.

Racing runs deep in Arctic Cat’s history and has always been a large part of the brand name. What is the plan for the 2020 race season and the future 2021 season?

We will continue to race at a level that makes sense. Arctic Cat has a legacy in racing and we will continue to support it.

On the sidelines Arctic Cat and Yamaha have a great working partnership and an important one. Will this partnership continue and possibly grow in 2021?

Yamaha is a great partner, and we work very closely in snowmobile development.

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It’s a mutually beneficial relationship that will continue.

Being an avid snowmobiler, what sleds are you most excited to ride in the 2020 season?

You know, it all depends on where I’m riding. It’s hard not to love the Alpha in the mountains. It’s so light and nimble feeling.

And, a ZR 800 RR is so great at attacking the trails. We had a lot of late snow last

winter in Thief River Falls, that made the new Riot incredible fun, whether on trail or off. For those conditions, I had a smile on my face for hours!

Thank you Craig for taking the time to talk sleds with us. We very much appreciate your time and we hope to see you on the snow for a rally this winter.

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.

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BY MARK BONCHER

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BY JEFF STEENBAKKERS

YAMAHA’S GT CLASS DELIVERS

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CLASS AND PERFORMANCE

here is absolutely no question that the 4-stroke engine has become an accepted power option for snowmobiles, from work sleds, all the way up to the very top of the hyper sled market. Even die-hard 2-stroke guys (like me) are starting to realize that the 4-stroke sled is now part of my paradigm when it comes time to choosing a sled to lay down some dough on.

Yamaha foresaw this trend a long time ago with the introduction of the RX1 in ’03, and has been steadily improving the upper end of this market. The current Sidewinder is, and has been at the top of the horsepower mountain since its introduction, and has spread out laterally across the top of the Yamaha lineup. For 2020, Yamaha has brought back the GT for touring riders who really want it all.

The abbreviation “GT” originated in Italy as “Gran Turismo”, a term to describe exot-

ic performance touring cars that were gaining popularity across Europe after the war.

It’s been said that Ferrari was the first to use Gran Turismo on its 1955 250 GT, but the GT origins may go back as far as 1951 with the Lancia Aurelia B20 GT. Since then, GT has been found on all kinds of motorized vehicles, and is supposed to give the upscale buyer the assurance that they have something special, specifically designed for spirited, high mile tours. Sometimes manufactures get the GT description right, other times not so much…

The 2020 Yamaha GT sleds got it right. If ever there was an exotic GT class snowmobile, these sleds are it. Targeted right from the beginning to attract a snowmobile buyer that is looking for an exclusive high-class look, with specific touring features to make big number days go by effortlessly, the new GT lineup delivers.

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2020 SRVIPER L-TX GT

N

ot exclusive to the GT lineup, all 2020 SRVipers are now clad in the Gen 2 bodywork, drawing on the styling of the Sidewinder line.

What’s exclusive is the deep, almost candy Velocity Red that is found across the GT line. On the snow, this colour stands out without shouting out.

This should appeal to owners who want to be noticed, but not mistaken for someone who greets riding buddies with “Yo-Dude”.

Under the brightwork is the updated Genesis 1049cc engine. A new ECU tune is responsible for a small uptick in power

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on the 3-cylinder mill. Although difficult to feel the change in power, the 2020 engine seems to come alive a little quicker than in previous generations. Competing in the 125-horsepower class of sleds, the Viper puts the power down through the 137 Ripsaw track with authority, thanks to a strong 4-stroke torque curve. In addition, this engine has become a standard for efficiency and durability, against which all others are judged. I suspect this is one thing that hasn’t changed for 2020.

Additional features which should appeal to the high mileage crew are a tall windshield and heated seat. Riding the

ADDITIONAL FEATURES WHICH SHOULD APPEAL TO THE HIGH MILEAGE CREW ARE A TALL WINDSHIELD AND HEATED SEAT

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SRViper GT into the cold evenings is not a problem behind the big window, and the heated seat takes just enough of the edge off to be effective. Personally, I thought a heated seat on a sled was about as useful as an inflatable dartboard, but after experiencing a heated seat on a particularly cold night in Quebec, I see the light, or rather, I felt the heat. However, if there was one suggestion I’d make to Yamaha on this one, I’d ask for just a bit more temperature out of the system.

Under the front end of the SRViper GT is the new ARCS front suspension which improves the roll centre with a redesigned forged spindle and lightweight A-arms. Holding it all up are Fox 1.5 ZERO QS3 front shocks, and their easily adjusted 3 position clickers on the shock body. Out back is the Dual Shock SR137 skid frame. The front shock is a 1.5-inch HPG, while the rear shock is three position Fox 2.0 ZERO QS3. Every one of our riders agrees the FOX QS3 is the way to go for how well they work and their simplicity to adjust for non-geek riders. However,

The 137 inch Camso Ripsaw with 1.25” lug is found on both the Sidewinder L-TX and SRViper L-TX GTs. This track delivers awesome all around performance when it comes to acceleration and braking.

it would have been nice to have the electronic iQS versions of these shocks on the GT version of the Viper.

After spending some time on the Viper GT in the closing miles of last season, I feel consumers who opt into the GT version will come away more than satisfied with the performance of the engine and suspension systems, along with an appreciation to the details and elegance the GT designation provides.

The Yamaha line is built on a super rigid triangulated SRV chassis. The pyramidal design centres the mass around the rider while strengthening the chassis without excessive weight.

That extra hand when you’re stuck – It works!

See it in action at www.stuckmate.ca

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2020 SIDEWINDER S-TX GT

A

completely new model for 2020 is the Sidewinder S-TX GT, which is the Grand Poohbah of 2-up touring sleds. That’s right, you and a friend can experience 200 turbo’ed horsepower in luxury and style as you blow past just about everything else on the snow. All kidding aside, this sled should fill a niche in places like Quebec, where triple-triple 2-up touring enjoyed a good run back at the turn of the century.

This model carries the now familiar Velocity Red that is the best visual cue to

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identify the GT line, along with the large windshield, engineered to direct airflow around the riders. The 2-up GT also features king and queen heated seats, a fully adjustable backrest and extra storage. The GT storage case also offers an additional 15 litres of fuel capacity in its auxiliary tank, bringing the total fuel load to 49.9 litres.

The rear suspension is a Dual Shock SR 146 skid-frame with overload springs that can be engaged as rear loads increase.

Cam style flippers rotate up, allowing the composite leaf springs to assist the torsion

ALONE ON THE S-TX GT, THIS MACHINE FEELS VERY SIMILAR TO OTHER SIDEWINDERS IN THE YAMAHA LINEUP, ESPECIALLY ONES WITH THE LONGER REAR SKIDS.

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spring on the rear arm for a simple and effective solution to control the weight of a passenger and extra gear. The front suspension does not receive the ARCS update. However, the 3-position adjustable Fox QS3 shocks have found a home in the S-TX. Alone on the S-TX GT, this machine feels very similar to other Sidewinders in the Yamaha lineup, especially ones with the longer rear skids. In fact, without the big windshield and support of the backrest, the ride experience is very similar to an X-TX. And like other Sidewinders the endless power of the 998 Genesis Turbo engine is a thing of beauty, but it demands respect.

2-up, ride characteristics do change with the addition of a second person.

Handling and speed have a direct connection to the involvement of the passenger. Getting in sync as two riders, a surprising pace can be maintained in the curves, then a quick shot of throttle will propel you and a passenger back to the back bumper of just about anyone in front of you. Get out of sync and the pace will slow, but when things straighten out, the turbo power will get you caught up to the group in a hurry.

The 146” skid frame on the S-TX GT, has easily deployable overload springs for those heavy days.

The backrest can be adjusted forward for 1-up riding, or can be removed along with the passenger seat if that’s the way you want to roll.

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2020 SIDEWINDER L-TX GT

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he Sidewinders L-TX GT is aimed squarely at the top of the touring market. Legendary Genesis Turbo power and luxury touring amenities have come together to create this sled, which is again found in the classy Velocity Red livery. Squeezing the trigger on the L-TX GT is every bit as exciting as other Sidewinders in the lineup, but this one comes with features that even non-GT class riders will crave.

It may sound like a little thing, or it might just be that I’m getting older, but the wind protection of the large windshield

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and warmth of heated seat are welcome additions to this Sidewinder. In fact, any Sidewinder for that matter, given the speed these sleds can achieve. In the GT line, this protection comes standard.

The suspensions on the Sidewinder L-TX GT are very similar to the SRViper L-TX GT. Like the Viper, this model receives the new ARCS front suspension with its improved geometry, along with the Fox ZERO 1.5 QS3 shocks. And like the Viper, we wish it had the electronic iQS versions. In the rear, the Dual Shock SR 137 rear suspension is providing the excel-

ON THE TRAIL, THE GT IS A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN SPEND A DAY, AND THEN SPEND ANOTHER DAY, AND EVEN ANOTHER DAY AFTER THAT.

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lent bump absorption, with an HPG centre shock and Fox ZERO 2.0 QS3, similar to the Viper’s setup.

On the trail, the GT is a place where you can spend a day, and then spend another day, and even another day after that. For big mile, multi day tours, you can’t get any better sled out of the Yamaha barn than the Sidewinder L-TX GT. There isn’t even any compromise for a short-day ride either, this machine is very well rounded. Even the engine, despite being the most powerful available in the snowmobile industry, is equally at home at the radar run, or puttering around all day on a family ride, where speeds barely reach double digits.

To wrap things up, we have to acknowledge that bringing home any one of these GT models is not going to be a cheap option. These are pricy sleds, with no apologies made for that fact. But they do give back a significant return on the investment when you factor in the longevity Yamaha snowmobiles are known for.

These sleds have been conceived to burn down one high-mileage season after the other.

Every GT gets the Fox QS3 shocks out front, but only the Sidewinder and Viper GT’s get the new ARCS front suspension.

The big windshields found across the GT lineup will keep riders happy on cold, big-mile days by keeping you out of the jet stream.

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future look

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here is no denying it, with the emergence of manufacturers like Tesla, Rivian, Taiga and special automobile models like the Bolt, Volt, Leaf and E-tron, that there is a movement to shift from the conventional dinosaur burners to electric motors. Charles Bombardier sees electric vehicles as the future, and while nobody has a crystal ball to say when all vehicles, including snowmobiles, will be electric. Most futuristic concept vehicles like the Lakemaster are designed and powered by a non-combustion engine. In the case of the Lakemaster, it’s a Lithium-Sulfur battery, powering an electric motor.

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future look

YOU CAN TRAVEL AS FAR AS YOU WANT IN TO THE FUTURE, AND YOU STILL WILL FIND SNOWMOBILES “SUMMERING” UNDER TREES.

T

he concept of the Lakemaster is quite simple. Its focus is speed, and it’s designed to be the first one across the lake without compromising handling. Charles designed the Lakemaster with the memories of his teenage years, riding his black Ski-Doo Mach 1 with his friends around Valcourt, Quebec. Frequently, Charles and his friends would be found racing each other down Lake Brompton, with all of his friends having the same vision of being first. With the dream of winning on Lake Brompton,

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Charles pictured a snowmobile with serious arm stretching torque, with a low drag resistance that would be able to beat any snowmobile, giving its owner the nickname “Lake Master”.

The Lakemaster’s appearance is very similar to that of a sport motorcycle, with the rider leaning over the gas tank with the power being put to the snow through the track out the back, similar to that of the rear tire of a motorcycle to the asphalt.

The front suspension and steering coming from forks to a single ski is also similar to a motorcycle’s front forks and front wheel.

LITHIUM-SULFUR BATTERIES COULD POWER THE SPROCKET MOTORS AND BE POSITIONED AROUND THE VEHICLE TO BALANCE THE CENTRE OF MASS.

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WHERE’S THE POWER?

The sprockets in the track of the Lakemaster are motorized, like electric in-wheel motors, allowing for the use of a non-combustion engine which eliminates the need for fuel tank. LithiumSulfur batteries could power the sprocket motors and be positioned around the vehicle to balance the centre of mass.

Lithium-Sulfur batteries are relatively lightweight and rechargeable, and are known for their high specific energy. For example, the solar powered aeroplane that flew the highest and longest of any other solar powered aeroplane used Lithium-Sulfur batteries.

Needless to say, they’d be more than capable for the Lakemaster.

NO FUEL TANK NEEDED Using the space where a fuel tank would traditionally go is a gel filled pad equipped with an independent suspension that would support the rider while they’re leaning on the sled at high speeds, either down a straightaway, much like drag motorcycles, or taking corners at high speeds, similar to that of a motorcycle on a road racing track.

The rider’s chest would rest on the pad that would be customized to support any body size and/or type of rider.

THE AGGRESSIVE SEATING POSITION WITH THE SINGLE SKI ON THE LAKEMASTER MAKES IT RESEMBLE A SPORT MOTORCYCLE.

NOT ALL RIDERS ARE CREATED EQUAL. THE LAKEMASTER COMES EQUIPPED WITH A SELF-BALANCING SYSTEM WHICH WILL HELP ALL RIDERS ON ICE, SLOW SPEEDS, AND IN THE CORNERS.

FOR ULTIMATE CONTROL AND AERODYNAMICS, THE DRIVER LAYS DOWN WHILE IN “SPORT MODE”, JUST LIKE ON A DRAG RACE MOTORCYCLE.

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future look IT’S SMARTER THAN YOU THINK The Lakemaster is a “smart” vehicle and would learn and adapt to the driving style and preferences of its owner, much like high end automobiles. For example, seating positions, the way corners are taken by the driver for the self-balancing system, or the way information appears on your gauge cluster would all become seamless over time.

DEVELOPMENT

THE COLOUR COMBINATION REMINDED CHARLES OF A MOTO-SKI AND HIS OLD MACH 1. WHY THE NUMBER “314”, AND THE LETTERS “ATTM” REMAIN A MYSTERY THOUGH. IF YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEANS, SEND THE ANSWER TO INFO@OSMMAG.COM

The Lakemaster snowmobile is a vision for a different kind of sled that brings together various ideas like ergonomics, sprocket motors, self-balancing and adaptive systems. Like all of Charles’s designs, they are designed to start discussions and inspire others and their ideas.

The Designer

CONTROL The design is based on a front mono ski, which allows for less snow drag and wind resistance than conventional snowmobiles. Because of different skill levels that drivers have, the Lakemaster would also be equipped with a self-balancing system.

While some riders would not require it as often others would, the self-balancing system makes sense both for safety and the fun factor. The self-balancing system would allow the Lakemaster to be stable and stay upright while travelling on ice at low speed, and would really give the driver confidence while making turns, and

especially while powering around corners at high speeds.

To optimize comfort and control at all speeds the seat and foot pegs on the Lakemaster could slide to the back of the snowmobile, adapting the ergonomics of the driver and speed of the sled. This would allow the driver to go from a “low rider” or “touring” seating position while cruising, to a “superman” or “sport mode” seating in an over the gas tank type position, while driving fast on smooth trails, or drag racing down a lake like Charles envisioned the Lakemaster.

About Charles Bombardier The grandson of Joseph-Armand Bombardier, Charles has a wealth of experience in the design and engineering of vehicles during his time at BRP including the Can-Am Traxter, the second generation Ski-Doo Elite and the Can-Am Spyder Roadster. In 2008 Bombardier founded a private Research and Development Center and developed electric urban transporters and electric ATV prototypes. With a passion for innovation, Charles is deeply involved within the design community and acts as an expert and a consultant to support inventors, companies and basically anyone interested in new applications for mechanical engineering. His website www.charlesbombardier.com promotes open innovation and along with a team of designers they are constantly dreaming, innovating, and creating new concepts and publishing them for all to see. As Charles puts it, “Our mission is to inspire kids, students, inventors and tinkerers to improve existing modes of transportation and imagine what the future holds for us. We share our concepts with the world so they can grow faster, evolve and become a reality one day.”

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The Lakemaster concept was imagined in May 2019 by Charles Bombardier, and designed by Jorge Ciprian, an Industrial Designer from Argentina. Jorge graduated with a degree from the University of Buenos Aires, and he currently works as a freelance designer.

TO MAKE DISMOUNTING EASIER, ELECTRIC MOTORS RAISE THE HANDLE BARS AND SEAT.

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gear

1

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 their 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 they can handle the brutality from top racers, than it can handle what you put it through out on the trails. Further details on Ultimax XS Belts by Timken at www.ultimaxbelts.com

2

Rise Summit Helmet Who says affordability and safety are mutually exclusive when it comes to powersports helmets? The new Arctiva Rise Summit helmet with MIPS erases that notion. The dual density EPS on the Arctiva Rise Summit provides traditional impact protection while the addition of the MIPS Brain Protection System protects from rotational impacts. Along with safety, the Rise Summit helmet provides excellent comfort with its moisture wicking liner and dual forehead, chin, and rear exhaust vents. Install the supplied vent plugs and breathe box to remain comfortable when temperatures drop. Check out Arctiva’s Rise Summit helmet at www.arctiva.com

Ridge Jacket

3

FXR Pilot Transition Goggle

Make riding more enjoyable this winter with FXR’s Pilot Transition Goggle. This premium optical goggle with auto-darkening technology automatically adapts itself to different lighting conditions while out on the trails or up in the mountains. The Pilot Transition Goggle has an oversized, impact resistant, pre-curved polycarbonate lens that has a premium anti-scratch and UV lens coating. Take on any conditions with FXR’s Pilot Transition Goggle and enjoy the full ride. Head over too www.fxrracing.com

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4

The HMK Ridge Jacket is suited for athletes and the everyday rider, no matter the conditions or riding style.

The Ridge Jacket with the XR-Platinum Weather-proof Technology is a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket that includes a fully articulated, advanced technical interior construction to keep you warm on the coldest of days. Other features include fully taped seams, interior goggle pocket, and forward facing ventilation. This is one jacket that has the style and all the features to go with it! More details on the HMK Ridge Jacket at www.hmkusa.com

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Scott’s DS Women’s Nonsuit Ladies are you looking for a new suite for the upcoming winter? Looking for one with style but with all the latest protection features… Check out Scott’s DS Women’s Monosuit. This one-piece suite provides the rider with ultimate protection from wind and water while still being breathable, soft to touch, and comfortable. You also have the added protection for you cell phone with Scott’s insulated mobile device pocket with napoleon pocket that keeps your phone dry and warm. Keep stylish and comfortable while hitting the trails or side hilling the mountains with Scott’s DS Monosuit.

Further details and colour designs at www.scott-sports.com

6

KLIM F5 Helmet Here at On Snow Magazine we tend to ride from sunup to sunset, and the number one thing that we all look for is comfort, comfort, and comfort. Klim’s F5 Helmet ECE is noted as an all-day helmet providing you with the best design, comfort, and support that you need on the trails or in the mountains. Klim designed and built the F5 ECE helmet from the ground up with years of rider feedback, testing data, and cutting edge technology. This is a low weight, high ventilation carbon fiber shell helmet that is designed to satisfy all of your needs! Head over to www.klim.com for more details!

7

8

BMP 800 CFI/HO Polaris Durability Kit For all the riders still rocking the Polaris 800 CFI & CFI HO motors, Bikeman performance has the kit for you! The relatively short rods and pistons have been the cause of the short life of the stock pistons and rings. Most machines will lose 20-30 lbs of compression after just 1500 miles of riding, which causes a loss in performance, how many miles do you have on your sled? If it has 1500 miles or more, you’re in need of this kit! The key to this kit is the taller pistons Bikeman developed, which allows less piston rock, while also reducing the stress on the piston and rings dramatically. Bikeman also extended the piston life by slightly changing the ring location, adding lubrication holes on all four corners of the piston, and Teflon coated the skirts. The Durability Kit includes a cylinder spacer that raises the cylinder the same amount as the piston is taller, so port timing isn’t changed. The added crankcase volume even produces 6 more horsepower so your engine life is extended dramatically while gaining power at the same time. Go to www.bikemanperformance.com.

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Fly Mid-Layer Even riders who embrace the cold need an extra layer every once and a while. FLY Racing is proud to release an all-new Mid-Layer line.

The moisture wicking, antistatic, single brushed material is versatile and comfortable no matter how hard your riding. The Mid-Layer also can be worn as a casual piece when walking through town after a long day on the trails. Go to www. flyracing.com for more details.

9

Neutra Fuel Stabilizer Looking to optimize performance and ramp up your fuel economy by 5%? Than grab a bottle of Schaeffer’s Neutra fuel stabilizer.

The Neutra fuel stabilizer lowers the freezing point of any water that may be in your fuel tank, increases lubricity, and reduce emissions, exhaust smoke, and particulates from your machine. This fuel stabilizer also adds some extra protection to your injectors, fuel pumps, upper cylinder, compressor ring, valve seats and guides by safely removing rust, corrosion, and varnish. For further details on the Neutra fuel stabilizer head over to www.schaefferoil.com

M CX Jacket

10

Looking to optimize performance and ramp up your fuel economy by 5%?

Than grab a bottle of Schaeffer’s Neutra fuel stabilizer. The Neutra fuel stabilizer lowers the freezing point of any water that may be in your fuel tank, increases lubricity, and reduce emissions, exhaust smoke, and particulates from your machine. This fuel stabilizer also adds some extra protection to your injectors, fuel pumps, upper cylinder, compressor ring, valve seats and guides by safely removing rust, corrosion, and varnish.

For further details on the Neutra fuel stabilizer head over to www.schaefferoil.com

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gear

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Fly Incline Jacket

The Incline Jacket is FLY Racing’s most advanced gear to date.

Meticulously designed to fight back against the harsh and chaotic conditions riders face on cold days. The Incline Jacket features a Sympatex Shell that is 20,000mm waterproof and 20,000mm breathable rated. Additional features include an adjustable powder skirt with silicone grip, 2Cool Mesh vents, detachable hood, and 2-year warranty. Great for the mountains and when paired with Fly Racing’s all-new mid layer, or on it’s own on the trails. Go to www.flyracing.com for more details.

13

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 the importance of a spare belt enough! So pack it before you BRAAP it! Find the right belt for your snowmobiles make and model at www.daycoproducts.com/snowmobile

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Extreme Conditions EXO-AT950

12

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

14

Black Rush Ski Complete Kit

Are your old skis worn out? Time to put in a Dennis Kirk order for their Rush Ski kit! Their lightest ski on the market weighing in at 4lbs., the Rush Ski has pre-drilled holes for faster/easier installation of runners and has a keel that provides the rider with reduced steering effort and darting. Included in the kit are two ski adapters, two Rush Skis, two-carbide runners d-edge single 60, two handles. Available in a variety of colors to match your machine! For further details and color options go to www.denniskirk.com

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/// YAMAHA-SNOWMOBILES.COM ©2019 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Product and specifications subject to change without notice. Professional rider on closed course under controlled conditions. Always wear an approved helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Ride responsibly and always ride within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect others around you. Know the conditions. Observe all state and local laws. Don’t drink and ride.