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PORTA CAN KICKER When the snow piles up this fast outside of Truckee, California, there no need to build a booter on the hillside‌these boys found one in the parking lot.

Shooter: Travis Alley Location: Lake Tahoe, California

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SUMMER DOESN’T SUCK IN CHILE! ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Riding in August Volcanos Blue Sky Big Air Fresh Pow Making All of Your Friends Jealous

Rider: Chris Burandt Photo: Phil Yribar Location: Malalcahuello, Chile

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THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT Between the glints of dust filtered sunlight, the silent giant placed here with the utmost level of care several years prior, has slowly peeled away the layers of card board that once protected it from the ravages of time. The Diablo Rouge and the early Hus Ski model were first manufactured in Pointe-Claire, Quebec in starting with prototypes for the 1957-58 season. Not long after the vehicle went into official production in 1962, the company was purchased

by Bolens and moved to Port Washington, Wisconsin. The unique track vehicle and accompany passenger sleigh in tow performed incredibly well in deep snow and continue to have a cult following amongst collectors. Undoubtedly this unknown location barn find Diablo is likely making the collector rounds today.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

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contents

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68

FEATURES 68 34 48 58 10

SCENE IT HAY DAYS 2017

TIME TRACKS 1973 ALOUETTE SUPER

200 REVOLUTION YAMAHA SNOSCOOT… RETURNING TO OUR ROOTS

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

82 88 94

FRESH FROM THE FACTORY UPDATES, TECHNO TIPS, SUSPENSION SHOCKERS, AND RACE ROCKETS

NEW KING OF SWING 2018 POLARIS SKS 146

FIRST X A LOOK AT THE FIRST WINTER X GAMES

PRARIE TO PINE DESTINATION MANITOBA

114 GEARBOX COLUMNS 14

DRIFTS RICHARD KEHOE

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WINGING IT WITH LEVI LEVI LAVALLEE

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BACKCOUNTRY CHRIS BURANDT

126 FLOAT BOWL PAT BOURGEOIS

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DEPARTMENTS 16 26 27 42 44 46 54 56 106 108 110 124

INDUSTRY NEWS WORD SEARCH SUDOKU TAKE 5 THE FAB 4 HONEY OF THE MONTH GOT RISER BRAH? ROACHED SHOP HUSTLE TEARDOWN INDUSTRY 411 LAST GASP

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VOLUME 8 NUMBER 2

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Photographers: Todd Williams, Brandon Caplar, Brett Moist, Aaron Belford, Joe Wiegele, Gary Walton, Lissa Marsolek, Steve Hamilton, CJ Ramstad Archives, Pat Bourgeois, Richard Kehoe, Tendra Crossman, Mike Blakoe, Matt Clark, Logan Gamble

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Contributing Writers: Levi LaVallee, Jason MacDonald, Matt Clark, Tyler Swarm, Darren Desautels, Jacob Travers, Jordan Hammack, Richard Kehoe, Tendra Crossman, Mike Blakoe, Matt Clark, Logan Gamble 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 716, Elk River, MN 55330. Telephone (888) 661-7469.

Head office address is PO Box 551, 27083 Kennedy Road Willow Beach, ON L0E 1S0, Canada. Telephone 1-888-661-7469. Printed in Canada by LoweMartin Group, Dollco Division. • Copyright 2017 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.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

drifts

Richard Kehoe

DUST OFF THE GEAR BOYS

You never know what you’ll find. Just what you were looking for?

A custom painted Ski-Doo PRS chassis hood.

While OSM and STV has been busy making stops across the North American Snow Belt, we’re still gearing up for a new season and counting down the days until the snow flies!

The weekend after Labor Day is host to some very popular swap meets. One being Haydays in North Branch, Minnesota, and the other is more of an automotive swap, but is still littered with slightly used snowmobiles and snowmobile junk, and you never want to miss Burl’s Creek in Oro Station, Ontario.

A few of the guys from the office loaded up and headed to Haydays, and some of us had conflicting events with our sister publication ATV World Magazine, and had to take a

Big thank you to Dave at Spoiled Sports for hooking us up with a swapper’s dream ride with all the right credentials.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

knee and drop out of the Haydays adventure, but we were able to load the wagon and make our way to Burl’s Creek.

It was Brandon’s first time attending Haydays, so we gave him a camera and sent him deep into the swap of the event for this issue’s Scene It. Brandon has given us a first timer’s perspective of this historic swap meet, and he made it back to the office the following week - quiet but unscathed. All he had to say was, “That was a needed snowmobile experience”, and that, “Some things that have been seen in the swap, cannot be unseen.” It should make for an interesting take on Haydays.

Burls Creek has a main focus of

An experienced swapper knows to always fuel the machine before heading in

automotive, but there’s always some powersport booth filled with sleds, sled pieces, guys drinking beer from sled mugs, three-wheelers and old junked out boat motors. No matter which way you cut it, as a powersports enthusiast, it’s a very entertaining way to spend an afternoon. If you can’t make it to the big swap, this one will get rid of the swap bug and you never know what you might find.

Our next stop on the way to snow season will be the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show, October 20-22, 2017, at the International Center. The 30th Annual Show is going to be a snowmobilers and ATV/ Side-by-Side enthusiast’s fantasy.

With increased manufacturer displays; dealer displays; tourism; vintage; racing; used parts and a huge Used Sled Market, it should be the largest in the 30-year history of the Show.

For the second consecutive year, the outdoor area will be inside the building, in the Royal Distributing Event Hall 4. The elements will no longer be a factor for the Athletes or the Show Attendees as Heath Frisby, Cody Elkins and Keith Sayers will be headlining the Freestyle shows, with the addition of Nick Apex and Ernie Vigil and their triumph Motorcycles from Team Empire. The Dayco 120 racing demo is waiting for the green flag to drop. It’s going to be exciting as always, but having all of the outdoor events inside with snowmobiles, ATVs and motocross bikes back flipping, and a live motorcycle stunt show, it’s guaranteed to be a blast!

Until next time, I’ll be in the shop testing some “Shop Motivation” for our next issue, and of course doing some needed preseason armchair racing - which is turning into less racing and more ‘do you remember when’ chitchat, as we get a little older and a touch wiser.

Last year’s freestyle crew was nothing short of world class, featuring (from left to right) Heath Frisby, Keith Sayers, and Cody Elkins

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news

02 200 RACING AT EVERY TURN

01 SKI-DOO TECHNICAL WIZARD GORDY RADTKE LOSES BATTLE WITH CANCER The much beloved and longtime Ski-Doo technical department guru Gordy Radtke passed away on Friday, August 25, 2017 after a long and tumultuous battle with cancer. Gordy was a 40-year veteran for Ski-Doo, working within their technical department during much of his tenure. His knowledge was vast, with those seeking his advice and know-how simply referring to Gordy as “Mr. Ski-Doo”. His always helpful demeanor made him much loved within the industry, and his always positive approach to life was evident through his 28-plus year battle with cancer which he rarely mentioned and few were ever made aware of. Gordy was inducted into the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame in 2011 and the family has asked in lieu of flowers and gifts, that donations be made to the Northern Lights Foundation at northernlightsfoundation.org

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The hottest new class sweeping virtually every form of snowmobile competition this winter is not surprisingly the 200 ranks. Featuring the new Arctic Cat ZR200 and Yamaha SnoScoot, most race organizations across the snowbelt have adopted rules to support both stock and modified classes for the new mid-sized sled. Both ISOC and CSRA will feature the sleds in snocross competition, and the United States X-Country (USXC) circuit will offer classes for Stock and Open 200 sleds for youth ages 7-12. No matter what form the competition takes, the introduction of the 200 class to racing will undoubtedly provide a much needed step for young racers looking to transition from 120 sleds to full-size snowmobiles, and will likely lead to increased participation long term.

SNOW BIKES IN HOCKEY ARENAS? The crew at Timbersled/Polaris have teamed up with the AMA EnduroCross racing association to put more eyeballs on Timbersled snow bike conversion kits this fall. While we’re almost certain a well-tuned snow bike could nab the holeshot, this is a visual only exercise. A complete Timbersled conversion will be on display along with additional information on what has fast become one of the most talked about segments in snowmobiling. The EnduroCross tour kicked off this past August in Las Vegas, and will wrap up in California in mid-November.

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news

05

04 SUNOCO FUELS $300,000 PAYOUT IN ISOC A new partnership with Sunoco, one of the top brands when it comes to racing fuels and supporters of racing, will not only bring Sunoco fuels to the ISOC national snocross tour, but also big-time payouts. The partnership, in conjunction with others supporters already signed on with ISOC, will give race officials the wherewithal this season to deliver the largest payout in the history of the sport. According to a recent press release, ISOC is prepared to deliver a total race purse for the season in excess of $300,000, and this does not include manufacturer contingencies. “Racers are the spine of this sport,” ISOC President Carl Schubitzke said. “and thanks to generous supporters like Sunoco, we can now make purses like this available.” Carl also told OSM that a more complete breakdown of payouts by class would be made available prior to the start of the season.

MERCURY TWISTS INTO WACONIA RIDE IN The largest vintage snowmobile event in the world returns for 2018 to the shores of Lake Waconia in Minnesota, and this year’s featured brand is Mercury. Scheduled for January 26-28, the event includes a swap meet, massive judged show, loud pipe contest, drag races, oval races, a trail ride, an evening banquet with guest speakers, and countless memories and stories. Also, part of this year’s event will be the return of On Snow Magazine’s Time Tracks Show Favorite award. Each year, editors from OSM chose a show favorite sled from the hundreds of show sleds on the hill at Waconia. The selected sled is then professionally photographed and featured in a future Time Tracks article in the magazine. The sled owner also receives a framed reproduction of the article.

06 ALL INDOORS… ALL POWERSPORTS… ALL AMAZING Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow can put a damper on this year’s Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show at the Toronto International Centre, October 20-22. Yeah, we already know powersports enthusiasts are resilient, but more importantly the entire 2017 show is located indoors, including demo rides, freestyle shows, and 120 races. Catch all this action along with massive manufacturer displays, a who’s who of aftermarket vendors, and all the top snowmobiling and off-road riding destinations in North America. No matter your passion, be it dirt or snow, the Toronto show is the place to be. Get all the juicy details online at torontosnowmobileatvshow.com. While you’re there avoid the lines, and save some jingle jangle when you purchase your tickets in advance. We’ll see you at the big one.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

TOP OF LAKE 07 MUSEUM DEDICATES LIBRARY One of our favorite snowmobile museums recently gave a special nod to long time collector and snowmobile historian Bud Knapp, by dedicating the most recent addition to the museum, the Bud Knapp/John McGuirk Library, in his memory. The library offers a huge compilation of historic snowmobile related information and is housed in a room that was part of the new addition to the museum. Knapp was a longtime enthusiast and was also the historian for the Antique Snowmobile Club of America. Knapp donated his library to John McGuirk prior to his passing, and John in turn donated the library to the museum so it could be made available to the public.

news

08 JACKSON HOLE SNOCROSS: WELCOME…NOT WELCOME…WELCOME It seems race promoters at Snow King Mountain Resort along with snocross organizers at the International Series of Champions (ISOC) may have put the cart before the horse when it came to a proposed new national tour stop.

The early season race slated for Jackson Hole, Wyoming in early December, has been promoted on the ISOC website since early fall. However, event organizers failed to gain approval from the Jackson Hole town board. Thus, when the board voted down the proposed event by a 3-2 vote, it sent everyone scrambling in an attempt to salvage the race. Ryan Stanley, General Manager of Snow King, and Carl Schubitzke, President of ISOC, hit the streets of Jackson Hole in hopes of drumming up a ground swell of support and in the process, convince the board to call for a rare reconsideration vote. They got their wish, and in a board meeting held at the end of September, the race was back on again, only after both Snow King and ISOC made several concessions. Those included shortening event hours, limiting alcohol sales, cancelling post event fireworks, increasing the amount of proceeds to go towards a local charitable organization, and agreeing to plow certain city streets in case it should snow during the event.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

SV2 Pro Trail

F O R T H O S E W H O PUSH THE L I MI TS // Puncture resistant armor // Recco Rescue System // Internal zip media pocket // Built-in kidney belt // Side release shoulder Velcro closure // Removable fleece liner // Ignition kill tether attachment

news

08

The 2015 ISOC Pro Lite champion Ryan Springer, has moved from Polaris to Ski-Doo for the 2018 season.

Aki Pihlaja will return to the Pro Lite ranks in ISOC to defend his 2017 championship.

SKI-DOO SNOCROSS TEAM GETS SPRUNG After the new race iron was unveiled at Hay Days this past September, some makers also gave us insight into who would be riding these new steeds when the snocross season opens in Duluth, Minnesota in late November. Ski-Doo bolstered their roster with the addition of Ryan Springer to the Boss Racing team and Adam Renheim will take up residence inside the Warner Racing rig. One step down in Pro Lite, Max Taillefer will hook up with defending champ Aki Pihlaja in an attempt to lock down this highly contested championship for a consecutive season. Here’s a complete run down of the top riders in ISOC, CSRA, and USXC for Ski-Doo this winter.

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ISOC

CSRA

Scheuring Speed Sports – Tim Tremblay, Lincoln Lemieux, Francis Pelletier BOSS Racing – Ryan Springer, Aki Pihlaja, Elias Ishoel Warnert Racing – Adam Renheim, Max Taillefer Team Bauerly Racing – Kurt Bauerly, Paul Bauerly, Kevin Wallenstein, Marcus Ogermar Anderson Racing – Camryn Anderson, Korbyn Anderson, Collin Anderson Ingles Performance – Hunter Patenaude, Leo Patenaude Independent Riders - Eli Erickson, Drew Goskey, Jake Belair, Sue Belair, Austin Springer, Tyler Steele, Colton Lugert, Dawson Lugert Brad Meyer, Brian Peterson, Eddie Neubauer, Patrick Brodeur, Megan Brodeur, Dylan Holmes, Austin Stamm, Cole Manning

Bailey Motorsports – Ryan Hunt, Taylor McCoy, Mitch King, Isaac St Onge, Brooklyn Karkoulas London Recreation Racing – Kyle Ward, Blake Taylor Polito Motorsports – Jack Polito, Dylan Barnett Independent Riders - Jordan Desjardins, Currie Giesler, Francis Gravel, Taylor Stewart, Stephanie Willis

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

USXC Dohrn Racing – Dillan Dohrn, Dustin Dohrn, Craig Ritzinger Sobeck Racing – Jim Sobeck, Lydia Sobeck Junglen Motorsports – Andy Junglen, Thomas Junglen CD3 Racing – Corey Davidson, TBA RVP Racing – Nick Roehl, Sam Vandeputte, Scott Pivec Independent Riders – Jacob Dahle, Skyler Soyring, Jay Ilstrup, Cale Anseeuw, Quenton Grant

W E L C O M E to our

W I N T E R W OR LD

With more than 12,000 kilometres of snowmobile trails in Manitoba, it’s no surprise sledders are always eager to start their engines. And the freezing of Manitoba’s lakes and rivers brings ice fishing at its finest. Plan your next ride, or your next ice fishing adventure in Manitoba, and you’ll be quick to join those who wish winter would never end.

news

COMMAND

YOUR RIDE

SWEEPSTAKES

10 USXC I-500 RETURNS WITH NEW DITCH BANGER CLASS After last winter’s momentous return of the legendary 500-mile cross-country race, one which Zach Herfindahl took the win, the grand-daddy race is set to return this February with more momentum and more classes. Last year’s race featured a combination of woods, frozen rivers, and ditch line, and most racers raved about the course…especially the final leg of the race from Thief River Falls to Bemidji. This year, that favorite section of the race will return virtually unchanged, but will feature new classes.

One is being dubbed the ride-along class, where parents can follow their Junior 10-13-year-old racer on the final day of the race, creating a memorable way for racers and their families to compete in the most prestigious race in cross-country. In addition, USXC has also added a Ditch Banger class to the day three route. Anyone wanting to experience the 150-mile, final day run can register for only $100 plus a fuel stop surcharge. Participating snowmobiles must be 600cc or less and all ISR approved safety equipment is required. For more details on these two classes, the I-500, and all the happenings at USXC visit them online at usxcracing.com

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

AN ALL-EXPENSE PAID TRIP FOR TWO TO RIDE THE BRAND NEW POLARIS SNOWMOBILES EQUIPPED WITH RIDE COMMAND ™ The Exclusive Polaris Ride Command™

Ride Command revolutionizes your snowmobiling experience by connecting you with your device, sled and fellow riders. Winner of the trip will experience a 4 day / 3 night snowmobile tour with the Crew of On Snow Magazine through all the twists and turns following a pre-set route on your phone. This free app is available for download today by searching “Polaris Ride Command” in the App Store or Google Play.

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Sweepstakes Details:

4 day / 3 night all- expense paid Dream Snowmobile Excursion with OSM and Polaris.

Utilizing RIDE COMMAND you will follow the route along amazing trails, stopping at epic points of interest and lodging at fabulous snowmobile accommodations.

ENTER TODAY AT www.osmmag.com/command

NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.

A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES

OF WINNING.

Eligibility: Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open only to those who sign up at the online sweepstakes page and who are 21 as of the date of entry. The sweepstakes is only open to legal residents of USA and Canada and is void where prohibited by law. Employees of Polaris and On Snow Magazine (the “Sponsors”) their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, suppliers and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to participate in the Sweepstakes. The Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state For complete contest details please goto www.osmmag.com/command and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.

SIGN UP NOW FOR COMMAND YOUR RIDE SWEEPSTAKES The coolest riding experience on the season can be yours this winter by simply registering in the Polaris Command Your Ride Sweepstakes. Polaris Ride Command revolutionizes the snowmobiling experience by connecting you with your personal device, your sled, and with other riders. While certain aspects of Ride Command can be experienced by everyone regardless of brand, you can have complete immersion by entering the Command Your Ride Sweepstakes. A grand prize, four-day allexpenses paid trip for two is up for grabs. You’ll join the OSM crew and experience all the benefits of Ride Command as we explore a “bucket list” destination later this winter. For complete details and to learn how to enter visit osmmag.com/command

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news

12 CAMSO EXPANDS SNOW BIKE FOOTPRINT WITH YETI AND YAMAHA Our pals at Camso, the big Canadian track manufacturer, have been quietly expanding their reach into the snow bike market this fall with two giant moves. As a refresher, Camso is already a player in the snow bike world, collaborating with Arctic Cat on the development of the DTS 129 conversion system. Now they have doubled down on the snow bike market through the acquisition of the Yeti snow bike brand. Few details were announced in the release, but future production of the Yeti SnowMX system will be relocated to Camso’s Shawinigan facility in Quebec, while a sales office will be maintained in Alberta. What’s more, Camso also recently announced a collaborative effort with Yamaha where Camso’s DTS 129 snow bike kit will be made available to Yamaha dirt bike customers through Yamaha’s accessory division. In addition, Camso will also make available their ATV R4S track system for the all-new Kodiak 450 ATV. Both conversion kits will be available for purchase through Yamaha’s authorized dealer network. You can learn more by visiting camso.co

WORD SEARCH

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

WHAT YOU’LL FIND AT THE TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW!

Accessories Arctic Cat Clubs CSRA Customs Dayco Dealers Events Freestyle FXR Gamma Gear Goggles Heath Frisby Helmets Jackets Kimpex Maps Oil Olympia

OSM Parts Canada Permits Pistons Polaris Racers Royal Distributing Ski-Doo Skis Stickers Studs STV Tourism Trailers Travel Trucks Used Sleds Yamaha

osmmag.com

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

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winging it LEVI LAVALLEE

WAITING FOR SNOW SYNDROME

Having a flipping good time at the lake this summer.

This has to be my favorite book of all time…thanks OSM!

S

eptember is cruising by, which means it won’t be long until we are riding sleds again! One thing I enjoy about writing an article for OSM is that I get to go back through my photos and remember the fun things I was able to do.

How many pictures have you taken on your phone that you never looked at again? Every time I write an article and I look through the pictures, I think about how grateful I am to have the experiences I do. I not only appreciate them more, but it also makes me look forward to the fun that lies ahead.

As you may know, I’m a fan of all seasons and the activities associated with them. This time of the year is fun because I look back on summer and I chalk it up as a success. I also look forward to winter and think about riding my new sled and how awesome it’s going to be! If you

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

follow me on Instagram you know I had more than enough fun this summer in my Malibu boat, aka “Captain American”. But once my new Polaris Switchback XCR arrived, the seasons flipped and my #WFSS (Waiting for Snow Syndrome) kicked-in with a vengeance. So much so, I had to have an emergency cool down at Frosty’s, our local ice cream parlor with fellow snowmobilers Evan Daudt and David Fischer.

I had a lot of fun filming the new WFSS videos with Polaris, and if you haven’t seen them yet, be sure to check them out on my Facebook or Instagram to learn the proper technique for “cooling down” before the snow flies! Ha ha!

I’m going to cut this one short as I just started a new book at the library, and I can hardly put it down…it’s so good!! ;-) Until next time, keep thinking snow!

Evan Daudt brought me a birthday cake.

osmmag.com

onsnow

Ripping dirt on two wheels…love it.

Teaching the youngsters how to make it through the heat until the snow flies.

This is my favorite birthday gift I received this year.

Lavin likes the touch screens in Captain America

ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

29

winging it LEVI LAVALLEE

Welcome to the LaVallee residence.

I would have to stand on the seat to ride with these bars.

Time to take “Captain America” out of the water for the season.

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

Let it snow…super cool custom work from Woodchuck USA.

COMMAND

YOUR RIDE SWEEPSTAKES

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!

AN ALL-EXPENSE PAID TRIP FOR TWO TO RIDE THE BRAND NEW POLARIS SNOWMOBILES EQUIPPED WITH RIDE COMMAND™

YOU WILL RIDE IN ONTARIO’S PREMIER ADVENTURE TOURING REGION KNOWN AS ALGOMA, WITH THE ON SNOW MAGAZINE CREW!

The Exclusive Polaris Ride Command™ Ride Command revolutionizes your snowmobiling experience by connecting you with your device, sled and fellow riders. Winner of the trip will experience a 4 day / 3 night snowmobile tour, in Ontario’s Algoma Region, with the Crew of On Snow Magazine through all the twists and turns following a pre-set route on your phone. This free app is available for download today by searching “Polaris Ride Command” in the App Store or Google Play.

Sweepstakes Details: 4 day / 3 night all- expense paid Dream Snowmobile Excursion with OSM and Polaris.

Utilizing RIDE COMMAND you will follow the route along amazing trails, stopping at epic points of interest and lodging at fabulous snowmobile accommodations.

ENTER TODAY AT www.osmmag.com/command NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE THE CHANCES OF WINNING. Eligibility: Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is open only to those who sign up at the online sweepstakes page and who are 21 as of the date of entry. The sweepstakes is only open to legal residents of USA and Canada and is void where prohibited by law. Employees of Polaris and On Snow Magazine (the “Sponsors”) their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies, suppliers and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to participate in the Sweepstakes. The Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited.

For complete contest details please goto www.osmmag.com/command

backcountry CHRIS BURANDT

BACK WITH THE CREW

I

t’s been quite a few years since my last run-in with the OSM crew, but I’m pumped to be back! Actually, come to think of it, Richard and the gang really haven’t talked to me since our last ride together when they visited me in Colorado in 2009. You get the guys down into one little hellhole, ask them if they have stuff to spend the night in the backcountry, and the next thing you know they quit sending Christmas cards! A lot has changed in what’s now our 11th year at Burandt’s Backcountry Adventure. We now spend eleven months on the snow each and every year, showing people my world of backcountry riding. Our three locations of Colorado, Grizzly Lodge B.C., and south of the equator in the Andes mountains of Chile, keep me and the crew busy, and I’m excited to share our adventures with you. Stay tuned throughout the year for all our adventures!

Life’s priorities sure have changed with these two crazy kids! I’m starting to get a taste of what I put my poor parents through…sorry Mom!

While most of you were sweating your you know what’s off this past July and August, me and the BBA crew were down in Chile giving our clients the once in a lifetime experience of shredding pow in the middle of summer!

I do have the coolest job on the planet! Showing people my definition of backcountry riding, and changing how they look at the sport of snowmobiling forever, still humbles me every day.

I’m pretty sure our riding zone at Grizzly Lodge B.C. is what heaven looks like…

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With 20 sleds in our fleet, and the expansion of our Burandt Built customer build program, the shop is a BUSY place!

sceneit

Hay Days First Timer

Wide eyed and ready to shred, the wily veterans at OSM sent the boys to the big Hay Days show this past September with a few simple words of advice. Wear comfortable shoes, offer much less, and don’t forget where you parked your bed roll after hitting the after parties Saturday evening. This year’s big field gathering was once again packed with energy, new products, and rabid sledders all ready for the season to begin. Here’s a look at what you may have missed.

The Flexxloader Sno-Bike system from TruckBoss Decks lets you load three bikes in one truck. Talk about efficiency.

Opening ceremonies wouldn’t be complete without an airshow.

The ZR200 and sibling Yamaha SnoScoot received a ton of welldeserved attention, according to our curmudgeon editor Bourgeois, this sled has big potential to garner new interest in the sport.

The ZBroz crew knows all about bling with performance.

Check out those suspension goodies.

There’s just something about championship winning iron… the FXR crew had Brock Hoyer’s X Games winning snow bike and Kody Kamm’s ISOC winning sled on display.

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KLIM’s new F5 helmet was impressively light and up for grabs with their special Hay Days text to win promotion.

Watch for a shop hustle test of this lid later this winter.

Watching Roach Pinstriping make sexy happen on-site makes you appreciate steady hands. The old boy’s hands back at the office shake like leaf blowers…probably those big bore two-strokes they used to ride. Those things shook like paint mixers.

The new Timbersled Trio adds a center mounted air shock to the front forks for a complete bolt-on, no suspension tweaks required, snow bike kit.

In case you missed your chance at Hay Days, you can enter the OSM & Polaris Command Your Ride contest at osmmag.com/command for a chance to win an amazing destination trip this winter, aboard the latest Polaris snowmobiles.

Racepak and Denis Lawler from EGT have taken data acquisition to a new level with live streaming to multiple devices in real time. To top it off, the data is automatically logged to the “cloud” for safe keeping and future retrieval.

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sceneit

Being able to crest a hill and crack open the exhaust pipe pot for a pound of wings is going to be a reality this winter, thanks to BMP’s new Munchie Muffler.

Wrap kits continue to make the FXR sleds impressively unique.

Low down and white knuckled…now this is one bad to the bone tow vehicle.

No snow? No problem!

FOX has been at the leading edge of shock development for the better part of 30-years, and they continue to break new ground. Their electronically controlled valving system, dubbed Intelligent Quick Switch, was part of their always impressive display, and enthusiasts could “feel” the valving changes.

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Got boost? This ride would surely require the “full tuck” approach to lake honing.

After the Saturday night festivities presented by FOX and 509, a lot of people were making this face when the gates opened on Sunday.

Jared from MBRP was all smiles every time someone asked to hear the exhaust note from one of his display units.

Most of the HMK team found time for a photo, the rest were too busy helping fellow sledders.

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sceneit No questions, the kid’s got good taste.

Not to be confused with the standing room only section at a Motley Crue concert, the Arctic Cat, Textron Off-Road booth was busting at the seams as the brass pulled the sheets off two new race sleds for the upcoming season.

Lysandre M. Verreault (left) and John Robare (center) from Camso showed off the new Storm 150 track, along with help from On Snow’s own Levi LaVallee (right).

Polaris race manager Tom Rager Jr., drew first blood this year by giving the media an early morning look at the all-new race buggy for 2018. Snocross focused, the 2017 championship sled returns with fresh front shocks and durability tweaks for the upcoming season.

It may not be the most practical, but find me a cooler sled hauler.

Don’t worry, I’ll wait.

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The hype around Ski-Doo’s new 600RS race sled was undeniable as the buggy moved into the Gen4 and direct-injected realm for 2018.

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Radio Flyer is one manufacturer that all swappers seem to agree on.

As if Cat’s latest run of C-TEC mills weren’t potent enough, now you can bolt on a Speedwerx supercharger kit to really rip arms and blister your fingers.

While the drag races may no longer attract the hundreds of racers it once did, the action is still top shelf, and the acceleration is impressive on what is likely one of the best grass drag tracks in the world.

We were warned the Hay Days swap is mind numbing…we didn’t know it was also fertile ground for twins. Where else will you find matched sets so nice, including a pair of FAST Blades.

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The problem with watching the top guys go from 0 to 140mph is it makes the drive back to the hotel feel like you’re standing still.

Always nice to see families enjoying the sport. Even the grass drags had everyone pitching in to go fast.

The Caribou may look like a snowmobile but don’t be fooled. In its day, this was a year-round toy, thanks to an all-track design.

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take 5

NOMOBILES

SNO-BEE

This particular steerable bobsled always gets the yellowbelly Ski-Doo collectors excited. To the untrained eye, the black and yellow Sno-Bee looks very similar to an early Ski-Doo snowmobile, minus the engine of course. For this reason alone, many sled collectors have one of these unique sliders in their possession. Later versions also featured a hand brake located under the seat. Seems too safe for us.

BOB-O-LINK BOBSLED

We’ve stumbled upon the Bob-OLink at snowmobile swaps on several occasions over the past few years.

Either there are plenty of them on the market, or this one guy is having a helluva time selling his. Produced in Minot, Maine from the 1940s to the 1960s, when the factory burned to the ground, production ceased and never returned. Similar to many snowmobiles from the early days which were named after various animals, the Bob-O-Link is named after a Canadian migratory bird.

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BOBBY FLAME SPECIAL

A few years back, Editor Bourgeois came up with the absolute brilliant idea to construct a nomobile, a snowmobile chassis sans motor, track, suspension, and anything else you can discard to the bone yard. All that remains is a seat, two skis, and your favorite slippery surface affixed to where the rear suspension once resided. Brakes? Meehhh…who needs ‘em. From there, Pat and his pals plan to throw caution and common sense to the wind, tip back a few cold ones, and hit the slopes in an all-out, full-contact bombing run to the bottom. You read it here first…this is the next big thing.

WOOSTER SNO-BOB

Our crusty editor just picked up one of these “banana” bikes for snow at a local swap meet. We’re not sure why, but we reckon it might have been the beer talking. Built by Wooster in the 1960s and early 70s, we found both BMX versions and apehangers like this one here on the web. With a pair of somewhat legit skis affixed to the frame, add some wax and a steep hill and a trip to the ER can’t be far behind.

ANTIQUE BOBSLED

Any quick Google search on the interweb for antique bobsled will immediately turn up a plethora of wooden and steel, steerable toboggans and sleighs, some even complete with cowlings.

There’s so many in fact, we can easily see how this could be a collectible category in and of itself. This particular throwback slider pictured here was spotted at the big Waconia vintage snowmobile gathering last year.

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trail exhaust

race ra ac exhaust

headers

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For this issue’s take on four favorite sleds of all time, we caught up with the master of traction himself, Ron Pattyn of Stud Boy Traction. For more than 25-years, Liberty Products, located in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, has been developing traction and control products for snowmobile enthusiasts for use on the trail and on the race track. A passionate snowmobiler himself, Ron is actively involved in the racing scene, especially the national snocross scene where his son Zach Pattyn raced at the top level until his retirement at the close of last season. Ron works closely with many of the teams, both with product and sponsorship including a longtime partnership with Tucker Hibbert. Stud Boy is one of the preeminent brands, and has developed such innovations as the Shaper wear bar and the Super-Lite Pro Series backers.

To learn more visit them online at studboytraction.com

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www.daycoproducts.com

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Shockin g sells po ly the Beavert ail u in Valc tine and the M s truck also ourt. C oincide XZ-Rev was born nce? W e think not.

There w sleds as only a h an in the slo the then ne dful of Pro O w Rev p first s es of Spirit chass pen nocro ss rac Mountain fo is on 2001. eo r th Bla having ir Morgan f the season e was o been lu in n with b one o red aw ig f sled u money and ay from Ar them, cti nli p win th ke any pre romise of a c Cat v at wee kend, ious. Blair d race finish bu id w mome as enough t his secon n’t’ to d-plac ntu e later th m needed build the p o to lau at win nch th sitive ter. e Rev

ng was sla nd a s Knees The Bee prohibition era nna e go during th best’. Who’s he Just meant ‘t logic?! ith this f these argue w rdering one o oo a day’s g r ’ e ’t ft n a o ” d rn gh Tave what’s good u o T “ t a w you kno ride…if . a y for

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Honey of the Month

NAME: COLOR:

2003 Ski-Doo MX-Z-REV

d ol’ a goo h ’t like fried doug n n s e to do p Who tail…dee u want pu o er beav ything y mned! an e da b with s lorie it. Ca

________________________________________________________

Black, Yellow, and Orange _______________________________________________________

DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT: BIRTHPLACE: NICKNAMES:

109.7” x 50.4” x 47.9” / 454lbs ___________________________________________

Valcourt, Quebec, Canada __________________________________________________ Rev, Beaver, Game Changer, The Beave ___________________________________________________

Tail, Bumble Bee, NICKNAMES I WISH I DIDN’T HAVE: Beaver ______________________________ Honey Bee – Tom Petty; Revolution – Beatles; Changes – David Bowie FAVORITE BAND/SONG: ___________________________________________

Tails…smoked and seasoned.

FAVORITE FOOD: Beaver ________________________________________________ FAVORITE VACATION DESTINATION: There ________________________________ really is nothing more beautiful than a

crisp November night on the slopes of Spirit Mountain in the firm embrace of Blair Morgan. _______________________________________________________________ Anything driven by Tucker Hibbert…damn you Hibbert…damn you.

ARCH RIVAL: ___________________________________________________ panels…everyone tried to make them, but none of them stayed on.

FAVORITE BODY PART: Side ___________________________________________

IF YOU WERE STARRING IN A MOVIE, WHICH ONE AND WHY:___________ Uhhh…I was

already in the movie, James Bond Die Another Day…next question. _______________________________________________________________ Eventually being copied by every other manufacturer.

FAVORITE KARMA MOMENT: ________________________________________ June told Ward he was little hard on the Beaver.

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT: When _____________________________________

________________________________________________ The success of the Ski-Doo REV has now become so widely accepted and documented, few if any will argue the significance of this sled, not only for Ski-Doo but _______________________________________________________________ the entire industry. When the REV first hit the snow pack, it was all part of an enor_______________________________________________________________ mous but calculated risk by Ski-Doo to literally win over its early adopter customers with a _______________________________________________________________ performance that would simply knock out the competition. To do so, they hired the driving _______________________________________________________________ magic of Blair Morgan away from Arctic Cat for the start of the 2001 snocross season and _______________________________________________________________ when first sunlight hit the slopes of Spirit Mountain in November of 2001, those in atten_______________________________________________________________ dance got their first ever look at what eventually would be simply called the “Rev”. Many _______________________________________________________________ forget Blair didn’t win on the Rev at Duluth, finishing second behind Tucker Hibbert in the _______________________________________________________________ Pro Open final. But the Ski-Doo Rev did succeed, becoming one of the most significant snow_______________________________________________________________ mobile designs of all time; rocketing Ski-Doo into the market share leadership position a few _______________________________________________________________ short years later; and forcing every other manufacturer to adopt and develop a rider for_______________________________________________________________ ward design of their own. We’d call that winning. _______________________________________________________________

DARK SECRETS:

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time tracks

‘73

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Alouette Super

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VILLENEUVE, BIG BERTHA, AND ALOUETTE - A WORLD-CHAMPIONSHIP COMBINATION

G

illes Villeneuve’s records showed he was born January 18, 1952, but he was actually born in 1950. He lied about his birthdate thinking at one point his actual age would negatively impact his career as a racer. It seems Gilles was born to go fast, and his father Seville claimed he had no fear, and “always made everything he drove go as fast as it would go.” Gilles also had a mind for how things worked. When he was 10-yearsold he took apart the family lawn mower and built himself a car, fitting the lawn mower’s engine and wheels to a primitive chassis he made from wood. It worked too, propelling him around the family property.

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time tracks

When Gilles father bought a snowmobile, it didn’t take long before he was racing it in communities around his hometown of Berthierville, Quebec. He did well, and for 1968-69 witer season, family friend Gilles Ferland loaned him a modified Skiroule to race. He won a handful of races and the next year was hired by the Skiroule factory as a driver/mechanic on their Quebec racing team. In the fall of 1970, Skiroule told him his services were no longer needed. Rumor was, the head

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of Skiroule’s racing department, who was also a racer, was jealous of Gilles’ ability. Gilles had been asked by the race department to compete only in Canada, but the bigger paydays were in the U.S., and he refused the request.

In October of 1970, shortly after he was let go from Skiroule, he married his long-time girlfriend Joann. He then signed to race with Motoski for the 1970-71 season, and racing became the sole means of support for his new fam-

ily. He brought in enough to live, winning the championship in Quebec and taking a World Series title in New York, but with a child on the way, he wanted and needed more.

That summer he spent time converting an old school bus into a race hauler, which would become known as “Big Bertha”, sectioning off a small living quarters from where he planned to haul sleds.

For the 1971-72 season he signed with Montreal-based Alouette. The Alouette

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time tracks

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sleds were fast, but not as reliable as other competitive sleds. Still, he won 10 of 14 races in Quebec and was champion again, more due to his mechanical aptitude and riding ability than the quality of the Alouette.

Heading into the 1972-73 season, Gilles hired a mechanic and rented an old pig barn for his race shop. Big Bertha was cleared out and prepared as a mobile race shop and he and his mechanic planned to stay in a fifth wheel camper trailer instead. Gilles’ success the year before garnered the attention of the Alouette race shop and he was called in to help develop their new race sled, the Alouette Super.

Weighing just 240-pounds, the Super featured a lightweight aluminum tunnel, no belly pan and a unique hood design. Alouette used Sachs engines which were heavier than some of its competition, but they made good power and Gilles was used to clutching and tuning them from his time on Skiroule.

Based on Sno*Jet’s Thunderjet, the Alouette Supers were nearly complete by the time Gilles was called in, but his input proved valuable and they incorporated some of his feedback into the sleds before they were shipped to racers.

Alouette Supers and Villeneuve proved a formidable combination. Despite an unreliable ignition system early on and the machines propensity for blowing belts, they were as fast as anything else on the track that season. And with Villeneuve’s tuning his machines, they were usually faster. Figure in Gilles’ fearlessness and talent behind the bars and it all added up to an Eagle River World Championship. The Villeneuve-tuned Alouette Supers were so good that Gilles would be competitive even two years later riding the same machines.

But while Villeneuve was racing sleds in the winter, he was spending his summers working his way through the ranks of open wheel racing. While competing in Formula Atlantic in 1976 he found himself up against an all-star grid of drivers invited to race

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Villeneuve and the Alouette Super proved to be the World Championship winning combination in 1973.

crash while qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix on May 8, 1982. Enzo Ferrari, who viewed Villeneuve as one of his own sons, was so stricken by his death he nearly quit Formula 1.

Villeneuve continued to race snowmobiles off and on until 1981, and what was likely his final weekend aboard any sort of race sled when he flew in from Europe, defying Ferrari’s orders not to do any extracurricular racing, and rode various Moto Skis (which were owned

by Ski-Doo by that time) at an oval race in Quebec. Among the sleds he rode was a radical twin track, a concept derived from Villeneuve’s own Alouette twin track from 1974. Twin track snowmobiles would eventually become the World Championship class and would rule ice oval racing for nearly a decade, all thanks to Villeneuve and his time with Alouette.

at Trois Rivieres, including James Hunt, who had all but locked up the Formula 1 World Championship that season, and Alan Jones, who would go on the win the Formula 1 World Championship in 1980. Villeneuve beat them all, and Hunt returned to his McLaren team headquarters telling everyone about the amazing Canadian driver.

McLaren signed Villeneuve to drive for the team in 1977, but eventually let him go. He was quickly snatched up by Ferrari and drove the final two races of the 1977 season for the team. Over the course of his Formula 1 career, he would claim six wins in his 67 starts beginning in 1976 until his death as a result of a ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

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S www.osmmag.com

GOT RISER

bars Taper o r P w to d the oo, an y knows ho id for d a e for S is gu e sa hat th me can’t b t year t a e w r o g h a ate s the s was a iser. later d ortunately, inches of r 1988 a t a nf led 12instal deal. U the extra e h t d n e n sweet 6 Ski-doo a 0 0 the 2

wap meet season is in full swing, and so too are the ape hangers. Whether you stand up when you ride, or maybe just have a medical note from your doctor…we want to see those egregious bar risers and cobbled together, backwoods engineered weapons of ergonomics… the taller and more dangerous, the beħer. This issues’ submissions all come from north of the border, proving the maple syrup crowd never liđs!

Keep snapping those pics and send them to our unshaven editor at editor@osmmag.com with “Got Riser” in the subject line. Each issue, one lucky submission will receive a limited ediধon “Got Riser Brah?” t-shirt.

hang er can dd f a e l ravo st a your B e bumps, ju inflated k n i h t nd an don’t d in th If you 018 IFS sle g sticker, a g up…but 2 din cin with a er, a Fox Ra ys ride stan ris t alwa o. more I don’ . g a Brav t price ’s on a t i , o d I when

SEND US YOUR RISER PICS!

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EVERY SEPTEMBER, A FEW FROM THE OSM CREW HIT UP BURL’S CREEK SWAP IN ORO STATION, ON, JUST TO SEE WHAT’S OUT THERE.

While walking the swap, we came across this roached out 1989 Super Jag 440, on a milk carton pedestal, which gave it the mystical illusion that a spotlight was shining down from the heavens.

The rubber bracing on the windshield gave more flex, resulting in less drag and better aerodynamics, giving this specific Super Jag more Super Speed on the Super Dremo-meter.

We can only guess that the little red lever is how you go to Hyper Speed.

This trailer hitch comes equipped with a 1 7/8” ball.

Which allows for the sales pitch of, “You will have no problem towing your ice shack or your home around in the winter with this Super Jag”.

Immediately, our cameras became immersed, and the giant swapper tractor beam drew us in. We were sucked towards the windshield of Super Jag, where a tiny green handwritten note was perfectly placed, and to our befuddlement, the note confirmed that it was indeed a good running vehicle… because it said so. Upon a further - visual only – inspection, we could not confirm or deny that it would, could, or may not “run well”.

Baseball rules applied here; the call on the field stands, and cannot be overturned if it is not 100% clearly apparent under video (visual) review.

We felt we weren’t ones to argue this point, and get punched in the throat while deep in the pits of a swap, just in the name of quality journalism… Therefore, we put our trust in that little green piece of tape, and we’re happy to report that it’s a runner Boys!

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We are not picky about the minor fiberglass work to make this showroom material, plus it’s hard to notice.

Always look under the hood. Even when the sticker says “Runs Well”, you need to make sure there are more than mice peddling a belt under there. Green light, no mice here, but we couldn’t help but notice the air box was missing, and there was a sweet smell of cedar mixed with a scent of WD-40. The WD shows the owner cca are res about ab abou bou out her her he er rust ru usstt marks, ma arrkss, and and the an the cedar…well th cce ceda ed da ar… r…we we well ellll that th ha at just ju usstt shows sho ow wss cares th ha att iitt wa w as p pr rop rop oper erlyy stored sto ore red under un nde der an an evergreen everg verg ve rgre reen en tree, tre ree e,, to to keep keep ke ep the th he e that was properly ssnow sn now ow off off ff iin n the th th he e winter wiin w ntte err and an nd d the the he rain rai ain in out ou ut iin n the th he e other oth the err months… mon onth thss… …

Lockable Lo ockkab able le storage. sto tora rage ra ge e. A noticeably tted no otitice ceab ce ably ab ly custom cus usto tom to m fitt ed piece with a garage pie pi ece ec e e with gar arag age ag e door door handle ha and ndle le to to keep keep all all of of your your good stuff securely go ood stu tuff ff sec ecur urel ur elyy under el unde un derr de lock loccck and lo and key. key ey.. Again, Agai Ag ain, ai n, under un nde derr visual visu vi sual su al inspecins nspe pecpe ction, this is tion on,, this is as ssafe afe af e as a sa safety deposit safe fety fe ty d epos ep ositit box os box at at Fort Knox.

Fort Kno nox. x.

The seat was a little sacked out, obviously because of the G-force that this ride produces in the corners when you hit the loud handle… It could be a proven fact that the loud handle phrase was coined in the sno-mo-biz on this Super Jag! Back in ’89, Ummmm-Kay!

When W Wh he en n doing do oiin ng g a visual vissua al inspecinsp in spec sp e tion on any buggy, tition n on a an ny b bu ug gg gy, y, itit iss always allw ways ayys a go good ole’ g oo od d thing thi hing ng to to start sa st arrrtt at at tthe he h eo le e’ roller odometer.

1946.3 rro o ollllller ler er odo dom me ette er. r 19 94 46 6.3 .3 original orrig o gin nal a miles miilles les es – Check.

Ch he eck ck.

Not bad, N t ba No ad, d, considering con nsi sid de erriing g it’s itt’s ’s an an ’89, ’89 ’8 9,, but but like likke Wal-Mart, W ll--Ma Wa Mart r, this th hiss could cou ou d be ould be a roll r lll back ro bac ack swap ssw wap ap day. dayy. Beware Bewa Be arre e and cautious not to get in to an nd ca cauttiio caut ous us not ot to g ge et in to a punchpunchpu ncchn out out in ou in the th he e swap swa wap because be b ecca eca aus use of of stupid sttu upi pid questions. ques qu estit o on ns.

The Th e bl blue ue ski ski skins ski kins nss show sho how w that that this thi h s pearl pear pe arll ar was was well well looked loo ooke ked ke d after, afte af ter, te r, and and accessorized acc cces esso es sori so rize ri zed ze d to tthe nines ass titime has he n ines in es in in its its day. day. But But a me h as its wayy wi with its wa th all all things, thi hing ngs, ng s, the the runners run unne ners ne rs are are all but a memory, and the blue skins all but me memo mory mo ry,, and the blue ski ry kins ns are are now now only only held hel eld d on by by wire w re wi re wrapped wra rapp pped pp ed around the ski loops. arou ar ound ou nd the ski loo oops ps.. ps ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 8 • ISSUE 2

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Yamaha SnoScoot…

Returning to Our Roots with an Eye on the Future Small in size, right in price, and tasked with a level of responsibility unlike any sled in recent memory. The 2018 yamaha snoscoot, and different hued sibling arctic cat zr200, is without question, the most significant snowmobile to hit the industry in the past 10-years… maybe longer. To be clear, the appeal of the snoscoot isn’t about technology, it’s also not entirely about size, although the shrunken scale does play an important role. Instead, the snoscoot is poised to rekindle the true spirit of snowmobiling with long time enthusiasts, and in the same breath, potentially introduce that same spirit and allure to an entirely new generation of riders.

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THE MOTOR HAS ALL THE EXTRAS TO ENSURE IT’S DURABLE AND EASY TO USE AS WELL, INCLUDING INTEGRATED COMPRESSION RELIEF, ELECTRONIC IGNITION, AND A HIGH-OUTPUT MAGNETO. 60

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IF THE SNOSCOOT IS SUCCESSFUL, THE INDUSTRY WILL BE SINGING THE PRAISES OF THIS PINT-SIZE SLED FOR YEARS TO COME. SLED OF THE YEAR? MORE LIKE SLED OF THE DECADE. For now however, all this is little more than wishful praise. The SnoScoot is currently the “tweener” sled many enthusiasts have been asking for ever since the first SnoScoot left us after a four-year run in 1992. And if early interest holds water at the dealership, the first run of SnoScoots will be long gone before first snow hits.

Obviously, this isn’t the first time an entry level or youth-focused snowmobile has been introduced with aspirations of attracting new riders to the sport. The original SnoScoot, the Yamaha Inviter, and the Ski-Doo Freestyle, to name just a few, all hoped to broaden the appeal of snowmobiling. Each one of those endeavors failed to deliver for a multitude of reasons, ranging from poor product, misguided marketing, or bad timing. But for the new 200, the moment seems right, and the product is spot on.

On paper, the SnoScoot looks to be little more than a powered up 120, but aside from sharing the front cowl and belly-pan from its smaller sibling, this is a completely different and much more competent vehicle. To put it bluntly, the 200 is a “real” snowmobile. Power comes from a 200cc single 4-stroke, which came from Yamaha’s generator line-up, and received some massaging in order to deliver just over 9-horsepower at 5,400rpm. The motor has all the extras

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onsnow to ensure it’s durable and easy to use as well, including integrated compression relief, electronic ignition, and a high-output magneto. This added charge ensures the sled can operate a bright halogen headlamp, LED taillight, and standard hand warmers.

Perhaps the most important technical aspect of the new 200 is the drive system. Unlike the original SnoScoot, the new version features a full-functioning rpm sensing primary, and a composite roller cam secondary. Joining this big sled type system is a jackshaft to an enclosed rubber drive belt (replacing the traditional chain and sprockets), giving the sled the mechanical gearing advantage it needs, while creating a lightweight, maintenance free design. This combination delivers true up-shift and back-shift, which in turn makes the new 200 deep snow capable, even for adults who want to see what the hooting and hollering is all about.

The full-size tech doesn’t stop there.

Down where the action happens, a sliderail suspension delivers an impressive 8.5-inches of travel and supports a 90-inch

One of the technical attributes that makes the second generation SnoScoot standout and out-perform the original is the use of an rpm and torque sensing drive and driven clutch system. The design is much like a full-size sled, and features a roller, secondary jackshaft to driveshaft power transfer, and a cogged belt, replacing the traditional chaincase. This system allows the SnoScoot to always be in the “right” gear and deliver maximum power to the snow, making it truly deep snow capable.

One of the biggest challenges for all manufacturers in powersports is engine sourcing. If you don’t build your own, you have to find someone who does. Shockingly, there are only a handful of engine builders in the world for powersports vehicles. Fortunately for the SnoScoot and the ZR200, Yamaha is one of the biggest. The 200 features a tweaked generator motor that has been allowed to rev higher to produce the 9-horsepower target. According to some speed shops we spoke with, there’s still more lurking inside.

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The SnoScoot is available in traditional Yamaha Blue and a somewhat non-traditional scheme called Flashy White. The colorful graphic package was the choice of youth focus groups conducted by Yamaha, as they looked for the best combination that was appealing to youth outside of motorsports families.

Everything about the new SnoScoot is legit including the dual A-arm front suspension and cast spindle.

Many will remember the single leaf spring of the original SnoScoot…a simplistic approach to an over the snow vehicle that started life as a scooter.

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Camso Cobra track with 1-inch lugs. Joining this system to the front is a double A-arm suspension with 4.5-inches of travel and composite plastic skis. The vehicle is lightweight, and has ample torque with legit clutching, and enough track on the ground to deliver the necessary flotation, which makes the SnoScoot a go anywhere sled, even with an adult at the controls.

This past spring, the OSM crew had a chance to sample the SnoScoot and its sibling ZR200 in deep snow and thin air conditions, and we were absolutely blown away at where this little sled could take our 200-pound plus frames. This isn’t about speed, busting drifts, monster holeshots, carving corners, or bombing ditchlines.

The SnoScoot is about one simple attribute…having fun.

Of course, what the 200 really represents is a vehicle for youth… a missing link between

120s and full-size sleds. Perhaps even more importantly, the 200 has the potential to break down barriers and represents a back yard, adjacent park, or open field, winter-time fun machine for suburban families looking to embrace winter.

Remember those winter days riding the family sled around the yard for hours on end? The SnoScoot brings that opportunity back with a sled that is safer, more capable, more reliable, and frankly more fun.

Just like the original SnoScoot, the new 200 combines built-for-youth size with adult rider capable performance, and for this reason, the appeal of the 200 broadens even further.

Add to this, a host of accessories being produced by Arctic Cat, Yamaha, and the aftermarket to further enhance the power and capabilities, and the sky is the limit.

Speedwerx for example, has a long list of performance good-

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Straight forward and concise, the cockpit area of the SnoScoot has everything you need within easy reach, including a switch for the standard hand warmers.

ies in the pipeline for this coming winter. Some are race focused such as their 12-horsepower upgrade kit and stainless-steel exhaust system, but others are “big kid” add-ons such as heavyduty suspension spring kits, clutching, and belt tensioner.

Already, most of the major race organizations have brought the 200 under their racing umbrellas, adding both stock and modified classes to their ranks for the upcoming season.

The Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) and Yamaha Motor Canada has announced a rider support program for the SnoScoot class. Targeted at racers 6-12 years of age, the program will offer additional support to these riders and their families who want to go racing with CSRA this winter. While the introduction of a “tweener” sled to circuits like CSRA will undoubtedly help keep young racers in the sport longer, it doesn’t address the bigger need of attracting riders and families outside our world to the sport itself.

That somewhat monumental task is exactly what Bryan Hudgin, Marketing Manager for Yamaha Snowmobiles is hoping to accomplish this winter with his concept of an extensive, coast-to-coast Yamaha SnoScoot demo tour.

More than just an opportunity for snowmobiling families to experience the new 200, Bryan’s goal is to organize a midsize community tour across the Snowbelt, and reach out to non-snowmobiling families to join Yamaha for a few hours of fun on the snow.

Beyond giving kids a chance to ride the new SnoScoot, the events will target regional media in the hope of expanding the reach of the tour, and thereby delivering the message of having

CURRENTLY, THE TOUR IS IN PLANNING STAGES WITH FINAL LOCATIONS AND SUPPORTING DEALERS BEING WORKED OUT BEFORE GOING PUBLIC.

The view from the top may not give the SnoScoot the look of an adult capable sled, but with some tweaks such as bar riser, seat riser, and wider running boards…we can see ourselves laying down some laps in the backyard when the first snow arrives.

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CURRENTLY, THE TOUR IS IN PLANNING STAGES WITH FINAL LOCATIONS AND SUPPORTING DEALERS BEING WORKED OUT BEFORE GOING PUBLIC. The SnoScoot and ZR200 meet the Snowmobile Safety Certification Committee (SSCC) SSCC) standards to be classified as a “legit” snowmobile. This includes a functioning, ioning, high-output halogen headlight and LED taillight.

It looks like a legit rear suspension because it is one, complete with front and rear arm shocks with preload adjustment. There’s plenty of travel there too, and the 90-inch Camso track delivers ample traction and flotation with those 1-inch lugs.

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Currently, the tour is in planning stages with final locations and supporting dealers being worked out before going public. “This is something we all need,” Hudgin said, referring to the snowmobile industry.

“Our hope is, through this initiative, we can give new families a taste of the sport…to show them it’s not only fun, but safe.”

Hudgin said one of the biggest challenges of the tour will be finding the “right” families and getting them to attend.

It’s here where Bryan is asking existing snowmobiling families to get the word out, and possibly even bring a family unfamiliar with snowmobiling to a tour stop in their area. “I think we all know of a family who would enjoy this sport, but maybe they haven’t been exposed to it…the SnoScoot is the perfect vehicle to do it.”

CURRENTLY, THE TOUR IS IN PLANNING STAGES WITH FINAL LOCATIONS AND SUPPORTING DEALERS BEING WORKED OUT BEFORE GOING PUBLIC.

When you compare the vehicle size and weight to the footprint, you’ll soon realize why the SnoScoot can go just about anywhere.

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If the SnoScoot and ZR200 can successfully introduce snowmobiling to new riders, and reintroduce the value of family time back into the fabric of snowmobiling, it will go down as one of the most important snowmobiles in the history of the sport. But the SnoScoot alone can’t do it…it’s up to all of us to help make it happen.

With an attractive suggested retail price of just $3799 (US) $4599 (CAN), the SnoScoot is destined to appear in many backyards of existing snowmobiling families this first year.

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Want to go SnoScoot snocross racing this year with CSRA? Get hooked up with your local Yamaha dealer and he can give you more details on Yamaha’s Pro Support Program, designed to help youth racers get started in snocross.

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Updates, Techno Tips, Suspen sion Shockers, and Race Rock ets

The kids at the big factor ies have been working overtime this summer.

From when we tossed a leg over the saddle for our last ride of the 2017 season to now, tho se engineering minds hav e never stopped churning...always lookin g for ways to make the riding experience better or the podium hunt eas ier. From subtle change s prior to production, to a peek-a-boo at what the future may hold, here’s the latest in iron and innovation for 2018.

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THE BIGGEST ONE IS A NEW THERMOSTAT DESIGNED TO LOWER OPERATING TEMPERATURES THROUGH INCREASED FLOW.

C OOL E R R U N N I N G P O L A RIS Before production got rolling this summer in Roseau, the crew at big P alerted us to some key changes to our favorite big bore two-stroke that should only make it better. The biggest one is a new thermostat designed to lower operating temperatures through increased flow. According to Polaris, the new “stat” (shown on the left) lowers lowers temps from 125-degrees (51.6 C) to around 110-degrees (43.3 C). The new design increases flow by 12%, and with this change, the engine should deliver more consistent performance, and obviously, less chance for overheating in extreme conditions. The new thermostat will be in all 2018 800 HO engines. Joining this change is a more durable gas-temp sensor that is said to provide over 200-percent life improvement through a better connector and more durable element.

SIG NE D, S E A L E D , DEL I V E R E D Every year there are a host of durability improvements that happen behind the scenes, often never shared, but just happen in the name of a better product. However, big P did share that both their 600 and 800 HO Cleanfire engines will receive improved magneto end crank seals as well as sealed cross-shaft cavity crankcases for increased durability. Go ahead, throttle down with confidence.

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TR I P P I N G O U T F O R TR I O Every year, something at Hay Days stands out from the crowd and gets us jazzed for the approaching snow season. This time around, it was the new Trio front suspension from Timbersled that had us pulling the air horn on our big-rig tow vehicle with delight. No question, the snow bike era is upon us and the momentum continues to build. One of the biggest challenges with any of the conversion kits is the need to revalve, and often times increase the spring rates of the front forks to make the system more balanced. The addition of a big track out back and ski to the front, often upsets the balance of the bike, not to mention creating more work and cost to convert to snow and back to dirt. The Trio solves this issue by adding a center mounted piggy-back FOX Float air shock to the mix. Using the new Timbersled ARO spindle and ski (sold separately), and supplied upper mount for the lower triple tree, the kit eliminates bottoming, decreases unwanted dive, and delivers the correct damping and adjustable spring rate for virtually all riders and conditions. Equally important is how the Trio now makes the snow bike conversion process completely bolt-on. According to X-Games Snow BikeCross champ Brock Hoyer, who is one of the fastest guys we know on a snow bike, the Trio is nothing short of mind blowing. “I had six years of fork tuning and development for snow bikes, and then this came along and blew it all away…it’s amazing!”

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R MK S H O CK TW E A K S The monotube shocks found on 2018 RMK models got some new valving over the summer. The damping units will now feature “hi flow” Walker Evans pistons on the front suspension, as well as the rear track shock. This move should result in less bottoming when you hit the big one, and give you a softer, more compliant ride in normal conditions, or on the trail leading to the good stuff.

DU A L L U G H E I G H T C A M S O STO R M There was plenty of new innovations unveiled at Hay Days this September, and track maker Camso got in on the action as well with the introduction of their new Camso Storm 150 track. Developed in cooperation with Polaris, the new track is a crossover weapon, thanks to its dual lug height design. The track features 1.5-inch tall, cup-shaped lugs down the center band of the track, and 1.25-inch lugs on the outer bands. This combination delivers excellent acceleration and powder snow performance, while still allowing the track to pivot on-trail. This results in on-trail cornering performance similar to a traditional 1.25-inch track, but with greatly improved acceleration, braking, and powder snow performance. The track is based on a 2.86 pitch design, and will be available in 120, 137, and 146-inch lengths. While Polaris retains OEM exclusivity, Camso will also offer the track this season as an aftermarket option.

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LA UN CH CON T ROL From the saddle, suspension control is certainly nothing new. In fact, it has been around for more than 20-years in various forms. But Ski-Doo has undoubtedly developed the most successful and user-friendly variation with their running board mounted adjusters for the rMotion suspension. Now the company is offering even more control beyond preload and compression damping with a remote coupling block kit from their accessory department. The aptly named Remote Coupling Block Adjuster gives you on-the-fly control of rear torque arm coupling, with a cable actuated handlebar control. A simple twist can quickly uncouple the rear suspension for greater weight transfer, lighter steering, and throttle induced ski-lift for those ski-dangling, plumber-crack holeshots. A twist in the opposite direction puts the rear link back into coupled mode, delivering greater ski-pressure, reduced ski lift, and improved suspension compliance in whooped out trails. The kit will fit all rMotion skids from 2012 to 2018, and comes with a suggested retail price of $329.99 US/$404.99 CAD.

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RRID ID E COM M A N D A D D S RID IN G CON D IT ION S

S U C K I T U P B U TTE R CU P BBack in the “old days” of sledding, adjusting the front limiter strap was one of those rights of passage for most sledders looking to gain better ski bite or improved holeshot launch.

While this adjustment is rarely touched on today’s modern trail suspensions, the front arm limiter strap remains a viable tuning component for uncoupled suspensions found in crossover or mountain sleds. With the new, from the handlebar adjustable limiter strap kit from Ski-Doo, the days of compressing the front rail with your knee and banging knuckles with bolt and nut in hand are over. The kit delivers two levels of adjustment, which can be tailored to your liking by selecting the location of the two positions on your stock limiter strap. A simple twist of the knob will alter the attitude of your buggy from light and playful to more planted, and it’s ideal for off-trail riding, where changing the approach angle of the track to the snow can dramatically impact vehicle lift. The idea certainly isn’t new, and Ski-Doo has offered a similar tunnel mounted kit previously, but the new one allows you to keep both hands on the bars and make adjustments quicker and easier than before. The kit will fit all tMotion and cMotion suspensions from 2013-2018, and comes with a suggested price tag of $269.99 US/$329.99 CAD.

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We’re already big fans of the Polaris Ride Command application and associated Polaris Interactive Digital Display found on select models. Seems many of you are too. Polaris said more than 200,000 enthusiasts who enjoy snow and dirt have downloaded the application, and use the mapping and information it already delivers on the thousands of miles of trails and riding destinations across North America. Now this information will be even more useful, thanks to the addition of user uploaded, real-time trail conditions and riding area reports. A new map layer will show simple color-coded icons (green = good, blue = ok, red = poor). In addition, riders can add comments to their rating. Want to learn about a particular trail? Simply view the icon color and click on them for more insight…real time ratings by real riders.

What could be better? Just like the application, anyone can add a trail report, and those reports go live immediately and will stay active for one week from time of upload. The new addition is available now and of course, the Polaris Ride Command team will be monitoring the effectiveness and making tweaks along the way. If you’re not a Ride Command user yet, you can get yours by visiting your provider’s application store, or online at www.ridecommand.polaris.com If you truly want to experience Ride Command, sign up for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to an epic Ontario destination, and ride new Polaris sleds as part of OSM’s Command Your Ride Sweepstakes. Learn more by visiting www.osmmag.com/command

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BEA T T H E H EA T ON YOUR SK I-D OO

Order of Effectness Description

Covered by

1

Install improved drive belt (p/n 417300531)

2

Remove engine cover and modify CVT cover

Owner

3

Install shims on PTO engine mounts

Owner

4

Replace drive pulley fixed sheave

Owner

5

Replace MAG engine mount

Owner

6

Install engine compartment reinforment plate

Owner

Order of Effectness Description

Owner

Covered by

1

Change Gear Ratio (21/53)

2

Install improved drive belt (p/n 417300531)

Owner

3

Remove engine cover and modfy CVT cover

Owner

4

Instal shims on PTO engine mounts

5

Replace drive pulley fixed sheave

Owner

6

Install egine compartment reinforcement plate

Owner

BRP

BRP

If you follow the chat rooms, you likely have seen the buzz surrounding possible belt issues with select 2017 GEN4 Rev models. While the staff here at OSM experienced flawless performance from our 850 buggies last winter, some on the interweb say otherwise. To address those issues, Ski-Doo has recently announced a list of durability improvements for 2017 owners, (these same improvements along with others are already employed in the 2018 production models). To revisit, the 2018 buggies feature new gearing (Summit and Freeride models), new drive belt, improved CVT cooling, finned fixed pDrive sheave for improved air flow, revised calibration, and redirected air flow for more cooling on mountain sleds. To help owners of 2017 sleds who have experienced belt heat and durability issues, Ski-Doo is coming to the rescue by offering updated gearing and engine mount shims to owners of 154 and 165 Summit models at no charge. In addition, the company has communicated a long list of other driveline tweaks for owners of mountain sleds, as well as trail and crossover models, to further improve belt durability. Each recommendation is listed in order of effectiveness. For more information visit your local Ski-Doo dealer.

ARCT IC S VX 4 5 0 R EA D Y T O R A CE If you attended the Hay Days shindig this year, and took a tour through the Arctic Cat booth, you may have noticed something was missing. After giving everyone a shocking taste of their SVX 450 snow bike two years prior, the challenge of delivering a compliant, snowmobile certified vehicle to market has obviously proved more daunting than originally planned.

The SVX was not on display, but that doesn’t mean Cat is bagging the bike, not even close. According to Cat brass, the SVX will be taking the next step towards a full launch by entering into race program mode this winter. What this means is that would be racers can apply now to race the SVX 450 this winter, through the Arctic Cat race program. To learn more, visit the Team Arctic portion of the Cat website if you want to throw a leg over one this winter and race for the checkers.

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Race Iron 2018 POLARIS 600R While sideline jockeys will jokingly say brakes only slow you down, having a good set of binders on the snocross track is extremely important. Several times we’ve seen races lost due to brake fade or overheating, and it’s not unusual to see cherry red rotors and calipers during night races during multilap main events. For this reason, Polaris has upped the stopping capabilities of the new 600R with a floating stainless-steel rotor and new pads. The floating design should help prevent warping due to excessive heat.

A slightly taller spindle (.5-inch) gives the ’18 race buggy greater clearance in the often crater littered tracks.

More clearance means less speed scrub caused by the lower arms and pan making contact with the snow. The geometry change is said to also give the sled improved cornering traits.

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The seat may look the same, but a new cover compound is said to improve durability and give racers greater grip when they pinch the seat with their knees.

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SHOCKS, BRAKES, AND TWEAKS… THE RETURNING CHAMP IS READY For many years, Polaris has employed the use of a dual angle sheave on their primary clutch. But with belt compounds become stiffer, the team moved to a straight cut, in hopes of gaining better pinch and bite for improved holeshots.

After big changes to the 600R for 2017, and Pro Open championships on both sides of the border with Colby Crapo taking top honors in CSRA, and Kody Kamm with top honors in ISOC, the Polaris crew turned the page to 2018 with an eye on improvements to continue the momentum. From first glance, the new racer looks much the same as its 2017 predecessor, but the devil is in the details, and according to Polaris Race Manager Tom Rager Jr. the 2018 600R is poised to pick up where it left off…winning races. Big changes include new Velocity shocks up front, taller spindles with geometry tweaks, a straight cut sheave on the primary clutch, new seat, and a new floating stainless-steel brake rotor with new pads.

New Walker Evans Velocity shocks features a position sensitive, bypass circuit to give the race buggy a more compliant ride in the small junk. A mid-mount piggy bag marks the point where the piston moves past the circuit and returns to full compression valving. From here, the damping curve ramps progressively upward to handle the big holes and massive jump landings. The inboard and mid-point position of the reservoir forced Polaris engineers to design a new upper A-arm, which allowed them to incorporate added protection for the shock that previously was exposed to the turn-one melee and contact.

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Race Iron 2018 SKI-DOO MXZX 600RS DIRECT INJECTED GEN4 RACER...

YELLOW FEVER RETURNS There once was a time when SkiDoo poured enormous amounts of time, money, and resources into the race sled effort. Sadly, as of late that effort has paled in comparison. But when we cast our eyes on the all-new 600RS, and learned about the significant amount of race ready goodness housed within, we knew the checkbook was open and the yellow horde is looking for nothing less than the top spot on the box this winter. Built upon the new Gen4 REV platform, and riding atop a race specific RAS 3 front suspension, power is being punched out from an all-new 850-inspired 600 engine outfitted second generation, direct injection.

The new 600RS is race ready legit, and gives us a sneak peek at what may come in consumer trim in the near future.

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Rear suspension duties will look familiar to most as the Racing rMotion returns, albeit lighter than before. But here again, improvements can be found including new rear shock calibration and motion ratio, as well as new 46mm KYB Pro series center shock featuring a piggyback reservoir with compression adjustment.

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The much narrowed and active rider, ergonomically focused Gen4 platform is the foundation for the new 600 racer, but includes key race specific changes including a tapered and tilted tunnel, lightweight heat exchanger, 5-gallon fuel tank, and new motocross inspired seat.

Lastly on the key changes list, we found updated drive and driven clutching with a TEAM TSS-04 secondary clutch, new slip gear design with a tweaked final drive ratio, and new harder-compound drive belt.

Down here on the running board, your eyes will immediately notice a new racing foot box, designed to keep riders from moving too far forward on the race buggy. What you won’t see is a revised Brembo brake system featuring a four-piston caliper and stainless-steel rotor for more consistent performance and improved durability.

Undoubtedly, the biggest change to the 2018 Doo racer is found underneath the sexy cowl. It’s here where the heart of a new, direct-injected 600RS E-TEC engine resides. A combination of existing 600 crank and revised case, and a derivative of the 850 mono-block cylinder and intake tract make up the new 599cc power plant.

The short intact tract is very similar to the 850 motor, and should result in better throttle response and quicker to rev characteristics. Clearly, an 850-inspired design, we wouldn’t be going out on limb to say this could very well be the architecture of the next generation consumer focused 600 E-TEC.

Similar to consumer Gen4 models, the racer sports an RAS 3 front suspension.

Look beyond the name and you’ll find many race ready changes including longer-travel KYB Pro 40R shocks, taller spindles for greater snowpack to chassis clearance, and a new lightweight Pilot R2 ski which was tested much of last year by pro riders Tim Tremblay and Lincoln Lemieux.

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Race Iron 2018 ZR600R SX

LIGHTER, LEANER, LONGER…THIS AINT NO HOUSE CAT Things are shaping up to be one helluva race season this winter, Pro Open rule changes be damned. All three race players have come to the table with big changes, and if you believe the feedback on the new 2018 6000R “crosser” from top Cat race jocks Tucker Hibbert and Logan Christian, you may just as well hand over the hardware now. Undoubtedly, the visual changes to the Cat SX racer are dramatic, but it’s what you can’t see that has guys like Hibbert more excited than ever for the race season to start. Coming in at 20-pounds lighter, with more than 350 new parts, the sled touts a longer track for great stability and traction, more power and quicker response, and a new front suspension geometry that Hibbert calls amazing. The new 2018 6000R SX is ready to pounce its way to victory.

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The continued growth of track length has been experienced in all areas of the sport including racing, where race sleds have migrated to the 129-inch length due to its greater stability and much needed traction. Cat is now further accelerating this track stretch with the move to a 136-inch track, wrapped around a revised Slide-Action rear skid. The change puts 6 more inches of track on the ground, and should result in more traction leading to better holeshots, improved braking, and enhanced stability in the rough stuff.

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onsnow Ergonomics are key in the active riding world of racing. The new 6000R SX has been narrowed in all the right areas and features a dramatically revised seat and a 3-gallon fuel tank, which opened up lots of space for engineers to redesign and shape the upper cowl and console, to allow riders to hug the buggy and get up and over the front of the machine in the corners.

Powertrain experts are always searching for more power, especially when it comes to racing. With holeshots often the deciding factor in many snocross races, the C-TEC2 6000 engine with EFI returns with a 15% bump in horsepower and torque, and a 20% gain in throttle response. To get there, Cat developed new cylinders and exhaust valves to help the exhaust and intake flow, which slices through V-Force reeds.

If you can look past the all-new upper hood cowl, which uses the same headline assembly as found on the ZR200, you’ll find a new nosecone and airbox assembly, which eliminates internal foam and baffles and now features intake screen on the rearward side of the cone.

If the talk is even close to how this sled will perform on the track, then snocross racers are in for big changes when it comes to handling. A much-revised ARS front suspension features increased caster, adjustable camber, and greater ground clearance. Early tests of the design have the suspension working better in virtually every area of the track.

Illustrating their desire to win in all forms of snowmobile racing, Arctic Cat is the only manufacturer to also dedicate resources to build a cross-country version of their race buggy. The new 6000R XC doesn’t incorporate the same level of change as the SX, mostly due to the fact that those types of suspension and ergonomics changes would hamper the performance of the high-speed, natural terrain weapon. With a winning pedigree including a dominant performance in last year’s I-500 cross-country race by Zach Herfindahl, key changes this year include a new TEAM driven clutch, TEAM Rapid Response II drive clutch with auto-adjusting belt tension, and lightweight drive and secondary shafts for a 2.4-pound weight reduction; a fully clipped Ripsaw II track and robust four-wheel axle shaft; and a new seat design that allows racers to get low and sling a leg over the seat, a must for the early season ice races that make up the USXC cross-country tour.

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2018 POLARIS SKS 146 GETS SHORTER AND GOES FURTHER With most Polaris models making the switch to the AXYS chassis in 2015 and 2016 model years, the move not only brought greater balance and handling, it also created a snowmobile with greater versa lity. This blending of on-trail and off-trail capabili es mirrored the market as more and more riders looked for a sled they could rally on-trail one weekend, and bomb powder and boondock trees the next. While the SKS (Snow King Special) nomenclature has been a part of the Polaris mix for the be er part of 30-years, when the name resurfaced in 2016 with a 155-inch track, it was in essence, a base model RMK. However, for 2018 the new SKS 146 is not only shorter in length, but it redefines deep snow versa lity with a sma ering of more trail friendly a ributes.

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THE PLATINUM

hair crowd will likely remember the first iteration of the SKS. Those early Indy sleds featured a “stretched” track and skid-frame, giving riders a whopping 133.5-inches of flotation. Conversely, the new for 2018 “short” SKS 146 has more track, more traction, more travel, more power, and more capability in every way. In other words, this is not your father’s SKS. The crew at Polaris were feeling rather smug about the newest SKS this past spring, when we had our second chance to sling a leg over the saddle. Our first ride was on the trails and ditches near the Polaris manufacturing plant in Roseau, Minnesota, and frankly we didn’t give the sled much time, as we were enamored with the impressive Titan leading the “what’s new charge” for the upcoming model year. But come March, we gave the SKS 146 our undivided attention and we’re glad we did.

While much of the “new” sled is pure RMK, it’s the back-half where things get different, and in many ways better when it comes to serving up versatility and improved all-around performance. The shorter and less aggressive track alone makes the SKS much more versatile.

The smaller lug height, shorter track, and tippedup nature of the rear rails all help to give the SKS much improved on-trail habits, without taking away from its deep snow

“

…THE IGX SUSPENSION DELIVERS BETTER RIDE QUALITY WHEN BOMBING DEEP SNOW FLATS AND CREEK BEDS

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Thanks to the additional front-arm travel of the IGX rear suspension and the easy adjustability of the Walker Evans shocks, the SKS 146 can be a very adept at bombing hard pack whoops.

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A narrowed front stance (adjustable from 39, 40, and 41-inches) and pure RMK ergonomics makes the SKS an inc in ncred cred r ibl iblyy adept adep pt powder powd powd w er e sled. sle lled. d incredibly he shorter s ort sh orter er track, tra ack ck, k, qu q ick revving revvvvi re viing n The quick H power, power po wer e , and and balanced balanc bal anc nced ed d 800 HO AX AXY X S chas XY chas assis si , ttruly sis rulyy made rul made de this th his AXYS chassis, on ne of o the the e ea asiest sleds asies asi sleds ds for fo or us us one easiest o “flflick ick k” iin n the the he pow p derr. to ick” powder.

Aside from the new track and length, the SKS 146 has other key features that will make off-trail riders happy including traction laden PowderTrac hybrid running boards with ample snow evacuation holes; Walker Evans Piggyback clicker shocks up front; and reduced rise ProTaper bars with integrated bar-end hooks.

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The IGX rear suspension was introduced last year in the Switchback Assault and has now been revised and tweaked for the SKS in a slightly longer 146-inch version. A blending of a long-travel front arm found on the Rush and Switchback models and a deep snow ready rear geometry, we found the skid to perform incredibly well in deep snow bombing runs, where a purer off-trail design would “crash through”.

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roots. Originally pegged to have a Peak 2.25-inch lug track spinning at the rear, which we found to be very good, a mid-summer change from the engineering crew now has a Series 5.2 2.25-inch lug track taking up residence. The new track is designed from the Series 5.1 track, the same track that has taken Polaris to the top of Snow King Mountain in Jackson Hole for the championship for the past several years.

The other major change to the SKS, and frankly the most important one, is the move to the IGX rear suspension. The IGX or Improved Geometry Xover, is the same rear suspension introduced on the Switchback Assault last year. If you recall, we gave the IGX skid high-praise for its much improved on-trail on tra attributes, compared to the RMK type suspension t previously found under-tunnel of the un Assault. Not surprisingly, the IGX skid surpris delivers those same traits here. sam With a slightly longer footprint (146 lon vs. 144), the IGX suspension has been slightly recalibrated.

Beyond that, the th suspension delivers the kind of blended performance we w experienced with the 2017 Assault. To do so, the skid fea features the same front torque arm and geometry a as found on Rush and Switchback models, giving it far more travel (43% versus the RMK suspension architecture). This greatly improved travel at the front of skid is a big reason the suspension works so much better on the trail, especially when mounted in the AXYS chassis with its centralized rider and

“

…THIS IS NOT YOUR FATHER’S SKS.

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Introduced last year, the SKS 146 comes equipped with the all-digital Message Center gauge. While not as robust as the Polaris Interactive Digital Display, it serves up a wealth of information in a compact and lightweight package.

mass design. Of course, the rear of the suspension has been tweaked to better mate with the front, and also features a tipped rail design to once again deliver improved hard pack performance.

With so much focus on making the SKS perform better on-trail, off-trail riders will be happy to know the sled remains pure RMK in the deep stuff. In fact, it’s hard to decipher a difference between the SKS 146 and comparable RMK model, especially when bombing meadows or exploring tight wooded backcountry. While the SKS won’t serve up the same flotation and deep snow performance as an RMK, the IGX suspension delivers better ride quality when bombing deep snow flats and creek beds.

In many ways, the SKS 146 represents the continued sub-segmentation of the broadly defined crossover category. In this case, the buggy is more deep snow focused, and delivers its versatile performance where the trail ends, but does so with enough on-trail capability to get you there with improved comfort and control. A trail tamer it’s not, but for low altitude riders who venture west a few times a year, and spend more time making tracks than following them, the 2018 Snow King Special 146 could very well be your ideal throne.

If you’re a regular reader, you already know we absolutely love the power delivery of the 800 HO motor. This is the sweetest, smoothest, and quickest revving big bore on snow, and we never grow tired of squeezing the juice.

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Words & Photos: Pat Bourgeois

THE WINTER SEASON OF 1997-98 WAS IN MANY WAYS A HIGH-WATER MARK FOR THE SNOWMOBILE INDUSTRY. By the close of the season, the industry sold 260,000 snowmobiles world-wide, the most since the early 1970s and sadly a number we haven’t come close to meeting since. Snow was plentiful, sales were brisk, the economy booming, and the industry was flush with aftermarket companies and tourism destinations all making a happy living from snowmobiles. On the racing side, things were just as robust. Snocross had unstoppable momentum and the manufacturers were supporting the fast-growing sport with unquestionable enthusiasm and budgets. All four were entrenched in the game, and each supported a factory backed team in hopes of winning big and capturing more market share at the dealership the following week. But it wasn’t just the snowmobile industry paying attention to the sport’s second coming, there was interest beyond the snowbelt when ESPN came knocking and snocross became the first official snowmobile event of Winter X games in January of 1998. This year will mark the 20th anniversary of snowmobile competition at Winter X Games, and if some of the rumors are true, quite possibly the last for snocross competition. With that, here’s a look back at the first Winter X Games snocross competition.

Everything about the first X-Games for sleds was new and exciting. It was first time since ABC Sports covered the Eagle River World Championships had snowmobile racing found itself center stage with a national television audience.

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Conditions for that final race in Crested Butte, Colorado were dismal at best. Aside from a makeshift track, a steady snow, a low cloud deck, and at time white out conditions added to the challenges and nerves facing 10 drivers who made up the first X-Games snocross final.

All four manufacturers were completely engaged with snocross racing including Yamaha which fielded a formidable team that included Nathan Titus.

Winter X in 1998 was just as much about being a part of the event as was the race itself. Teams, racers, families, media, and manufacturer employees were all a bit awe struck by the moment, and many could be seen taking it all in. Here Blair Morgan (front and center) is joined by teammates, friends, family, and members of the media as they enjoy the day after the snocross final.

While certainly a favorite to win, although perhaps not by the ESPN producers who spent the better part of the week building up to the final focusing on Blair Morgan, Toni Haikonen took the win.

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I remember this moment vividly as I snapped these podium shots. Toni Haikonen was flanked by Dennis Burks and Per Berggren, who finished second and third respectively, atop the box in a moment of celebration. Their excitement was contagious and genuine and for that brief moment, snowmobiling was part of the mainstream.

History has a funny way of changing your perspective. Looking back at the final list of competitors, it truly was stacked with talent. Still, all eyes were on the “Flying Fin” Toni Haikonen and “Superman” Blair Morgan.

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The rules were a bit different during those early X Games, and while many teams had trailers to work from, they were nothing like the mega haulers of today. In fact, it was not unusual to see top teams making adjustments to sleds out in the open, for everyone, including the ESPN cameras to see.

Jesse Strege was part of that first X Games and like many athletes in attendance, the experience alone was almost surreal. A promotion leading up to the ‘98 X Games featured Evil Knievel “sticking it to the man”. Thus, I captured Jesse “sticking it to the man” as well.

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Snocross wasn’t the only “non-traditional” winter sport at X-Games that year. Snow Mountain Bike Downhill was also on tap.

The importance and significance of Winter X-Games is made evident by Aaron Scheele’s custom painted helmet, sprayed exclusively for this one event.

Back then, Winter X wasn’t broadcast live, but the production was above and beyond anything the snowmobile industry has seen before.

Just like today, there was plenty of waiting at that first Winter X-Games. With no live broadcast schedule to adhere to, the schedule was largely dependent upon when the weather was cooperating and all the cameras were rolling.

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While the crowd pales in comparison today’s, in 1998 the event truly was a made for television event. In fact, the entire facility and community were ill prepared for any type of crowd. This was the era of true mod sleds, and when they cracked to life, spectators at other events disappeared and made their way to the snocross track to see what this new event was all about.

Legendary Indy car announcer Paul Page was joined by then snocross announcer Greg Creamer to call the shots for the first Winter X snocross.

Jesse Strege bombing the downhill in the flat light conditions that plagued the snocross event in both qualifying and the final.

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At the time, Jim Beck Jr. was a rising snocross star and he like many on the weekend, enjoyed a few extra days at Crested Butte to hit the slopes.

Much like today, an uphill start was a signature attribute of the snocross track.

The ski and snowboard community of Crested Butte was put squarely on the map after Winter X and despite the event never returning, the place remains special to many who competed there.

Moments before the start of the 1998 final at Winter X: From left to right: Morgan, Scheele, Burks, Hyde, Crapo, Haikonen, Berggren, Vincent, Hibbert, and Reimer.

Jaime Anseeuw (far left), Barrie Dawson (center), who were an essential part of the Blair Morgan (far right) racing effort while with Arctic Cat, were shadowed by a pair from ESPN throughout the twodays of racing.

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Where the Rugged Canadian Shield and Manitoba’s Wheat Field Horizons Meet, Resides a Snowmobile Destination Rich in Variety and Ripe with Hospitality isps of snow swirled across the dotted center line as our truck and trailer kept its due north heading. With one eye on the road, the other carefully surveyed the ditch line where churned snow, exploded cattails, and windrows of strewn snow and debris crossed each road ap-

proach. With the horizon stretching far into the distance, the vastness and beauty of the Midwestern prairie was evident.

Coupled with several inches of fresh snow from a much-welcomed Alberta clipper system, we were more than eager to reach our final destination and experience the open running for ourselves.

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WITH OUR DROP-IN POINT AT THE DAYS INN IN STEINBACH FINALLY REACHED, WE UNLOADED, FUELED UP, AND HIT THE HIGH-SPEED TRAILS OF THE WIDE-OPEN PRAIRIE SURROUNDING THIS GERMAN NAMED TOWN, FOUNDED IN 1874 BY 18 MENNONITE FAMILIES.

U

ntil then, we were content to scan the road ahead for the telltale signs of arrow markers and snow dust.

As luck would have it, our trip to ride the trails of Manitoba coincided with the running of the legendary International 500 (I-500) cross-country race. Sanctioned by the Minnesota based United States XCountry (USXC), the race had been in the planning stages for years and last winter it made its triumphant return, embarking from Winnipeg, Manitoba, just as it did in 1966, the year the Winnipeg to St. Paul race first ran.

As Zach Herfindahl went on to win the return of this legendary race with a blistering run in the road ditches of northern Minnesota, we arrived at our drop-in-point of Steinbach, Manitoba, a prairie town just south and east of Winnipeg. Watching the

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Rail is a primary form of transportation of goods in this part of the country, and the open running trails often intersect with these rail-thoroughfares.

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we’re convinced Manitoba ranks amongst the very best snowmobile destinations in the world.

racers tear up the road ditch course earlier in the day had us more than ready to hit the wide and flowing trails that follow the roadways of this area.

But Manitoba is more than wide open prairie and groomed ditches…much more. Diversity abounds in this region of Manitoba, where the convergence of two distinct topographical elements come together. To the west lies the seemingly never-ending expanse of prairie, where the days are long and a majestic sunset turns the horizon into a nearly infinite hue of burning colors. To the east and north, the exposed rock outcroppings of the Canadian Shield erupt from the land with hard-edged abruptness. Scattered amongst the undulating terrain are thick pine forests, spruce bogs, and deep, clear water lakes - many of which are connected together via frozen rivers to form a chain-link or off-trail riding opportunities.

Huddled between these two very different landscapes is a narrow band of transitional forest, a mixture of hardwood and pine,

often clinging to the waterways that make their eventual way north to Lake Winnipeg.

Twisting and weaving their way through all of these varied landscapes are hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails which are part of a provincial network that is nothing short of first-class. Groomed extra wide, spectacularly smooth, and wellmarked; these trails have all the ingredients necessary to make tracks, without having to scrutinize your chosen path.

From the prairies and high-speed diches of Steinbach to the transitional Sandilands Provincial Forest to the rugged and lake dotted Whiteshell Provincial Park, there’s a surprise around every turn, and a riding experience that is out of this world.

In many ways, this little slice of Manitoba mirrors the diversity of the entire province. Manitoba is perhaps one of the most varied in all of Canada, featuring rivers, mountains, forests and prairies from east to west and unforgiving Arctic tundra to the north and rich farmland to the south.

Our unexpected, but much welcomed guides for a portion of our trip were from left to right, Randy Williams, Tim Torch, and Curtis Shymko. We ran into the trio and their wives while at a shelter, and they graciously gave us a mini-tour of the region including a stop at one of their favorite overlooks. Thanks guys!

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If shorter loops are what you’re after, southeastern Manitoba has you covered here as well.

And after experiencing the trails and hospitality this region has to offer during our brief three-day trip, we’re convinced Manitoba ranks amongst the very best snowmobile destinations in the world.

Managing the trails throughout the province is Snowmobilers of Manitoba (SNOMAN), the provincial snowmobile association linking together the many clubs across the region, and for visitors, represents the ideal place to source all the information you’ll need to plan your trip.

With trail condition reports, map downloads, license and fee information, and direct links to local clubs,

As we traveled east, the open terrain gave way to forests, and the town of Marchand proudly proclaimed everything was great.

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planning a snowmobile trip to Manitoba is just a few clicks away.

More than just varied terrain, the makeup of trails in the region, especially in and around the Whiteshell Provincial Forest offers something for everyone. Those looking to lay down big mileage tracks will easily be satisfied as you loop far north to the communities that dot the southern shores of Lake Winnipeg.

From there you can return south through the prairie towns of Brokenhead, Milner Ridge or Beausejour, a community rich in snowmobile racing heritage, having hosted the

Canadian Power Toboggan Championships since 1962.

If shorter loops are what you’re after, southeastern Manitoba has you covered here as well. The trails within the Whiteshell Provincial Park, as well as the multiple loops north of Pinawa offer seemingly never-ending options for shorter trips - perfect for families or groups who value a trailside cookout or hearty meal at a local establishment as much as the ride itself.

And when it comes to hospitality, there’s no shortage. From bigger city motels to lakeside lodges, the area has something

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As we continued our journey east, the hardwoods gave way to pine forests, and things change quickly as you enter the Whiteshell region.

for everyone. We were especially impressed with the Pinewood Lodge, located in the heart of lake country in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.

The full-service resort has everything you need to make this your homebase including fuel, a full restaurant, indoor pool and fitness center, and complimentary continental breakfast.

In fact, we liked it so much, we’re

returning this winter to further explore the trails of this region.

To say we were pleasantly surprised with Manitoba would be a huge understatement. After having ridden nearly every self-proclaimed world-renowned snowmobile destination in North America, Manitoba may have just put them all to shame.

Well marked trails are complimented with intersection maps with area business highlights, making it easy to find your next fuel stop or afternoon lunch stop.

Snow conditions for this area of Manitoba were down compared to “normal” years, but conditions were still fantastic. Each trail is well-marked with a number system that coincides with the regional map.

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BEFORE YOU GO SNOMAN There are two stops you’ll definitely want to make online before you plan your trip to Manitoba this winter. The first is to the SNOMAN website. Here you’ll be able to download maps, check trail conditions, sign-up for updates, and learn what type of pass you’ll need to purchase before you go. www.snoman.mb.ca

We were fortunate to connect with some local riders who led us directly to the Brereton Lake Resort for lunch. Not your traditional greasy burger joint, the food was worthy of a Food Network special, and the hospitality had us never wanting to leave.

Trail conditions, signage, and ample trail shelters made it evident that area clubs have considerable pride in their system.

This far north, things can get cold, even for die-hard snowmobilers. Elaborate trail shelters are abundant, and most feature a wood burning stove, solar or gas-powered lighting, and a chance to relax and rehash the day’s ride.

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Each shelter we came upon seemed to be more elaborate than the last. The Eleanor Lake Shelter was so well equipped, we contemplated rolling out a bedroll for the evening.

TRAVEL MANITOBA For trip planning beyond the trail as well as researching a wide array of accommodation, direct your browser to the Travel Manitoba website. This was our go to site when it came to sourcing accommodations, and it’s also a great tool to find other Manitoba attractions if you’re planning on making your winter time visit a family trip. www.travelmanitoba.com The aptly named Tourist Hotel and Restaurant was a popular stop.

Located just south of Seven Sisters, the pizza was top notch.

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SNOPASS Every snowmobile on your trip to Manitoba will be required to have a Snopass. The pass is the primary funding source for maintenance of the trails, and with trails this good, it’s money well spent. An annual pass is $150.00, or you can opt for a 7-day pass for just $75.50 (and yes those are Canadian dollars). If you want to plan ahead, you can order your Snopass via mail.

Every snowmobile on your trip to Manitoba will be required to have a Snopass.

for non-manitoba residents, the following elements are required to purchase a Snopass:

$ Proof of registration and insurance

Proof of minimum $500,000 third-party liability coverage.

Proof of age (must be 17 or older, those 16 years-of-age can also purchase a pass with letter of authorization from parent or guardian).

Details can be found on the SNOMAN website www.snoman.mb.ca

Riding in the Whiteshell area is a thrill a minute, with ever-changing terrain quickly transitioning from spruce bogs to rocky vistas.

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The scenery within the Whiteshell Provincial Park is breathtaking, with rocky islands erupting from the ice pack and trails following along, between, and over the terrain.

While you can’t snowmobile directly into the city of Winnipeg, you can get darn close and it doesn’t take long when running the open trails of the prairie.

The Seven Sisters dam is Manitoba’s largest producer of hydro-electricity on the Winnipeg River and the first stage of the massive structure was completed in 1931. The snowmobile trail travels directly over the top of the dam, giving you a bird’s eye view of the turbulent water below.

Before reaching the Canadian Shield, many trails are mega-groomed forest roads that are blazing fast.

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shop hustle

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Shocker Hitch

aybe it was the hot mid-day sun, or maybe it was the beer. Either way, last year during the big Hay Days show we found ourselves trailer deep and hitchless.

I know what you’re thinking…how in the hell does a snowmobiler go anywhere, especially to the world’s largest snowmobile event, and not have a big ball to tow home your swap meet finds. Don’t ask.

No maħer, I was convinced someone in the massive Hay Days jungle would have a hitch for sale, and boy did they ever. The bright red finish, over-the-top build quality, and sheer size of the Shocker Hitch immediately caught my aħenধon. Ađer listening to owner Bob Sagen’s pitch on his ingenious receiver mount hitch, I ponied up the cash and I haven’t used a convenধonal hitch since.

Bob is from Arthur, North Dakota, which others simply call big farm country. Out there the fields go on forever and the

equipment those boys use comes in two sizes, big and bigger.

Bob developed the Shocker Hitch first and foremost for farming applicaধons, but it worked so well, he soon had plenty of other everyday towers lined up to buy one.

What makes the Shocker Hitch unique is its heavy-duty, adjustable air-bag suspension that works to eliminate unwanted bouncing, jerking, clunking, and other towing maladies. Rated to tow up to 12,000 pounds with a tongue weight up to 1,200 pounds, it’s clear this hitch was built for big jobs. According to Bob, he originally developed the Shocker to tow ferধlizer spreaders back and forth from the elevator to the field with a pickup.

Living in farm country, Bob made sure the hitch could handle the biggest loads and deliver enough adjustability to accommodate any tow rig. Here’s how it works.

Beyond the air cushion, the Shocker Hitch features plenty of adjustability. It comes standard with a 2” and 2 5/16” combination ball mount, and features four positions of height adjustability by removing the dual pins and adjusting the mount up or down. The Shocker Hitch company also offers other types of receivers including gooseneck, tongue mount, and 5th wheel applications. In addition, if the popular combo hitch doesn’t meet your needs, you can choose from raised or dropped ball mounts.

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The key to the Shocker’s performance is this heavy-duty air bag which delivers an air-ride suspension for the hitch itself. When adjusted correctly, the Shocker virtually eliminates the jounce, clunk, and other unwanted ride characteristics associated with towing. Our first experience with the Shocker was with an empty, tandem axle car hauler. With a standard hitch and an empty trailer, we nearly lost our fillings on a section of road littered with old frost heaves. A return trip with the same trailer, and this time a properly adjusted Shocker, left us nearly stunned. The ride was vastly smoother and the unwanted bounce was nearly indiscernible.

The key to achieving proper performance with the Shocker Hitch is to first ensure your trailer is at your final tow load capacity. Be it empty, full of gear, or sleds, you want to make your air pressure adjustment after you’ve reached the towing weight for the task at hand. Once you’ve done that, and with the trailer full and connected to your tow rig, add air pressure to the bag until the green jounce bumper just starts to become squeezed between the two metal plates. This is the optimum ride pressure for your given load.

Adjustments to the air bar are done through a traditional valve. Since you may not always have access to compressed air, we keep an extra FOX FLOAT air shock pump behind the seat. It may take several pumps to get the bag inflated to the correct level, but it works.

Properly loaded and inflated, the Shocker Hitch will deliver about 1-inch of travel (the amount shown between the bolt head and the black plate). The Shocker Hitch literally transforms the towing experience and it’s now the only hitch we’ll use.

To learn more, direct your browser to shockerhitch.com. On the website, you’ll find a full selecধon of Shocker Hitches, how to videos, FAQs, and ordering informaধon. Suggested retail price for the 2” Shocker with combo mount is $399 (US); considerably more than a convenধonal hitch, but in our opinion, worth every cent.

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BY GOODWOOD AND BEERSTEIN

TearDown G

oodwood here, comin’ at you minus ‘ol Beerstein. These tight pant, pointy shoe wearin’ OSM Magazine types tell me you fellers read this here Tear Down column a month or two after I write it. That’s a little hard to believe seein’ as how Beerstein and me can get sled parts the next day through the interwebs. But I guess it has to do with that whole magazine printing thing puttin’ the whole deal a few weeks out.

Anywho…the reason I bring this up, and the reason there’s no Beerstein in this installment, is he’s busy with his nephew out in the shop. See, it’s summer right now, and Beerstein’s sister and brother-in-law like to get their kids out of the house and away from all those electronic devices kids can’t seem to live without these days. Beerstein’s niece and other nephew, they go off to camp somewhere and learn about real world things like campin’ and swimmin’. And before we get any letters and e-mails askin’ for pics of Beerstein’s sister, I gotta warn ya ‘ol Beerstein’s like a cornered mink when it comes to lookin’ after his sister. You’ve been warned.

Now, this ain’t the first time Beerstein’s nephew came to sit with us. Nope.

The first time he showed up he thought he’d be takin’ advantage of us. See, he snuck all his video games along with him and once his mom was around the bend and outta sight down the driveway, he made a beeline for the house. Yup, he reckoned he’d just plug in and start doin’ that online gamin’ thing with his pretend friends. Me and Beerstein, we may not be any sorta computer geeks, but we sure as heck been in a few rodeos, so that caused a little metal on metal friction.

“Hey! Where you goin’?” Beerstein said, stopping the kid in his tracks.

“I’m going inside, I have a Halo campaign going and need to log in,” he said.

Now, Beerstein, you can tell when his dander’s up just by the look on his face. That and because his ears’ll turn beet red. And let me tell you, they were getting’ redder by the second.

“I don’t know what no Halo is, but we got stuff in the shop to do, so you better go change into your work duds and get out here.”

Now, this kid, he just turned on his heel and went inside. I s’pose if you coulda seen me you woulda seen my eyes gets as big as saucers right there, cuz I knew ‘ol Beerstein wasn’t gonna take too kindly to that. So, Beerstein, he drops everything and starts walkin’ toward the house, slow

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who?

ARE GOODWOOD AND BEERSTEIN

Native to the windswept fields and ditches, swamps and thickets, and deep forests of the northwoods, Goodwood and Beerstein are salt-ofthe-earth, down-home country boys who’ll just as soon drink all your cold ones or steal your girlfriend.

They work hard and play harder, spending every spare moment scaring up game, hooking big ones and, of course, making things faster. Especially snowmobiles. They share their stories here each month because they said not everything in snowmobiling starts and ends with a flat brim hat (actually it’s because they lost a bet, but they don’t like people to know they lose so we can’t say that).

SPIT SHINE DON’T MAKE EM GO, BUT IF YA GOT LOTS OF SPRAY UNDER THE SEAT, A LITTLE EXTRA GLEAM KEEPS THE COMPETITION GUESSING. SHINE ONCE, JUICE TWICE…THAT’S WHAT BEER ALWAYS SAYS.

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THEM’S AIN’T PARTICIPATION TROPHIES… THOSE KIDS EARNED THAT HARDWARE.

YA DON’T NEED A NEW SHINY SNOW ROCKET TO GET KIDS INTERESTED IN SNOW BUGGIES…JUST SOME TIME, A CHEAP SCOOTER, AND AN OPEN, SNOW COVERED FIELD AND THEY’LL BE HOOKED FOR LIFE.

all you do all day, what are you gonna know how to do when it comes time to go off on your own? You know, after school’s over?”

He didn’t have a good answer to that one, so I told him to come out and see what his ‘ol uncle Beerstein does to stay busy.

I hear a lotta you snowmobile club guys, race circuit guys and even the media and sled factories sayin’ the sport’s dyin’.

Well, it is. But that ain’t because kids don’t like sleds. Heck, Beerstein had that kid rebuildin’ his first twin by the time he left, and he swapped a track on another buggy we had layin’ around. Beerstein, he’s got a thick hide, but he’s sure got a and even like. I only seen Beerstein get in this mood a handful of times, and most times you just let him be, but this time I grabbed his arm and reeled him back in.

“Beer, man, hold on now! He’s a kid. Let’s think about this a little.”

“Goodwood, I’m here to tell you, there ain’t no kid gonna sit in our place and play video games when we got all this stuff, he needs to be a kid right out here in the shop.”

“Well, let me go in there and get him back on track,” I says to Beer. “You go out in the shop and we’ll be there in a few minutes.”

I finally got Beer calmed down, then I went inside and had a little talk with the kid. Most people don’t realize it, but kids are smart, mostly because they don’t know what they don’t know, and I saw this kid as ripe pickins for turnin’ into a good shop hand. First off, I went inside and I asked him what he does all day.

“Play video games, watch YouTube on the computer, and I like chips.”

“Well I like chips too,” I said. “But listen here now, if that’s

LIKE OUR CRUSTY COLLECTOR PAL VALDI SAYS, IT’S ABOUT TIME TO GET THE KIDS OFF THE X-BOX AND INTO THE TOOL BOX.

soft spot for that kid. He even let him spit shine his ice drag sled, and he don’t let anyone touch that buggy.

Bottom line is, that kid didn’t know what he didn’t know, and Beerstein had him spinnin’ wrenches like a pro before he left.

See, all these sled marketing experts like to make everyone think you need to be ridin’ off cliffs and racin’ out of some big trailer to get kids into sleds. But really, all it takes is some shop time and some of that mentorin’ to get a kid hooked for life.

NOW OLD BEERSTEIN, HE CAN IDENTIFY A COLD SEIZE

BY SIMPLY SNIFFING AN EXHAUST PORT.

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industry 411

Bikeman Performance Acetylene and Octane with Jimmy Kranz Bikeman Performance has become synonymous with performance in the powersports industry. Attend any big time show no matter the season, and you’re sure to see the bright red and yellow Bikeman big rig or display tent.

This same proliferation and dominance is found on the starting line at side-byside or snowmobile races across North America. For Bikeman kingpin Jimmy Kranz, this addiction to speed and power is more than a business, it’s a way of life, and Jimmy instills this passion of going all out with every employee and every endeavor Bikeman is involved in. We caught up with Kranz and his hardworking Bikeman crew before the first snowfall arrived at his Wisconsin headquarters to get the 411 on Bikeman Performance How did Bikeman Performance start and what the hell is a bike man anyway?

Bikeman started out as a group of powersports enthusiasts who had a century of combined experience in the motorcycle, snowmobile, ATV, and automotive performance industry working for other top companies. We had bigger visions than those of the current companies we were each working for so we joined forces and struck-out on 110

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our own to achieve those dreams. We started out in a two-car garage and grew steady. Eventually the company reached a crossroads, and I wanted to keep pushing for more, so a few years back I took over ownership and along with Joey Strub and a team of hardworking

and dedicated employees we pushed the company into a new era of quality and performance. I believe in reinvesting in the company and we recently did that in order to get the most advanced research and development equipment available. The Bikeman goal from the very

Bikeman moved into a much larger facility a few years back, and the place is jamming with activity and plenty of product ready to be shipped.

beginning was to have the best team in powersports and to dominate the performance industry. It may sound lofty, but we truly believe we can accomplish anything. We’ve compiled a team that now operates like a well-oiled machine.

Everyone brings a unique skill set to the table and we ensure they can utilize their tools and expertise and contribute towards the success of the company.

The Bikeman Team doesn’t rely on singular intelligence, instead it uses collective intelligence with regular team meetings and brainstorming sessions.

Today, we have multiple buildings with about 40,000 square feet of space and the best equipment available for testing and developing new product.

Tell us about some of your bestselling or hottest products for the upcoming season?

Right now, our Polaris AXYS stage kits are without one of our top sellers.

The kit includes full ECU remapping designed specifically for the products installed Also, our Munchie Muffler performance cooking system has been a big hit at the early shows. Less weight, more power, and hot food…how can you not love it.

There’s a lot of performance shops in snowmobiling, what makes Bikeman different and/or better?

Bikeman has the facilities and the resources to make the investments necessary to develop new products that truly perform. It takes a lot of investment and time to make the best products available. Smaller shops just don’t have the ability or resources to invest on this scale before selling products. Our goal is not to be the first to market, but we will be the best to market.

If you’ve ever hung out with the Bikeman crew at an industry event, you know all too well this crew likes to go hard while on the clock and off. It just wouldn’t be Bikeman if we hadn’t stumbled upon some “fun” in the shape of this wrapped cutter.

The Bikeman Performance Polaris AXYS Stage kits have been the buzz of the industry amongst Polaris performance junkies. Kranz was so over the top confident about the performance of this kit he offered up his personal tricked out buggy to the OSM crew with a fully-loaded steak dinner on the line if we weren’t equally impressed. Based on our past mind blowing experiences with Bikeman products, we’ll pack a lunch ahead of time.

When riders buy a product they want to make sure it works, how do you go about testing your stuff?

We put countless hours in before products are released; testing in computer models, dyno cells, and most importantly, the real world. Bikeman has a team of product testers at every elevation and condition making sure everything is tested thoroughly before it’s released.

What’s the best way to purchase your products?

We have an easy to use website where you can buy direct from us. We also have a huge dealer network for those that want to buy products from a performance shop or dealer near them. Many of these shops also offer installation. To find a Bikeman dealer near you, use the dealer located found on our website.

Clutching remains a vital tweak for any performance upgrade and Bikeman is ready to assist with the right weights, springs, and helix to get the most power to the snow.

Always throttle down, we managed to slow the entire Bikeman operation just long enough to grab a staff photo. Those guys in the back aren’t angry…just determined to beat the pants off the competition.

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industry 411 Do you offer any type of warranty or guarantee?

We believe in taking care of our customers.

We offer complete replacement of defective product for one year from date of purchase.

We also offer one-on-one technical support for all or our customers. We take pride in being there for our customers. Many of our employees are very active in online forums and groups, often times offering up advice and assistance to others.

What new Bikeman product has you most excited for the season and why?

The performance future is rooted in the ability to reprogram factory ECUs. We are currently working on the reprogramming of other ECU’s beyond Polaris (which we already offer). This will give us full engine control and will revolutionize the performance industry.

Tell us something about the company that you wish more people knew.

With everyone’s online store front abilities it’s very hard to know who you are dealing with. We would love to give every potential customer a full tour of our facility and the chance to meet and get to know our entire team because then they would understand why having the best products available doesn’t happen by chance. Our company is organized and operated in such a way that having the best is the only possible outcome we will accept.

What is something you are sure to find inside Bikeman shop community fridge?

Left over take out from last night’s late-night jam session, because there’s never enough time in the day.

Where is your or your employee’s favorite place to ride?

We love Wisconsin’s beautiful northern trail system located just 100 yards from the shop. It’s one of the few trail systems anywhere without a speed limit. Other favorites include anywhere the hills are steep and the snow is deep, because if you don’t enjoy being on top of the world, something must be wrong with you!

What’s next for the company?

Pushing the envelope beyond today’s technology to create tomorrow’s enjoyment.

In 10 words or less tell me why someone should do business with Bikeman?

We never say a product is good enough.

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Bikeman’s atom splitting right hand man Joey Strub, getting ready to fire up the dyno and make some noise and power with octane.

Recently Jimmy purchased three CNC machines, giving the company greater control over the products they produce including helixes.

Bikeman pipes are handcrafted by expert fabricators and each one is triple checked against the final approved version found on a jig outside the welding bays.

During our visit, the crew was busy building AXYS pipes. One may have found its way into our duffel bag.

Hand formed, hand cut, hand welded, hand inspected; while Bikeman prides itself on having the latest in technology, the company also prides itself on the craftsmanship its employees deliver.

The latest Bikeman off-road exhaust system for the Polaris RZR is simply stunning when it comes to attention to detail and finish. No one else offers a system that looks as good as this one, and the sound and performance are second to none.

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gear 360 Fly Camera

1

If you haven’t heard of 360fly than you are missing out on a whole new viewing experience. This camera has an 8-element glass ultra-fisheye lens that can shoot a full 360 degrees horizontal and 240 degrees vertical field of view, giving you the ability to shoot 360 degrees. That’s right – you can now capture more than just the rider but the entire world around you, putting you in the center of the action. This action camera can also shoot first person POV, VR-compatible footage, and 360 degree stills for action sshots. This is a dust proof, shockproof, and water resist resistant camera that has a built in microphone with Wi–Fi, and even Bluetooth. 360fly doesn’t jus just offer you 360 degrees of footage; it also offers you the chance to share your footage with the w world. Download the 360fly app for free, and you ca can share your experience on the trails even ffaster. aste Go to www.360fly.com. even

3

Underhood Goggle Bag

Everyone has experienced fogged over goggles out on the trails. Why not pack a second pair of goggles and keep them warm on the drive, how might you ask? Polaris has brought out an all-new storage solution, the Underhood Goggle Bag. This storage system fastens to the underneath of the hood with brackets and Velcro straps, keeping your goggles and other personal gear warm. With its semi-rigid design it will keep its shape even when empty, making it more convenient to access. This is the perfect storage solution for the cold rides. Keep your gear warm with the Polaris Underwood Goggle Bag. Check it out at www.polaris.com.

4 2

Scott Prospect Goggles

Maximize your field of vision with Scott’s new Prospect goggles, with its increased lens size and smaller frame that is closer to your face providing a larger field of vision. Scott Prospect goggles frame technologies have a lens lock system that features 4 locking pins which prevent the lenses from coming out, two pivoting outriggers giving the goggles the ability to adapt to the helmets shape and seals from the elements. They have a 3 layer face foam with the first layer maximizing sweat retention, second layer ensuring a precise fit to your face, and a third layer that provides a barrier around the riders face.

Choose your color of Scott’s new Prospect goggles at www.scott-sports.com.

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Schaeffers XP 2-Cycle Oil You never want to see the low oil light flashing at you when you’re ripping down a trail. Schaeffers manufactures full synthetic 2-cycle racing oil that keeps your engine and critical parts clean while providing top performance. The XP- 2-cycle oil from Schaeffers is a premium oil that reduces smoke emissions and prevents the exhaust ports from blocking and also hard carbon deposits from forming giving you a smooth throttle response. Pick up a jug of Schaeffers XP Extreme Performance 2-Cycle oil at www.schaefferoil.com

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gear

5

Bikeman Performance BMP Arctic Cat 800/8000 Bolt on Performance Kit

If you are a power freak like most motor heads are, Bikeman Performance has a bolt on performance kit for your Arctic Cat, fits 2012-2017 ZR/XF/M 800/8000 models. The BMP Arctic Cat bolt on performance kit gives your machine huge power gains from the low end to peak power with its stage 2 clutching that drastically increases performance, y-pipe, ceramic single pipe, Boyesen rage cage, and power commander 5 with ignition. With a little help from Bikeman’s bolt on performance kit, you will turn your Arctic Cat from kitty kitty into beast mode performance. Pick from one of the three stages, Stage 1 provides 17-18hp, Stage 2 20-21hp, Stage 3 26-27hp. More details at www.bikemanperformance.com

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Pipes Silencers 116

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Arctic Cat Polaris Ski-Doo Yamaha

7

Ski-Doo XM/Rev/ Gen4 T-Motion Coil Over Shock Conversion Kit Zbros has you covered if you’re looking to add some performance to the backend of your machine! The guys over at Zbroz Racing have a kit that converts your rear stock torsion spring for the T-Motion rear suspension to a rear coil over shock. By adding Zbroz rear coil over shock not only are you saving 2 lbs off the start but you will unleash better pivoting performance out of the Ski-Doo T-Motion system. This kit will give you better response for those side hill maneuvers or weaving through the trees. Choose between the Exit X1 or X2 series. Purchase the Ski-Doo XM/Rev/Gen4 T-Motion Coil Over Shock Conversion Kit at www.zbrozracing.com

Out Runner Ice Scratcher

OutRunners are simplistic, durable, and ingenious, delivery a better cooling solution.

When trails typically are icy and rock hard during early morning hours this is a must have accessory for your snowmobile. While riding the trails your carbides dig into the snow allowing the scratcher tips to feed snow under your track. During road crossing’s, the scratchers are off the pavement and gravel, keeping them safe. The Outrunner Ice Scratchers are 100% reversible and will not be damaged by rocks, roots, trailers, and bridge crossings. Go to www.sledbits.com and check out there videos of the Out Runner Ice Scratchers in use.

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gear

8 9

Wahl Bros 3.0” No-Slip Drive Sprockets

Upgrade your sprockets and get more power to the ground. The 3.0” No-Slip Drive Sprocket from Wahl Bros has the latest 3.0 pitch track option, and also provides added raw power to the track. To get further details and more information on 3.0” No-Slip Drive Sprockets check out at www.wahlracing.com, where they make Performance Products for Performance People!

Elevation Dry Link 2 PC Mono end

st fri e b s ’ r e l i ob A snowmu’re stuck when yo To learn more visit

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Pick up the industry’s first jacket/pants that are linked at the waist with a 360-degree zipper, giving the rider added protection from the cold. The Elevation Dry Link 2 PC Mono from FXR is similar to a mono suite, but gives a more mobile fit like a two-piece suite. Advanced climate management technology gives the rider a durable poly shell, seam-sealed lining, and a dry vent system that is snow proof and moisture resistant at the chest, side body, and legs. Featuring waterproof zippers, hood, and adjustable wind skirt, bottom hem, and cuffs, this is a must have. Purchase FXR’s Elevation Dry Link 2 PC Mono at www.fxrracing.com

10 11

Timken -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, they provide better consistency and great resistance to cracking because of its high temperature rubber compound. Ultimax belts has a formulated rubber compound found in no other snowmobile belt which is why they stand out from the rest. If it can handle the brutality from top race sleds, than it can handle what you put it through on the trails.

Further details on Ultimax XS Belts by Timken at www.ultimaxbelts.com

Boyesen Rage Cage RC2

We always want to be faster than our fellow riders and to achieve that, every HP gain counts. Boyesen has taken it one step further by achieving maximum power through the air intake, acceleration, and distribution. The new Rage Cage RC2 series has achieved up to a 5HP gain by optimizing the reed valves to provide your machine with superior velocity across the entire RPM range. Each Boyesen Rage Cage is tailored to give your specific make and model top of the line output. If you find that you want to stand out in the group grab the Boyesen Rage Cage. More information at www.boyesen.com

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12

Toronto International

Snowmobile ATV & Powersports Show

October 20-22, 2017 – Toronto Don’t miss the biggest show in the industry – The Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports show is the biggest of it’s kind! As soon as you step foot on the show floor, you’ll be blown away with the incredible roster of exhibitors and the feature events taking place around the show, not to mention the enormous Indoor Event Area sponsored by Royal Distributing, Dayco, and Ultimax belts, with Live racing and Freestyle Shows. You’ll find huge Manufacturer Displays showcasing all of the new sled and ATV line-ups. This show has more to do and more to see than any other across North America. All of the new machines under one roof, over one weekend, you can’t miss it! We guarantee it will be worth the drive to get there, and Parking is FREE! Get your advanced tickets at www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com

SV2- Pro Trail Snow Vest

13

A saying we stand by in the OSM office is, “Safety Never Takes a Holiday!” New to EVS’s snow vest line-up is the SV2-Pro Trail with its high-density impact polymers and ballistic nylon adding extra protection to you while out on the trails. Built into the snow vest is a Recco rescues system chip that enables rescue teams to locate the injured or lost rider out on the trails. The SV2_ Pro Trail features a kidney belt, removable fleece, puncture resistant panels, and internal armor plating construction. Check it out at www.evs-sports.com

MotorFist Stomper 3.0 Boot

14

The Stomper 3.0 Boot from MotorFist is designed for the riders who like a stiff, supportive, and warm boot that can withstand extreme riding conditions.

MotorFist Stomper 3.0 Boot is a standard lace boot with eVent Waterproof breathable liner and 800g PrimaLoft gold insulation. Also included in the design; a rubber toe and heel caps, medial rubber mudguards, removable breathable insole, and they also come with and additional insole for custom sizing to your foot. Choose between black/orange and black/gray colors. More information and details at www.motorfist.com

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15

Polaris AXYS Rugged Series Front Bumper

Looking to add a bold look to the front of your Polaris AXYS? Look no further than the Rugged Series front bumper. With its superior strength and lightweight aluminum build, it’s designed with a double wing bumper configuration and an aluminum skid plate that gives your sled a unique look and style. Protect the front of your machine from rocks, trees, and what ever you may go through with the Rugged Series front bumper. Go to www.straightlineperformance.com and purchase your Polaris AXYS Rugged Series Front Bumper today.

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16

Matrix Shovel

Make your life a little easier and trust in a Matrix shovel from HMK when riding in the powder or ditch banging. When riding through the white powder, you’d be crazy to think you won’t be digging your self out. This shovel includes a telescoping shaft, multi position handle, adjustable from 27-33”, and the shaft & blade are forged from aluminum giving it a lightweight design. Built into the handle is a 14” crosscut saw that will help you get out of the sticky situations. This is an all-in-one shovel that will save you time when you’re in deep enough!

Choose yours at www.hmkusa.com

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NEW! 2017 DriveRa o

TX-2

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Klim Valdez Parka

The new re-designed Valdez Parka from Klim is a must have jacket. Klim has removed the liner entirely to make sure that there is no binding within the jacket and increased the breathability by 25%. Klim also placed the vents on your biceps so that you get a flow of air over your shoulder and with the increased vent exits gives proper flow throughout the jacket. We’ve found when we ride with a backpack we can’t always use all of the jackets pockets. The Valdeza Parka has a pass through pocket system that allows you to strap your backpack through your jacket, giving you the advantage to use all the pockets on your jacket. Go to www.klim.com

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18

Tackle the bumps on the trails this winter with a set of Dual Pressure 3 for Fox float shocks. This system has two charging valves; one that adjusts the ride height and the other adjusts bottoming and each one can be adjusted independently. With the additional air volume you are able improve handling, stability, ride comfort, and bottoming all by the twist of the charging caps. The Dual pressure 3 is an easy bolt on system that is made with billet aluminum construction providing heavy-duty service. When it comes to shocks, Hygear Suspension is the site we recommend you check out. Check out the Dual Pressure System at www.hygearsuspension.com

The Performance Stud Stars system is an all in one, nut and washer that incorporates a unique starburst base that replaces the old style nut and washer. The stud backer is made from billet aluminum, which by design, increases traction and provides greater support to your studs by eliminating the critical flex points of your stud. So if you are looking to extend the life of both your studs and your track while adding some more traction, then Performance Stud stars should be on your, ‘I need that’ accessory list this season.

More details at www.performancestudstars.com

19

last gasp

Josh Skinner Motorfist

In just under 10-years, Motorfist has went from a start-up, hardcore, technical riding gear company with big dreams, to one of the most respected outerwear companies in the sport. What’s more, the company is now part of Textron Industries, giving Motorfist the resources to further innovate and delve into new product segments like never before. Behind the scenes, Josh Skinner has become synonymous with the Motorfirst brand. Josh worked with Brad Ball in the development of Motorfist, and hasn’t looked back since. An avid rider, Josh is incredibly passionate and talented, and thanks to his father, has been intimately involved in motorsports since the age of 8. Josh loves long walks in the mountains during the fall with a high caliber rifle, and short walks between his truck and a side-by-side, motorcycle, snowmobile, work bench, or beer fridge during any other season. Here’s Skinner’s last words for this issue’s Last Gasp.

Last snowmobile ride/adventure you took?

Over the last few seasons, a few of us have been exploring new zones that were previously considered inaccessible.

These rides have involved the intentional use of ropes and pulleys, building jumps over open water, and several other tactics that defy logic. I usually question the purpose of these rides about midway through the day, but we’ve never failed to complete our routes…yet! For the record, we carry copious amounts of safety and recovery equipment.

Last person you met who truly inspired you?

The most inspirational person in my life is my father. He’s fighting for his life with inoperable Stage IV cancer and he’s tough as nails. While he was always a physically strong man, through this terrible circumstance, I’ve been inspired by his mental fortitude and poise.

Last song/band you listened to?

“Skulls” by Misfits. I’m an old punk rocker. My kids just say I’m old.

Last time you rocked out in your truck and thought no one was watching?

I save my high kicks and air guitar solos for the garage. I’m actually a closet air drummer too. My garage helper is a Great Pyrenees named Oxford. He watches expressionless, surely awestruck by the spectacle of flailing appendages.

Last near-death experience?

Took an IT guy from our parent company, Textron, Wildcat riding. I’d been driving fast and having fun and he asked to drive, mentioning that he’d never driven a SxS. Apparently, I made it look too easy because no sooner had we switched seats and belted in, he mashed the gas pedal in a twisty 124

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deeply rutted out section of trail. I thought for sure he was going to roll the car, but he slowed down as soon as he heard my fear laden screams.

Last industry event you attended?

The Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Expo last fall. I attended Rally on the Rocks and Rally in the Pines this year, which were as awesome as an event can be without snowmobiles.

Last “adventure” you took?

Solo ride on my Ducati to B.C. for Justin Kallusky’s wedding.

Justin was one of the main Alticity riders, so it was also a bit of a reunion of the Canadian Alticity gang. Those guys are still full steam, so the wedding weekend was as much adventure as the motorcycle ride! Two speeding tickets, perhaps some triple digits on the speedo, and insanely poor weather. I got my proverbial money’s worth!

Last product or project at Motorfist that had you truly excited?

That’s like asking which child is your favorite! For products that are already on the market I’d say the Blitzkrieg one-piece suit. I was reluctant to start development on “another onesie” but after testing proto samples and getting it in to production, I couldn’t wait to share it with our dealers and customers…it’s amazing! We do have some awesome stuff in development for next fall, and it’s one particular product that I’m ecstatic about and could be quite disruptive. I wish I could tell you more, but it’s too soon!

Last snowmobile you drove that blew your mind?

2018 M 8000 Sno Pro early release. Ho-Lee S**t! Have you ridden one of these? It’s what all mountain sleds aspire to be.

Even if you’re not a Cat fan, you owe it to yourself to try one.

Last time you pulled an all-nighter?

Wildcat camping this summer in central Idaho, with Motorfist Product Developer Bob Downs. We spent the day clearing trail for Rally in the Pines, and somehow still managed to find the energy to drink a bottle of Pendleton at the campfire, until the wee hours of the morning.

Last thing in the company fridge that you’d put in your mouth?

We actually have a lot of great cooking talent at Motorfist!

We have monthly themed potluck lunches which have evolved to unofficial culinary competitions. Great food and fun, but terrible on the waistline.

Last brush with greatness?

My wife and I go to the MotoGP race in Austin every year.

After Sunday’s race in 2016, we were at the Dizzy Rooster on 6th, and in walks in an incognito Andrea Dovizioso with a small crew including Valentino Rossi’s pit guy and ex-racer Gary “Gazza” Coleman. All awesome guys, and we took turns buying rounds with Gazza while discussing all sorts of motorsports and aspects of life. Only thing that could have made it better was having Rossi himself there.

Last words your mother always told you?

Never start a fight, but make damn sure you finish it.

Lasting blow your mind experience where you had to pinch yourself?

I’m so lucky because I have these moments all the time!

They happen on sleds, dirt bikes, hunting outings with my kids, or with some of the many talented #motorfistfam riders. The area where I live and the caliber of riders I get to hang with is just unreal.

Last cool car, bike or snowmobile you owned?

Well, we currently have the whole year range of 67-72 Chevy trucks except ’71. My boys and I drive and work on them together. Those are pretty cool to us. I’m also in to vintage/ classic motorcycles. We had 11 bikes in our garage last spring when it burned down and we lost some amazing machines. I had a few stored off-site and the coolest surviving bike is a 1970 BSA A65 Lightning. It’s not as fast as my Ducati by any means, but it sure turns a lot more heads.

Last words of advice?

Sounds corny but it’s a simple statement that my wife and I live by: “Either find a way or make one.” It fits for everything, from back country riding to achieving your life goals.

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125

floatbowl

Pat Bourgeois

IGNORANCE IS BLISS

T

he buzz I get after attending Hay Days is always intoxicating.

The sport comes alive with anticipation, and no matter how good or bad the previous season may have been, the electricity of Hay Days always delivers a positive charge for the season to come. Yet, despite all of this excitement, I was also reminded of an ugly truth taking place behind the scenes, and one in which Randy Toth, the Legislative Chairman for the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts, identified with a column he penned for their publication back in 2012. The time seems right to dust it off for another read.

One chilly fall day in the not too distant future, as you prepare for the upcoming snowmobiling season, you will remember you have not received your state association magazine yet.

Muttering something derogatory, you go to the state association’s website, only to find a notation from the ISP (Internet Service Provider) that the domain name is now available for sale to any interested party. Huh?

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You call up a friend and ask, “What’s up with the state association?” He informs you that last spring, they announced they were disbanding due to lack of volunteer support. “Well exactly what did they ever do for me?” you say. You proceed to call one of your local club officers, only to find that no one volunteered to run for office, and the current president and vice president retired and moved south.

You further discover your club has completely disbanded, sold the grooming equipment to an out of state club, and donated any remaining money to charity. Your buddy says the club two towns over is still active and he’s a member. You decide you will join also. He then mentions the dues have gone way up since the state association folded and can no longer provide muchneeded grooming money.

Learning this, you make plans to attend a club meeting and find out what’s really happening. The club meeting holds a few surprises for you as they discuss their huge loss of

cooperative landowners. Apparently, when they discovered they were no longer covered by the state association sponsored liability insurance, they immediately revoked permission to ride on their land. You also learn you can no longer ride from one state property to another because of the lack of private landowner connector trails. “Fine,” you tell yourself. “I’ll just ride within my local state forest instead.” Of course, without your old local club there is no grooming or snowmobile trail maintenance in your state forest. All that remains is about 15-miles of unmaintained and ungroomed trail. Furthermore, you no longer have riding access to any food or gas because those connector trails were located on private land.

The next day you read in the paper snowmobiles are being banned on a number of state lands due to damage caused by wheeled vehicles. Incredibly, no one attended any of the planning meetings and spoke up to defend snowmobiling – which, by the way have virtually no negative impact on trails. With no organized opposition, snowmobiles were simply banned, along with wheeled vehicles.

There is also a printed notice an environmental group is fighting hard to pass a state law banning all internal combustion engines on state land to protect the health of native miniature snails.

Sound too far-fetched to be true?

Maybe. But our sport was built by volunteers, and the trails, backcountry access, and representation at the local, state, and federal level of government are all the result of volunteers. Without them there would be no trails; no dedicated accounts; no back-country riding areas; and as a result, no manufacturers; no aftermarket companies; no Hay Days parties; no racing; no sick edit videos…all of it… right down to those cute social media snowmobile memes that would be gone.

Don’t believe it? …then what have you got to worry about? Just sit back and do nothing…or maybe you already are.

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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.