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SnowTrax Television 2018 – Episode 11 Sneak Peek

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SnowTrax TV

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11 March 2018

SnowTrax Television 2018 – Episode 11 Sneak Peek

Coming up this week on an all-new episode of SnowTrax Television:

Luke talks with Project Manager of Ski-Doo Engineering, Frederic Desjardins, to get his insight on the design of the all-new 4-stroke 900 ACE (Turbo) engine for 2019.

Then we head over to Polaris to investigate the recently announced 2019 850 Patriot engine, as well as the 2019 INDY XC 129.

Mark previews the 2019 model line up of Yamaha Snowmobiles and provides all the details on the fastest sled on the snow….the 2019 Sidewinder SRX.

We take a look back at fifty years of products from Woody’s Traction and analyze how they have thrived as a business within the snowmobile industry.

And Mark is out on the trail reviewing the ‘Swiss Army knife of snowmobiles’ – the 2018 Polaris Titan Adventure.

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BEST 2018 TOURING SLED

Features

Kent Lester

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10 March 2018

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WINNER: YAMAHA SIDEWINDER ST-X DX

Kent Says:

I’m going to take a big risk here and tell you the best touring sled this year is not a 2-upper.

Mark, I know you tend to get in a rut about these things, but owning a touring sled these days is really less about 2-passenger capability and more about versatility.

This year, Yamaha has come up with a 146-inch tracked sled that is quite frankly, fascinating! Think about a turbocharged 180-plus horsepower engine in a chassis that accommodates an extra fuel tank, extra storage and the capacity to add a 2-up seat for those times when you want to take along a passenger.

The SideWinder ST-X DX will never leave you with that hollow “I wish I’d bought a real performance sled” aftertaste. This thing will rock your world and detach your retinas with its incredible power.

With huge amounts of traction gleaned from a 1.25-deep x 146 RipSaw 2, Yamaha’s own roller secondary and nice tricks like a hard shell storage container and a heated seat, this sled actually prioritizes comfort and smoothness over raw power. Yeah, all that, but there’s a 998cc monster lurking under the hood, and you can’t ignore it.

Our experience with this chassis in other iterations has been its incredible ride and surprisingly good handling for a sled with a track this long. Stir in that turbo and you’ve got a world-beater of a touring sled.

RUNNER UP: ARCTIC CAT PANTERA 600

Kent Says:

Selecting the Yamaha Sidewinder STX DX 146 for the BIC and then the Arctic Cat Pantera 6000 as the runner up is kinda like giving two awards to Arctic Cat, isn’t it?

Anyway, here’s my point: The Arctic Cat Pantera platform, powered by the legendary Yamaha 1098cc 4-stroke triple, has been our BIC winner in this class before.

The STX-DX Yamaha is actually built on the Pantera platform but uses the thunderous SideWinder turbo for motivation and loses the passenger seat (although it can be purchased and snapped right in-place).

I’ve said all that to say this, and to embarrass my brother. Why wouldn’t the Pantera with the potent, smooth, fuel-efficient and clean DSI 600 be the immediate shoe-in for the BIC Touring Award?

Seriously Kent, if we liked the Pantera 7000, why wouldn’t we love the same sled with the 6000 underhood. There’s amazing lightness in play here and it tangibly benefits the somewhat girthy Pantera chassis.

The sled is a homerun from a comfort perspective and the auxiliary fuel tank – which adds another 4 gallons to the sled’s already large primary tank – should be standard on every touring ride.

Frankly, this is a superb touring sled with rewarding power, tremendous range and fuel efficiency and, hey, it’s a 2-stroke.

Kent, how do you keep missing the obvious?

BEST 2018 DOUBLE DUTY SLED

Features

Kent Lester

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9 March 2018

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WINNER: POLARIS TITAN XC

Kent Says:

Here’s another example of Polaris skewing a model segment in an effort to extract the most versatility possible.

Yep, there’s an Expedition Extreme Ski-Doo and a Bearcat Arctic Cat and a Yamaha Viking, too. However, Polaris is taking the Titan to a whole new genre, the extreme X-over market.

In simpler terms, this means the Titan has been designed to be more than a fur-hat, bib coverall ride and made it socially acceptable for riders to show up on a 20-wide 155-inch x 1.8-lugger with over 150-hp.

Here’s why this is important: The new Titan comes in a sporty flavor called the “XC” and no kidding whatsoever, this sled is a legit trail-deep snow ride that handles twisties like a Polaris AXYS, rides ultra plush and can be driven into bottomless snow, stopped, then driven away without hesitation.

It’s so broadly capable and yet so powerfully fast we had to give this BIC – the first year for it, to the new Titan.

Let me throw in this reality, the XC comes with our fave dampers: Fox QS-3s and a list of available accessories as long as your leg.

If you’re snickering at a sled of this dimension, you might want to try out a Titan before you pass judgment. There’s nothing not to like here.

Well done, Polaris!

RUNNER UP: SKI-DOO EXPEDITION EXTREME

Kent Says:

Gee whiz, Mark, talk about missing the obvious! Umh… have you noticed Ski-Doo has been building a sled just like the Titan XC for the last three years?

The Expedition Extreme has pretty much all the features of the Titan and actually set the bar for the competition to jump over years ago.

Big-inch 2-stroke power? You bet – except this one uses super-clean 800 E-TEC technology. Suspension? The Ex-Ex uses advanced skid design to deliver a ride that’s like sitting on pillows made of clouds and rooted in goose down. Traction? Sure, maybe not as good – oh wait… it’s got a 154 x 20 track, too!

C’mon, the Polaris is great but it’s simply the next shiny thing and that’s what has hypnotized you.

Just an aside comment here: One thing that has made these sleds so acceptable is the fact their overall look and styling makes it so you can ride one without looking like an idiot.

I’ll just say this: That principle applies in most cases, but not all.

Supertrax Ride Impressions: Polaris Indy XC 850 129 Pro CC

Features

Mark Lester

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8 March 2018

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Supertrax Ride Impressions: Polaris Indy XC 850 129 Pro CC

About the only thing that hasn’t changed with the newest Polaris high performance ride is the name, “Polaris”.

Okay, it is a Polaris. Yes it’s an Indy but cast in a different mold than the current crop of Indys, that have been mostly marketed as a value brand, not top performance models.

Yes, we’ve seen the acronym XC before but it’s been a long time, and this latest Cross Country (XC) is so different from the late 1990s genre it isn’t even worth talking about. Here’s more new: Under the hood there’s an all-new 850cc 2-stroke twin that’s gonna rock the entire industry next year.

… AND MORE
Finally, a 129-inch track – something we’ve been crowing about for the past three years. Finally – Pro CC – for “Conventional Coupled”. It’s been a while since Polaris has used double coupling on a top performance model.

The new Patriot 850 is as new as new gets. Everything, including the cases, crank, cylinders, pistons, heads, semi-direct injection system (no longer referred to as “Cleanfire” on the Patriot) and the list goes on, is new. While the new 850 does use a slightly heavier crank than the Liberty 800, it’s lighter than the competitions’ and employs the largest PTO bearing we’ve ever seen.

The new Patriot wins the vibration control contest producing less rumble, ski-tip shake and windshield chatter than even competitive 800s. This enormous improvement in big bore NVH is linked to both the new engine’s crankshaft and a radical, never-seen-before mounting system.

The 850 produces what Polaris claims is 9-percent more HP than the Liberty 800. Hmm… our calculator sez the new 850 delivers 170 ponies. On the trail the engine’s power curve is flat, seamless and smooth with great low-end chug and corner-to-corner wheelie power that’s easy to modulate.

The Patriot 850 is telepathic in its response to your right thumb. Down the lake it delivers immense, unrepentant top end squeeze that’ll shock even seasoned big-bore pilots. Is it fast? It’s crazy fast. Polaris has fitted the 850 with an all-new drive belt and machined the clutch taper differently to provide more durability and better clutch stability on the crank. Belt life is rumored to be stellar. We’ll report on this early next winter.

FINALLY, A 129
If you were wondering – like we were – why Polaris was slow to update the RUSH and it’s Pro XC rear skid to a 129, this new Indy XC answers this much-asked question. Using a 129 from the beginning is a smart move. Honestly, we’re not far from saying good-bye to 120-inch tracks in the higher performance categories. From a pure visual perspective the new Indy XC 129 looks right. The sled’s side and ¾ rear profiles are superb and balanced to the eye. The move to a conventional tunnel will be welcomed by the Polaris faithful.

rMOTION COMPETITOR
Make no mistake about the new Pro CC rear suspension, it was targeted and benchmarked against the industry leader. In our opinion, Pro CC is a worthy competitor to rMotion. The front of the Pro CC skid is identical to the Pro XC models and the Switchback Assault. The extra long front torque arm is actually interchangeable. As you move your eyes rearward, you’ll notice the rear drop link is 2-way coupled (rear-to-front and front-to-rear) using familiar Polaris scissors stops. Interestingly, rMotion is not double coupled but uses only rear-to-front couplers. Does Pro CC work? Yes, my mogul-bent friends, this is the real deal. Power headlong into a whooped-out rail grade at 50 per and let Pro CC swallow the bumps. The almost bottomless feel is only matched by the ultra-plush response the skid delivers in jigglers and rollers. If you’re a Polaris aficionado you’re not going to believe how good the XC rides.

SNOWMOBILE HANDLING AS IT SHOULD BE
Finally, grafting the new Pro CC to the sport’s best double A-arm IFS is a double punch of heroic dimensions. The AXYS front end, including everything back to the tunnel bulkhead cooler, means you get precise, nicely weighted turn-in at any speed followed by strong, consistent bite through the middle that slingshots the Indy XC off the apex, producing a head rush that’ll last until the next immensely satisfying turn you and the XC encounter.

There’s more, way more to talk about surrounding this game-changing 2019 Polaris sled. We’ll save some for SUPERTRAX and SNOWTRAX to divulge in more detail.

2019 Yamaha SideWinder SRX LE

Features

Kent Lester

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7 March 2018

0

Although Yamaha’s 2019 new-sled lineup isn’t earthshattering, one new sled is sure to capture the imagination of a lot of performance riders obsessed with top speed. The company has revived the SRX name this year and built a sled that mirrors the SRX it built in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Even the colors resurrect the image of that SRX – deep, rich racing blue with big, blasting white graphics. The SRX logo is boldly evident on the sides of the cowl and leaves absolutely no doubt this is a very special limited-availability Sidewinder.

Yes, it’s only available on Yamaha’s early-order program, so if you want a copy, you’d better order up soon.

We think this sled has the potential to be a collector’s piece, and here’s why: Yamaha is stating outright this is the fastest production snowmobile ever offered. Hmm, we all know this turbocharged triple is making somewhere between 180 and 200-hp depending on the outside temperature – and the SRX uses the same engine, turbo and clutches as any other Sidewinder. However, the SRX is unique in that its 137-inch track and aerodynamics will allow absolutely blistering top speed on lakes and drag strips – even more so than other Winder variations.

What’s the difference? The SRX is lowered about 1.5-inches compared to other Sidewinders. Lowering the sled creates less drag at the front of the track and, in effect, “hides” the track from oncoming air at high speed. There’s a lot of drag at the front of a snowmobile’s track where the air inside the tunnel is being propelled forward by the sled’s track lugs. This pressurized air exits at the front of the track underneath the sled’s belly and this “air-against-air” situation amplifies drag and prevents the sled from utilizing all of its top speed. This drag also limits traction and creates lift when you get the sled up into triple digits.

Think of a giant hand in front of the sled slowing it down. A lower stance will make that hand much smaller and reduce drag enough to allow the SRX to really stretch its legs.

The track is a mere 1-inch lugger, and although it seems crazy to use a track this shallow on a super-powerful sled like the SRX, there is logic here. A shallow track is thinner because there’s less rubber required at the base of the lugs. This means the track rotates very easily with almost no resistance. A free-wheeling, low-friction track enables any sled to get all of its horsepower down to the snow.

Keep in mind, the goal here is bragging rights to maximum top speed and we have no doubt the SRX will likely top out a few mph higher than other Sidewinders. Did lowering the sled sacrifice ride comfort? Our own test riders have told us the SRX is flat-out the best riding Sidewinder yet. Its new, from-the-handlebars adjustable Fox Zero IQS shock setup really works and delivers great compliance. Apparently on groomed trails, the lowered sled carves like it’s on rails, too.

SnowTrax TV’s Greatest Adventures

Videos

SnowTrax TV

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7 March 2018

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Luke and AJ are feeling nostalgic as they reflect on some of their personal favorite travel adventures over the years here at SnowTrax.

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Cool Snowmobile Products & Accessories

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SnowTrax TV

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6 March 2018

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AJ is in the Trail Tech shop recommending some cool products and gear to add to your snowmobile riding experience including Up North Technologies Pro Series Universal LinQ Adapter Bracket and Pro Series Helmet Hang’R, LinQ Fuel Caddie, 509 Kingpin Ignite Goggles, Safedriving’s Skisaver and BITEHARDER Polytune Suspension Rings.

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YAMAHA GOES ‘HEADS UP’ FOR 2019 WITH RELEASE OF SIDEWINDER SRX LE

Press Releases

Supertrax Online

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6 March 2018

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YAMAHA GOES ‘HEADS UP’ FOR 2019 WITH RELEASE OF SIDEWINDER SRX LE

March 6, 2018 – Yamaha has rocketed off the line into 2019 with the release of the all-new Sidewinder SRX LE, a snowmobile engineered for top speed fanatics who want the fastest production snowmobile ever built.

The SRX incorporates Yamaha’s potent Genesis 998 Turbo four-stroke motor into a lowered chassis, Camso Ripsaw 1 track with 1” lug and handlebar adjusted electronic Fox IQS suspension. SRX owners will exude confidence knowing their snowmobile is primed for heads up competition. To see the SRX in action, click here.

The SRX is one of 5 Yamaha Limited Edition (LE) models for 2019, others include Sidewinders in L-TX, X-TX, B-TX and M-TX variations. LE models incorporate upgraded features and graphics and are only available with a deposit during the Spring Power Surge sales program from March 6 – April 16, 2018. Further information on all 5 LE models, with their upgraded suspension, unique track options and additional accessories, can be found on Yamaha’s US and Canadian 2019 Snowmobile Launch Pages.

The Snoscoot returns for 2019 with the addition of standard electric start, a flashy, new Orange colour scheme and more accessories than ever before. The Snoscoot was an instant fan favorite after its debut last year and these enhancements are sure to keep the Snoscoot in high demand.

What’s new at Yamaha is exciting, but what is not returning is big news too. 2019 sees a number of units removed from the Yamaha line to address an inventory imbalance in the market place.

Yamaha Snowmobiles North American Team Leader Peter Smallman-Tew explains, “We want our dealers to have long-term, stable profitability. We can’t control snow, but we can ensure they are selling profitable, current model year snowmobiles. Right now, dealers have too many carry over models, so we need to correct that. One way to do this – an approach we and our competitors have traditionally adopted – is spend your way out by attaching big rebates and minuscule finance rates to carry over inventory. This will sell some snowmobiles, but it devalues the current year models and affects our relationship with our loyal Spring deposit customers. It becomes a race to the bottom, and that is not healthy for the industry. Customers don’t want to buy current year units if those units will lose much of their value the following year because of rebates.”

Smallman-Tew explained further, “For 2019, we’ve made a tough decision to limit our 2019 production to key, high volume snowmobiles and place even more emphasis on our Spring Power Surge early deposit program. These measures will help to reduce dealer inventory and maintain greater value and demand for Yamaha snowmobiles. Our dealers, and most importantly our customers, will enjoy a healthier relationship with our brand.”

Customers keen to get their hands on a 2019 Yamaha snowmobile will want to ensure they place a deposit in the spring, as some 2019 models like Sidewinder B-TX and Sidewinder M-TX will only be available in the spring.

On the topic of spring deposits, Yamaha’s Spring Power Surge program will be even more exciting for 2019. Apart from the usual incentives like accessory credits, extended warranty, and attractive finance rates, Yamaha intends to reward those customers who place a deposit and register a 2019 unit. Each customer will be entered into the SPS Sweepstakes, where they can win 1 of over 100 Yamaha prizes, including Pressure Washers and Generators. Not only that, but three ‘Win Your Purchase’ prizes are available to be won for customers who place a spring deposit. More information can be found here for the Canadian program and here for the US.

Yamaha is building off a strong 2018 and has boldly stepped into 2019 with the new Sidewinder SRX, an enhanced line-up and aggressive new Spring Power Surge sales program. The time to Conquer Snow is right now.

Complete model information is available at Yamaha-motor.ca or Yamahasnowmobiles.com

CKX : 2019 Winter Collection

Press Releases

Supertrax Online

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6 March 2018

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Drummondville, QC — February 2018 — At a VIP event held this February 27th, CKX unveiled their new clothing and accessories collection for snowmobile enthusiasts. Along with the CKX team and its ambassadors, dealers and riders were able to attend this unifying event.

Innovation, style and performance

Inspired by the success of the 2018 collection, CKX is back with a revisited range of colours for a most flamboyant backcountry style. With the same attention to detail and performance, CKX stands out once again through its boldness and uniqueness.

Women’s collection

Among their new items for this year, CKX is pleased to offer its female customers clothing specifically suited for their body shape. Enthusiastic snowmobilers will be really thrilled with the one-piece Nieva outfit. Designed to keep the body warm and dry, the one piece has all the necessary features and presents a highly refined cut. Whether for long outings or backcountry rides, snowmobilers will also appreciate the versatility of the Montana coat. With a removable lining, the Montana is a 3 in 1 garment that lets you regulate the temperature based on your needs. So without compromising performance, the women’s collection redefines the snowmobiler’s active and bold style!

“ZERO” insulation

Available this coming fall, the “ZERO” line of clothing will satisfy the most active snowmobilers or those who simply go out in milder weather. With its windproof and waterproof Voltex membrane, the “ZERO” line of clothing is free of any insulation. You can now take on a sportier drive while staying dry – that is the promise of the “ZERO” line of one piece and jackets for men and women.

New line of underwear – Base Layer

In 2019, CKX will introduce a new line of underwear with tops and bottoms designed in a knit of ultra-performing synthetic fibres that help moisture wicking. CKX underwear is seamless, hugging the shape of the body with unparalleled comfort. This new line of underwear is consistent with the ideal performance sought by CKX; no doubt all enthusiasts will approve!

Summit Pack: a real ally

With multiple, easy access pockets, a compartment for a hydration pack and a pouch for a pair of 210 glasses, the Summit Pack will undeniably become the ideal partner when going out on an adventure. With its logos and reflective strips, its whistle and a space for a shovel, it provides you with all you need to leave with total peace of mind.

And even more!

Hallmark of CKX, the Titan helmets follow the vibe and are available in colours that match the jackets and one pieces perfectly. In addition, new and exclusive graphic designs embellish the new Titan Air Flow, a helmet with optimal ventilation for the most active snowmobilers.

Mitts, boots and various casual garments complete the CKX clothing offering.

Making passion affordable!

If 2018 brought freshness to CKX’s clothing and accessories collection, its 2019 season is already looking like a blizzard of innovations for enthusiasts! Always tuned in to the needs of snowmobilers through the CKX lab, it is with this new collection that our brand keeps tightening the bonds with its enthusiasts.

“At CKX, we know what this snowmobile outing means to our enthusiasts. With our know-how and through all of our products, we make a point of offering them the best and making passion affordable,” firmly states Jonathan Asselin-Frenette, the brand’s marketing analyst, who concludes:

“At CKX, we do not only design clothing and helmets. Here, we participate in your experiences and we know that is a great privilege!”

A well-defined mission. A unique collection. For CKX, 2019 will be more than ever the time to wear your passion!

*A preview of the 2019 collection is available on CKXgear.com. Hurry, this page will only be online for a few weeks! You can also watch and share the 2019 collection video via YouTube.

About CKX

Created in 1983 in Quebec, the CKX brand quickly became a point of reference for snowmobile helmets. Led by its deep desire to improve the snowmobile experience, CKX also offers clothing and undergarments for snowmobiling, as well as all types of helmets (integrated, modular, off-road…) The CKX brand is owned and distributed exclusively by Kimpex.

Information

For additional information about the CKX clothing collection visit www.CKXgear.com and contact your local retailer to check product availability. But hurry, our products are selling quickly!