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Polaris Engineered Lubricants Riders Win Iron Dog

Press Releases

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5 March 2018

Polaris Engineered Lubricants Riders Win Iron Dog

MINNEAPOLIS (March 5th, 2018) – Billed as the world’s longest, toughest snowmobile race, the Iron Dog sends riders on a 2,031-mile journey across Alaska, from Anchorage to Nome to Fairbanks. Finishing the Iron Dog is a huge accomplishment and winning means meticulous machine preparation. The Polaris Engineered Lubricants team of Mike Morgan and Chris Olds won this year’s event running a race that was mostly uneventful for them, especially when it came to the 600 Liberty engines that powered their Polaris 600 Switchback XCR snowmobiles.

The team credits Polaris Engineered Lubricants as one of the reasons their race went so well.

“Our Polaris snowmobiles ran flawlessly the entire way,” Morgan said. “Polaris Engineered Lubricants VES Synthetic Oil played a key role in keeping our engines running like new.”

“At this race every part is critical, nothing can be overlooked. We make it a point to choose every component that will go on the machine,” Morgan continued. “We’ve used Polaris Engineered VES in testing and in the race, and we’ve seen firsthand how good it is. It’s nice having such a quality lubricant on your side.”

This was Morgan’s ninth Iron Dog and his first win. Olds has raced the Iron Dog 16 times and this was his third win.

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader that has been fueling the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 60 years. With annual 2017 sales of $5.4 billion, Polaris’ innovative, high – quality product line – u p includes the RANGER ® , RZR ® and Polaris GENERAL ™ side – by – side off – road vehicles; the Sportsman ® and Polaris ACE ® all – terrain off – road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle ® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot ® moto – roadsters; and Polaris RMK ® , INDY ® , Swi tchback ® and RUSH ® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets globally includes military an d commercial off – road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. Visit www.polaris.com for more information.

MBRP EXHAUST – ARCTIC CAT C-TEC2

Top Gear

Supertrax Online

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5 March 2018

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As much as some riders don’t like to admit it, exhaust systems are wearable items. Carbon build up and worn out packing choke off the exhaust flow and rob the power from your snowmobile. The other huge disadvantage is weight.

MBRP offers a full line of OEM replacement exhausts as a performance upgrade. All exhausts are designed to OEM specs for fitment but come with the added benefits of horsepower gains, significant weight reductions, increased throttle response, improved low end torque and of course a sweet sounding exhaust note.

New for 2018 are mufflers for Arctic Cat sleds equipped with the 800 C-Tec2 motor. Available in both a trail and race can design both exhausts are build from durable 304 stainless steel with precise laser cut brackets as well as offering considerable weight savings.

MBRP exhausts are very easy to install and are super durable. The trail can increases the horsepower output of your 800 DSI by an honest 1hp, not a whole lot but MBRP found the DSI required increased backpressure to maintain optimal performance and therefore built that into the design of the trail can. All brackets are laser cut and the decibel level meets sound requirements where exhaust modifications are allowed on trails.

The biggest news though is the weight savings this can drops a whopping 11 pounds of fat which would otherwise take thousands of dollars to do by swapping out hardware on your sled with aftermarket titanium or carbon fiber. In the crossover and mountain markets 11 pounds is huge!

MBRP is the official exhaust of the CSRA snocross series and their C-Tec2 Race exhaust is recommended for competition use.

It is all kinds of wonderful when you squeeze the throttle with a crisp and fast throttle response that lets others know exactly where you are. The horsepower numbers stay true at 1hp increase but the weight savings goes even deeper with an extra two pounds, which makes for a total of 13 pounds of weight savings.

If you are racing or running high altitude shedding 13 pounds is not just significant it’s incredible.

For more information on MBRP Powersports full line of exhausts visit them at mbrppowersports.com

SnowTrax Television 2018 – Episode 10 Sneak Peek

Videos

SnowTrax TV

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4 March 2018

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SnowTrax Television 2018 – Episode 10 Sneak Peek

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

Motorhead Mark looks back at Yamaha’s impact in the snowmobile industry as the company celebrates their 50th anniversary in 2018.

Polaris looks to tackle a new aspect of the snowmobile market by focusing on new-rider accessibility as we go in-depth with the 2019 INDY EVO.

Luke gets to experience Arctic Cat’s revolutionary all-new suspension technology as he rides the 2019 ZR 8000 equipped with the iACT system and the 2019 M 8000 Mountain Cat Alpha One armed with single-beam rear suspension.

And to celebrate a landmark fifty years in the business, Luke is ripping around the trail aboard the 2018 Yamaha SRViper L-TX LE 50th.

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BEST 2018 MOUNTAIN SLED

Features

Kent Lester

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3 March 2018

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WINNER: SKI-DOO SUMMIT SP 165

Kent Says:

The competition is really tough in this category with both Polaris and Cat building very, very good 2-stroke mountain sleds now.

It makes Ski-Doo’s achievement even greater to build a mountain sled that has broken through to class prominence in this type of crowd.

No sucking up here, but those goals have been reached by offering incredible, class-shattering technology. Starting with the new 850 E-TEC, there’s mountain-impressive bottom end, super throttle response and very real durability.

The troops have been arguing the superiority of t-Motion for a couple of years and those who are open-minded enough to try it, love it.

pDrive clutching absolutely maximizes every pony in the stable and last, the introduction of SHOT capacitor electric start this year adds the convenience of one of the most asked-for mountain options without adding weight.

We feel 165-inches is the ideal Summit track length when combined with a 3-inch-lug and allows the Summit to generate excellent powder handling and incredible vertical bite without stretching track length to 175-inches.

Mark, don’t get me wrong here: I think most mountain hardcores would be happy with any of the 2018 offerings from Cat, Polaris and Ski-Doo.

The main thing is, Ski-Doo keeps making quantum leaps in this class and that’s what puts the Summit ahead.

RUNNER UP: YAMAHA SIDEWINDER R-TX

Mark Says:

Kent, you’re living dangerously. Sure, the new Summit G4 is good. In fact, without exception, every one of them is a very capable mountain rooster. However, they’re heavy and that’s the ace Polaris will play in MY 2018.

In the mountain marketplace the RMK continues to be the benchmark, the target, the goal line. If Ski-Doo wants to gain and hold onto the mountain market sales crown (and it does) somebody better fire up a dremel and pare weight from the G4 Summit platform.

Kent, I would really enjoy insulting your intelligence, which I’m actually pretty good at these days. However, I will you spare you that kind of embarrassment and actually throw a little bread on the water by saying Ski-Doo has done a great job with the new G4 mountain sleds.

What they haven’t done is hit the nail on the head. The nail being lighter weight which will continue to propel the Pro RMK to heroic levels of acceptance in the vert market.

It’s pretty hard to defend extra weight by saying SHOT is lighter than electric start. Yes, it is, but the sled with or without SHOT is heavier than the Pro RMK. And that, Kenneth, is intelligent analysis.

BEST 2018 ULTRA-PERFORMANCE SLED

Features

Kent Lester

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2 March 2018

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WINNER: SKI-DOO MXZ XRS 850 G4

Mark Says:

I think my built-in percept-ometer is working pretty close to 100-percent perfectly these days. Proof? My selection of the G4 MXZ XRS in this coveted category.

Relying on years of experience, thousands of miles of test riding and excellent personal grooming I have concluded beyond any shadow of doubt the new full-jam, wanna-be approved XRS variant of the MXZ is the BIC winner in this category.

Okay, I can hear the crowing from the back row claiming the SideWinder is the fastest Ultra-Performance sled, and those voices deserve recognition (well, maybe not too much recognition).

Clearly, if terminal lake velocity is the sole criteria for this BIC then the Sidewinder and the ZR 9000 would be the winners. However, my intuitive common sense sez this: There’s more to ultra performance than winding a speedo-needle to three digits.

The XRS delivers the best power and top speed among all stock, normally aspirated sleds in MY18. This snowmobile possesses the best trail ride compliance at any speed with virtually any sized rider, from soaking wet 120 pounders to corn fed, seat foam packing Bubbas.

The technology behind the G4 is exceptional but the proof is in the pudding. Take this rocket down Kevlar Lake and you won’t be disappointed – in fact you’ll be blown away.

The 850’s 165 ponies hold the skis in the air past 60 per and the premium, fully adjustable KYBs absorb anything in your path. This, in totality, is what a BIC Award recognizes, appreciates and honors.

Kenny, go put that in your pipe and smoke it.

RUNNER UP: YAMAHA SIDEWINDER R-TX

Kent Says:

Well, Mark, you’re certainly in your wheelhouse with this category. If ever there was someone who could be swayed by the sound of a big-inch 2-stroke, it’s thineself.

I think your 2-stroke bias has become embarrassing, however, when you miss obvious choices and take a 162-hp sled over one that makes close to 200.

Isn’t that what this category is all about? C’mon, it’s about first to the end of the lake; it’s about absolutely baking any big-inch 2-stroke you come across; it’s about the addictive thrill of dipping into the turbocharger on every straight and flattening your helmet’s chin strap.

Those are the reasons we buy these sleds and the SideWinder simply leaves no doubt, makes no excuses and exceeds every velocity addict’s expectations.

Here’s another thing. Don’t try to tell me how Ski-Doo is kicking everyone’s booty with advanced technology. The Sidewinder’s conversion to a roller secondary is a big deal but the fine-tuning and precision that goes into harnessing an engine with this much power and making it so pleasing to ride absolutely borders on the miraculous.

Ultra performance? Sign up here!

BEST 2018 TRAIL SLED

Features

Kent Lester

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1 March 2018

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WINNER: ARCTIC CAT ZR 137 DSI

Mark Says:

Kent! How do you continually fan on the puck like this and completely miss out on joining me in anointing the new ZR 800 DSI as this year’s BIC Trail Sled? This sled and its revolutionary Dual Stage Injection mill is one of the biggest stories in MY 2018.

Dual Stage Injection is the next step in precise fuel management after semi-direct injection and it delivers performance and economy closer to Direct Injection than any SDI system. More importantly, this new 800 mill produces more torque and infinitely better throttle response than the Suzuki 800 it replaces.

There’s more here that makes this a legit BIC winner: Arctic Cat re-designed all the associated body panels on the latest ZRs using proprietary, easy-to-use fasteners and finally, made oil tank filling easy and spill-proof. Most importantly, the new skin looks up-to-date, tight and functional.

Ride quality on our winning 137 variant of the ZR is the best in Cat’s fleet. The Slide Action skid is plush and the wide-spaced front IFS is super compliant, particularly if there’s a set of Fox QS-3 shocks in play.

The new, re-invented, redesigned, re-powered ZR 800 is a big win for Arctic Cat in MY 18 and the slot-injected 600 in this sled ain’t no slouch either.

RUNNER UP: POLARIS SWITCHBACK XCR

Kent Says:

I can’t disagree with Mark that the 137-inch Cat is a great sled – actually, in all of its variations it rates extremely high with me.

However, I would like to point out to His All-inspiring Wisdomness, that Polaris makes one of the finest trail sleds I’ve ever ridden.

The 136-inch version of the XCR is sweet with an 800 but I absolutely love the same sled with a Cleanfire 600 under the hood.

The 125-ponies this mill extrudes is in perfect balance with its driveline and the AXYS chassis. Torque is plenteous.

You can be aggressive with it on trails because its handling is so close to ideal it makes you feel like a cross country star. At the same time, the level of ride compliance from those Walker-Evans adjustable piggies is a joy to behold.

Mark, if I may make a suggestion to you: Perhaps you should consider the fact that not everyone rides like a distilled version of Tucker Hibbert.

There are many of us out there who look for the all-round benefit of a snowmobile that rides, handles and has sensible power that can be fully utilized on trails.

The XCR does it all.

BEST 2018 CROSSOVER SLED

Features

Kent Lester

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28 February 2018

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WINNER: POLARIS SWITCHBACK 144

Kent Says:

The 144-inch version of Polaris’ Switchback, in both 600 and 800 Cleanfire engine sizes, has revolutionized the category of “Crossover” in two ways.

First, the concept of a sled with a 144-inch track length being equally capable on trails and in powder simply did not exist before this AXYS-based longtracker was debuted. Previously, it was strongly believed 137-inches was the maximum length a sled should extend in order to cover both disciplines.

Secondly, the Switchback’s IGX uncoupled skidframe initially produced skepticism whether or not it could perform as well on trails as it did in the deep stuff. One ride and we were 100-percent convinced this sled could handle both types of riding without compromise.

Part of the story is the way the IGX skidframe combines with the great handling properties of the AXYS front end. It’s not stretching it to say this 144-inch sled may not work as well in the tight stuff if it didn’t have the taut handling of the 144’s non-parallel front A-arms.

All of this adds up to setting the bar high for the competition to climb over. Ski-Doo has been on it and is building a Switchback clone in the 850 Backcountry, however, it’s a new, unproven sled and it will have to reach high to match the Switch.

Yes, Mark, I’m aware the Ski-Doo has a bigger mill and a slightly longer, deeper track, but it remains to be seen if it’s enough – at least this year.

RUNNER UP: RENEGADE BACKCOUNTRY X G4 850

Mark Says:

It’s pretty hard to make a bad call in this segment in MY 2018. Kent did, though.

The Polaris Switchback 800 burst onto the sno-mo-landscape last season and pretty much redefined this important category. A year ago Ski-Doo’s BC-X was just too “off trail” and not enough “on-trail” to compete with the dual-sport Switchback Assault.

Having said this, nobody mows Ski-Doo’s lawn and Polaris had definitely put the Lawn Boy on “Doo Fescue” last season.
In what has to be the quickest response we’ve seen in years, Ski-Doo came back at Polaris with an all-new G4 850 Renegade Backcountry X. It offers so many refinements aimed at not equaling, but one-upping Polaris, it’s amazing.

Here’s where my point gets traction among those who really know snowmobiles (obviously this isn’t Kent). The G4 BC-X is the right choice for the BIC and here’s why: Custom IFS geometry for ultimate on and off-trail control, 850 E-TEC power, pDrive clutching, an all-new uncoupled 146-inch cMotion dual purpose skid, left-to-right centralized mass, fully adjustable rider positioning…and the list goes on.

So, Kent picks the Polaris again this year? Kenny, Polaris had it right first but Ski-Doo has done it righter.

Wyoming Backcountry Tour with Dan Adams

Videos

SnowTrax TV

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27 February 2018

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We connect with Dan Adams – owner and lead instructor of Next Level Riding Clinics – in Alpine, Wyoming. While there, Dan instructs us on the importance of avalanche safety and awareness while personally reflecting on his time as an avalanche rescuer in 2007. Then, Luke and Dan climb aboard a pair of customized 2018 Polaris PRO-RMK 155 snowmobiles and some KTM 450 SX-F powered Timbersleds with ARO 120 kits for some of the best backcountry riding available in North America.

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Québec: So Close… But a World Away From Anything You’ve Experienced!

Tourism

Supertrax Online

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26 February 2018

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Québec: So Close… But a World Away From Anything You’ve Experienced!

There are few truly unique cultural experiences to be found in snowmobiling. Riding in Québec offers something far different from the norm and is guaranteed to deliver a menu of unforgettable feelings that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Winter Lives Here!

Québec is about winter! There is simply no better place to experience the season than on the magnificent trails of this province. The blending of a long-organized trail network with incredible natural geography combines with the warm and welcoming people of Québec to send you almost literally, into another world. The best part: You get there without having to leave the continent!

Yes, French is the mother tongue here, but Québec people are gracious and cooperative, and always anxious to make visitors feel at home. English-speaking hosts are everywhere and there’s rarely a moment communication becomes a barrier to enjoying the snowmobiling experience. You can always get directions, great service and friendly conversation delivered with a French accent, just to remind you you’re in a very special place.

Winter History Began Here

There’s a passion about snowmobiling in Québec and it’s why this is where it all started. The earliest days of the sport were recorded in this province, and almost 90 years ago, the beautiful forests, hills and meadows inspired pioneers to create a trail network for Québec’s own invention, the snowmobile.

At the end of your day’s riding, visit one of the hundreds of unique inns, hotels and restaurants accessible by trail and you’ll simply marvel at the delicious cuisine, friendly service and quaint, cozy surroundings.

Always Nearby

Québec is a huge place with limitless opportunities to ride. It borders the provinces of Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick along with the states of New York, Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire and is easily accessible to snowmobilers from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts. There are international airports in Montréal, Québec City and even Mont-Tremblant.

You may also fly into regional airports in every other city in the province. If you’re trailering your snowmobiles to a Québec destination, roadways, even to remote areas, are modern and well maintained. Once you arrive, there’s an abundance of places you can either stage your motor vehicle and trailer or, if you arrived by airplane, plenty of businesses offering snowmobile rentals.

If you love winter, come to where winter is best! Nothing matches Québec for snowmobiling.

Try Outaouais… This Winter!

Part of this incredible region is located across the Ottawa River from Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, and within Outaouais is the primarily English-speaking Pontiac Region nestled into the Gatineau mountain range. Needless to say, the scenery here is breathtaking, melding together open meadows, forests and wide vistas visible to the horizon.

The snowmobile community has been present for many years in Outaouais and the trail system is fully developed with wide, expansive trail routes taking the scenic route to quaint Québec villages like Maniwaki, Duhamel, Fort-Coulonge, Montebello, Notre-Dame de la Salette et Gracefield – only to name very few. A trail that best represents the Outaouais region and lives up to its reputation for wildlife and spectacular scenery is the The King of the North trail. This looped network is 158 Km in length and promises you a wilderness experience like never before.

Then… Ride to Centre-du-Québec and in Chaudière-Appalaches

Centre-du-Québec and Chaudière-Appalaches regions region embodies the true spirit of snowmobile tourism. It offers nearly 2,500 miles of groomed trails and they can be ridden in huge loops so you’re never far from where you left or from your end destination. There’s an abundance of quaint overnight accommodations in this region and the rolling scenery is semi-mountainous and incredibly picturesque.

Be prepared to take photographs, because the scenery here is world-class! Gorgeous views along the St. Lawrence River, Appalachian Mountains or hundreds of white-covered farm meadows combine to create a forever memory of your visit! The In Between Trail loop is one of the more popular options.

Spanning approximately 280 Km you’ll travel between the two regions of Centre-du-Québec and Chaudière-Appalaches. Along the way you’ll be treated to spectacular views high atop the mountains which link city centres.

For more information on snowmobiling in Québec go to snowmobileinquebec.com. The website acts as the perfect ambassador to the region and assistant in planning your ultimate snowmobile adventure.