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REACH FOR THE SUMMIT SHARED EXPERIENCES

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REACH FOR THE SUMMIT SHARED EXPERIENCES

Congratulations to Michael Helfrick for sharing his REACH FOR THE SUMMIT experiences. Michael picks up the Cyclops GEAR CGX2 4K Wi-Fi Action Camera! A great camera for capturing your experiences!

Michael’s submission is a great example of one of the reasons we chose Sicamous BC for our grand prize because these are the types of experiences you can expect.

Michael writes:

“I’ve been snowmobiling since I was 12 and have never found better riding than Sicamous BC. There’s endless untracked powder in the trees if you know where to go and miles and miles of groomed trails if you don’t. I’d love a chance to get to ride there again and hang out with some of the big dogs at CKMP.”

Supertrax Media Inc. in cooperation with Ski-Doo snowmobiles is promoting the Reach For The Summit Sweepstakes. Enter and you can WIN an all expenses paid mountain riding adventure at CKMP (Carl Kuster Mountain Park) in beautiful British Columbia, Canada.

While there you’ll not only enjoy 5 star accommodations, you’ll also get to hang out and ride with Ski-Doo Mountain Ambassadors Carl Kuster, Rob Alford and Tony Jenkins. The lucky winner will also star alongside Luke and AJ Lester in a feature story on SnowTrax Television and be the focus of an article in Supertrax Magazine!

Enter now at supertraxmag.com/summit

DECODING YAMAHA’S NOMENCLATURE

Kent Lester
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DECODING YAMAHA’S NOMENCLATURE

Some of you have asked us what the various alpha-numeric names associated with Yamaha snowmobiles mean and how you can determine what models have what features.

Here’s our best stab at interpreting the jargon:

TX: As near as we can figure, “TX” means “Yamaha snowmobile”. It is used in every segment, accompanied with other letters, to signify model categories.

R-TX: The “R” stands for “race” … kinda. What it really signifies is the sled’s track length and the fact it is most likely to be used for aggressive, quick-turning trail riding. All “R” models feature a 129-inch track and a coupled suspension.

L-TX: The “L” designation means “long track” and the L-TX is a trail-targeted sled with a 137-inch track and a coupled suspension. Basically, it’s an R-TX with a longer track.

X-TX: The “X” stands for “X-Over” or crossover. These Yamahas are intended to be dual purpose sleds that can be driven on trails competently and also work very well in flatland powder and the foothills. Most use a 141-incher (all SR) but some have a 144 (Phazer) or even a 146 (Apex). All X-Series use an uncoupled suspension.

B-TX: The “B” stands for back country. These Yamahas are close to being mountain sleds and are very serious for freeriding in powder snow. They feature more aggressive tracks than the X-TX series and have some fairly sophisticated shock packages. Suspensions are good but their deeper lugged tracks (1.75 & 2.25) tend to limit their trail use.

S-TX: When we interpret the “S” in S-TX, We’re thinking it means “standard”. These more basic track and shock equipped Yamahas are usually accompanied by the term “DX” which usually stands for “DeLuxe”. However, this probably refers to the type of ride and comfort you get (higher, warmer windshield and more ride compliance) and not a deluxe performance shock package.

M-TX: The “M” is for mountain. Nuff said.

LE and SE: There are significant differences between models designated with the LE and SE nomenclature. The LE stands for “Limited Edition” and is usually a limited availability, order early model with special track and shock features. We think SE stands for “Standard Edition” which is the baseline, in-season snowmobile offered in that particular segment.

SR & RS: These signify the type of chassis the snowmobile is built on. The RS is the original rider-forward, built-in-Japan chassis used on the Venture, Vector and Apex. SR signifies Yamahas built on the Arctic Cat chassis like the SideWinder, Viper and new SR Venture DX 2-upper.
VK: VK is short for “Viking” – nearly all utility models carry the VK designation.

BAT: This means “Best Available Technology” and is used on the RS Venture TF for use in public park areas where snowmobiles would ordinarily be banned. These sleds, usually rentals, have the ultimate approval and equipment to certify with the EPA for squeaky-clean emissions.

TF: This is basically, a regular 144-inch RS Venture with a longer 151-inch track. We’d like to think it stands for “Two–FER”.

MP: This term, meaning “Multi-Purpose” is used on the 500cc Venture MP which doubles as a touring sled and a utility sled.

There you go. If there are any we’ve missed, let us know and we’ll guess along with you.

2018 CKX TITAN HELMET

Supertrax Online
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2018 CKX TITAN HELMET

Last year, CKX launched the Titan, a unique helmet that combines the features of a backcountry and modular helmet.

For the first time, a helmet benefited from the look and weight of the MX helmets, while enjoying the comfort of a modular helmet.

This year, wishing to improve, the CKX team relied on users’ feedback, research, analyses and tests with numerous snowmobilers to develop the new versions of the CKX TITAN.

While maintaining its signature backcountry look with a retractable and detachable muzzle, as well as the built-in wide-angle (210o) goggle, CKX took on various technical aspects to improve the snowmobiler’s experience in different conditions. We all know that snowmobiling is not the same for everyone.

But what makes the CKX TITAN unique?

– First, there is the muzzle allowing the user to free his face easily.​

– Also the unrivaled goggle with a 210° field of vision. A goggle designed along with the helmet for a perfect fit.

– And it’s a helmet that provides the user a unique quick-attach system (patent pending), allowing the goggles to be placed on top of the helmet to protect them from the elements.

2018 POLARIS TITAN SP

Kent Lester
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2018 POLARIS TITAN SP

You may be thinking the industry has gone nuts when you read about sleds like the new Polaris Titan SP.

At first glance it looks like a performance sled. However, it seems like the Titan SP breaks every rule of performance snowmobiling: It’s huge – but it’s got a big, powerful 800cc 2-stroke.

Its massive track is 20-inches wide and 155-inches long. Yeah, plenty of surface area – but what about all that power-robbing weight?

It’s supposed to be a utility-style sled because it’s got wide workhorse skis and an articulated rear suspension, but it’s got mountain style PowderTrac running boards and all the hot rod electronic features of a top performing trail or mountain sled. What’s up?

We don’t know either, but this sled is a blast to ride. We suspect it’s designed to compete head-on with Ski-Doo’s Expedition Extreme – also a utility-adaptable sled with pared down looks and an 800 2-stroke under its hood.

Comparisons aside, the market for these sleds is to regional North American riders who boondock a lot and, especially, to Northern Europeans who ride Scandinavian terrain where there may or may not be groomed trails.

We rode the Titan last winter and were shocked at its maneuverability and light ergonomic feedback when you’re in the drivers seat. It handles and steers like an Assault and its suspension is as good or better than any trail-targeted Polaris.

Although the seat is wider because of its wide tunnel and track, it never feels cumbersome or particularly bulky. Five minutes in the cockpit and you feel right at home, honing twisty trails and launching into powder. The sled is surprisingly responsive to its driver’s body-english and responds off-trail like a good mountain sled.

We think some of this ergonomic bliss may be because the weight of the sled is pretty well-balanced. A front-weighted 4-stroke actually feels more intimidating in powder than the Titan but because the 800 is light and the weight of the engine and drive system is parallel throughout the chassis front to rear, it handles deep snow challenges really well. Fast? Plenty.

We’re curious to see how the Titan SP sells in North America. We know for sure there are riders in Maine, Northern Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador that have been waiting for a sled like the Titan.

4 WAYS SKI-DOO LEADS

Kent Lester
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4 WAYS SKI-DOO LEADS

Yeah, you’ll read this and tell us we’re in bed with Ski-Doo. Not so. However, we’ve compiled some facts that are pretty undeniable and point to the reasons why Ski-Doo is leading the industry in sales.

ENGINES

It’s tough to deny Ski-Doo owns some of the industry’s best technology for both 2-strokes and 4-strokes. The fact all Ski-Doo engines are built in-house by Rotax gives the company incredible range to innovate and make changes. Thus, the sudden tweaking to deliver an all-new E-TEC 850 last year.

When it comes to snowmobiling, the E-TEC has virtually preserved the 2-stroke engine for future generations, no matter how severe EPA restrictions become.

If you’re talking 4-strokes, Rotax has been able to design and execute a broad range of reasonably lightweight engines ranging from 600 to 1170ccs, all great performers in their categories.

CHASSIS DESIGN

Since the XP was introduced in 2008, Ski-Doo has set the standard for light, efficient design.

Although the rest of the industry has stepped up its chassis tech since then, last year Ski-Doo threw out the old bath water and came up with a narrower, lighter and better balanced G4.

By adapting XS chassis features like rMotion, t-Motion and RAS 4, and then creating a unique integrated cooler design in the tunnel, the features of those aforementioned assets have balanced out weight issues so the G4 sleds are still very light.

SUSPENSION

Ski-Doo’s perfection of rMotion has renewed consumer confidence in the shock-in-tunnel snowmobile suspension and proven you can get incredible ride quality from a somewhat old design.

Same with t-Motion: This unique, pivoting mountain suspension offers distinct benefits to vertical and deep snow riders. Interestingly, five years ago, those riders didn’t even know they needed what t-Motion brings.

Along with the FlexEdge track, the t-Motion combo is proving to be excellent and is converting mountain riders over to the brand quickly.

OUTSIDE-THE-BOX

It seems like Ski-Doo is always thinking outside the box. The intro of the SHOT starting system this year is a perfect example. A few years back, electronic run-backwards reverse was another breakthrough.

Both these systems significantly reduce weight and pander to the riders who want lightness the most – without sacrificing convenience. Or how about the whole rider-forward thing back in 2003?

There was a time when innovations like these seemed impossible. Somehow, Ski-Doo has figured out how to bring it. You’ve got to call it leadership!

WHO IS NEXT WITH A MID-SIZED SLED?

Kent Lester
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WHO IS NEXT WITH A MID-SIZED SLED?

You can bet Polaris and Ski-Doo are keeping a close watch on the sales numbers of Yamaha’s new Sno-Scoot and the ZR200 from Arctic Cat.

This is completely new territory and no one knows for sure how big the market for these mid-sized sleds will be.

We think there will be thousands sold the first year (this year) as the pent-up demand for pint-sized sleds for novice riders starts to get filled up.

The real test will be in year two and three when there are a lot of them out on the snow and the marketplace has gotten smaller because of orders already filled.

Ski-Doo and Polaris, with a new copycat, would be dealing with a market that has already been sold-down and that is a gamble: Maybe less customers remain because they already bought a SnoScoot or a ZR200.

On the other hand, if the market proves to be as big as suspected and Cat and Yamaha continue to sell out in the ensuing years, Ski-doo and Polaris could be caught with their pants down and miss out on the whole boom. Tough decisions!

One thing is for sure, if Polaris and Ski-Doo already started with their design and testing of prototypes the day after the two mid-sizers were first revealed, it would still be two or more model years before they could land one in a showroom.

This whole situation is just another example of how careful OEMs have to be before they pull the trigger on a new project.

2018 SKI-DOO MXZx 600RS

Press Release
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2018 SKI-DOO MXZx 600RS

BRP introduces the completely redesigned 2018 Ski-Doo MXZx 600RS E-TEC racing snowmobile designed specifically for winning on North American and European snocross tracks.

The 2018 MXZx 600RS E-TEC is based on the REV Gen4 platform for superior rider ergonomics and handling in rough conditions.

Like all Gen4 sleds, the narrow design featuring centralized mass is agile and responsive while the Ergo Step side panels and beveled tunnel gives racers enormous freedom to ride the way they want – without interference from the chassis.

Other features unique to the racing sled include a tilted tunnel with short heat exchanger, new motocross inspired seat, racing footholds and a small fuel tank.

The RAS 3 front suspension with unique steering system provides ultra precise handling with less effort so racers can concentrate on choosing the best lines. To further assist precise steering the sled is equipped with the new lightweight Pilot R2 skis that were race tested last year by top pros Tim Tremblay and Lincoln Lemieux.

One thing familiar will be the Racing rMotion skid frame in back – but it too receives some major upgrades. There’s a new KYB piggyback 46mm center shock, new motion ratio and calibration for the rear shock, and lighter weight components throughout.

The very special – for racing only – Rotax 600RS E-TEC engine is also all-new for 2018, with more horsepower and extremely fast dynamic response racers will appreciate. E-TEC direct injection makes its racing debut and combined with the booster injectors first deployed on the Rotax 850 E-TEC, delivers that quick response and contributes to the overall power gains.

Other ideas adapted from the 850 for this specialty engine include a shorter intake tract with double reeds, digital eRAVE and lightweight exhaust system. The 600RS E-TEC also gains a little more displacement as it grows to 599.4 cc. The updated powerpack was completely reconfigured to fit in the efficient REV Gen4 platform.

And good news for racers that come into a corner a little too hot with all that extra power; new this year is a Brembo four-piston brake caliper mated to a new stainless steel rotor delivering stronger, more consistent performance and better durability.

2018 MXZx 600RS Highlights:

REV Gen4 Platform

– Reinforced E and S modules
– NEW Taper/tilt tunnel
– Short heat exchanger
– NEW MX inspired seat
– NEW Racing foot box
– 5-gallon fuel tank

RAS 3 Front Suspension

– NEW longer KYB Pro 40R Shocks
– Rack steering with power assist
– NEW Taller spindle
– NEW light weight Pilot R2 Ski

Racing rMotion Rear Suspension

– Lighter components
– NEW 46mm KYB Pro series center shock
– NEW rear shock calibration and motion ratio

Rotax 600RS E-TEC Engine (599.4 cc)

– E-TEC direct injection
– Intake booster injectors (850-inspired)
– Shorter intake length (850-inspired)
– Double reed valves (850-inspired)
– NEW monoblock cylinder design with Plasma coating
– NEW Piston (largerbore)
– eRAVE (850-inspired)
– NEW light weight exhaust system

Drivetrain

– pDrive primary clutch
– TEAM TSS-04 secondary clutch
– NEW slip gear and final drive ratio (51t–22t)
– RS drive axle
– NEW Belt

3 WAYS YAMAHA COULD GAIN SHARE

Kent Lester
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3 WAYS YAMAHA COULD GAIN SHARE

Looking in the rearview mirror, you can see how far Yamaha has come since it entered into a manufacturing agreement with Arctic Cat a few years ago.

Meanwhile, the company has not stopped innovating. Think about the blockbuster intro of the SideWinder last year or this year’s cool YRSS front suspension for the Apex or the return of the SnoScoot.

Those were and are unique Yamaha innovations and speak loudly of the company’s genius at birthing new tech in the snowmobile biz.

We think there’s opportunity for Yamaha to grow market share but there seems to be a refusal to get on the pony and ride. Here’s how we think the company could move forward – fast.

1. CLEAN HOUSE

It’s time for Yamaha to rationalize its model lines. Sure, the Apex is in its final year but frankly, we were surprised to learn other models didn’t get the punt before it did. Some of Yamaha’s older carryovers only sell in very small numbers and yeah, no argument, some are very good snowmobiles but they could and already have been replaced by the new-era models. Time to cut the cord and go with the latest stuff.

2. USE WHAT YOU’VE GOT

We already mentioned Yamaha has come up with a lot of exciting, fresh technology the last three or four years. Why not use it on the SR models like the Viper and Sidewinder?

The Viper especially needs an update and some of that pure Yamaha tech, already perfected, would renew customer interest in it. The new-last-year YSRC roller secondary from the SideWinder would change the performance of the 1049 Vipe considerably without having to go through the EPA minefield. So would the use of the drive-by wire electronic throttle system used on the Vector.

How about using the lightweight SingleShot skid in the Viper? It’s been proven to be very competent and works great in both 129 and 146-inch lengths. Just those additions would breathe new life into the brand and get the showrooms buzzing.

3. DON’T BE SHY ABOUT BEING YAMAHA

Some longtime Yamaha owners were embarrassed when Yamaha joined forces with Cat to supply engines and chassis-swap.

We haven’t met many lately who feel that way now that the dust has settled but we’ve often asked them the question: “Would you like Yamaha sleds to be more uniquely Yamaha?”

The answer is almost always, yes! And hey, why not? The company has an incredible history in the sport and a huge following of dedicated customers. Besides all that, Yamaha has shown it is still a great innovator and has technology banked it’s dying to show off.

We’re probably not telling you anything that hasn’t already been discussed in Yamaha boardrooms a hundred times, however, we look at the progression of Yamaha in the industry and it just seems like there’s so much potential for the company to kick butt. C’mon Yamaha, flex those muscles!

SUPERTRAX TEAM WITH THE INTREPID SNOWMOBILER

Supertrax Online
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SUPERTRAX TEAM WITH THE INTREPID SNOWMOBILER

September 12th, 2017

Supertrax Media is pleased to announce the addition of a new contributor to Supertrax International, snowmobiling’s most read magazine and #1 rider resource.

Respected powersports journalist and author, Craig Nicholson, brings his unique editorial perspective to Supertrax Magazine readers commencing with the magazine’s first issue this season.

Popularly known as “The Intrepid Snowmobiler”, Craig has been a high-mileage-touring snowmobiler for many years and is well known within the snowmobile community through his vast media exposure including his strong social media presence.

“The Supertax Media team is totally committed to providing snowmobilers with the very best coverage of all things snowmobiling, so for me this is a natural. I’m very pleased and fortunate to be working with such professionals,” said Craig of his new role with Supertrax International Magazine. “I look forward to sharing my riding adventures with the thousands of readers who are as passionate about snowmobiling as we are.”

Supertrax International editor, Kent Lester, added: “Having Craig on the Supertrax team will provide our readers with the industry’s most comprehensive spectrum of information and insights into the sport’s best riding locales in both the United States and Canada”.

SUPERTRAX Media Inc. (SMI) publishes Supertrax International Magazine, the largest circulation snowmobile enthusiast publication in the US and Canada as well as the officlal publication of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) Go Snowmobiling Ontario Magazine. SMI produces the Official Publication of the New York State Snowmobiler Association (NYSSA), New York State Snowmobiler Magazine. SUPERTRAX Media also produces Snowtrax Television, the longest running, largest viewed snowmobile adventure television series in North America, broadcast on the Outdoor Channel in the US and OLN and Wild TV in Canada.

For More Information Contact (705) 286-2135

REACH FOR THE SUMMIT EXPERIENCE

Supertrax Online
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REACH FOR THE SUMMIT EXPERIENCE

Enter at supertraxmag.com/summit

TELL US WHO YOU ARE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN

Supertrax Media Inc. in cooperation with Ski-Doo snowmobiles is promoting the Reach For The Summit Sweepstakes. Enter and you can WIN an all expense paid mountain riding adventure at CKMP (Carl Kuster Mountain Park) in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. While there you’ll not only enjoy 5 star accommodations, you’ll also get to hang out and ride with Ski-Doo Mountain Ambassadors Carl Kuster, Rob Alford and Tony Jenkins. The lucky winner will also star alongside Luke and AJ Lester in a feature story on SnowTrax Television and be the focus of an article in Supertrax Magazine.

SHARE YOUR SNOWMOBILE EXPERIENCES FOR A CHANCE TO WIN GREAT PRIZES

We know you love snowmobiling as much as we do. There are Tens-of-Thousands of amazing snowmobile experiences happening every winter. We want to learn of those experiences and we want to share them with our fan base to encourage others to go out and enjoy snowmobiling for all that it can be. Hey, you never know…the snowmobile experience you share might also turn out to be a great story idea for SnowTrax Television and Supertrax Magazine.

If you think you have an awesome snowmobile experience or know of a hidden little gem to ride; share your experience by writing a short description and uploading a photo or video to help showcase it. We’ll then go through and select what we think are the best experiences. Those chosen will be awarded with awesome prize packages consisting of products from Ski-Doo and leading aftermarket suppliers.

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    SNOWTRAX has established itself as the most watched snowmobile TV series in North America.
    Each season, the SNOWTRAX crew guides viewers through informative and entertaining content; revealing the inside scoop on the latest snowmobiles, accessories and riding destinations that make snowmobiling winter's greatest adventure sport.
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