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YAMAHA GENESIS 4

THE 10 BEST SNOWMOBILE ENGINES OF ALL TIME! This list of 10 encapsulates all that is great in snowmobile powerplants going back several decades.

Yamaha’s “Genesis” designation originally stood for 5-valves per cylinder. In early 2003, SuperTrax was first exposed to the new 20-valve DOHC carbureted 4-stroke in the RX-1.

This was the first pure performance 4-stroke we’d ever ridden and it was impressive. We ran 1000-ft. drag races down a Wisconsin lake against a fleet of SR-X 700s and the RX-1 was faster.

Later, this engine got EFI and found a home in the Apex. Certainly the most complex engine to ever grace a snowmobile chassis, its unique and sweet exhaust tone, its stellar driveability, strong performance and incredible durability are its hallmarks.

Kamm Wins ISOC Pro Open Final in Iowa

Polaris snocross racer Kody Kamm (Hentges Racing) rebounded from a 13th-place finish on Friday night to score a dominant victory Saturday night in ISOC Pro Open racing in Dubuque, Iowa.

After winning both heat races and the final on Saturday, Kamm strengthened his hold on second in the points standings. In Pro Lite, Jake Angove (Judnick Motorsports) had a win and a third to remain second in points with a shot at winning the title at the ISOC season finale.

Polaris Pro-Am Women racer Elina Ohman (Davies Racing) won three of four heat races and both finals in Iowa and remains perfect with 14 finals wins this season. With wins in 25 of 28 heat races, she has won 92 percent of her races this season, and is poised to clinch the points title.

Pro Open: Kamm Wins, Pallin Finishes 2-4

In Friday night’s Pro Open final, Kyle Pallin (Team LaVallee, Loctite, Polaris, Red Bull) finished second to reach the podium while Kody Kamm showed promise with a heat race win, but then finished 13th in the final. Kamm was unstoppable on Saturday, winning both heat races, then grabbing the holeshot and taking the win in the 18-lap final. Pallin, once again, ran strong and finished fourth, as five Polaris racers earned top-10 finishes.

In the Pro Open points race, Kamm is in second and he extended his lead over third place with his win. Joining him in the top 10 are Petter Narsa (Hentges Racing) in fifth, Ross Martin (Judnick Motorsports) sixth, Kyle Pallin seventh and Corin Todd (Leighton Motorsports) eighth.

Pro Lite: Polaris Racers Earn Four Podium Spots

Jake Angove is second in Pro Lite points and earned two podium finishes in Iowa to keep his hopes of winning the points title alive. Angove moved into the lead in the early laps of Friday night’s final and went on to win ahead of Polaris Racer Zak Mason (Team LaVallee, Loctite, Polaris, Red Bull). Saturday night’s final was dominated by Polaris Snowmobiles as Andrew Lieders (Lieders Racing) finished second, Angove was third, Nickolas Lorenz (Judnick Motorsports) was fourth, Mason was fifth and Evan Daudt (Daudt Racing) was sixth.

In the points standings, Angove is second, Lorenz is third, Mason is fourth, Daudt is fifth and Cole Cottew (Cottew Motorsports) is sixth.

The ISOC season finale featuring three Pro Open finals is March 17-19 at Lake Geneva, Wis.

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 2016 sales of $4.5 billion, Polaris’ innovative, high-quality product line-up 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®, Switchback® 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 include military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.

Visit polaris.com for more information.

Podium Finish for Hibbert

Monster Energy / Arctic Cat / Ram Truck’s Tucker Hibbert scored a podium finish at the penultimate event of the 2016/2017 ISOC National Snocross tour in Dubuque, Iowa. Marking the first time the national tour has landed in The Hawkeye State, the Iowa Snocross National featured a steep, rough track on a tight section of Sundown Mountain Resort’s ski hill.

Friday night, Hibbert went 3-2 in qualifying and finished fifth in the final. The defending champion turned things up Saturday night finishing 1-3 in his qualifying rounds and putting on an impressive charge in the final.

With a 10th place start in Saturday’s 18-lap, 13-rider final, Hibbert had his work cut out for him. Dodging carnage early in the race, he rode smart while pushing forward. He moved into fourth place on lap four but already trailed the leader, #53 Kody Kamm, by nine seconds. Hibbert started making big gains halfway through the race by turning laps one to two seconds faster than Kamm. On the final lap, he closed the gap and was within striking distance of the lead but came up short to finish second.

Next up for Hibbert is the final event of the season in Lake Geneva, Wisc. March 17-19. He currently sits third in the 2016/2017 Pro Open championship and 44 points out of first place. With three days of racing and 177 points on the line, he’s still in the hunt to claim his 11th pro national title.

On his performance at the Iowa Snocross National:

“I’m happy to get a podium finish in Iowa. I struggled a little bit on Friday but felt better Saturday. I felt like I rode a good race Saturday night – working my way through the pack but came up short.”

On racing at a new venue:

“It was exciting to see all the fans who came out to the race. It’s always fun to go to a new venue and see the excitement of fans. Everyone seemed really happy to have a race in the Dubuque area so hopefully it’s an event that can continue.”

On his position in the points championship:

“The plan is the same as always – stay focused on winning races. It’s going to be challenging to climb to the top of the points but we’re doing everything we can to put ourselves in the best position to have a shot at winning this championship.”

Tucker Hibbert’s Remaining 2016/2017 Snocross Event

March 17-19, 2017: Grand Geneva Resort // Lake Geneva, WI

2018 POLARIS SNOWMOBILE LINEUP

Polaris extends its decades-long dominance in snowmobile ride and handling with a 2018 model lineup featuring purpose-built models built on the innovative AXYS® platform. Polaris Snowmobiles provide riders with confident control and handling and are the quickest and most responsive sleds on the market.

Redefining extreme crossover versatility, the all-new 2018 line of Polaris Titan models are powerful and agile snowmobiles that feature industry-leading deep snow mobility, unmatched carrying and towing capabilities, solo or 2-up riding versatility, and off-trail or on-trail agility. Built on the new AXYS Titan Chassis, the three Polaris Titan models for 2018 have several innovative new features that ensure rider comfort, secure carrying, and reliable performance in all locations and conditions.

The 2018 Polaris Snowmobiles lineup also includes new models for Deep Snow and Crossover riders:

The 800 SKS 146 is engineered to deliver the ultimate deep snow performance along with confident handling on trails.

The 600 Switchback XCR and 800 Switchback XCR feature race-proven components for class-leading performance and the ultimate durability.

The full 2018 Polaris Snowmobiles lineup includes purpose-built models for every type of rider and terrain, including deep snow RMK® models, trail-dominating RUSH® models, versatile Switchback crossover models, INDY® models that epitomize the fun of snowmobiling, and recreational-utility Voyageur models.

NEW TITAN: EXTREME CROSSOVER WITH UNMATCHED CAPABILITIES

The new 800 Titan models completely redefine extreme crossover versatility. Built specifically for the world’s most extreme conditions, these sleds not only deliver unmatched on-trail and off-trail performance for one or two riders but also inspire confidence when hauling large payloads.

Built on the new AXYS Titan Chassis and powered by the proven, reliable 800 H.O. Cleanfire® engine, the vehicles can go anywhere and do anything. Riders will experience the Rider-Balanced® Control expected of models on the AXYS chassis, which provides the agility and mobility needed to run off-trail, while maintaining confident control on-trail. The innovative Power Boosting Regulator delivers electrical power at low RPMs or idle, whenever and wherever you need it.

The Polaris Titan cooling system with radiator and fan ensures optimal engine output, while the suspension package and aggressive 155-in. x 20-in. track let the sleds traverse the nastiest terrain while towing a load. And for added versatility, the integrated Lock & Ride® Versa Storage Platform makes it easy to attach or remove cargo carriers without needing tools, while the quick install 2-up seat allows for various riding options.

The three new Polaris Titan models – 800 Titan SP 155, 800 Titan XC 155 and 800 Titan Adventure 155 – feature distinctive trim and equipment packages to meet the needs of specific types of riders.

RMK: NEW SKS MODELS DELIVER VERSATILE PERFORMANCE

Polaris Deep Snow models dominate in the mountains and heavy snow regions by delivering the ultimate combination of lift, control, and response.

The patented, raised AXYS Chassis, along with the AXYS RMK Rear Suspension and aggressive Polaris-exclusive tracks provide lift to put the sleds instantly on top of the snow. The rigid chassis and suspensions deliver rider inputs and power directly to the snow for the greatest response.

With powerful engines and the rigid, lightweight AXYS chassis, Polaris deep snow models provide riders with industry-leading power-to-weight ratios on models such as the 800 PRO-RMK® 155, the world’s lightest mountain sled at 408 pounds. This provides Polaris RMKs with the instantaneous lift needed in the backcountry.

The 2018 Deep Snow lineup includes several models with either the proven 800 H.O. Cleanfire engine or 600 Cleanfire engine, and tracks lengths from 146 in. to 174 in.

The new 800 SKS 146 is designed to dominate the deep powder while maintaining confident on-trail handling. This sled features the Rider-Balanced AXYS chassis with the IGX 146 Rear Suspension for RMK-inspired off-trail agility along with a smooth on-trail ride. This sled comes standard with the 146-in. x 2.25-in. Peak Track, Gripper Skis and the Walker Evans® Piggyback Shocks. The SKS 146 also comes with features standard to the RMK lineup, including the narrow front end with the innovative forged aluminum A-arms and tall spindles.

SWITCHBACK: XCR MODELS FEATURE RACE-READY PERFORMANCE

The Crossover segment is the fastest-growing category in snowmobiling, and Polaris Switchback models offer riders the industry’s most versatile performance. Switchback models deliver an unmatched combination of outstanding acceleration, tremendous traction on the trail, and smooth-handling, off-trail agility.

Built on the AXYS Chassis, Switchback models deliver Rider-Balanced Control, unrivaled acceleration riders can use on- and off-trail, and Rider Centric Comfort to suit seated or stand-up riding. Switchback models are the only Crossover sleds that corner flat on trails and carry the front end in the rough.

The new 600 and 800 Switchback XCRs feature 2.52-inch pitch 137-inch tracks and are equipped to deliver the ultimate Crossover performance, inspired by the durability and reliability of race sleds. With componentry proven in the Iron Dog and USXC cross-country racing, these sleds are engineered to meet the needs of the most aggressive riders. Polaris Race Technology equipment on these sleds includes: premium suspension and driveline components that are strong and lightweight; the PRT Brake System for outstanding braking in all riding conditions; premium, compression-adjustable Walker Evans shocks; reinforced components, and more.

Along with the new XCR models, the 2018 Switchback lineup features PRO-S, PRO-X, and Assault models with the 800 H.O. Cleanfire engine or 600 Cleanfire engine.

The full 2018 Polaris Snowmobiles lineup includes purpose-built models for every type of rider and terrain, including: trail-dominating RUSH models that are the Sharpest Handling, Quickest Accelerating; INDY models that epitomize the fun of snowmobiling; and recreational-utility Voyageur models that accommodate Limitless Possibilities.

SNOWCHECK SELECT: TRUE FACTORY CUSTOMIZATION

Polaris continues to lead the industry in true factory customization during the limited-time spring SnowCheck Select period. Riders can customize their sleds in three easy steps:

1. Choose Your Sled from among eligible RMK, RUSH, and Switchback models.
2. Choose Your Color, including colors of chassis, suspension, bodywork, and trim components.
3. Choose Your Options, such as tracks, windshields, instrumentation, shocks, and more.

With the available choices, thousands of configurations are available so riders can custom-build sleds that ideally suit their individual riding styles.

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 2016 sales of $4.5 billion, Polaris’ innovative, high-quality product line-up 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, Switchback 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 include military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe.

Visit polaris.com for more information.

2018 POLARIS SNOWMOBILES

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Who would have thought the newest sled to land from Polaris would have a mountain length track that’s 20-inches wide? Not us!

Polaris has completely warped our sensibilities with the intro of the new and formidable Titan 800. The sled is revolutionary from this perspective. This isn’t a fur hat, Carhart wearing rider’s dream. This is everybody’s workhorse/sport-ute.

The new Titan comes in three models – Titan Adventure, Titan SP and a really cool Titan XC version. The 20-inch by 155 track has varying lug lengths but puts down a footprint allowing for not just unstoppable flotation but Euclid level pulling power.

A really slick F-N-R Hi-Lo range sub tranny provides enough torque to pull a fish house off any lake under any conditions – short of open water.

The Adventure we like best comes with a full-on passenger king/queen seat with heated amenities. This is an amazingly comfortable two up ride.

Here’s the beef – no apologies are necessary when riding with your group – the 800 Liberty HO CleanFire is belting out 160 ponies and is capable of achieving an amazing 101 MPH top speed. Essentially, move over, the Titan is coming.

Walker Evans clickers are included and – you better sit down for this – ride quality in jigglers, stutters and moguls is at the top of the industry – the sled simply mows moguls.

If you’re like us, this was not what you were expecting. However we are and remain pleasantly surprised with the new Titan.

Another new Polarii we were pretty sure would arrive – did just that. The 2018 Switchback XCR is just as serious as the 120 inch XCR using virtually identical suspension components and based off the low slung, corner carving Pro-S architecture.

The 137 incher out back does exactly what you would expect – it bridges moguls and bites hard, delivering better traction and resultant acceleration.

Keep in mind, those Walker clickers are valved for competition use – this is a serious, XC race ready ride. One addition for 2018 that will be welcomed by XCR buyers is available e-start.

Last year’s hit – the RMK SKS returns with a 146 inch sneaker out back and instantly becomes a more credible flatland boon docker capable of running trails when called upon. The SKS is quickly becoming a paradigm shifter with free riders.

Finally – Polaris and Timbersled pretty much blew everyone away with the intro of the all-new, Timbersled Aro. Forget everything about the current Timbersled chassis as the new Aro is lighter, lower, more efficient and way easier to install on your dirt bike.

There’s also a new ski that makes hardpack riding exponentially more stable. We think Polaris and Timbersled are just scratching the surface with this Snow Bike thing. Stay tuned.

TEST RIDE: 2017 Ski-Doo MXZ X 850

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Luke Lester takes out the Ski-Doo MXZ X 850. Hear what he has to say about this sled!

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Textron Completes Acquisition of Arctic Cat

Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Arctic Cat Inc. by means of a short-form merger under Minnesota law. As a result, Arctic Cat has become an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Textron.

Going forward, Arctic Cat will operate as a subsidiary of Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. This business, based in Augusta, Ga., designs and manufactures vehicles and equipment for a range of uses and industries, including E-Z-GO golf cars and personal transportation vehicles, Cushman commercial utility vehicles, Textron Off Road side-by-sides, Dixie Chopper zero-turn mowers, Jacobsen professional turf-care equipment, and TUG, Douglas, Premier and Safeaero ground support equipment. The powerful Arctic Cat brand brings an exciting lineup of snowmobiles, side-by-sides and ATVs into the Textron Specialized Vehicles product family.

“Arctic Cat is an ideal fit with our growing range of off-road recreational vehicles,” said Textron president and CEO Scott Donnelly. “The addition of Arctic Cat to our Textron Specialized Vehicles business instantly gives us a deeper product line for customers, greater potential for innovation, and introduces new sales opportunities for our combined worldwide dealer network.”

Arctic Cat’s operations will remain in Minnesota. The business will gain valuable new capabilities through its integration with Textron Specialized Vehicles and the global resources of Textron Inc.— a $13.8 billion multi-industry business with operations in more than 25 countries.

The Arctic Cat brand is among the most widely recognized and respected in the recreational vehicle industry. The company designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides and snowmobiles, in addition to related parts, garments and accessories under the Arctic Cat® and Motorfist® brand names.

Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of golf cars, utility and personal transportation vehicles, snowmobiles, side-by-sides, all-terrain vehicles, professional turf-care equipment, and ground support equipment. Textron Specialized Vehicles markets products under the E-Z-GO®, Cushman®, Arctic Cat®,Textron Off Road™, Jacobsen®, Dixie Chopper®, Ransomes®, TUG™, Douglas™, Premier™ and Safeaero™ brands. Its vehicles are found in environments ranging from golf courses to factories, airports to planned communities, and theme parks to hunting preserves.

Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna, Beechcraft, Hawker, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Textron Off Road, Textron Systems, and TRU Simulation + Training.

More information about Arctic Cat and its products is available at arcticcat.com.

For more information visit textron.com.

NOT HAPPY ABOUT THE 2-STROKE SHOOTOUT

Dear Motorhead –

I was watching the SNOWTRAX episode about the 800 shootout and was very disappointed on how the new cat engine was not used. It was mentioned, but not part of the actual shootout.

The 850 Ski-Doo should not have been used. Has Ski-Doo ever built a reliable long lasting high tech 2-stroke? As far I can see they still have to make the carb models so they can stay together.

Ski-Doo makes the most unreliable engine on the market hands down and Arctic Cat doesn’t have its new engine in the shootout. Is this due to Ski-Doo being a bigger sponsor?

Very disappointed that the real world reliability is never mentioned.

Thank you,

Brent Ricker

Hey Brent –

Go easy on us – we’re not bad guys!

Here’s the deal. When this segment was shot the 2018 limited build C-TEC II Arctic Cat was not available. Even if it was, it’s a 2018 so that would have disqualified it from this comparo.

The Ski-Doo 850 was used as it is a current 2017 engine and the former (and yes you are right) less reliable E-TEC 800 is obviously on its way out.

That being said, the 800 Suzuki engine is gone in 2018 as well. The 800 Suzuki was given props for being reliable in the segment.

Skidoo has built many reliable long lasting 2 strokes over the years – the Series III E-TEC 800 wasn’t one of them.

The new C-TEC II 800 DSI Arctic Cat engine is a winner out of the box. Great power in the mid-range, way less gurgle off engagement and better on fuel. Is it as fast as the new 850 SD? Not from what we’ve seen thus far with our just arrived limited build ZR 800 137.

Whether or not Arctic Cat or Ski-Doo spend more or less as sponsors has nothing to do with our opinion or conclusions. However, if you wanted to insult us, well done!

Motorhead Mark

Click here to watch this segment!

ARCTIC CAT LAYDOWN 700 TWIN

THE 10 BEST SNOWMOBILE ENGINES OF ALL TIME! This list of 10 encapsulates all that is great in snowmobile powerplants going back several decades.

Cat’s Roger Skime commented: “Sometimes you get an engine that just works right within its dimensions and there’s no reason for it”.

Greg Spaulding and the engine team in Thief River Falls built this amazing twin in the early 2000s with the intention of getting the center of gravity lower in their new sleds.

Its cylinders were laid down on an angle and its intake and exhaust were on the same side.

Unconventional… and wicked fast. Some would say it was merely the slippery Firecat 13.5-inch-wide chassis that made this engine outperform most 800s in its day. Dunno.

No one’s been able to fully explain why this was such a strong engine. Still is today – if you can find one.

SKI-DOO MACH Z 800 TRIPLE

THE 10 BEST SNOWMOBILE ENGINES OF ALL TIME! This list of 10 encapsulates all that is great in snowmobile powerplants going back several decades.

This engine was a direct response to the T-Cat in the early 90’s when it was wedged into the original F-Chassis.

There’s no denying the sled was a rocket – however it blew up with rocket-like regularity until the 1998 model year when it landed in the CK-3 (Competition Kicker 3-cylinder) chassis.

From this time forward the triple-piped-triple Mach-Z gained an enormous following among lake racers and throttle jockeys who proved the engine was, at the very least, notable but likely iconic in it’s ability to pull big digits.

By the time the CK-3 Mach-Z established itself, the Thundercat was a part of history, after which Ski-Doo dumped the triple in favor of the REV-based Mach-Z 1000 twin.