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ARE 2-UPPERS A DYING BREED?

Kent Lester
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ARE 2-UPPERS A DYING BREED?

If you talk to some people you’d think 2-up snowmobiles are no longer relevant.

Others will tell you they’re the first sleds they look for when the new models come out. What do we think?


There are a couple of things at play. First, the new breed of Adventure Touring sleds offer some pretty good alternatives to a purebred 2-passenger sled.

With long tracks and plenty of room for an add-on seat, backrest and luggage, you can convert a 137 or 146-inch crossover sled into a 2-upper in minutes.

The comfort level is very good, too, although some of the built-in amenities like rear seat handwarmers or passenger footrests are not always available. The best thing is you can take the seat and bags off and have a nimble trail sled when you don’t have a passenger along.

The pure 2-up sleds these days have become icons of comfort and convenience. Comprehensive gauge packages, big, plush seating, warm windshields and all the built-in warmth and comfort features make them very nice sleds to tour long distances with an extra rider.

Handling and ride are exceptional because these tourers are custom-tuned from the factory to handle the weight bias of gear and extra bodies.

Arctic Cat and Ski-Doo have invested heavily in the 2-up market with some very radical changes to their line-ups the last two years.

Ski-Doo revamped its Grand Touring models for 2015 utilizing the XS platform and last year Cat brought us a completely revised Pantera 7000. This year, there’s the Pantera 3000.

Yamaha has basically stood pat with its Venture line-up but these sleds still comprise an important element of the company’s total sales.

Polaris has taken a different tack and has pretty much phased out its big-inch tourers and attempted to steer customers toward the Switchback Adventure and its seating and baggage accessory list for 2-up shoppers.

It’s not the only situation in which Polaris marches to its own drummer – and it seems to be working for them.

Do we think the 2-up sled is on its way out? We don’t. There’s still a big commitment from the majority of OEMs to provide sleds in this category.

We do, however, think the 2-up sled will morph into something different in the next few years. But that’s a topic for another day.

WOULD THE INDUSTRY BUILD A TURBO 2-STROKE?

Kent Lester
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WOULD THE INDUSTRY BUILD A TURBO 2-STROKE?

It’s been a few years but I had occasion to ride a 600cc 2-stroke with an aftermarket turbocharger a while back and, man, was it impressive.

I believe the stock engine at that time made about 110-hp and with the turbo it jumped up to about 150. That was more power than the big-inch, naturally aspirated sleds were making at that time and it felt like the boosted twin was literally trying to tear itself out of the engine bay.


Throttle response was good – with some lag – but the sled felt like it had gained about 300ccs of displacement. The increase in torque was the most evident – the sled easily lofted its skis, transferring its weight rearward and the studded track dug in like a drag racer. Pretty impressive, and my impression was that the 2-stroke responded to turbocharging way better than a 4-stroke.

We’re wondering, with the increasing use of turbocharging in the 4-stroke off-road SxS market, if more snowmobile OEMs besides Arctic Cat will be offering turbos in the near future?

The reason we’re raising the question about 2-stroke turbocharging is because it makes such a huge difference and can be added with little modification to the 2-stroke engine.

Think of a 160-hp 800 twin boosted to 200-ponies. Even with sophisticated fuel management systems like Cleanfire, slot injection and E-TEC, a turbo could be made to work and it would avoid the need for OEMs to increase 2-stroke engine displacement.

Yes, there seems to be a resistance to building 2-strokes any larger than 800ccs and the cost to re-certify a new engine could really be prohibitive, not to mention the sheer risk of warranty problems from a super-lean 900, 1000cc or larger mill.

Sometimes we’re so close to the business, we miss the obvious. A turbocharged 2-stroke would be a huge coup for whoever offered one. In limited numbers, we think the market would get on board in a flash.

TEAM ARCTIC PREVAILS AT ISOC SNOCROSS NATIONAL IN FARGO

Press Release
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Team Arctic snocross racers prevailed at Round #3 and #4 of the ISOC National series in Fargo, ND, capturing eight class wins, 19 podium finishes and the top spot among the competitive brands. From the youngest classes to the premier Pro Open category, Team Arctic racers and the Arctic Cat ZR6000R SX once again proved to be the winning combination.

Tucker Hibbert captured his second Pro Open win of the season in Fargo with a masterful, dominant performance in Round 4 that all but erased the frustrations of a chaotic first turn pileup the previous evening that left him out of contention for the win, but still able to salvage a fourth. Hibbert remains in the Pro Open points lead.


Team Arctic’s Martin Moland delivered a storybook performance en route to winning the Pro Lite final ahead of teammate Montana Jess on Saturday. The young racer from Alta, Sweden, was originally planning to return home after the Fargo round. But after a strong showing in Duluth, his dad offered an incentive: win in Fargo and Martin could stay and race the full season. With focus, grit and determination, Moland won and will finish the ISOC season with the expert help of the Frattalone Race team.

Team Arctic maintained its place atop the support and youth categories at Fargo. Ryley Bester continued his perfect season in the Junior classes at Fargo, winning the Jr. 14-15 and 16-17 finals in dominant fashion. Baily Forst took his first win of the season in Sport Lite #2, while Eric Downs continued his winning ways by leading a Team Arctic podium sweep of Jr. 10-13. Likewise, Taven Woodie notched her second win of the season in Jr. Girls 9-13. Andy Pake was another first time winner in Fargo, leading a 1-2-3 finish for Team Green in the Transition 8-12 final.

“To leave Fargo with the most wins and most podium finishes of any brand is both gratifying and a huge relief,” said Mike Kloety, Team Arctic Race Manager. “It was a marginal track that left zero margin for error. Our racers and teams stepped up to the challenging conditions and proved themselves by hauling home the most hardware, which makes everyone at Arctic Cat even more proud. Now they can rest up for a few weeks while the cold temps and snow return for the rest of the season.”

The next ISOC snocross national is Jan. 8-9 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minn.

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. Arctic Cat Inc.’s world headquarters is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol ACAT.

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

SKI-DOO X-TEAM RESULTS FROM FARGO

Press Release
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With no natural snow to be found and temperatures well above freezing throughout the weekend, Ski-Doo X-Team snocross racers battled slush, mud and fellow competitors to wrap up one of the most successful weekends in recent history for the brand at the Makita Tools National Snocross event outside of Fargo, North Dakota.

Scheuring SpeedSports’ Tim Tremblay opened the weekend by winning the coveted Pro Open final on Friday, leading fellow Ski-Doo racer, BOSS racing’s Adam Renheim across the line. Although still early in the season, Tremblay is in the thick of the championship battle; for Renheim, it was his first Pro Open podium in the three years he has come from his home in Lima, Sweden to race in the US.


Tremblay’s teammate Lincoln Lemieux made a strong charge from deep in the field to finish fifth in the Pro Open final.

On Saturday, Lemieux was the top X-Team racer in Pro Open with his third place finish; Tremblay overcame a mid-pack start to finish fifth.

One of the feel-good stories of the weekend was Team Bauerly Racing’s Shane Sewell capturing his first Pro Lite podium (2nd place) when he turned in a strong ride Friday night. Sewell, who is an accomplished national-level motocross racer from Indiana, has experienced more than his share of hard knocks trying to carve out a path in professional snocross. Sewell was injured in the first weekend of the season two weeks ago in Duluth, Minn., but bounced back strong in round three and is gaining valuable confidence after also making the final on Saturday.

The Pro Lite class was a strong point all weekend. X-Team racers captured multiple top-five finishes each day.

– Maxime Taillefer finished fifth on Friday and raced to a podium in third on Saturday, climbing back into the championship chase.
– Swedish import Marcus Ogemar Hellgren, who has been impressive in his rookie season in the U.S., was fourth on Saturday.
– Kevin Wallenstein has been very consistent in the class and with his Saturday fifth place, he’s positioned himself second in points just ahead of Taillefer.

Ski-Doo riders dominated the Pro AM +30 podium with multi-time east coast Pro champion Danny Poirier taking his second straight win in the class aboard his Ingles Performance MXZ. Poirier will now head back to Québec to prepare for the East Coast Snocross (ECS) season, no doubt a relief to defending class champion Kurt Bauerly. Bauerly finished third in Saturday’s final behind weekly rival Patrick Brodeur, who is riding for the Anderson Racing squad this season. Poirier-Bordeur-Baurerly are 1-2-3 in the points race in the class so far.

Marica Renheim successfully returned from injury, winning the Pro AM Women’s final over Megan Brodeur. Renheim sat out the season opener after crashing in a Sport Lite prelim race, but was back in full form this weekend. Brodeur, who picked up the win in Duluth, finished second on her Anderson Racing machine and maintains a three point lead over her closest challenger.

In a heart-breaker, Ingles Performance mainstay Leo Patenaude’s chance at a Sport class win slipped away in the final corner of the main event when he was bottled up behind lapped traffic. Deteriorating snow conditions created a narrow, one-line track forcing Patenaude to check up to move around the lapper, and the second place rider slipped by both of them.

It was still a great finish for the Hartland, Vt. Racer, who now sits second overall in the class as the series takes a holiday break before resuming action at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota on January 8-9.

Pro Open Round 3
1st Tim Tremblay, Ste Jeanne D’Arc, Quebec 2nd Adam Renheim, Lima, Sweden
5th Lincoln Lemieux, St. Johnsbury, Vermont

Pro Open Round 4
3rd Lincoln Lemieux, St. Johnsbury, Vermont 5th Tim Tremblay, Ste Jeanne D’Arc, Quebec

Pro AM +30
1st Danny Poirier, St Theodore d’Acton, Quebec

2nd Patrick Brodeur, Derby, Vermont 3rd Kurt Bauerly, Otsego, Minnesota

Pro AM Women
1st Marcia Renheim, Lima, Sweden
2nd Megan Brodeur, Coaticook, Quebec

Pro Lite #1
2nd Shane Sewell, Westville, Indiana
5th Maxime Taillefer, Laval West, Quebec

Pro Lite #2
3rd Maxime Taillefer, Laval West, Quebec
4th Marcus Ogemar Hellgren, Ostersund, Sweden 5th Kevin Wallenstien, Cadillac, Michigan

Sport #2
2nd Leo Patenaude, Hartland, Vermont

Sport Lite #2
4th Riley Bear Seven, Sisters Falls, Manitoba

BRP (TSX:DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles and propulsion systems. Its portfolio includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles, Can-Am Spyder roadsters, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. BRP supports its line of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and clothing business. With annual sales of over CA$3.5 billion from 107 countries, the Company employs approximately 7,600 people worldwide.

brp.com

BRP 1 + 1 SEAT GIVES YOU TWO MACHINES IN ONE

Press Release
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BRP 1 + 1 SEAT GIVES YOU TWO MACHINES IN ONE

BRP is all about giving their owners functional choices and options.

Nowhere is that more evident then with the 1+1 seat and LinQ backrest system.

This is a simple and effective solution for snowmobilers that need the versatility to carry a passenger, but want the ability to change back to the look and feel of a sport orientated sled.


By combining the new 1 + 1 seat with a passenger backrest that features the unique LINQ quick attachment system, riders can change back and forth from a one up to a two up configuration in a matter of seconds giving them the versatility to tailor their ride as desired.

Snowmobilers appreciate the clean, integrated look that the 1+1 system delivers plus the quality of construction and fit to their Ski-Doo snowmobile.

The design is solid black that matches any sled, with the same fit and functionality of the original seat. But the added benefit is an ergonomically correct position for the passenger so both people will enjoy the ride.

Finally the backrest matches the seat and sled perfectly, while being quick and easy to install and remove. This is also where the LINQ system provides a simple, effective solution by not taking up space on the tunnel so riders can carry a bag or auxiliary fuel caddy where brackets are on lesser designs.

Once installed, the LINQ allows an owner to securely change from one up to two up configuration by sliding the seat of choice on, pulling two straps, flipping two levers and lifting or lowering – all in less than 30 seconds.

The new 1+1 seating from BRP provide owners of Ski-Doo models from 2008 through 2016 three choices in how they meet their needs:

Base 1 + 1 seat 860200665 $469.99 USD/$549.99 CAD
1+1 Backrest 860200595 $419.99 USD/$489.99 CAD
1+1 Complete Seat System 860200575 $799.00 USD/$919.99 CAD

For information on all the genuine BRP accessories to fit your ride visit store.ski-doo.com or your local Ski-Doo dealer.

WHERE IS YAMAHA HEADED IN 2017?

Kent Lester
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WHERE IS YAMAHA HEADED IN 2017?

Making some pretty significant changes to the Vector and Apex this year really got us wondering where Yamaha intends to take that technology in the near future.

Just to refresh your memory, Yamaha went to a YCCT drive-by-wire throttle system on the Vector, made internal changes to the pistons, rods and crank on the 1049 and then introduced a completely re-done, lighter skidframe called SingleShot.


Also of interest was the Vector’s change to 129 and 146-inch track lengths from 121 and 137 in MY2015. Meanwhile, the Apex got the new SingleShot skid and an upgrade from 144 to 146-inches on the Apex X-TX, although no engine changes.

Here’s a guess on where this is going – particularly with the Vector. We’d be gambling, given the success of the SRViper and the desire of Yamaha brass to make the sleds more distinctively Yamaha-defined, the SingleShot could show up in the Viper platform within the next two years.

We think this is a good guess but doubt it will happen in MY2017. Why? We don’t think Yamaha is ready to completely displace the Vector yet and has invested rather heavily this year in making it more appealing.

Even two years down the road, given Yamaha’s conservative approach, we doubt neither the Vector nor the Apex will be completely phased out – even if there’s a huge crossover in borrowed technology between those two and the Viper.

One thing we do think you’ll see in the upcoming model year Viper is a change to the upgraded 1049 triple with drive-by-wire. It just makes good economic sense to use the same engine in both sleds and, with Ski-Doo offering DBW in all its 4-strokes, we doubt Yamaha will just lay back and let SD own that technology in the snowmobile biz.

As for the internal changes to the already super-efficient and durable 1049, we think it can only spell one thing: Turbo!

TRIPLES VS TWINS

Kent Lester
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TRIPLES VS TWINS

Over the last decade, three 4-stroke configurations have dominated: The Apex’s inline 4, Yamaha and Rotax’s triples and the twins used in the Phazer, ACE 600, Polaris’s 750cc Weber and the 1056cc Suzuki twin used in Arctic Cat’s 9000 Turbo and 5000-series.

Without question, the largest selling engine configuration for 4-stroke snowmobiles is the triple. Ski-Doo’s ACE 900 and 1170 triples account for a very large percentage of 4-stroke sales and so does Yamaha’s 1049 used in the Viper and 7000-series Cats. What is it about an inline-3 that makes it so appealing?

Certainly, a triple requires more parts and complexity than a twin – and more potential for friction and weight. Some triples tend to make their power at a slightly higher RPM level than twins do – especially even-firing twins. This isn’t always a bad thing because a 3-cylinder engine’s 120-degree firing order tends to make the engine turbine-smooth in the upper ranges and CVT clutching makes up for the rest.

There’s also that incredibly soothing exhaust tone you get with a triple. Somehow, at full cry, it just sounds right. Even the inline-4 in the Apex, firing every 90-degrees has a distinctive and very pleasant sound compared to a twin.

Those multi-cylinder configurations don’t usually need counterbalancing either and that helps offset the extra weight more valve train complexity may bring.

One thing we’ve observed about 2-cylinder engines, however, is their amazing durability. The Suzuki 1056 makes 123-hp in its naturally aspirated (EFI) form and that same engine can be boosted beyond the 177-hp the stock Cat Turbo makes, to a safe, reliable 270-hp. Incredible!

Even-firing twins like the above-mentioned Suzuki and the former Polaris Weber do not possess the sweet exhaust tone of the triples or the Apex 4, even though their power output is impressive. It’s a bit of a marketing negative and it can be fixed by making a twin alternate firing like the Phazer’s 500 (180-degrees). That particular engine’s exhaust is a sweet sounding symphony and easily matches a triple’s sound for pure adrenaline generation.

Just a note: Polaris’ off-road series of 900 and 1000cc ProStar 4-stroke twins are alternate-firing and these engines sound super-sweet, too. Just sayin’.

Rediscover Ontario by Test Driving Our Trails With No Charge!

Press Release
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American snowmobilers looking for a great sledding getaway can save about 30% on every U.S. dollar spent in Ontario, Canada this winter thanks to the most favourable exchange rate in years.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is enhancing this exceptional value by inviting American riders to test drive its uncongested 20,000 miles of snowmobile trails with no charge for a trail permit from February 13 to 15, 2016.


The limited-time Try Our Trails Permit is available easily and without payment for those who pre-register online in advance and is valid only from 12:01 AM Saturday, February 13 until 11:59 PM on Monday, February 15, 2016.

Permit registrations start online only from 12:01 AM on Monday, February 1 and registrants can print out a permit at home.

There is no charge for either the 2016 Try Our Trails Permit or the registration process, but to access OFSC trails, this printed permit must be affixed to the sled to which it is assigned in accordance with Ontario law.

Any sled on OFSC trails without this permit from Feb. 13 to 15 is operating illegally and the operator can be subject to a fine of up to $1,000. Riders must also carry a valid driver’s licence, sled registration, proof of insurance, and follow all the rules and assumptions for safe OFSC trail riding.

BONUS: American riders wishing to extend their Ontario visit by two consecutive days or more can do so inexpensively and conveniently online by also obtaining the new Multi-Day Permit for $25 CA (about $18 US) per day for as many consecutive days as needed immediately before or after Feb. 13 to 15.
A Multi-Day Permit can be ordered in advance, printed out at home and affixed to the sled for which it was purchased. Multi-Day permits are also available throughout the season for American riders wishing to visit Ontario at other times.

To order a Try Our Trails or Multi-Day permit online or get more information about snowmobiling in Ontario, visit ofsc.on.ca.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is a volunteer led not for profit association that provides the voice for organized snowmobiling in the Province of Ontario.

WARNERT RACING STARTS YEAR WITH WIN AND SOLID RESULTS

Press Release
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Warnert Racing’s Elias Ishoel grabbed the first Pro-Lite win of the season in round one of the ISOC Championship Snocross Series in Duluth, Minnesota.

Pro rider Jon Stenberg rode fast and steady to an eighth place finish in his second round on Sunday to give the team a good start for the season in both professional classes.


The Warnert Racing team had great momentum heading into the first race, but Ishoel looked like a man on a mission all weekend. He consistently rode on the ragged edge and established some of the fastest lap times for either pro class in Saturday night’s Pro-Lite final. Sunday he was pushing hard again but tangled with another rider while battling for the lead midway through the final. The resulting crash moved him to the back of the pack where he finished in 14th.

Stenberg struggled early to find his rhythm but by Sunday was back on his game and starting the final race from the back row, worked his way to a solid finish.

“As competitors, we want to win them all,” said Ryan Duncan, Warnert Racing Technical Director. “But Duluth is always a tough race with so little time on the snow in advance to test and prepare, that we have to be satisfied with the results – until the next round.”

The team heads to Fargo, North Dakota for round two of the ISOC series December 11th – 12th at Buffalo River Race Park.

For more information call 320-251-9100 or go to warnertracing.com

TEAM ARCTIC WINS MORE AT ISOC SNOCROSS SPIRIT NATIONAL

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TEAM ARCTIC WINS MORE AT ISOC SNOCROSS SPIRIT NATIONAL

Team Arctic snocross racers launched into the 2015-2016 season and on top of the podium with a stunning performance at the ISOC National at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minn., delivering six victories, 21 podium positions and a winning performance across all classes and categories aboard the mighty Arctic Cat ZR6000R SX.

Tucker Hibbert once again led the charge at Duluth with a dominant performance in the Pro Open class, taking the win on night one with his fifth consecutive victory at this venue, followed by a near-miss on the second day that saw him charge from mid-pack to second place, less than a half-second from passing for the win.


Justin Broberg joined Team Arctic this season and immediately proved his place among the Pro Open elite with a fourth place finish that bodes well for the rest of the season. And David Joanis was the top qualifier of the weekend backing it up with a sixth place finish.

If there were questions about Team Arctic’s top Sport riders moving into the Pro Lite class for this season, they answered it with a show of force sure to make the competition nervous. Montana Jess claimed a pair of second place finishes, Dan Benham took a third place, and Team Arctic claimed five of the top-10 in one final and four of the top-10 in the other.

Ryley Bester hit a new level of speed and confidence to start the season, taking commanding wins in both Jr. 14-15 and Jr. 16-17. The winning continued in the youth classes with Eric Downs claiming Jr. 10-13, Inanna Hauger winning Jr. Girls 9-13, and Anson Scheele taking Transition 8-12. When Team Arctic wasn’t winning, they were a whisker away from it. Eddie Neubaur, Dylan Jansen and Brandon Lind delivered podium finishes in the Sport and Sport Lite classes, while Wes Selby made a strong return to snocross with a second in Pro AM 30 Plus.

“We’re happy and excited,” said Team Arctic Race Manager Mike Kloety, when asked about the team’s overall performance at Duluth. “For starters, it’s great to capture the big class with Tucker. That’s the headline win for sure. But it’s equally impressive to win every Junior category, with Team Green taking five of the top-6 in Jr. 16-17, four of the top-5 in Jr. 10-13 and seven of the top-10 in Jr. Girls. Plus we claimed podium positions in every Pro Lite, Sport and Sport Lite class. It proves how hard our racers and teams have worked, the power and handling of our ZR6000R SX race sled and the strength of our program.”

The next ISOC snocross national is Dec. 11-12 in Fargo, ND.

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. Arctic Cat Inc.’s world headquarters is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol ACAT.

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

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