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Engines, Engines, Engines!

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It’s not new news anymore that Cat and Yamaha have formed an agreement together to share in chassis and engine development.

However, this makes for some pretty incredible opportunities for AC to get into some markets it hasn’t had strength in before.

Example? Yamaha has a menu of great 4-strokes, not the least of which is the already-in-use 1049cc triple used in the ProCross 7000.

However, two Yamaha engines that could be put to use are the Apex 998cc 4-cylinder and the 500cc twin used in the Phazer.

By utilizing the ProCross platform in different track lengths and variations, the 500 4-stroke could be used as a trail-happy mid-range sled in the 80-hp category or used to power a line of super-economical utility models.

The 998 4-cylinder is a different matter and its wider dimensions may not fit inside the ProCross bulkhead without creating a completely new front design.

Frankly, we wouldn’t bet against Cat shoe-horning this great mill into one of its sleds. A year ago no one would have guessed the 1049 would fit in a Cat chassis but the company is extremely resourceful and when it gets an idea, it knows how to run with it.

Then there’s the whole thing with Cat’s 2-stroke program. Yes, the company needs to use C-TEC2 in more displacement categories. Building a DSI 800 is almost a no-brainer – but think about this one: What about a 570 with C-TEC2?

Think about it. So far all fan-cooled 2-strokes in the industry fail to comply with EPA regulations.

The fairly economical-to-build C-TEC2 system would enable Cat to come out with the first EPA certified fan-cooled line of sleds for utility and trail use.

Not only would the pricing be way cheaper than using lower horsepower 4-strokes but it could open doors for Cat to get into new markets – much like Polaris is doing with its fan-cooled Indy series.

More Ski-Doo Engines – and Soon!

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Ski-Doo’s been leading the industry with great direct injected 2-strokes and some truly innovative developments in 4-stroke snowmobile power, too.

Frankly, the company is so far ahead of everyone in 2-stroke technology, it could leave everything the same for the next five years and still be leading.

There’s always a wrench thrown in somewhere though and Arctic Cat has come up with a new 600 C-TEC2 engine that may outperform Ski-Doo’s DI engines in more than one way. The jury is out on this but from what we’ve seen so far, the new DSI Cats are doggone good.

So would Ski-Doo go to a different version of E-TEC in the near future? We think the technology already exists and its called E-TEC II and is used in the outboards built in BRP’s Evinrude Division.

This highly stratified (very fine) fuel charge used throughout the whole combustion cycle makes these engines even cleaner and a bit more powerful. We’ll see.

As far as 4-strokes go, we think Ski-Doo’s been working on a high performance 4-stroke program for about two years now. It’s 1170cc triple is an incredible engine and with the largest displacement in the industry and only one throttle body, is certainly very under-stressed.

We think this mill could safely and easily put out 150-plus ponies without supercharging or turbocharging. The question is, would a revamp up into this range be enough for the adrenaline-charged masses? We think the goal line is closer to 175-hp and that would mean supercharging.

Here’s another one: The new 900 ACE with a turbo could easily hit the 150-hp mark. After all, Polaris gets 140 ponies out of its turbocharged 750cc Weber twin and this engine feels as strong as any hypersled we’ve ever ridden.

Arctic Cat and Yamaha Celebrate Joint Production

As the very first Yamaha SR Viper units rolled off the assembly line at the Arctic Cat factory in Thief River Falls, MN, employees involved with the snowmobiles gathered to celebrate. The milestone was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with executives from both Arctic Cat and Yamaha.

Arctic Cat Chairman and CEO, Claude Jordan addressed the crowd stating, “Every employee standing here should be proud of this history-making day. We are very excited how our relationship with Yamaha continues to grow and the successful future that lies ahead for both companies.” Jordan closed by saying, “Going forward we believe this relationship will provide tremendous value to Arctic Cat, our customers, our dealers and our shareholders.”

The all-new Arctic Cat 7000-Series snowmobiles are the result of an industry-first in the modern era: Arctic Cat is in a supplier agreement with Yamaha to leverage their respective strengths.

For the first time ever Arctic Cat riders can match the renowned Arctic Cat ProCross chassis and handling with high performance Yamaha 4-stroke power. The C-TEC4 1049cc, three-cylinder engine is widely regarded as the most responsive, highest performing 4-stroke in the 135-hp category.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA president, Toshizumi Kato stated, “Together we have made a snowmobile which has the best of both our snowmobiles DNA. I look forward to a future of mutual and beneficial growth for both Arctic Cat and Yamaha. Today, let’s celebrate our accomplishment thus far, for tomorrow the opportunities are endless.”

Arctic Cat Inc., based in Minnesota, designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) / Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) under the Arctic Cat brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories. Arctic Cat is among the most widely recognized and respected brands in the snowmobile and ATV/ROV industry. The company markets its products through a network of independent dealers located throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, and through distributors representing dealers in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and other international markets. Arctic Cat trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ACAT.

For more information, please visit www.arcticcat.com.

First SR Vipers Roll Off The Assembly Line

More than two years of engineering, development, manufacturing and logistics work came to fruition in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, as the very first Yamaha SR Viper RTX SE units rolled off the assembly line at the Arctic Cat factory.

The milestone was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony with executives from both companies and witnessed by the factory employees responsible for building the units.

“Our alliance is a show of great cooperation between our companies and this, I believe, is the biggest news to hit our business in decades,” said Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA president, Toshizumi Kato. “On behalf of Yamaha Motor Japan I would like to congratulate everyone on this major accomplishment of what we see here today. Thank you to the factory workers of Arctic Cat, you should be very proud of the work you have done.”

The all-new SR Viper models are the result of an industry-first in the modern era: Yamaha is in a supplier agreement with Arctic Cat to leverage their respective strengths.

Yamaha is undisputed in the snowmobile world for its leadership position in high performance 4-stroke engines. Arctic Cat is known for lightweight chassis and suspension design.

“Together we have made a snowmobile which has the best of both our snowmobiles’ DNA,” continued Kato in his remarks. “I look forward to a future of mutual and beneficial growth for both Arctic Cat and Yamaha. Today let’s celebrate our accomplishment so far, for tomorrow the opportunities are endless.”

Full SR Viper model production is planned to begin at the end of September, with dealer deliveries ongoing throughout the fall.

For more information about the all-new SR Viper models, visit Yamaha-Snowmobiles.com and follow Facebook.com/YamahaSnowmobilesUSA.

Test Results on E-15 Fuel Impact on Snowmobiles

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The US Department Of Energy (DOE) released a study conducted by Michigan Technological University which was designed to evaluate the effects of E-15 fuel on current and legacy snowmobile engines and vehicles.

Three test scenarios were conducted to evaluate the impact of E-15 including cold-start performance and emissions; snowmobile drivability; and laboratory exhaust emissions over the useful life of the engine.

Eight engines were tested over a two year period. The vehicles were tested in the laboratory and on the trail in real life driving conditions.

The conclusion of the testing by the DOE is that E-15 fuel is NOT approved for snowmobile use. Observations made during the study support the US EPA’s decision to NOT APPROVE E-15 fuel for snowmobiles.

The testing was conducted since E-15 fuel is being introduced into the marketplace and is viewed by some as an important fuel enabling the United States to achieve the goals of the Reformulated Fuel Standard passed by the US Congress.

Ethanol is being produced throughout the United States. Ethanol producers use corn, switch grass, and other related plant products in the production of ethanol. It is the directive of the present administration that 13.8 Billion Gallons of ethanol be produced and distributed in the marketplace. The goal is challenging because US Gasoline consumption is declining rapidly.

Since it appears the E-15 fuel will be made more readily available throughout the United States, it is important that owners of snowmobiles and of other gas-powered products realize that E-15 fuel may impact on the various engines.

The 69 page study highlights that one of the key issues related to snowmobiles is that exhaust gas temperatures and muffler exit temperature consistently increase with the use of E-15 fuel. The increased temperatures range from 15 to 40 percent, depending on the vehicle. This rise in temperature occurs because of the leaner air and fuel mixture.

Since it has been recommended that E-15 not be approved for snowmobile use by the EPA, there is concern in the marketplace that mis-fueling of snowmobiles can occur. Recent surveys show that approximately 50% of all Americans fill up their portable gas tank or vehicles that they are towing with the same fuel used to fill their tow vehicle (car or truck).

Also approximately 2/3 of all Americans say that they assume that any gas sold at a gas station is safe for all of their vehicles – including snowmobiles, generators, boats, etc. Approximately 50% of Americans check the fuel pumps for warning labels when filling up their vehicles.

With various fuels entering the marketplace, it is more important than ever that customers carefully read any and all labels on gas dispensing pumps and understand the guidance messages placed on those pumps.

It should be noted that E-85 fuel has been available in the marketplace for many years. E-85 is a blend of fuel which is designed to be used in flex-fuel equipped cars and trucks only. E-85 is 85% ethanol.

It should NOT be confused with E-15 which is 15% ethanol. E-10 fuel is 10% ethanol and has been available and used throughout the United States for years and is approved for snowmobile use.

THE CONCLUSION OF THE TESTING BY THE DOE IS THAT E-15 FUEL IS NOT APPROVED FOR SNOWMOBILE USE.

The complete study is available online.

TEAM ARCTIC TAKES 18 WINS AT HAY DAYS

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At the Sno Baron’s Hay Days grass drags in North Branch, Minn., Team Arctic drag racers put on a veritable clinic of straightline supremacy, with 12 different racers combining to score 18 class wins.

The victories came in everything from the Stock to Mod classes, and were highlighted by podium sweeps in the Stock 800 and Stock 1000 classes with Arctic Cat XF800 snowmobiles.

Dylan Roes, Eric Gagne and Craig Wyent dominated the two premier Stock classes, with Roes and Wyent each scoring a victory while Gagne stayed consistent with a pair of second place finishes.

“We proved which brand has the fastest 800,” said Team Arctic Manager, Mike Kloety. “It was an all Arctic Cat final in both Stock 800 and Stock 1000.”

In the AM Stock classes, Brynn Writt proved all but unbeatable en route to three class victories. Not to be outdone, Jade Gillund matched that performance with three class wins in the Mod classes. Other multiple class Team Arctic winners included Trista May and Patrik Lofdahl.

Lofdahl and fellow countryman Mats Lager represented both Team Arctic and Sweden with stunning success, combining for a combine three victories and five podium finishes in the SP Stock classes. For his outstanding performance, Lofdahl earned the overall high-point title in the Semi Pro Stock classes.

“Everyone at Arctic Cat is proud of the team’s dominance at Hay Days,” said Al Shimpa, Team Arctic Drag Racing Coordinator. “All of our racers and teams work especially hard to put on a great show at Hay Days. To win 18 classes and score 50 podium finishes is a testament to their effort and the performance of Arctic Cat snowmobiles.”

Arctic Cat Inc., based in Thief River Falls, Minn., designs, engineers, manufactures and markets all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiles under the Arctic Cat brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories. Its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the ticker symbol ACAT.

More information about Arctic Cat and its products is available on the Internet at www.arcticcat.com.

Bully Dog Tunes The Toyota

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Here at Bully Dog we are extremely excited to have released the very first tuner for Toyota trucks!

Don’t miss out on this huge opportunity, customers across the country have been waiting for this moment and the GT-T+ is now available.

The tuning that comes with the GT-T+ offers increases in power, fuel economy and performance as well as a huge number of monitoring capabilities that will let drivers know exactly how well their vehicle is performing. 

The tuning will provide up to 25hp and 30Ft/Lbs of torque depending on the applications and a speed limiter adjustment/removal functions are also included. Four tuning levels will be packaged with the GT-T+; stock, tow, regular and premium. This will allow any Toyota driver the ability to customize their ride to their specific needs.

In our initial release, we will be supporting: Tacoma 4.0L 2009-2011, Tacoma 4.0L Supercharged 2009-2013, Tundra 5.7L 2007-2013, Sequoia 5.7L 2008-2013, and 4runner 4.0L 2010-2012.

Don’t worry though, if you own a Toyota that doesn’t fall under these, just keep a close eye out because our priority is to support every Toyota, so we will be offering more supported models as 2013 rolls on.

A new data logging function will also be introduced on this new GT model, allowing drivers to log parameters for up to 3 minutes on the device and store them until they’re needed, at which point the information can be played back for analytical purposes.

For more information on the Bully Dog GT-T+ for Toyota contact your Bully Dog Sales Rep today at 940-783-9914.


Bully Dog is the industry leader in developing full-featured aftermarket enhancements for an unprecedented number of vehicle applications. Founded in 1999 and guided by the idea that every vehicle possesses untapped potential, Bully Dog equips gas, diesel and heavy duty drivers with the tools to unlock their rides’ potential power and economy gains.

Visit us online at www.bullydog.com

Arctic Cat Appoints New VP of North American Sales

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Arctic Cat is happy to announce that Matt Malfitano is joining Arctic Cat as Vice President of North American Sales.

Matt will be responsible for leading Arctic Cat’s sales, national accounts and dealer development efforts in the United States and Canada.
Matt brings extensive experience leading dealer-based sales organizations, in both start-ups and in more mature market segments. His keen business acumen will make him a tremendous addition to the management team.

Most recently, Matt served as Director of Global Sales and Operations for Fisker Automotive, a luxury hybrid electric vehicle manufacturer. Prior to that, Matt served as Vice President of Sales Operations for Maserati/Alfa Romeo North America and as Senior Director of Global Sales and Marketing with Eclipse Aviation.

Earlier in his career, Matt worked for Ford Motor Company’s Volvo Division as Vice President of Sales for the Western Region. He also held progressively responsible positions within Volvo in sales, marketing, retail operations and after sales support.

Matt is an avid outdoor enthusiast. He graduated from Lynn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He will relocate to the Minneapolis area from California in the coming months.

About Arctic Cat – Arctic Cat Inc., based in Minnesota, designs, engineers, manufactures and markets snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) / Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles (ROVs) under the Arctic Cat brand name, as well as related parts, garments and accessories. Arctic Cat is among the most widely recognized and respected brands in the snowmobile and ATV/ROV industry. The company markets its products through a network of independent dealers located throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, and through distributors representing dealers in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and other international markets. Arctic Cat trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol ACAT.

For more information, please visit www.arcticcat.com.

2014 Polaris IQ Race Sled

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Polaris snowmobile racers will enjoy the competitive advantages of the innovative new 2014 Polaris IQ Race Sled that features a new lightweight crankshaft and new 128″ rear suspension.

These improvements and other updates to the race sled are designed to provide Polaris racers with better holeshot performance, enhanced throttle response, improved traction and greater stability in the rough for Terrain Domination.

The new 2014 Polaris IQ Race Sled is the result of integrated collaboration among Polaris snocross and cross-country racers, race team personnel and Polaris snowmobile engineers. Together, they developed the new features and validated them through extensive testing that included use in selected races last season.

The Polaris Racing Department has historically led the industry in developing innovative racing technology that “Wins on Sunday, Sells on Monday,” including legendary Polaris IFS, powerful 2-stroke engines and more.

“This season’s race sled is the refinement of a legendary vehicle, with a focus on holeshot and throttle response improvements,” said Matt Prusak, Race Program Leader in the Polaris Snowmobile Division. “The benefits will be seen by snocross and cross-country racers alike.”

Polaris Race Manager Tom Rager, Jr., said racers and teams have been impressed with the performance of the new race sled in testing and on-track evaluations.

“The industry’s only purpose-built race sled just keeps getting better and better,” said Rager. “A lot of the sled’s development credit goes to several of our riders, Ross Martin in particular, who tested it and made it so good.”

FEATURE UPDATES ON THE 2014 POLARIS IQ RACE SLED

Re-engineered elements of the 2014 Polaris IQ Race Sled include:

NEW Lightweight Crankshaft

The new lightweight crankshaft features a design that provides the same balance as the previous crankshaft – with a 2.5-pound weight reduction in rotating mass.

This results in a 25% reduction in inertia, improved throttle response and increased acceleration. Racers will achieve better holeshots, and the engine will reach its optimal operating RPM faster.

NEW 128″ Rear Suspension

Polaris racers will benefit from the increased traction of the new 128″ rear suspension and new 128″ track. This new setup delivers better holeshots, better stability in whoops sections, and improved cornering.

Similar to the setup that Polaris teams have raced with great success in the Mod class for more than four seasons, this new rear suspension is based on the original IQ Race geometry, with new rail beams and tunnel components to package the longer track length. The 2014 Polaris IQ Race Sled utilizes an aggressive new 128″ Sno-XT track.

“Along with delivering an improved holeshot, the new rear suspension tracks straighter in the whoops sections, and results in less ski lift for enhanced turning,” Prusak said. “Our cross-country racers in particular will benefit from the improved high-speed stability.”

Along with the new 128″ rear suspension, additional improvements were made to enhance performance and reliability.

Updated Shock Calibration

Polaris engineers, race teams and the technicians at Walker Evans Racing have combined forces to recalibrate the Walker Evans shocks used in the race sled’s front and rear suspension. The updates are designed to ensure consistently outstanding performance from green flag to checkered on demanding terrain such as extreme snocross tracks.

NEW Brake Pads

The new Hayes Type 126 brake pads were developed to deliver consistently reliable braking as brake systems heat up during aggressive racing action. Racers will also see an improvement in brake pad life.

NEW MY14 Racing Graphics

While Polaris racing teams will customize their sleds with team graphics, racing numbers and sponsor logos, they’ll start with a new look that features a white hood, red belly pan, accents of red, white and blue, and Polaris graphics. The 2014 race sled also has a low white windshield.

RACE-WINNING POWER & SUSPENSION

The 2014 IQ Race Sled is built on the strong, durable and lightweight Polaris-exclusive IQ Chassis. Advanced assembly techniques minimize the parts count to keep weight to a minimum while delivering maximum strength and reliability.

The race sled is powered by the Polaris Liberty 600 engine. It delivers class-leading acceleration for outstanding holeshots as well as impressive horsepower across the entire RPM range.

The liquid-cooled Polaris Liberty 600 twin has twin Mikuni Rack TM 40 carburetors, NiCaSil-lined cylinders for efficient heat dispersion and the Polaris VES (Variable Exhaust System) for maximum power and instant throttle response. The power delivery is managed by the legendary Polaris P-85 drive clutch and a Lightweight TEAM™ Roller driven clutch.

Polaris racers can fine-tune their front and rear suspension performance with the Walker Evans 16-click compression-adjustable shocks. The race sled’s IFS uses Walker Evans Aluminum IFP 16 Position Compression Adjustable Shocks with Piggyback Reservoirs.

Recreational riders can enjoy the same outstanding IFS as Polaris racers, as the race sled’s IFS design is used on Polaris Switchback models and on RUSH models built on the PRO-RIDE Chassis.

In the IQ Rear Suspension, the front track shock is a Walker Evans Coil Over Shock with 16-position compression adjustability, and the rear track shock is a Walker Evans Aluminum IFP 16 Position Compression and Rebound Adjustable Large Body Shock.

The new Polaris IQ Race Sled was developed for use by Polaris snocross and cross-country racers. The suspension and shock packages described here are intended primarily for snocross racing, and the Polaris Racing Department is providing cross-country racers with shock tuning information and setup recommendations for terrain racing.

Information about the complete line of Polaris products, apparel and vehicle accessories are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

Hay Days 2013: Changing For Better or Worse?

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Just got back to my desk after a weekend at the annual cornfield dust fest called Hay Days in Minnesota. This year’s version featured some of the hottest Saturday temps on record – although we’ve seen it hot there before.

What was impressive was the scope of the Swap Meet. Clearly, this is one aspect of Hay Days that’s getting better every year and looked as expansive as ever. Problem? Not nearly enough time for the average swapper to see it all.

This is not good for the vendors or the attendees who travel huge miles and put up with nutsy stuff to get to the event every year. This should raise screams from the event volunteers, but we think it’s time for Hay Days to add another day and here’s why. It’s undeniable the original reason and attraction that was “Hay Days” is no longer the big event.

Grass dragging and that entire aspect of the event has sunk to probably the fourth or fifth thing people use to justify their attendance at Hay Days. Sure, watching sleds run, smelling the fuel and oil and hearing the engines scream is cool, however the biggest fastest, highest profiled classes now feature purpose-built 4-stroke turbo charged grass rails that many guys (or girls) really don’t identify with.

Furthermore, the formerly popular stock class new sled shootout barely raises an eyebrow anymore. Ten years ago the fences of the drag strip were lined with anxious, interested Hay Day-ers – today, not so much.

So why go to Hay Days? The organizers have hit the nail on the head with the now front and (literally) center stage extreme sports area featuring everything from full-on side-x-side racing to back-flipping motorcycles, ATVs and once in a while a sled.

The area is jam-packed with spectators all weekend and the booths which surround the feature area are the most desirable in the show. Extreme sports are the bomb right now. Grass drags? Grass what? Again, why go to Hay Days?

After many years of exhibiting for Supertrax and SnowTrax it’s clear the first thing people go to Hay Days for is the Swap Meet. It’s quite literally so huge you would think we was lying if we attempted to tell you its scope.

Second, people come for the deals on oil, non-current clothing, new parts, gadgets, one of a kind left-over accessories, skis and other performance bolt-ons.

Third place is a tie with the OEM sled displays and the extreme sports action that goes on pretty much all day and finally, it’s Grass Drags and the rest of us who go to Hay Days simply because it’s bad to NOT be seen there.

So what’s the future for Hay Days? Pretty bright from what we can tell. However, the event needs to offer more time for the exhibitors to recoup their hefty costs to participate.

Here’s what we mean. The extreme sports area of the show draws people away from the OEM and many of the clothing and parts exhibits whenever a tattooed and over-pierced back-flipper is about to do his or her thing. The management needs to take into consideration the effect this has on business. Why not make Friday or Saturday exclusively the extreme sports days and alternately the Grass Drags? In other words, don’t do both on the same days.

Friday is largely wasted at Hay Days with no consumer entry – the Sno Barons could sell an all-access weekend pass and make more loot. It seems to me nothing seems to draw people away from the swap meet so give them Friday as well.

The Swap Meet has some kind of magic dust (literally) that’s irresistible. From the many complaints we heard, the down side of the Swap Meet is people felt they couldn’t see it all in one day. If it gets any bigger cloning yourself will be the only way you’ll see it all in the time allotted.

There was a definite lack of non-current clothing and associated staple equipment being offered and sold as a result of the incredibly long season last year. We think a lot of snowmobilers bought an extra set of carbides last April and don’t need another – yet.

Interest in new iron was high, but the amount of non-current was visibly lower, again as a result of a long winter where riders bought sleds right into April.

So Hay Days has come and gone for winter 2013. As a barometer for the coming season we have to say the prospects of a healthy fall sled sales season seem guaranteed. Helmets off to the Sno Barons for the amazing job they do with this unprecedented, unequalled and mostly indescribable annual event.