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RIDE IMPRESSION: 2013 Arctic Cat Procross RR

Staff Report
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RIDE IMPRESSION: 2013 Arctic Cat Procross RR

If you’ve been on the site recently, you’ve probably read our impressions of the new Sno-Pro 800 Cat.

The biggest news with this sled has been its much improved suspension calibration. It’s the real deal and although the SP does not bottom anywhere but in the most extreme situations, its level of ride compliance is excellent throughout the sled’s ample travel.

Knowing this, we were a bit apprehensive to take the new race-calibrated RR on a long-distance ride where there were miles of ungroomed trails and lakes.

Our guess was that the sled would be set up with harsh race-targeted compression damping specs and probably giant ratio, compression-resistant springs. We couldn’t have been more wrong!

We were so impressed with this sled’s ride compliance we were hard pressed to tell its comfort level from the Sno-Pro.

Cat’s engineers (the team is headed by Cross Country Champion, Brian Dick) have done an outstanding job of tailoring this sled to the very serious rider without crippling its target audience.

The difference between the RR and the Sno-Pro is the level of quality its shock package brings. This sled uses the maximum deal FOX EVOL X reservoir air shocks up front (these dampers are worth the price tag alone) and FOX ZERO-X adjustables in the skid.

These are essentially the identical shocks used on Brian Dick’s XC race sled with perhaps a bit of the edge taken off their calibration.

We found the RR’s clutching to be perfect (no race-style high slamming engagement but extremely smooth and rapid shift-up as the sled accelerates.

Does this feel like a race sled? It does but it’s actually got another side to its personality that makes it fun and easy to ride. The main difference is with this shock package you can pound bumps and ditches all day and never experience shock fade or any deterioration in ride performance.

We think Cat has nailed the category here and we’d recommend this sled to any serious performance rider without reservation.

APPARENTLY WE HATE SKI-DOO THIS WEEK

Motorhead Mark Lester
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Dear Motorhead:

Just read your article Dual Quads and a Pair of Deuces in Supertrax. Again you rag on the xp chassis for being cold??

Come on boys I’ve ridden the Nytro and the Rush and you don’t even mention how cold they are. They are brutal for freezing your credentials, but nitpick the Ski-Doo?!

Mark S.

Thanks for your email!

It continues to amaze me how if we say something “bad” (truthful) about a Yamaha, Polaris or AC all remains quiet but if we say one teensie-weensie thing about a Ski-Doo (like maybe they’re not perfect) and we get tons of hate mail.

Okay, we can take it, but here’s the truth – it’s hard to fault much on Ski-Doo’s product these days. We tell it exactly like we see it and here’s proof of our comment about wind protection in the story – the all-new XS bodywork – which is by Ski-Doo’s own admission designed to be more comfortable and warm. Hmm? Does that mean Ski-Doo thought the XP was a little less comfortable and not warm enough? Yikes!

Thanks for taking time to write – we appreciate your response. Please take my remarks with a grain of salt – not road salt!

Thanks,

Motorhead Mark

Test Drive OFSC Trails At No Cost!

Press Release
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For anyone who has ever wanted to try snowmobiling, Family Day Long Weekend provides an ideal opportunity – and now Ontarians are invited to test drive available OFSC trails at no charge for a permit!

In cooperation with the Honourable Bob Chiarelli and the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO), the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is celebrating Ontario’s mid-winter statutory holiday long weekend with the launch of a 2013 “Try Our Trails” Permit to encourage more people to get outdoors and enjoy winter by going snowmobiling on OFSC trails. The new permit is available at no cost to those who pre-register online and is valid only from 12:01 AM Saturday, February 16 until 11:59 PM on Monday, February 18, 2013.

“As part of our Go Snowmobiling Ontario Campaign, the 2013 Try Our Trails Permit is our invitation to Ontarians to give us a try this winter at no cost for a permit,” said OFSC President Brenda Welsh. “For Family Day Long Weekend, we want to show new participants what we have to offer, to introduce them to our trails, clubs and volunteers, and to provide them with a truly enjoyable and memorable winter adventure.”

The 2013 Try Our Trails Permit is available only by pre-registering online at www.ofsc.on.ca and printing out a permit good for Family Day Long Weekend only. There is no charge for either the 2013 Try Our Trails Permit or the registration process, but to access OFSC trails, the printed permit must be affixed to the sled to which it is assigned in accordance with Ontario law.

Any sled on OFSC trails without a permit on Family Day Long Weekend is illegal and the operator can be subject to a fine of up to $1,000. Riders must also carry a valid driver’s licence or Snow Vehicle Operator’s Licence, sled registration, proof of insurance, and follow all the rules and assumptions for safe OFSC trail riding.

The 2013 Try Our Trails Permit is a great fit with the “Get Out and Enjoy Winter” Campaign launched this season by the OFSC, Ontario Tourism and the Ontario Snow Resorts Association to introduce more Ontarians to winter fun on the snow.

With 217 community based clubs and over 150,000 family members, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is a volunteer led not-for-profit association, which through strong leadership, provides a wide range of quality programs and services to, and on behalf of, its member organizations.

Our 30,000+ kilometre provincial network of organized snowmobile trails connects Ontario communities, providing responsible riding experiences that are safe, enjoyable, and environmentally sustainable.

HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH 2-STROKE?

Staff Report
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HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH 2-STROKE?

It’s been a few years since the days of 1000cc and 900cc 2-stroke production sleds. However, these mega motors are still emblazoned in the minds of a number of snowmobilers and there’s always that element out there wanting more.

Sleds like the last Mach Z, the 1000 Cat and the 900 Fusion, despite varying levels of success and delivery in their hayday, had a ton of showroom sizzle and appeal to extreme performance buyers in their day.

With today’s breed of super-clean 800s producing close to and beyond 160-ponies, it seems wrong to think buyers would be interested in anything bigger. Or does it?

Certainly, the process involved to EPA-certify new, larger displacement 2-strokes would be expensive and bothersome. This is especially true if consumers respond for only one or two years to the big powerplants and then go back to smaller big-inch rides (like 800s) again as they did before.

There’s no question the OEMs are thinking of ways to build consumer fervor into their future models. In the past, the biggest, baddest engine nearly always got the job done for them. In today’s regulated world, it’s just not that simple.

Are snowmobilers motivated to upgrade every couple of years to end up with the same thing? Not likely. Snowmobilers are addicted to fresh technology and crave the latest and especially, the greatest.

Another possibility has been offering from-the-factory turbocharging for 2-strokes. Since both Polaris and Arctic Cat have advanced degrees in building reliable turbos for their 4-strokes, it would seem like a pretty logical way for them to offer incredible horsepower in the 200 range while using existing 2-stroke engines.

This prospect brings up an interesting point. Those power-hungry snowmobile consumers who want to lead the pack with engine performance just might be willing to ante up an extra couple of grand to get what they want. Would you?

Arctiva Balaclavas

Press Release
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Arctiva Balaclavas

Keeping riders warm and comfortable while out on the track or trails is a priority for Arctiva and the Balaclava collection aims to do just that with six different designs to choose from.

For riders looking for a Windshield Balaclava, there are two designs that are sure to fit your needs. The Windshield Balaclava offers riders the ultimate cold weather protection with a 98 percent windproof, waterproof, and breathable construction.

The soft wicking, power dry fleece interior ensures rider comfort. For riders looking to also keep the upper torso warm, the Windshield PSP Balaclavas with Dickie comes with a lower fleece area.

The Nylon Balaclava fits comfortably under most helmets without having to increase the helmet size. It is 100 percent nylon and can be machine washed and dried.

The Polartec Balaclava is also an inexpensive layering option that is a warm, insulating, lightweight fleece. The Polartec is a great option for all cold weather activities that can be a layer under the helmet or can be worn alone and has a snug, comfortable fit.

The Pro Stretch Plus Balaclava has a 4-way stretch fleece fabric that is weather proof. It also comes with a windshield insert that protects the entire face and fore-head area. And for riders looking to also keep the upper chest area warm, the Windshield PSP version comes with a fleece Dickie.

To round out the Balaclava collection, Arctiva offers a Dri-Release Liner Guard. The thin upper fabric allows for a close fit when wearing a helmet and the thicker fleece fabric in the lower area keeps the neck area warm.

Arctiva offers one final layering option for riders with its Dri-Release Glove Liners. The extra warm, ultralight fabric provides a snug-fitting layer next to the skin. The liner is ideal to fit under a glove or mitt.

Additional product specifications are below. Arctiva Balaclavas are available from your local Parts Unlimited dealer now.

To find a dealer near you or to check out other new products from Arctiva, please visit Arctiva.com.

LaVallee On List of Most Influential People

Press Release
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Polaris snocross racer and snowmobile freestyle star Levi LaVallee has been named one of the 50 Most Influential People in Action Sports on the ESPN X Games website.

This puts him in the company of legendary action sports stars such as surfing champion Kelly Slater and motorsports star Travis Pastrana.

The honor comes just three weeks before LaVallee competes on his Team LaVallee Polaris IQ® Race Sled in the 2013 X Games in Aspen, Colorado. LaVallee has won seven X Games medals in multiple snowmobile disciplines, including snocross racing, Speed & Style, Best Trick, Hillcross, Knock Out and freestyle.

LaVallee was listed as number 19 among the 50 top influencers honored on the X Games website (xgames.espn.go.com). The top three influencers listed were legendary surfing champion Kelly Slater (No. 1), motocross freestyle star Travis Pastrana (No. 2) and snowboard champion and Olympic gold medalist Shaun White (No. 3).

In the 2009 Winter X Games Snowmobile Best Trick competition, LaVallee cemented his place in action sports history by becoming the first person ever to attempt a double backflip on a snowmobile. He completed the two revolutions but was bucked off the seat of the sled upon landing.

He put his name into the action sports record book on New Year’s Eve 2011 when he soared across the San Diego Bay on a Polaris snowmobile and set a motorsports distance jump record of 412 feet.

Along with competing in the X Games, LaVallee is concentrating this winter on the ISOC Pro-class points race, where he is currently in the top 10. He won the circuit’s Pro Stock points championship in the 2008-2009 season, when he also finished third in Pro Open points and was named ISOC “Woody’s Racer of the Year.”

LaVallee has complemented his competition success with highly successful marketing of his personal brand, his sponsors and the race team he owns with Glenn Kafka, who is also LaVallee’s crew chief. LaVallee is extremely active on a variety of social media and was voted ISOC Fan Favorite of the Year in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

The ISOC season resumes with Jan. 4-5 racing at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota.

About Polaris – Polaris is a recognized leader in the powersports industry with annual 2011 sales of $2.7 billion. Polaris designs, engineers, manufactures and markets innovative, high quality off-road vehicles (ORVs), including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the Polaris RANGER side-by-side vehicles, snowmobiles, motorcycles and on-road electric/hybrid powered vehicles.

Polaris is among the global sales leaders for both snowmobiles and off-road vehicles and has established a presence in the heavyweight cruiser and touring motorcycle market with the Victory and Indian motorcycle brands. Additionally, Polaris continues to invest in the global on-road small electric/hybrid vehicle industry with Global Electric Motorcars (GEM) and Goupil Industrie SA, and internally developed vehicles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a complete line of Pure Polaris apparel, accessories and parts, available at Polaris dealerships.

Polaris Industries Inc. trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PII, and the Company is included in the S&P Mid-Cap 400 stock price index.

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

Brian Dick Wins Second Straight At USXC

Press Release
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After a series of mild days and then rain, a cold front blew in and sent the third event on the USXC schedule, the Willmar Area Lakes 100, into a deep-freeze.

While the front meant a stiff, bone-chilling wind blew all day during race day on Saturday, January 12, it also brought clear skies in its wake meaning good visibility for racers and fans.

The USXC crew laid out roughly a 10-mile course on the frozen surface of Foot Lake just outside downtown Willmar, racers set up shop at the Kandiyohi County fairgrounds and fans lined up on the ice along the shore Saturday to watch the action from the warmth of their vehicles.

Arctic Cat rider Zach Herfindahl started the day off by claiming the first Pro win of his career in the Speedwerx Pro Open class. The 16-year-old rookie Pro is spearheading the youth movement in cross-country snowmobile racing and laid down the fastest time in the 5-lap, 50-mile race (47:37.106) besting his teammate Ryan Simons (47:42.328) by over five seconds. Brian Dick, another one of Herfindahl’s teammates, finished in third with a time of 47:44.148.

Riders left in flights of two in the 10-lap DRIFT Racing Pro 600 class. After the 100-mile race that included a mandatory fuel stop, Brian Dick claimed the win with a time of 1:34:40.222, seven seconds faster than second place finisher Herfindahl and over a minute faster than the third place Arctic Cat of Wes Selby. Just behind Selby was Simons and rounding out the Top 5 was the Arctic Cat of Chad Lian.

Arctic Cat rider Cole Nymann won the Polaris Semi-Pro 600 class finishing the 5-lap, 50-mile race with a time of 49:33.223, nearly 38-second faster than second place Polaris rider Travis Faust and 46-seconds faster than the third place Polaris of Spencer Kadlec.

Faust won the AMSOIL Semi-Pro Improved race logging a five-lap time of 49:22.355 besting the Ski-Doo of Cale Anseeuw and the Polaris of Alex Hetteen by just over 30-seconds.

“The Willmar Area Lakes 100 was a special event for me since it is so close to my home town and the headquarters of USXC, Spicer, Minn.,” said USXC owner Brian Nelson. “The city was a gracious host and being able to hold a race so close to the center of town made for a great event.”

The next USXC event is the Oslo 100 in Oslo, Minn., January 26, 2013.

For complete results visit www.usxcracing.com

Brian Dick Wins Second Straight CCR

Press Release
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Brian Dick, Zach Herfindahl and Ryan Simons claimed five of six Pro podium spots including all three Pro Open positions and first and second in Pro 600 at the USXC Willmar Area Lakes 100 this past Saturday, January 12.

Brian Dick won his second Pro 600 race in a row and 16-year-old rookie Pro Zach Herfindahl took the first Pro win of his career in Pro Open. To date, the team has won every single Pro final on the USXC schedule.

After a series of mild days and then rain, a cold front blew in and sent the USXC Willmar Area Lakes 100 into a deep-freeze. But it also brought clear skies in its wake meaning good visibility for racers and fans.

The USXC crew laid out roughly a 10-mile course on the frozen surface of Foot Lake just outside downtown Willmar, the CBR team set up shop at the Kandiyohi County fairgrounds and fans lined up on the ice along the shore Saturday to watch the action from the warmth of their vehicles.

Herfindahl started the day off by claiming the first Pro win of his career in the five-lap, 50-mile Pro Open class. He laid down the fastest time in the race (47:37.106) besting his teammate Simons (47:42.328) by over five seconds. Brian Dick finished in third with a time of 47:44.148.

Riders left in flights of two in the 10-lap Pro 600 class. After the 100-mile race that included a mandatory fuel stop, Brian Dick claimed the win with a time of 1:34:40.222, seven seconds faster than second place finisher Herfindahl. Simons finished just off the podium in fourth place.

“This is the third ice race in a row and we really have the machines dialed in,” said Brian Dick. “We’re 2-3mph faster and so far our stuff has just plain worked better than anyone else’s.”

“We have such a great group of guys racing cross-country,” said Christian Brothers Racing team co-owner Dwight Christian. “They work really hard and they get the job done every weekend.”

Next up for Christian Brothers Racing is the ESPN Winter X Games, January 24-27 and the USXC Oslo 100, January 26. For more information on Christian Brothers Racing visit www.christianbrosracing.com.

HOW USER-FRIENDLY ARE TODAY’S SLEDS?

Staff Report
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HOW USER-FRIENDLY ARE TODAY’S SLEDS?

It was less than ten years ago the snowmobile industry was concerned about new people having the inclination to get into the sport.

The feeling was that because sleds required some unique aptitudes to ride and enjoy, only a very small percentage of the populace would be interested in getting involved. The accusation was that market growth was limited by the machines themselves.

It was really true, actually. Back then many sleds were carbureted and required a special ritual of using a tricky enrichener or choke to get them fired and then they burbled and stuttered until they were warmed up, belching smoke all the way.

EFI has completely cleared up this problem and made starting, warm-up and idling a mostly smoke-free no-brainer.

Suspension compliance has really been stepped up and with rider forward ergonomics putting less stress on riders’ backs, the days of hammering along trails until you were so exhausted you just wanted to get home, are over.

Same with handling. The OEMs have placed a tremendous amount of focus on keeping the steering feel as light as possible so beginners don’t have to feel like they need to be bench-pressing school buses to turn the bars.

Yamaha’s power steering is an ideal fix that has a lot of appeal to the novice rider.

Last, sleds are much warmer and more comfortable than they used to be. Air management around the rider, both warm air from under the hood and the air passing along the outside of the sled and around the riding compartment allows for warm feet, hands and no rapid drops in core temperatures when the thermometer drops.

Seat heaters, warm windshields and thumb and handwarmers have been perfected to make the riding experience way better.

Today, you can invite the most city-fied person to take a first ride on a sled and be sure they will be comfortable and not offended by the experience. Pretty good progress.

WHAT’S THE MAXIMUM POWER?

Staff Report
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WHAT’S THE MAXIMUM POWER?

Today’s most powerful 2-strokes are putting out between 155 and 163 horsepower and Arctic Cat’s 4-stroke 1100 Turbo makes a claimed 177-ponies while Yamaha’s Apex delivers 162 naturally aspirated stallions.

This is serious horsepower and with the built-in chassis lightness of many of these sleds, their power-to-weight ratios are crazy good.

We’d be the first to admit that snowmobilers (ourselves included) are pretty much addicted to power but, honestly, you have to eventually ask the question: “How much is too much?”

A few years ago Ski-Doo offered a 1000cc SDI 2-stroke that eclipsed the 175-hp mark and it was a pretty big hit for a couple of years.

At the time Ski-Doo’s other big-inchers (800 PowerTeks) were making power in the 138 range and the 1000 seemed like the gateway to big-time muscle.

Now with an E-TEC 800 putting out a pretty honest 162 in a way lighter package, we wonder if the maximum 2-stroke power ratio has been reached.

Then there’s those turbocharged Arctic Cats! These extremely durable engines can be amped up to almost 300 reliable horsepower if you tweak the turbo system.

Yamaha has long been turbocharging Apexes and Nytros and, with mods, you can get these engines up into the 250 to 300 range, too.

This is crazy power but whenever there’s a demand, the OEMs seem to step up their game and meet their customers’ expectations.

Can we even be so bold as to suggest that someone may come with a from-the-factory turbocharged sled that makes over 200 ponies?

It seems almost ludicrous, but we run out of fingers and toes when we count up the people we already know who would put greenbacks down to get a sled like this. Hmm.

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