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Arctic Cat XF 1100 or XF 1100 Turbo SnoPro?

AJ Lester
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Dear SnowTrax:

I have a couples of questions for either Luke or AJ concerning the highs and lows on the Arctic Cat XF 1100 Turbo SnoPro and on the XF 1100 SnoPro.

What is your overall reviews on those two snowmobile?

I am looking to upgrade from my f1000 SnoPro to one of those two and I am a litttle bit unsure of which one to go with and would appreciate your opinion.

Thank you for your time and thanks in advance for your response.

Steve

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your question about the XF 1100 and XF 1100 Turbo SnoPro sleds. I’ve ridden both and truly enjoy them in their own way. The 1100 naturally aspirated is a great motor, gets very acceptable milage and produces adequate 600 two stroke comparable power at 123 HP.

Seeing as you’re coming off an F1000 I’m going to assume you like a little more power than the 600 class sleds provide. The 1100 naturally aspirated won’t give you the eye popping, arm stretching performance, but will deliver smooth and consistent power and truly is a very enjoyable sled to trail ride.

Now the 1100 Turbo is a whole different monster and I mean that in a friendly monster kind of way. It’s the biggest power-plant in the industry, but surprisingly it’s totally usable and not the least bit over bearing to ride.

Throttle modulation isn’t like a toggle switch where it’s either on boost or off, the power comes through crisp and smooth with very little noticeable turbo lag. You can squeeze the throttle in the tight twisty trails and power goes to the ground when you want it, will it snap you backwards if you grab too much!

The 177hp stuffed in the XF chassis is of Corvette level performance, it’s fast and it’s light. If I sound more excited about the Turbo it’s because I am. I truly enjoy everything about the Turbo motor, it my opinion it’s the best 4 stroke package (meaning chassis and motor) out there.

Yamaha still makes the tightest most refined 4 strokes but the AC turbo will go past an Apex so fast it’ll peel the stickers off the hood – ok not literally but it’s in a class of it’s own no matter what manufacturer you compare it too.

Your F1000 was a great sled for trial riding but the truth about the F is that it was heavy and the 1000 didn’t deliver the performance we all expected. The XF is totally different.

The 123hp 1100 feels quick and light and the turbo feels insanely fast and light. They handle like a a SnoPro should, carve corners like your on rails and don’t beat you up or leave you feeling like the sled was riding you.

The Torque Control Link smoothes out the power delivery and makes harsh vibrations a think of the past. Up front the SnoPro’s Fox Float 2’s work really well, they are a far cry from the old Float 1’s as I’ll call them. They don’t nose over and stiction of the outer and inner tubes is no longer an issue.

The geometry of the race style front end works perfect on the trail, and actually I believe the front end is the best part of the suspension on the XF’s.

Out back I am a little more reserved, I like the slide action 141″ skid because it’s light by removing the torsion springs and using a Fox Float with air spring however it does not produce a ride like the Polaris Switchback or the Ski-Doo Renegade. It takes quite a bit of tweaking to find a setting most users find compliant, they typically ride a little stiff.

The LXR and base version uses a similar skid but a coil-over Fox shock where the Float would be on the SnoPro. The coil-over is a better set up in my opinion (and the rest of the crew here at SnowTrax and Supertrax for that matter).

It rides smoother and is more compliant through the bumps, while the Float equipped SnoPro is lighter it’s not as comfortable for long rides. The 141″ design does bridge bumps better then a 121 or 128 but I don’t believe that skid frame to be in the same category as Ski-Doo’s R-Motion Renegade. That would be my #1 pick for rear suspension in a crossover, however I like Arctic Cats front suspension better than Ski-Doo’s.

If you know you want a long tracker then it’s all about how you ride. If you’re an aggressive ditch banger and really push the sled hard you may like the stiffer rear suspension. If you’re not in that category and don’t require the extra track length I believe you might prefer the F1100 SnoPro or F1100 Turbo SnoPro as they do truly ride better on a wider variety of trail conditions and also have less push in the corners due to the reduced footprint of the track.

Hope this helps, if you have any other questions send them over and I’ll do my best to help.

As a reference we currently have a 2012 F1100 Turbo Sno-Pro limited as our SnowTrax Project sled for this season and I love the way it works. I thought I would want the XF but truth be told I’ve got a soft spot for the short tracker – something a flatland off-trail enthusiast like me finds hard to admit!

Thanks for your question,

AJ

Stud Boy / Goodwin / DOOTalk Race Team

Press Release
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Performance (Zion, IL) and DOOTalk, LLC (Churchville, NY) are excited to announce the return of the Stud Boy Traction/Goodwin Performance/DOOTalk.com Race Team. The team returns another year wiser and with a slightly different line up of racers and crew.

Zach Pattyn #99 returns to lead the charge in the Pro classes in the ISOC National Series followed by his brother Nick Pattyn #198 in the Pro-Lite classes along with Garrett Goodwin on the #333 Stay Strong sled. New racers for this year are Brett Nastala #248 (Pro-Lite), Justin Sparpana #116 (Sport), Jake Pattyn #168 (Juniors) and Caydence Sparpana #116 (120’s).

Ron Pattyn (Stud Boy Traction), Greg Goodwin and Tom White will again function as crew chiefs and Danielle Pattyn also returns as head chef (thankfully!). Greg Weever, Todd Sparpana, Dale Nastala and Sara Good join the crew for the 2012/2013 season and will help complement the efforts of Jason Koskela (TEAM Industries), Dave Trygstad and our other sponsors to make our machines perform at their highest level.

“Last year we made the podium in the Pro class and had some excellent rides in the Lites classes before injuries became a major factor. We plan to start the season ahead of where we left off last year and we are confident we will achieve more consistent podium finishes for 2012/13.” – commented Tom White.

“We feel very confident going into the 2012-13 race season with Zach and Nick back to top form. With the addition of Brett (2011 National Sport Series Champion) , Garrett who looks forward to his return to snocross, Justin, Jake and Caydence, we have a very talented and driven group of athletes that will make all of our sponsors and associates proud.” – said Greg Goodwin. He also noted that they will also support and work closely with Eddy Neubauer on the American Metalcraft Ski-Doo.

Additionally with the return of snocross to the Winter XGames and Zach making his seventh XGames appearance the upcoming season should be full of excitement for the racers and fans alike.

Another exciting development for the upcoming season is a new transporter provided by Grand Rapids Truck Center. “Todd Sparpana,(owner of Grand Rapids Truck Center) kicked in big time this year with a first class rig for us to race out of. We now have all the space we need to better compete at the highest level of snocross racing. We are very proud to have Grand Rapids Truck Center join forces with our team.” – said an excited Ron Pattyn.

DOOTalk.com’s Member Sponsored Racing program is the first Forum Based racing program in the industry and has existed for the past eight seasons, where site members purchase ‘laps’ to support the race team. Stud Boy Traction has always been a family oriented grass roots racing team. With Stud Boy Traction, Goodwin Performance and DOOTalk.com joining forces for the 2012-2013 racing season, this grass roots racing team has the makings to shake things up at the top levels of ISOC racing. The Stud Boy Traction/Goodwin Performance/DOOTalk.com Race Team is sponsored by: Ski- Doo, Nelson’s Speed Shop, Goodwin Performance, Stud Boy, Fox Shox, C&A Pro, Trygstad Motorsports, Team Industries, Rox SpeedFX, SSI Decals, Fly, Scott, SledBrite, HCP Designs, TekRider, Dragon Race Fuels, DP Brakes, Ipone, Camoplast, XPS, Grand Rapids Truck Center, and the members of DOOTalk.com.

SHOULD I BUY A 1200 4-TEC?

Motorhead Mark Lester
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Dear Motorhead:

I’ve been riding for a couple of years now with my 1994 Mach Z 780 and would like to upgrade to new 4 stroke high performance sled.

I did go out last year on a BRP demo ride and got to try the 1200 4-TEC, but unfortunately Arctic cat and Yamaha did not offer a demo ride in my area.

So my question is this of these three manufacturers, which would you suggest as the best and which model?

Thanks in advance,

Paul C

Thanks for your email!

Okay, you are asking a Q that is impossible to answer so I’ll try to help with some info on the choices.

First, you’re coming off an ICBM calibre sled – there isn’t any non-turbo four strokes that”ll hit like your 780 triple. That’s reality.

Second, we need to define what area of performance you’re looking at – I suspect its the 120-130 HP segment. You would need to evaluate the AC Pro-Cross F-1100, the Yamaha Vector and Nytro and the Polaris Turbo. These are all very different sleds in comparison to the Ski-Doo 1200 you have ridden.

The new AC F-1100 is very “Ski-Dooish” in its ergos and handling however the 1100 is a little softer than the 1200 Rotax 4-TEC.

The Nytro is a completely different handling and riding sled than you would be use to however it is very quick and almost as light as the 1200 SD.

The Vector might be closer to what you are familiar with in terms of ergos however it is not as quick as the lighter Nytro.

Finally, the Polaris Turbo is exceptionally fast, mainstream and more old school in its ergos but somewhat more jing as it actually produces around 150 HP on average.

The Ski-Doo 4-Tec 1200 is a very strong running mill which we suspect produces 135 plus HP. It’s a great handler and a great ride – particularly with r-Motion. It’s only downside is a slight bit of annoying throttle lag below 4500 RPM. Otherwise it is a very fast and comfortable ride.

Last thing – what about the dealer? You have to decide who you’re marrying when you buy a sled. If you have a great dealer you’ll never look back – if you have a dealer you can’t mesh with you’ll hate even a good sled. It’s about the entire experience when you buy a new snowmobile.

Hope this helps!

Motorhead Mark

2012 BEST IN CLASS: BEST 2-UP SNOWMOBILE

Staff Report
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2012 BEST IN CLASS: BEST 2-UP SNOWMOBILE

WINNER: SKI-DOO GTSE 1200 4-TEC

MARK’S TAKE:

The GTSE offers riders and passengers the most sumptuous perch in all of snow-mo-bil-dom.

The easy-to-operate and dramatically effective air ride adjustable-on-the-fly rear suspension is not just one of, it is the best suspension for big-mile tandem cruising and in fact, it actually rivals many superb one-up rides for best overall comfort.

The 1200 4-TEC is my only vulnerability to Kent’s scathing critiques of my enlightened pick. I’ll say it before he gets out of the gate! Yes, the engine still has throttle lag and for all you Doo-talkers who sent me hate mail last year for telling the truth about this persistent annoyance, get over it.

Even Kent knows the long intake tract on this engine produces sub-5000 rpm throttle hesitation. Keep in mind, he really doesn’t know much so knowledge of this caliber is impressive.

Back to the GTSE. Handling, with the XR platform using a 137-inch sneaker is exceptionally predictable when carrying passengers.

There’s nothing here save a touch of throttle lag for Kent to come back on so I’m completely assured of universal agreement on this pick for the BIC.

RUNNER-UP: YAMAHA VENTURE GT

KENT’S RESPONSE:

Since this award classification has become a gadget-fest, it looks like we should get into a comparison of stuff that’s bolted, glued and roped onto these 2-up cruisers.

The idea with a good 2-upper is to deliver the best snowmobiling experience for two people over the longest time and distance.

Comfort is paramount and then you get into things like adequate power, the delivery of that power and drive-ability of the sled.

I’ll go as far to admit I really like the GTSE, and for that matter I like the Cat and Polaris luxo-cruisers, too.

However, there’s only one sled that has had an unblemished reliability record from the first day it landed: The Venture GT.

At first we were critical of its slightly cramped driver’s compartment. Yamaha has fixed this by repositioning the handlebars and tuning the seat foam to match the adjustment. Excellent result!

Here’s my number one, grand slam turnaround point in favor of the Venture GT over the GTSE. Throttle lag. It’s not present on this Yamaha, Mark and I’d like to remind you of the incident when you and your spouse rode through my garage door.

It’s okay; insurance covered it.

Go Snowmobiling Facebook Page is Growing

Press Release
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The Go Snowmobiling Facebook page is a new way for snowmobilers to socialize. Facebook pages offer a new way to harness a prehistoric instinct – to communicate with other people.

Snowmobilers LOVE to socialize and share their experiences, and Facebook makes it that much easier.

All of us can become more outgoing and it is especially helpful to stay in touch with our new, young snowmobilers who find Facebook the most efficient way of staying in touch and being involved in the activity.

The Go Snowmobiling Facebook page can enable you to find old or new snowmobiling friends. You can share photos on the page and let each other know what you thought about the trails, the riding areas, the scenery, and let everybody know about the fun you had very simply.

The Go Snowmobiling page is growing daily. It should be known that approximately 1 in 7 minutes spent online worldwide is spent interacting with people on Facebook.

Facebook is a powerful platform for social marketing. Billions of interactions on Facebook influence everything from the clothing we buy to the politicians we vote for.

The Go Snowmobiling Facebook page has been created for all of us and we encourage you to “like” our page and to consider setting up your own organization’s page on Facebook – whether it is at the club, association or regional level.

We know that snowmobilers enjoy each other’s company and love to share the beautiful views and pictures we all take and post.

One of the most important reasons people snowmobile is to be with friends and family and to share the experience. Facebook gives us another opportunity to do that on a broader basis.

The Go Snowmobiling Facebook page serves as a conduit for sharing snowmobiling information – whether it be related to your Take a Friend Snowmobiling campaign or reaching out to communicate with other like-minded individuals about your snowmobiling experiences.

Our page is growing and we encourage you “like” us at www.Facebook.com/Gosnowmobiling and interact with fellow snowmobilers through this amazing medium.

Polaris Breaks Ground on Major Facility Expansion

Press Release
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Polaris Breaks Ground on Major Facility Expansion

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today broke ground on an expansion of the Company’s Product Development Center near Wyoming, Minn.

Since opening in 2005, the 126,000 square foot research and development facility has been pivotal in Polaris’ ascent to the top of the global powersports market.

“Opening the Wyoming facility seven years ago reinforced Polaris’ dedication to leading through innovation,” said Scott Wine, Polaris CEO. “Continuously improving our technology, and incorporating those advances into our vehicles, is the cornerstone of our success, and expanding our Product Development Center paves the way for its future contributions.”

Wine, along with other Polaris executives and political and civic leaders, took center stage at the ground-breaking ceremony earlier today, driving shovels into the ground in a ceremonial start to the construction project.

The event also was attended by Polaris employees and notable Minnesotan politicians and business leaders, including U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Congressman Chip Cravaack and Commissioner Mark Phillips of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

“We are thankful for our continued partnership with Polaris, and excited that they chose to expand operations here in Minnesota,” DEED Commissioner Phillips said. “This investment is an important boost to the local economy and will help maintain Polaris’ place as an industry leader and innovator.”

GREATER MSP, the region’s economic development partnership, coordinated the involvement of Polaris, Chisago County, the City of Wyoming, and DEED, to compile a package of financial incentives to help Polaris expand.

A combination of job training support, infrastructure improvements, R & D credits, JOBZ financing and other incentives provided a unique opportunity for Polaris’ project.

The expansion of the Wyoming facility will add 144,000 square feet to the existing building, more than doubling its size.

This new space will provide large work bays for off-road vehicles, flexible conference and display space, a new electrical lab, and a new EMI room.

The extra space will also allow expansion of the café and kitchen and add a new parking lot for additional employees. The construction effort will be led by Ryan Companies, US, the same firm that led construction on the original building in 2005.

“We were excited when Polaris chose Ryan to construct its Product Development Center in 2005, and we’re feeling that excitement again as we partner with Polaris to expand the facility,” said Pat Ryan, CEO and president, Ryan Companies, US, Inc. “Ryan is similar to Polaris in many ways, from our values to our rich history and Minnesota roots. It’s our privilege to partner with another great company on a project like this. We look forward to getting started.”

The project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2013.

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 are available from authorized Polaris dealers or anytime at www.polaris.com.

2013 Renegade or 2013 Switchback?

AJ Lester
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Dear SnowTrax:

Just wanted to say thanks for such a great show (got you programmed into the DVR). Have a couple questions about new sleds.

I am finally upgrading from my 2000 ZR 800 and am interested in either a 2013 Ski Doo Renegade X 800 or the 2013 Switchback Pro R 800.

I ride mostly groomed trail with some flatland boondocking thru the woods and fields. Just wondering what your take is on both these sleds any input would be great.

Thanks again for putting together such awesome and informative programming.

Tom C

Hi Tom,

I’ve ridden both of these sleds and can say with conviction my personal pick would be the Renegade if you’re into the boondocking at all.

I like the way the rear suspension of the Switchback works, but the Renegade with R-Motion is superior when it comes to the off-trail capabilities and on trail compliance.

R-Motion is a sweet design and it delivers in every way. Ski-Doo nailed it with this suspension set up in the Renegade.

The Pro R is a beautiful looking sled from the front and the front suspension works amazingly well and is much more compliant and far stronger than the Ski-Doo’s.

With that said I still have a sweet spot for the Renegade and the R-Motion is what would tip the scales if it were my decision. It’s so smooth on the trail you’ll be laughing as you see your buddies bouncing around on their seats. It is easy to adjust, simple to understand and it delivers.

At the end of the day the Switchback has a better front end than the ‘Gade and they both have excellent excellent motors, but the rear suspension on the Switchback takes some getting used to and just isn’t as good as the Renegade’s rMotion skid on or off trail.

Thats my 2 cents. Hope it helps.

AJ

AUXILIARY SNOWMOBILE LIGHTING FROM BRP

Press Release
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AUXILIARY SNOWMOBILE LIGHTING FROM BRP

BRP brings yet another industry first to the snowmobile market with integrated auxiliary lighting for brighter night vision.

Using ten LED lamps, the auxiliary lighting kit provides for 2100 extra lumens to light up the trail in front of riders. The unparalleled brilliance is delivered in a super-wide fog light type pattern increasing the field of light.

Auxiliary Light Kit $299.99 USD/$344.99CAD

The kit is a true plug and play system on Ski-Doo REV-XS and REV-XM platform snowmobiles which are prewired to accept the lights.

The attachment below the stock headlight is secure and delivers a smooth, naturally integrated look. The switch provided allows for OFF or ON WITH HIGH BEAM settings so riders can easily switch to extra light without removing their hand while riding.

In addition, the benefit of using LED’s bring low maintenance, low power requirements, long life and great illumination to the package.

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

2012 BEST IN CLASS: BEST VERTICAL SLED

Staff Report
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2012 BEST IN CLASS: BEST VERTICAL SLED

WINNER: Polaris Pro RMK 800

MARK’S TAKE:

Polaris has, by employing an absolute laser focus, taken back the mountain market with the Pro-RMK in any track length variant.

This snowmobile so completely exceeds riders expectations it is almost an understatement to say it leads in this segment.

The now bulletproof 800 Liberty is perfectly suited for high elevation climbing or insane highmarking as a result of the engine’s inherent, Cummins-like torque characteristics.

Seriously, this engine in the RMK platform digs trenches deep enough you can see the floor of the Toyota plant in Tokyo.

Certainly Ski-Doo has been working hard at making the Summit better – and they’re getting there. However, when it comes to the extreme deep and radically steep the masses are taken with the Pro RMK.

RUNNER-UP: Ski-Doo Summit X 800 E-TEC

KENT’S RESPONSE:

I’ve got to admit, Mark, you’ve presented a strong case and in some kindergarten classes you could sell this argument.

Here’s where the rubber hits the snow: Ski-Doo and, for that matter Arctic Cat too, in MY2012 are on fire when it comes to mountain prowess.

Both these very competitive sled-makers are fully focused, committed and dedicated to holding court in thin-air environments.

I have to give Ski-Doo an edge because the company has developed the only direct injection 2-stroke for altitude and its incredibly light XP mountain chassis gives high-altitude riders everything they want.

That “everything” could be summed up in one phrase: Power-to-weight!

Ask any mountain rider what they want and they’ll tell you they want an engine that makes as much power at the bottom of the slope as it does at the top – and on the way up that power needs to be delivered with giant gobs of torque.

Ask them what’s second on the list and they’ll tell you they want a sled so light it can be maneuvered in the tightest places, in the deepest powder with the flotation ability of a Chris Craft.

Whether seated or standing, its handlebars, narrow seat and running boards are perfect. Don’t even get me started on those excellent Pilot DS skis.

Mark, peel back your eyelids and look at the truth. Ski-Doo is the way to go for mountain sleds this year.

2013 DENNIS KIRK SNOWMOBILE CATALOG

Press Release
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The snow season is slowly moving upon us, and now is the time to blast the 2012-2013 riding season wide open with the 2013 Dennis Kirk Snowmobile catalog!

This catalog is packed with all the industry’s top hard parts, helmets, riding gear and accessories.

With names like Arctiva, FXR, Klim, Caliber, Camoplast, Moose Plows and many more, Dennis Kirk continues to be the spot to stock up on all the latest industry-leading parts and accessories to make every winter experience the best ever.

If you order by 8:00 p.m. CST, we’ll ship your order that same day. If you order is $100 or more, we’re going to ship your order to your door absolutely free!

With only real people answering your calls from 6:00 a.m. to Midnight CST, seven days a week, it’s easy to see we offer the best service anywhere!

Check out DENNNISKIRK.COM and get your catalog today!

For more information, call 1-800-970-2308 or go to www.denniskirk.com.

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