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2011 BEST IN CLASS: BEST BIG MILER

Staff Report
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2011 BEST IN CLASS: BEST BIG MILER

Brothers and Co-Publishers of Supertrax – Kent and Mark Lester debate their picks for 2011’s Best In Class Awards.

WINNER: Arctic Cat Z1 LXR

Mark Sez:

Last winter few sleds in our fleet endeared themselves to our crew in a manner as convincing as Cat’s Z1. The sled was exceptionally quick, handled in a linear and very predictable way on both tight, tree lined trails or wide-open groomed fire roads.

The floating front arm skid was ultra plush in jigglers but exceptionally bottom-resistant in gnarly, ungroomed whoops.

Most impressive is the way the Z1 looks after its pilot. Warmth is assured with a well protected rider’s perch and comfort guaranteed with the IRP system’s moveable seat and handlebars.

Okay, maybe the Z1’s even firing exhaust cadence more resembles a 1962 Farmall orchard tractor than the melodious tunes produced by Kent’s pick, the Yamaha Vector LTX. Still the Zee gave no gait to the Yammer on full pulls down Kevlar Lake.

Add in this reality: Oh great, Kenny, the Z-1 comes with skis you can actually use on snow! Get in front of it, brother: Yamaha’s cred is seriously undermined every time it delivers another snowmobile with those plastic things hanging on the spindles they call ‘skis’.

It’s clear the 1100cc 123-hp 4-stroke used in the Z1 represents the best power package from AC in the F-body. Mix in the fact the Z1 can get close to 20 mpg when ridden sanely and big miles become easy miles.

Kent’s Response:

Mark, how can you even compare the Z1 to the EFI Vector? I will grant you the two sled platforms described here measure up pretty nicely but there’s just no comparison when you rate the two engines.

The Vector’s 1049cc triple is a sweetheart of a snowmobile mill that delivers excellent throttle response, great top end pull and, when shifted out on trails, is the sweetest sound this side of an angel choir’s harp section.

Yes, there are issues with the stock skis but, hey, you’re gonna wear out the runners quick anyway and you can get some SnowTrackers or Qualipieces carbides to completely solve the problem.

Shoot, just buy some of those new Slit Rail skis and you’ll be the coolest dude ever. Come to think of it, you could use a little coolness.

Adjusting RUSH Suspension

Motorhead Mark Lester
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Dear Motorhead:

I purchased a left-over 2010 Polaris 600 Rush at the beginning of this season. The rear suspension gauge tool was missing from the toolkit and therefore the dealer gave me one for a 2011 model. I assumed the same gauge tool is used for both 2010 and 2011 models.

At the end of the season I obtained a gauge tool for the 2010 model and noticed that the markings are about 20 lbs on the heavier side for the 2011 gauge as compared to the 2010 gauge. For example, the 220 lb mark on the 2010 gauge is equivalent to the 240 lb mark on the 2011 gauge.

I was wondering if Polaris found the original 2010 gauge caused the set-up to have a tendency to be too stiff and therefore changed the markings on the 2011 gauge to lighten things up or, is there a significant difference in the chassis or rear shock between the 2010 and 2011 models?

In March, 2009 I was able to do a test ride of the new 600 Rush and I was truly impressed at how well it rode. Apparently the Polaris folks who were traveling across the country demonstrating the new Rush had the suspension dialed-in perfect for my weight.

I have not been able to replicate the ride with the one that I purchased this past year. I’m sure it is something simple and when I discovered the difference in the suspension gauge tool at the end of this season, I thought perhaps this may be part of the problem I experienced.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Sam

Thanks for your email!

I think I understand your situation. First, the 2010 Rush was a work in progress when you test rode it – calibrations were still being finalized and obviously what you bought wasn’t what you rode in 2009.

The MY 2010 Rush rear suspension was substantially altered after the first year. The cantilever arm was completely re-designed and a cooler was added under the new snowflap system. Calibrations for MY 2012 have changed somewhat again and I believe the gauge used to set the rear spring preload has been eliminated from the tool kit.

After riding with the top suspension Engineers in West Yellowstone a month ago – we learned the proper way to set-up a MY 2011 or 2012 Rush. It’s all about ride height.

When seated on the sled you should measure 3-3.5 inches of “ride-in” or sag measured from the running boards to the snow compared to static unloaded ride height. This setting produced what we felt were the best ride responses of any Rush we’ve ridden so far.

Whether or not this formula will work on your MY 2010 Rush is another question. FYI – Do not attempt to update your 2010 with the new cantilever set-up. We’ve already inquired with Polaris on this and it is not update-able.

Hope this helps!

Motorhead Mark

2011 BEST IN CLASS: BEST TRAIL POWER

Staff Report
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2011 BEST IN CLASS: BEST TRAIL POWER

Brothers and Co-Publishers of Supertrax – Kent and Mark Lester debate their picks for 2011’s Best In Class Awards.

WINNER: 2011 Polaris 600 RUSH

Kent sez:

Now that all the hype has settled down and we’ve had a good look at the RUSH for a full season, we’re prepared to endorse it fully…and then some.

Our first year riding the actual production version of this groundbreaking sled was filled with fresh revelations. Yes, the rear suspension not only looks different but is a completely new way of thinking about the way a snowmobile handles terrain.

Frankly, when you’re seated on the RUSH you can’t tell if there’s any difference between it and every other shock-in-skid snowmobile built today.

The suspension doesn’t wow you until you realize this new concept is in its very earliest infancy. This was made even clearer when we rode the 2011 and sampled the updates and upgrades the Polaris engineers had made in just one year.

More impressive than any of this is the sled’s great handling. The adjective ‘great’ falls short when you actually get some seat time on a RUSH.

Its telepathic way of communicating the driver’s inputs to the trail is nothing short of spectacular.

You can reel in the tightest corners and rail through stutters like Ross Martin on this sled and rarely experience bottoming or hard impacts up through the suspension.

The RUSH’s ergonomics and rider comfort are a new standard and if you take advantage of Polaris’ option to select your own windshield height, this sled is as warm and cozy as sitting on Pam Andersons’s lap.

The new version of the 2-injector per cylinder Cleanfire is a quick revving, responsive 600 mill that delivers very good mileage and excellent power at every level. It already meets 2012 EPA emissions standards and represents the latest 2-stroke tech from Polaris.

The unspoken benefit of owning this sled is the instant rock star status you gain wherever and whenever you show up.

Its sizzle factor is sky-high and, deep down, isn’t that what we all want? You rarely get it packaged together in a sled as good as all this.

Mark Sez:

Honestly, I’m already weary of correcting you, Kent and we just got started.

First, the image of sitting in Pam Anderson’s lap is really wrong. Think about that, you may want to perform some edits.

Next, overlooking what is clearly the most revolutionary powerplant to hit the sno-mo-biz since the early 70’s: the DI 600 E-TEC, is colossally misguided. Ski-Doo is the leader in engine technology in the snowmobile industry, hands down, running away.

The 600 E-TEC simply overshadows every other sled in the 600 class based on its incredible power, drive-ability and stellar fuel mileage.

If that isn’t enough to win this BIC, what about the fact the TNT version of the XP is so light you have to tie it down in a snowstorm?

Kent, remember, light is right. Sure, the Rush gets the eye candy award and there’s definitely sizzle in the Pro-Ride suspension, however, Ski-Doo is already out front in the 600 class with the XP and E-TEC power.

OFSC Closes Provincial Snowmobile Trail System

OFSC
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The provincial snowmobile trail system operated by members of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) for winter tourism is now closed for the season.

“Please avoid taking any foolish risks – for your own safety keep your sled parked until trails open again next winter.” That’s the urgent safety message from the OFSC as it warns all snowmobilers to stay off closed OFSC trails and not to trespass on private property.

The provincial trail closure means that grooming operations have ceased, regional trail connections are shut down, gates are locked and signs are being taken down. The snow base on most trails has disappeared entirely or is deteriorated to the point of being unsafe to ride, leaving many hazards exposed, including rocks, stumps and bare ground.

All ice is now becoming too unstable to support sleds or has melted away to open water. Spring run off and flooding is underway, making trails impassible, breaking trail connections and resulting in extreme danger.

The OFSC also cautions snowmobilers that off-trail locations and conditions are now unsafe for riding, including roads and open fields. The OFSC thanks all of its permit buyers for their support of the provincial trail system and their participation this winter.

We salute our clubs, volunteers and landowners who made it all possible and look forward to another great winter of OFSC snowmobiling in 2012.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is dedicated to providing strong leadership and support to member clubs and volunteers, to establishing and maintaining quality snowmobile trails which are used in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, and to furthering the enjoyment of organized snowmobiling.

Visit OFSC.on.ca for more information.

2011 BEST IN CLASS: 150-HP SNOWMOBILE

Mark Lester
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2011 BEST IN CLASS: 150-HP SNOWMOBILE

Brothers and Co-Publishers of Supertrax – Kent and Motorhead Mark Lester debate their picks for 2011’s Best In Class awards.

WINNER: 2011 Ski-Doo MX-Z TNT 800 E-TEC

Mark Sez:

To say the 800 E-TEC was the “most awaited” new sled is not really accurate. Truth is, Ski-Doo actually lost sales last year when it held up the intro of the big block E-TEC knowing full well the delay would “unsell” a bunch of PowerTEK 800s already on order if the sheets came off the direct-injected 800 last fall.

So, this year we have the real thing. The most sophisticated, most efficient and one of the most powerful 800 2-strokes ever built, available to those (and only those) who early ordered one last spring.

I can’t believe Kent will actually attempt to respond to my incredibly logical and honestly, ridiculously obvious pick here for best 150-horsepower sled. Sure, the new Apex has EPS but everyone is wondering where the MSRP came from and why, after a mega-buck re-tooling of the entire bodywork package, the sled doesn’t look any different.

Look, Kenny, E- TEC is what snowmobilers want. It answers all the issues associated with 4-stroke weight and 4-stroke emissions.

No 4-stroke will ever be this light and produce over 150 ponies. The engine starts like a dream, idles electric-motor-smooth and literally sips fuel.

Add in this reality: The XP chassis with an E-TEC 800 ends up being the fastest non-turbocharged 2011 snowmobile. No contest, Kent. Why bother trying to counter this worthy selection?

Kent’s Response:

2011 Yamaha Apex

Mark, how short your memory is. Last year you were all over the Apex as best in this class and argued things like reliability and belt life in a class where performance and performance alone is king.

This year you’re telling us, despite the fact Yamaha made enormous improvements to an already great snowmobile, the same old Ski-Doo XP with an improved 800 knocks it off the podium.

I think your problem actually stems from early childhood but more than that, when it comes to snowmobiles, you see yourself as some kind of senior version of Tucker Hibbert.

C’mon, high performance customers ride their sleds on trails and want comfort, warmth and ride over just lightness.

The average performance customer doesn’t care two hoots about EPA certification or even if the sled smokes a bit. That buyer cares about one thing only – getting to the end of the lake first.

Moreover, that same person wants to be able to do it over and over and know his sled won’t turn into a bag of junk after two years. The jury is out on the 800 E-TEC. Is it reliable? Will it hold up?

There’s only one sled that’s proven itself here and that sled is the rock-reliable 4-stroke Apex.

Power Steering For 2012 Vector

Kent Lester
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Power Steering For 2012 Vector

Fans of the rock-steady Yamaha Vector should be smiling when they check out the 2012 version.

Yamaha has added its industry-first EPS electrically assisted power steering to the venerable model this year.
For those who rode last year’s Apex equipped with EPS, there was little holdback on praise for the handling improvement it makes.

Steering effort is light and linear and the feedback from bumps and hits on the trail is damped down so much you hardly notice anything coming back at you through the handlebars.

This has a tremendous effect on rider fatigue and it’s not until you switch back and forth between an EPS sled and one without it, you notice the difference. After riding the Vector with it we came to the same positive conclusion.

In order to keep the price in line, Yamaha made a couple of changes to the Veck that may be missed but, frankly, don’t affect the overall ride, handling or demeanor of the sled much at all.

First, the dial-type tunnel adjuster for dampening has been removed and replaced with a very good clicker adjustable gas shock in the skidframe.

The Vector still uses the very plush monoshock system it has become famous for and the ride is not compromised for 2012.

Up front, Yamaha has dumped last year’s piggybackers and gone to adjustable non-reservoir KYB gas shocks instead.

Overall, the trade-off is worth it. The handling is good and all the stuff you’ve loved about the Vector is still there.

It uses a 121-inch track in trail models and a 136 for crossover and boondocking duties.

Check it out on yamaha-motor.com or read about it in the March Digital Edition of Supertrax available on Zinio.com.

Looking For More Info On The 2012 Sleds?

Staff Report
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Looking For More Info On The 2012 Sleds?

If you’re still riding and the old steed is feeling heavy and worn out, you’ve probably been surfing the net looking for every tidbit you can find on the 2012 offerings from Yamaha, Ski-Doo, Cat and Polaris so you can early order a new sled next year.

Search no more. Supertrax has compiled a detailed description plus riding impressions on nearly every new 2012 sled and it’s all found in the March 2011 Digital issue on Zinio.com.

You can download this complete magazine onto your own tablet or desktop and own it forever for the low, low price of $3.99.

This is a great way to read Supertrax and in this issue you’ll also get some great impressions of eight 2011 sleds we rode this winter. There’s a special feature on Arctic Cat oval racing in the Sixties and another whacked-out story about snowmobile accessories that failed to catch on.

You’ll be getting all the commentary and opinion you expect from the editors of Supertrax and a unique perspective on the 2012 sleds we’ve actually ridden.

Click here to check it out.

Stand Up For Snowmobiling!

OFSC
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With a Federal election slated for May 2, Canadian snowmobilers have an important opportunity to get a commitment from candidates to support organized snowmobiling.

Use these two statements and questions at every opportunity, such as candidates’ meetings and when candidates come to your door.

Link to:

Ask Your Federal Candidates!

Statement #1: The Harper government supported snowmobile trails across Canada with $25 million from Canada’s Economic Action Plan, which greatly benefited winter tourism and was much appreciated by club volunteers and tens of thousands of Canadian snowmobilers.

Question: If elected as an MP, will you work through your government to provide more infrastructure funding for organized snowmobiling through a national program?

Statement #2: The Harper government supported snowmobiling in Quebec with $6 million of funding for new groomers, which has been very beneficial to winter tourism and much appreciated by Quebec riders.

Question: If elected as a MP, will you work through your government to confirm similar groomer funding across Canada through a national program?

Quick Facts

$6 B+ – Annual economic impact of snowmobiling nationally
50% – Almost half of Canada’s recreation trails are provided by organized snowmobiling
128,00 – Total kilometres of Canada’s snowmobile trails
1,166 – Number of pieces of grooming equipment in Canada
$150 M – Value of Canadian grooming fleet
765,000+ – Number of registered snowmobiles in Canada

2011 Arctic Cat TZ1 Turbo Touring Review

Luke Lester
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2011 Arctic Cat TZ1 Turbo Touring Review

Luke combs over everything you should know about Arctic Cat’s 2011 turbocharged touring sled if you’re hunting for one on the used snowmobile market.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO SEE THE NEW 2012 SLEDS

Supertrax Online
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The Manufacturer’s Sneak Peek Tour is Half Over, and So Too is Your Opportunity

New models, new technology, limited edition graphics, and spring programs; the excitement of the new for 2012 snowmobile models is here, and your chance to see them in person is ending soon.

The 2012 Manufacturer’s Sneak Peek tour is nearly half over, and once the tour is done, so too is your chance to be one of the first to see and touch the new models.

The Sneak Peek tour showcases the latest new models from Arctic Cat, Polaris, and Yamaha all in one place. Check out the all new ProCross and ProMountain chassis from Cat, take a seat on the new Pro-Ride Switchback models from Polaris, and learn how Yamaha has doubled their power steering offerings for 2012.

The Sneak Peek tour isn’t just your only chance to see the new models, but it’s also your best opportunity to speak with factory representatives and get all the details on exclusive spring programs.

Limited showings remain – visit www.snowsneakpeek.com for details.

March 31 – Expo Idaho, Boise, ID
April 1-2 – Eastview Arena, Barrie, ON
April 2 – Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi, MI
April 4 – County Fair Expo, Spokane, WA
April 4-5 – Place Forzani, Laval, QC
April 6 – Fair and Event Center, Puyallup, WA
April 6 – Shopko Hall, Green Bay, WI
April 9-10 – Earle Brown Center, Minneapolis, MN
April 11 – Red River Exhibition Park, Winnipeg, MB
April 13 – Fargo Dome, Fargo, ND
April 13-14 – Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, SK
April 16 – Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, WI
April 17 – Mayfield Inn & Suites, Edmonton, AB
April 18 – DECC, Duluth, MN

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