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RIDE IMPRESSIONS: 2010 Yamaha Vector GT

Staff Report
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RIDE IMPRESSIONS: 2010 Yamaha Vector GT

It wasn’t a big year for model changes at Yamaha but the engineering department poured a tremendous amount of effort into making the Vector into a better sled.

The bump to a 1049cc triple with EFI was a huge homerun and this sled delivers big-time on mid-range trail power.

It feels like it’s generating much more than its claimed 130-horses and seems closer in power to the Apex.

The upgraded GYT-R reservoir front shock package is a good one and the always-plush monoshock tunnel adjustable skid is the premium riding set-up in the biz, period.

We set the skidframe at full soft for trail riding, rebound and compression clickers on the front shocks were taken to their lowest settings and we backed off the spring preload front and rear.

Later, we jacked the settings as required, depending on the weight of the rider using the sled. We added a set of Qualipieces Cobra Head runners and have had zero issues with ski darting, even on the coldest days on the most frozen trails.

The Veck starts and runs perfectly every time, and is one of our most-used press rides day-in, day-out. The pipes sound awesome, too.

– Click here to watch video
– Click here for specs and details

RIDE IMPRESSIONS: 2010 Ski-Doo GSX SE

Staff Report
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RIDE IMPRESSIONS: 2010 Ski-Doo GSX SE

Ski-Doo has been fine-tuning its big 1200 4-stroke to make it more user-friendly and the net result is a sled that’s warmer, plusher and much more controllable than the ’09 version.

The mid-range torque this biggest-in-the-biz-displacement king makes is mind-bending. The GSX will slingshot from 60 to 80 mph like a hypersled and it does it without fuss or effort.

Smoothness is this snowmobile’s calling card and it starts with the SE’s fully adjustable air-ride suspension.

Even 200-pound riders could leave the setting at “one” on choppy trails and get incredible ride results.

In a big drop-out or sinker, you will bottom out with this super-low setting but if the trails have been groomed within the last 48 hours, Bob’s your uncle.

Ski-Doo sent us an accessory 2-up seat for this GSX and although an engineering degree may be required to assemble it, once put together, it makes a fabulous accessory and the GSX has enough suspension range to handle an extra rider with ease.

We continue to be impressed as the miles stack up on this capable long distance cruiser.

– Click here to watch video
– Click here for specs and details

TEST RIDE: 2010 Ski-doo GSX SE

SnowTrax TV
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AJ Lester test rides the 2010 Ski-Doo GSX LE and gives his opinions.

Check out SnowTrax Television’s YouTube page for more Test Rides at YouTube.com/SnowTrax.

Visit www.snowtraxtv.com to watch full episodes of SnowTrax Television online!

TEN WINS AND 14 CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR TEAM ARCTIC

Press Release
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TEN WINS AND 14 CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR TEAM ARCTIC

Cross-Country Domination in USCC; Top Finishes at ISOC Hayward Snocross

Team Arctic cross-country racers concluded their remarkable season at the USCC Warroad 100 in Warroad, Minn., winning 10 classes and taking 14 of 18 class championship titles to rewrite what “terrain domination” truly means.

From top-to-bottom and everywhere in between, Team Arctic racers, crew and Sno Pro race sleds left no doubt about which brand owns the rugged terrain that defines cross-country competition. The championship points tell the story:

Arctic Cat engineer/racer Brian Dick led a top-four sweep (and seven of the top-10) of the Pro 600 points, while his teammate D.J. Ekre took his second consecutive Pro Open championship. Team Arctic notched seven of the top-10 in Semi Pro 600, the top-12 positions in Expert 85, the top-25 in Sport 85 and the top-19 in Junior class points.

“I’ve had the fortune of witnessing Team Arctic dominate cross-country for nearly two decades, but I’ve never seen anything like this season,” said Mike Kloety, Team Arctic Race Manager. “On behalf of everyone at Arctic Cat, I’d like to congratulate everyone who raced on our team this season, with a special nod to the 14 class champions.”

As Team Arctic’s cross-country contingent crushed the competition in Warroad, the snocrossers delivered a solid performance at the ISOC Hayward 300 National in Wisconsin, notching eight podium finishes.

Team Arctic snocross racers will compete in the final round of the ISOC National Series at Nielsen Enterprises event in Lake Geneva, Wis., March 19-21. Team Arctic Hillclimb racers will compete at the Wisdom, Mont., RMSHA event.

ARCTIVA COMP 4 GLOVES

Mike Lester
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ARCTIVA COMP 4 GLOVES

Gloves are an essential component of your snowmobile gear and how good a pair of gloves are can make or break your day of riding.

Arctiva makes a sweet pair of gloves that match its Comp 4 series of outerwear. These fully insulated and waterproof, all-weather paws keep your digits toasty while also allowing you to retain mobility and sensitivity to switch gear while riding thanks to the rolled fingertip pattern.

When you slide your hand into the comp 4 glove, you’ll immediately notice its form fit feels almost like it was made specifically for you right from the factory. The durable diamond PVC palm provides the right grip and the nylon chassis is waterproof coated to keep moisture out so your hands stay dry from whatever nature can throw at you.

The Comp 4 glove also features a waterproof and breathable Hipora membrane liner, plus an integrated backhand vent and heat pad pocket so you can slip a hot pack right into your glove for additional warmth in extremely low temperatures.

This glove is available in 6 different color options. Pair it with your Comp 4 jacket and bib for the perfect combination.

Visit www.arctiva.com for more.

Power to Make Your Jaw Drop

Press Release
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Power to Make Your Jaw Drop

MBRP has just released a new can for the Arctic Cat Z1 Turbo that will totally redefine what you expect from your sled.

First MBRP shaved off seventeen pounds compared to stock. Then, thanks to hours of prototyping and extensive testing engineers were able to add ten additional horsepower to what was already a pretty respectable machine.

Wrap that all up in a polished stainless steel body and give it the classic MBRP growl and you have performance beyond your wildest dreams.

Find out more about MBRP’s performance exhaust products and off road accessories at www.mbrp.com or call toll free at (888) 636-7223.

About MBRP Inc: MBRP, the leading performance exhaust manufacturer for snowmobile and diesel light trucks, also manufactures the fastest growing line-up of performance exhaust systems and accessories for Ford, Dodge, Chevy/GMC, Toyota, Nissan and Jeep, as well as applications for select luxury vehicles, new-model muscle cars, sport compacts, and motorcycles.

Team Byers Take the Podium in Kirkland Lake

Press Release
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Last weekend the Supertrax / Steadymate / Byers Motorsports team made the long haul up to Kirkland Lake.

The weather there was a little warmer than the usual -20*C and wind that we are used to when racing there. Track conditions were also different than other years as it was crystal like and did not hold up as good.

Kyle took to the track in Saturday’s Sport 600 starting off the weekend with a 3rd place finish in moto 1. Kyle didn’t get the best of starts in Moto 2 placing him near the back in corner 1.

He was very fast going through the rhythm section where he made up most of his positions for a 2nd place finish. Kyle started from row for the final and got a great start putting him up front. He was running 2nd and fell back to 4th but held on and kept the pressure on 3rd.

The 3rd place rider came off his sled on the last lap giving Kyle the position finishing 3rd at the checkered flag.

Sundays track conditions changed as the track was firmer and faster in the morning. In moto 1, Kyle nailed the holeshot putting him out front.

Unfortunately his lead did not last too long as he blew a berm on the first lap. He got back onto the track at the back and had passed a couple riders but came off the sled in the rhythm section finishing 9th. In Moto 2, Kyle got tangled up with another rider on the 2nd lap and finished 9th.

Having 2 tough races, Kyle didn’t make Sunday’s final. Jamie started off with the weekend with the Semi-Pro Open class. In Moto 1, Jamie didn’t get the best of starts and came out the first corner in last. He was able to pass some riders on the inside of the second corner and picked some good lines to get him up to 3rd for the finish.

Jamie struggled with the track in moto 2 finding it hard to discover some good lines through the rhythm section finishing 4th. Qualifying front row for the final, he lined up right on the inside and nailed the start getting him upfront.

Jamie was running 2nd after the first lap before hitting a bump in the rhythm section tossing him off the track. He was able to get back on the track only losing a few positions. Charging hard after coming off the track he was able to battle his way up to 3rd for a close finish right behind 2nd place.

Jamie did not race in Sundays Semi-Pro Stock class as he headed out to West Yellowstone, Montana with the Supertrax Media crew to ride the 2011 sleds. He would really like to thank Mark and AJ for giving him this opportunity.

This year, riders are able to throw out one Regional race and this will be the race for the Stock class therefore this will not affect his points. The next CSRA event is scheduled for March 27-28 at Chicopee Ski Resort in Kitchener. Let’s hope the snow stays around on the hill.

Thanks to our Great Sponsors: Supertrax Magazine, Steadymate Tie downs, Byers Motorsports- Polaris, Gamma Sales, Amsoil, Creechers Design, Woody’s, Fly Racing, CM Sports, Dayco, Powermadd, TekVest, Sled Pro Photos credit Dwayne Young, CMSports.com

Longevity of Direct Injection Engines

Motorhead Mark Lester
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Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I’ve been a SUPERTRAX reader for 16 years now, and your magazine is the BEST. Thank-you!

My question is regarding modern 2-stroke longevity. I’m aware that in order to produce less emissions, more HP and better fuel mileage, leaner fuel mixtures and hotter running temps are required.

This makes me question the longevity of these engines compared to the 2-strokes of old, which ran much richer and ran at least 6000-7000 miles without any required maintenance (top-end rebuilds, etc.) DI and CFI engines are relatively new, and my next purchase will be 2-stroke powered.

Do we have reason for concern?

Adam

Response:

Thanks for your email!

You are right in your assumption DI 2-strokes run hotter. However, current Rotax E-Tec mills (600 and 800) both use liquid cooled crankcases – something not required with carbs as fuel was actually doubling as coolant.

Combustion temps are up however current DI E-TECs have very sophisticated piston coatings to disperse heat. CFI and SDI engines are not that much hotter running than carbed models. It’s really DI which is taking 2 strokes to new limits.

So, will these engines last? According to the info we received just last week at Snow Shoot in West Yellowstone, Montana, Ski-Doo claims we can expect at least 10 to 15 K miles out of E-TEC engines without any reliability problems.

To make this a little more understandable look at the record of reliability the current crop of Evinrude E-TEC mills have earned.

DI’s can use way, way less injection oil because they do not wash oil out of the crankcases – with fuel entering the combustion cycle at 15 degrees before TDC after the exhaust port is closed there is almost no opportunity for fuel to wash down cylinder walls, rings and certainly not the bottom end where only air is being scavenged.

Time will tell for sure but I don’t think you should fear DI 2-strokes. Remember this – even 4 strokes can break and what type of motor would you much rather pay to fix?

Motorhead Mark

IQ Touring Suspension Set-Up

Motorhead Mark Lester
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Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I bought a new 2010 polaris 600 IQ Touring and it really pushes in the corners. I tightened up the front suspension and that helped quite a bit but it still does not turn the greatest.

Would I be better off tightening the front strap and loosening the front suspension?

Also when I ride 1-up the suspension is a little stiff and I weigh 220 lbs. with my daughter on the back it rides like a cadillac.

I’ll accept any tips on setting up the suspension.

Thanks,

Jerry

Response:

Thanks for your email!

Here’s my suggestion based on considerable exposure to this sled. Put your limiter back to its original position, leave the front IFS preload alone and get some Slim Jims or Dooly runners.

Run your rear torsion springs in full soft until you feel persistent (not occasional) bottoming. Then bump them up one level at a time. This sled is not known for push or understeer traits unless you have Polaris dual runner skis and are riding in wet, heavy snow.

Slim Jims will bring the front end bite back you lack under all conditions.

Thanks,

Motorhead Mark

F5 Handling

Motorhead Mark Lester
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Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I am a huge fan of Supertrax. I am currently 14 years old and I had some handling Questions about my 2007 Arctic Cat F5.

I weigh 90 pounds so i don’t have much influence on the sled. I lean as much as i can but it still won’t corner as i would like. So I was hoping you could give me some suspension advice for handling.

Thanks,

Alex

Response:

Thanks for your email.

Your 2001 F-5 is known for profound understeer (push) when ridden by an average size rider. You are way below average in weight so your F-5 will be reluctant to turn – at best.

Pull the front limiter strap in one hole at a time to increase ski pressure. If you were a little heavier I would suggest bumping front IFS spring preload up but at 90 pounds this will only make the ride intolerable.

In as much as this will increase steering effort I really think you need to increase your carbide bite by using something like a Woody’s Slim Jim or Dually, Stud Boy Shaper or Deuce Bar or the very effective Snowtracker ski enhancer.

Pulling in the front arm reduces the effect of the sliding front arm feature and will make the sled less-plush in the jigglers – but you really need to do this.

Hope this helps!

Motorhead Mark

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    SNOWTRAX has established itself as the most watched snowmobile TV series in North America.
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