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Fox Partners With Compass Diversified Holdings

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Press Release –

Fox Factory, Inc. (D/B/A FOX Racing Shox) announced today that on January 4, 2008 it consummated a transaction in which Compass Diversified Holdings (“CODI”) purchased a majority interest in FOX.

Commenting on the transaction, company founder Bob Fox, who will remain Chief Executive Officer, said “For over thirty years Fox Racing Shox has been devoted to fulfilling the performance needs of our customers. Over the last several years FOX has experienced unprecedented growth, and we now look forward to being partnered with Compass for the next chapter in our Company’s history. Being a successful, healthy company, FOX had the luxury of being able to carefully search out and select the best partner for this transition. The financial strength and resources Compass provides will enable FOX to continue our strong growth and leadership in all of our markets. Importantly, the Compass vision provides a transition that will be seamless and virtually invisible to all concerned – including customers, vendors, and employees.”

Bob Fox will retain significant ownership in FOX – an ownership now shared with other senior managers. “It’s been a wonderful and exhilarating ride to see the company I started in my friend’s garage grow to sales of over $100-million. I am proud of what we’ve done so far and know FOX will be a stronger company going forward than I alone had the resources to provide for,” he stated. Joe Massoud, CODI’s Chief Executive Officer, commented “FOX is a strong addition to CODI. This company possesses the critical characteristics we look for in all of our businesses, including market leadership and proven management. Bob Fox and the Company’s senior management team have driven growth by providing innovative suspension products for over three decades and we look forward to working with them to continue and accelerate this growth.”

On a personal note, Bob Fox added: “I particularly look forward to the freedom this will provide me to again devote much of my time and energy doing the things – design, engineering, and innovation – that I love the most. A rich backlog of exciting, innovative concepts have been building up over the last few years, and I can hardly wait to start working on them with our engineering team.”

Since 1974 FOX Racing Shox has designed and manufactured the finest suspension products for Motorcycles, Mountain Bikes, ATV’s, Snowmobiles and Off-Road racing vehicles. World Headquarters are in Santa Cruz County, CA with its Off-Road Division in Santee, CA. FOX Racing Shox distributes its products in more than 40 countries.

SUPERTRAX ENTERS TALKS TO BE OFFICIAL OFSC MAG

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**ANNOUNCEMENT**

With the expiry of its membership magazine contract on May 31, 2008, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) invited publishers to submit propositions through a detailed request for proposal process.

A number of proposals were submitted and reviewed by the OFSC with a focus on meeting current and future needs.

Supertrax Publishing’s proposal has been successfully chosen to serve as the official member magazine for the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) commencing with the 2008-2009 snowmobile season.

The proposed partnership opportunities including the exclusive for Ontario “GO Snowmobiling” theme based publication will be beneficial to snowmobilers in Ontario.

Executive Director, Paul Shaughnessy says, “I’m pleased to advise that the OFSC Board of Governors has authorized OFSC representatives to enter into contract negotiations with Supertrax Publishing Inc. to develop an agreement with the intent of launching our inaugural publication in September 2008.”

Shaughnessy goes on to say, “The OFSC is extremely excited about these opportunities and we look forward to a long and lasting partnership.”

Deciding Between A 2-Stroke or 4-Stroke

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Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I am new to the snowmobile market and am looking at getting a 2-up 4 stroke machine.

I picked up Supertrax Vol. 19 #2 at the newsstand when I saw you had an article on 4 strokes. I read the article and, while it was enlightening, I still have questions.

I’ve been trying to research the different manufacturers sleds. Aside from getting brochures and asking some questions at the dealers, I’ve been looking at the web sites.

I’ve put together a spreadsheet for comparison, but even that is a bit overwhelming if one doesn’t understand what all the different specs are for.

I am married with 3 children (oldest turning 12). The sled would primarily be used for getting to ice fishing destinations, including pulling gear, and possibly children. Of course, I wouldn’t be averse to having some fun as well.

If I were to purchase a sled in the next little while, I’m obviously limited to what local dealers have available. I wouldn’t be upset about getting a workhorse either (a couple dealers have 2007 Yamaha VK Professionals available). There’s also a T Z1 LXR available, but I’m not sure I need the lap of luxury.

Is there any advice you could offer on my quest or even some sort of a comparison of how the different brands / sleds stack up?

Thanks,

Derek

Response:

Thanks for your email!

You have asked an impossible question to answer. Even your suggested models the TZ-1 and a VK Yamaha are worlds apart in their application other than they both use a 4 stroke mill.

You better get me more info like the preferred sleds which are in the $$ range you want to spend.

Do you want a work horse or a real twofer – those two categories are again – world’s apart.

Most often these decisions come down to the best dealer and the best price within the broadest parameters – if that’s what you’re thinking then the VK or the TZ-1 will be your choice.

Don’t try working a luxury 4 stroke twofer towing an ice fish hut and don’t try trail riding your kids on a “fun” ride on a workhorse 4 stroke. Neither works very well when used outside of its designed application.

Motorhead Mark

Mark,

Thanks for the response. I certainly understand the dilemma I put you in. I guess I was trying to look for a high level overview of 2-up sleds, including some of the strengths and weaknesses of the different brands.

I’m not sure it would be fair to ask which sled is best for me. Perhaps I will try that though. Price may be a consideration, but is not the primary one. Our primary goal will be transportation for ice fishing.

I don’t have a permanent shanty, but would look to move the family (myself, wife, and children aged 8, 10, and 12) and gear to and from a fishing spot. Slush on lakes is a very real possibility. So, we are looking at about 500 pounds of humanity and growing as well as 100 lbs+ of gear.

Four stroke sleds that are available in the local area (located so far) include:

Polaris 2008 FST IQ Touring

FS IQ Touring (being sold as used, but has very low miles…I think somehow it may be factory refurbished based upon what the salesman said)

Ski-Doo 2007 Expedition TUV (in crate)

Arctic Cat
2008 T Z1
2008 T Z1 LXR
2007 Panther 660 (still in crate)
2007 T660 Touring

Yamaha 2008 Venture GT
2007 VK Professional
2007 Venture Lite

Getting away from four strokes opens things up a bit. Today, my wife was really pleased with a 2007 AC GTX Limited that had the third seat.

So, the primary goal is moving people and gear from the truck to the fishing spot. If a sled has sufficient rear rack space, when I fish solo, I’d like to be able to just be me and the sled without a boggan.

Pleasure riding would be a secondary issue. I’m old enough to be past the peak levels of testosterone that require extreme speed…on a pleasure ride, I’d certainly be content with 50-60 mph, unless of course I’m being left too far behind.

Based on my current fishing friends and the sleds they have, I don’t think I’d have to worry about that too much with a new machine.

I’d appreciate any thoughts you may be able to pass along.

Derek

Howdy!

You are a very analytical individual!

Here’s what I think – don’t get so hung up on a 4 stroke – it really is counter productive for what you want.

The best suggestion you’ve made in your analysis is the Ski-Doo GTX 600 SDI three upper.

It’s way, way lighter than the 4 strokes, it is EPA certified clean and – believe it or not – it gets the best fuel economy – hands down – of any snowmobile you are comparing – 2 or 4 stroke.

The versatility to carry three plays to your situation and the light weight will be good for covering ice on lakes.

Hope this helps,

Motorhead Mark

RED ALERT FOR SNOWMOBILING

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Press Release –

The OFSC has issued a Red Alert, which means don’t go because unpreventable conditions pose extreme risk.

After a great holiday season of bonus snowmobiling, most OFSC trails are closed temporarily this week due to mild temperatures and rain, which may cause flooding, washouts, open water, and bare or icy trail surfaces.

Please stay off all OFSC trails until further notice. Also, do not ride on any frozen waterways this week, because ice conditions are very unstable and unsafe.

The OFSC reminds riders that this winter is the earliest start for snowmobiling since 1993 and we’ve had some exceptional early season riding.

The mild temperatures are only a temporary set back; remember that normally, the trails aren’t even open until mid-January, so we’re still way ahead of the game in 2008!

Please be patient and we’ll be back in the saddle soon.

Ski-Doo TNT with Harsh Suspension

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Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I have a new Ski-Doo TNT and have put 750 miles on it. I am finding the rear suspension very harsh riding.

I feel I have tried every possible combination of front arm and rear arm spring settings and coupler block settings.

Curious if you are finding your TNT the same and if so have you come up with an easy solution.

Thanks,

Mike

Response:

Thanks for your email!

Yep, I agree the thing is over sprung and over damped out of the box.

Here’s what we did. You are riding on the front of the sled more than the rear so soften the front IFS springs to the max – no preload what so ever.

Then unwind the front arm spring until it’s barely hanging on the shock.

Then soften the rear torsion springs and set the rear coupler block in the latest coupling position – the skinny side facing the bump stop.

That’s what we did. Aside from bolting an 8 inch cement block on the back or staying an extra hour at the all you  can eat buffet – this is as good as we could get it.
 
Motorhead Mark

Darting Solution

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Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I noticed you have a 2008 Vector LTX GT in your test fleet for this season (saw them parked in Kinmount last Saturday).

The “pine log” skis had been ditched in favour of USI’s Triple Threats. Are the X2’s the best choice to alleviate excessive darting and the heavy steering of nose-heavy 4-strokes?

What stage of tuning did you test? How were they as compared to Simmons, Slydogs, Doolies, Deuce Bars, Shimming and Triple Points (ala Scott Bergstrom) and all the other “cures”?

I ordered two sets of TP’s, shims and ski savers from Scott but he just informed me of a theft of 540 or so skegs from his last shipment and do not want to wait much longer.

The stock runners on my 08 Apex Ltx and the Doolies on my girlfriend’s 07 Vector are now scrap.

Steve

Response:

Thanks for your email!

You are an observant reader! How much change was in our pockets in Kinmount! Just kidding!

Here’s the deal – The USI with the front and rear blades and a set of Stud Boy Deuce Bars on them make that Vector track laser straight. No darting – gone. However, steering effort under some conditions is stil la touch heavy – not all the time though and at higher speeds it’s negligible.

Here’s the best fix we’ve encountered for all Yama-Darting. Get a set of those weird looking “Snow Trackers” out of PQ www.snowtracker.com .

I’m not pulling your cord here – these crazy things work way, way good. Settled our Nytro down, our Renegade X Ski-Doo, our TZ-1 AC Touring – in fact everything we’ve tried them on in the past two weeks is fixed.

Understeer is eliminated and there is no – none – zip darting. Our ladies love them because the effort to steer is so amazingly low and there’s no push (understeer) which wigs out the girls – right?

There you have it!

Good luck and see you on the trails.

Motorhead Mark

Indy Super Sport Wiring Issue

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Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I have a 1997 Polaris Indy Super Sport 440 Fan and went to take it for the first ride of the year and had no headlights.

All other lights are working including the high beam indicator on the instrument cluster. Hand warmers work fine too.

I measured the voltage at the headlight plug and found it to be about 2.0 VDC depending on RPM. No obvious shorts or bare wires anywhere either.

Any thoughts?

Jake

Response:

Thanks for your email!

I didn’t read that you had checked the light bulb and/or replaced it. I’ll assume you did.

The next thing to do is to check voltage in front of the headlight connector and verify the connector itself is not faulty.

If this does not fix the issue then you need to back-trace the wiring to the main harness and see what’s going on.

Obviously the source of the power is same for all the other items you say are working 100%. This means you must have a wiring issue – plain and simple.

Motorhead Mark

Nytro RTX Backfire

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Question:

Dear Motorhead,

I have a 2008 Nytro RTX and every so often when I let off the throttle there are a few of pops from the exhuast like a backfire – Usually after the rpm’s wind down.

I’m wondering if this has anything to do with Yamaha’s new de-accelaration? like in Arctic Cat’s 4-stroke Jag to eliminate back pressure?

Thanks,

Rusty

Response:

Thanks for your email!

You’re experiencing a drop throttle back fire as a result of the Nytro’s low restriction performance exhaust.

Essentially when you chop the throttle abruptly there can be a small amount of raw fuel escape into the hot pipe and it does what fuel does best – ignites – and produces a backfire.

Nothings wrong – lots of low restriction exhaust systems are prone to this.

Motorhead Mark

2008 FS IQ Touring Approved for Western Parks

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Press Release –

The 2008 Polaris FS IQ® Touring snowmobile with its clean, quiet and efficient Polaris 4-stroke engine has been certified by the U.S. Department of the Interior as having Best Available Technology (BAT), meaning it is approved for use this winter in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Snowmobile use in these National Parks has been closely monitored and subject to stringent operating regulations in recent winters.

With its BAT certification, the 2008 Polaris FS IQ Touring joins the growing list of Polaris 4-stroke models approved for riding on the scenic snowmobile routes throughout these parks.

The Polaris 4-stroke engine used in the 2008 FS IQ Touring is a clean, quiet and efficient liquid-cooled twin with a displacement of 750cc and output of 80 Hp.

“We continually strive to develop engines that are both environmentally friendly and satisfy the performance desires of riders, and the BAT certification demonstrates we have succeeded with the 2008 FS IQ Touring,” said Polaris Snowmobile Division General Manager Scott Swenson. “We are proud to have this model added to the list of Polaris 4-stroke snowmobiles certified for use in these scenic National Parks.”

Earlier Polaris snowmobiles that have also received BAT certification include:

• 2007 FS IQ Touring and FS Classic
• 2006 FS IQ Touring and FS Classic
• 2005 Frontier Touring
• 2004 Frontier Touring and Frontier Classic
• 2003 Frontier Touring and Frontier Classic
• 2002 Frontier Touring

Suzanne Lewis, a National Park Service Superintendent for the Department of the Interior, notified Polaris of the most-recent certification and added, “We appreciate Polaris’ cooperation as we implement the Winter Use Plans in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, and we look forward to working further with you.”

Ontario’s James Bay Frontier Region

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Ontario’s James Bay Frontier Region

Corridor Du Nord

By: John Arkwright

Mention the James Bay Frontier to an avid snowmobiler and they’ll just smile at you… won’t talk much, just smile.

Once they do open up, they’ll tell you about the Gold Rush Tour, the Abitibi Canyons and the incredible ride up to Moosonee on James Bay.

But most likely they’ll tell you about riding the trails in the Corridor Du Nord. Here you’ll experience some of the deepest snow and the smoothest, best groomed trails anywhere.

The clubs in the James Bay Region groom 3000 miles (5000 kms) of trails and that, my friends, is one sizeable piece of real estate!

The Corridor Du Nord runs across the top of the region from Cochrane, west to Hearst and, on this route, Ontario TOP Trail A alone is over 200 miles long.

Much has changed since my first visit in 1997 when there were very few club trails in the system. Ten years later there are hundreds of miles of excellent club trails to ride.

Other than a few frozen crossings over rivers, the highest percentage of trails are on big, wide logging roads and hydro lines.

Besides great trails, the James Bay Frontier has some very unique attractions. In Kirkland Lake there’s the Hockey Heritage North Museum, the city of Timmins has the Shania Twain Center and also the Cedar Meadows Wildlife Park where you get up close and personal with Moose, Buffalo, Elk and Deer.

My favorite is the Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village and snowmobile museum in Cochrane. The Polar Bears are absolutely amazing to watch and the Heritage Village and snowmobile museum is an incredible experience.

In a nutshell this part of the James Bay Frontier has so much to offer snowmobile tourists, I guarantee when your sleds are loaded up and you’re heading back home, you’ll be planning your return visit.

For information on the James Bay region and the Corridor Du Nord call 1-800-ONTARIO and visit www.ontariotravel.net/goride

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