Our last poll question asked you how much has your impression of 4-stroke snowmobiles changed in the last two years. The results were as follows:
28.85% – Definitely buying one
28.08% – Still wouldn’t consider buying one
16.54% – Much more interested
13.85% – Thinking about buying one
12.69% – A bit more interested than 2 years ago
Scroll down to vote in our latest poll!
Question:
How much does EPA certification mean to you when considering a new sled purchase?
Question:
I found the following description for Thunder Products Glide Washers:
“Drive Clutch springs are in constant motion, being subjected to compression, rebound, end to end radial torquing, distortion, and vibration. “Glide Washers” are custom made with a baked-on lubricity coating. By placing a washer on each end of the spring it can no longer bind on the spyder or clutch cover.”
What do you think would be the benefits of installing these glide washers on my Crossfire 7? In other words would I notice any difference?
Submitted by: Kerry Johnson
Response:
Thanks for your question.
The concept of seating a clutch spring at both ends in a high density plastic or lubricant impregnated washer is not new. BRP Ski-Doo uses a similar principle in their TRA III clutch.
We assume this is for all the reasons you mentioned in your question. I am also assuming the Thunder Products Glide Washer you are referring to is more than just a washer but actually covers the side of the spring at both ends. This would alleviate any potential binding of the spring against the side of the spider and cover.
Undeniably, this would be a benefit if the design of the Arctic Cat clutch in your CF-7 is prone to this problem. At this writing I do not know if that is inherently true. Your question has sparked my interest and I will pursue a further investigation – possibly because I’m a nut.
Okay, the real issue is this – Can you (or I) tell the difference such an accessory would make? Maybe. In the case of a trail sled where you might run a clutch spring for 5000 miles and/or never change it, you would probably benefit from a spring change more than the installation of this kit.
In other words, if you’re looking for a big improvement in performance, tune up your clutches more often and do the basic stuff like weight and roller bushing inspection/replacementand/or lubrication and the installation of a new spring.
In the case of a hard core rider who is regularly cleaning and tuning his clutches, this kind of modification will probably net a result which the rider can detect – because of their attention to clutch performance and the resultant affect any modification makes to the primary’s ability to transfer power.
Snowmobile CVT tuning has always been a black art. This will continue as more technology emerges from both the OEM’s and the aftermarket. At the end of the day it’s about maintenance for the average rider.
If you have more than 2500 miles on your Scooter and haven’t touched the clutches, I’ll pretty much guarantee you’ll be shocked at the improvement in performance and fuel economy you’ll get from a cleaning, inspection and replacement of worn parts and the installation of a new spring.
For the tuner it’s about all-out absolute high performance. For the trail rider it’s about practical maintenance and a return to the performance the sled delivered when new.
Hope this helps.
Motorhead Mark
This heavy duty 1200D Techolast, UV treated polyester tunnel bag features a polyurethane coated outer and inner shell.
The easy grip rubber handle will last forever and reflective beading is a great safety feature.
The easily removable CAM buckle system is super convenient. Fits compactly on sled’s tunnel.
Call 905-737-3081.
Most snowmobilers have heard the stories of the unbelievable trails throughout Quebec and Chaudiere-Appalaches’ 1,700 miles of beautifully groomed “snowmobile highways” offer the ultimate riding experience.
Our most recent outing in the majestic Chaudiere-Appalaches region of Quebec had us camped at the brand-new Appalaches Lodge and Spa. Talk about spoiling us rotten for 2 days straight! With snowmobile and equipment rentals onsite, self guided tours are a snap.
On a crisp winter morning with a fresh snowfall of at least a foot of fluffy powder spread evenly across a substantial base, we headed out on our rentals on trail 551 through the Parc Régional Massif du Sud heading for our first destination on the tour – Mont Saint-Magloire.
The trails were immaculately groomed; the care and pride the snowmobile clubs take in the trail system is immediately evident. We made our first pit stop for hot chocolate at the Saint Magloire clubhouse and were warmly greeted by fellow snowmobilers from Quebec, Ontario and the US.
After warming up, we made our way up the mountain and at the top, dismounted to climb the lookout tower for a better view – on a clear day, you can see for miles and miles across the beautiful tree-filled countryside.
As we headed off to Mont du Midi the snow began to fall and didn’t stop for several hours. Keep in mind the average annual snowfall for the 2005/2006 season was 19 feet!
Let’s take a second here to also mention the excellent trail maps available at any stop. These maps really helped make our self guided adventure easy and enjoyable and truly allowed us to take pleasure in the beautifully groomed trails and breathtaking scenery abundantly available in this region of Quebec.
We made our way up Mont du Midi, then back down and through the Sainte-Sabine and Saint-Luc areas best known as the sugar shack and maple syrup paradise. Our day ended with us pulling up to the Lodge and enjoying an excellent meal by the fire.
Apart from snowmobiling, guests at the Appalaches Lodge and Spa can enjoy all sorts of winter activities including dog-sledding, tobogganing and ice-skating.
If you’re inclined to mellow out after a hard day of roosting the trails for the past eight hours, you can relax and enjoy the Scandinavian spa or melt away tension under the care of a professional masseuse.
After dinner retire to your spacious chalet, light a fire, sit back on the couch and share your adventures with companions. Get a good night’s rest and do it all again the next day.
Appalaches Lodge and Spa
1-866-661-0106
AppalachesSpa.com
Things are heating up in cross-country racing as the factories begin to take notice of the excellent competition that is developing under the aegis of the USCC racing group.
Yamaha joined the fray last season with a full-blown effort headed by cross-country stand-out Corey Davidson and there was serious competition from all brands last season with great racing at all levels.
2007 looks like another year of progress for this sometimes forgotten form of snowmobile racing as Yamaha posts $86,000 in contingency prize money for eligible racers competing in select United States Cross Country classes including $7,500 for a Pro Stock 600 1st place in the Red Lake 500 and $2,500 Pro Stock 600 Season Championship award plus prizes for wins in individual races.
Arctic Cat has always had a soft spot for cross-country and the company’s new contingency program reflects growing interest from Thief River, too, with a $5,000 cash prize for the Pro Stock Class win in the Red Lake I-500 and $1,000 for wins in Pro Stock at each event.
The 2006/2007 season will look much different for the CSRA with at least 5 front row Pro drivers switching circuits or leaving the game. Plus there’s a huge list of injured Sport, Semi-Pro and Pro drivers who may or may not return.
CSRA Pro Champion Ian Hayden made the move to Blair Morgan Racing to show he can qualify and compete with the WPSA Pro class. Hayden’s mechanic Wayne Legg will now have some big shoes to fill since BMR’s top wrench Garth Gordon headed to the new WPSA Boss Racing/Yamaha team.
From the WPSA to the CSRA comes X-Games Gold Medalist Mike Island piloting a Polaris wrenched by former Team Supertrax mechanic Tim George. George brings with him years of sno-cross experience and is sure to give Island a top notch ride. Island dropped from the WPSA’s top ranks after his X-Games win and will need to train hard to be competitive on his new Polaris.
Peter Raymer – known for big air, hard landings and iron-fisted determination will return after a devastating off at the end of last season which resulted in a broken leg. Word has it he’s been eating his Wheaties and is ready for the CSRA Pro class. As long as injuries don’t affect his riding you’ll see big things from him in ’06/’07.
Pulling off an early season event at Searchmont has always been risky for the CSRA. If it snows in time, it may be minimal which means a smaller track. However this may not concern many considering the size of the track used at the WPSA season opener at Spirit Mountain.
As Searchmont is the first race of the season it’s hard to pass judgment even after the checkered flag has fallen.
Most teams will be working out mechanical bugs well into the second and third race weekends and racers will be adjusting to their new saddles. Whatever happens, we’ll be here to keep you updated.
By: AJ Lester
AJ Lester is a full-time Editor and test rider for Supertrax International, North America’s #1 Snowmobile Enthusiast Publication. AJ began racing Sno-X when he was eleven. During his ten year career he amassed multiple National and Regional Championships, scoring a record 26 Semi-Pro National victories in the 2002/2003 season. AJ’s years of experience ensure his often humorous opinions on everything from racing rules to trail sled performance and handling tips are both credible and insightful.
Highs: The perfect balance of power and handling in the all-new F-Chassis.
Eye-popping thrust, sinewy feel in the twisties, precise control in the whoops.
Throw in knock sensor sophistication and economy. Superb suspension compliance and floating front arm trickery. Touchy-feely finish quality. This just might be the maximum Eff.
Lows: There’s a bundle at stake with so much new tech here. TRF better get these things screwed together right.
What? Where’s all that cheap Firecat plastic under the handlebars?
Bottom Line: This is likely the sweetest new F-Chassis rooster for ’07. Mind bending power for an 800. Economy should be good. Remember when AC was known for ride, handling, power and style? It’s all back.
One run through the bumps with the seat raised and the bars up and you’re hooked for good.
Looking for some early season track time? Ronald Cantin – a long time promoter of snowcross events – will have a sanctioned test track open at Kanasuta Ski Station at Rouyn-Noranda starting November 13th and running until the 17th.
Following this, a race will be held at the same track on November 18th and 19th.
For more information call 819-763-6691 and visit www.kanasuta.com.
We’re expecting to see a bigger engine (maybe two) from Polaris next year.
We would expect any 2-strokes coming from Polaris in the immediate future will be Clean Fire injected and of a more conventional design with the exhaust facing front and the intake at the rear like this year’s 600 and 700.
Displacement could be anywhere from 850 to 1050ccs (The “bigger hammer” rule always applies, doesn’t it).
Then there’s the theory that Polaris could be developing the biggest and most powerful 4-stroke introduced so far in the biz.
An entry like this would certainly re-establish Roseau in the industry as the innovation leader.
ARCTIVA’s Comp 2 jackets and bibs have a durable Dynax nylon chassis with a waterproof coating and are fully insulated against extreme weather.
Comp 2 gloves also feature a waterproof coating, a breathable Hipora membrane lining and diamond PVC palms for durability.
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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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