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Taiga Nomad 2-Up Utility Sled Detailed Overview

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This past spring the folks from Taiga visited our home turf with a few Taiga electric snowmobiles and Motorhead Mark got a chance to ride Taiga’s 2-up utility sled offering called the Nomad. Here’s his detailed overview of this sled along with some first impressions after having it out on our local trails for the day.

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HOW WILL LYNX IMPACT NORTH AMERICA?

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Let’s make this perfectly clear. The arrival of the Lynx brand on these shores is a profoundly important event.

Yes, Lynx is a BRP brand built in Finland and yes, the new Lynx models available for 2022 share significant Ski-Doo and Rotax technology.

Understanding this, it is no less important to have a fifth OEM in this biz – particularly at this juncture in sno-mo history.

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?

For José Boisjoli, the now iconic CEO of all things BRP, to pull the trigger and bring Lynx to North America makes a huge statement about the health and potential of our sport.

Don’t forget it was Boisjoli who had the foresight to launch a snowmobile which completely obsoleted everything in the market – radically changing the modern snowmobile with the intro of the original REV platform in 2003. This was incredibly risky and amounted to Boisjoli having the guts to go all-in and make the biggest gamble in the history of the sport – at that time.

Launching Lynx with full force into the North American market is a gamble on a similar level (but not quite as risky) as was the launch of the 2003 REV.

WHAT DOES BOISJOLI SEE?

BRP, under Boisjoli’s leadership did not bring Lynx to North America without enormous soul searching. In fact, I had the privilege of participating in a top secret evaluation of specific Lynx models over four years ago in a remote northern locale.

At that time the participants in attendance pretty much determined the Lynx brand had significant, tangible cache. I felt there was at the very least Corvette appeal if not something more exotic like Porsche exclusivity.

I was interviewed and surveyed out the wazoo over the one day we had to sample Lynx models and compare them to existing Ski-Doos and other brand;s current sleds. The volume of data collected that day was nothing in comparison to the information accumulated and assimilated by BRP in the ensuing time leading up to the 2022 intro.

SKI-DOO VS LYNX?

Sources at BRP have indicated a contingent was concerned if Lynx was positioned as a “premium” brand it might undermine Ski-Doo’s solid number one market share position. Boisjoli was faced with an “either-or” decision and obviously pulled the trigger on bringing Lynx to this side of the pond and deliberately positioning it as a premium, pricier brand.

Seems José should buy more lottery tickets because the instant Lynx hit the ground in North America late last winter the entire allotted production for Lynx sleds was early-ordered by rabid, foaming-at-the- mouth-with-cash-in-hand buyers. The gamble paid off – again.

WHAT’S NEXT?

We thought BRP would sign up Lynx-only dealers in markets where all the brands are currently represented, including Ski-Doo. This might still happen, however, as we understand it, approved, high volume, high profile Ski-Doo dealers are among the first to hang a Lynx sign on their businesses.

WHO IS PAULIE PIIPPOLA?

I’ll close by answering this provocative question. Think Roger Skime. Pauli Piippola is the brains behind many Lynx innovations not the least of which is his PPS uncoupled, dual shock, rising rate rear skid. Piippola also has a very unique front IFS design used on older Lynx models – maybe we’ll see a variant in the future.

Simply put, Piippola is a genuine icon and the reverence and respect he is afforded by his engineering team in Finland is measurable.

BTW, I got to ride with him four years ago when he was only 70 years old and just like Skime, he can rip.

When Is Something All-New Coming From Arctic Cat?

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Cat’s ProCross platform has been around for ten model years now. This would seem pretty ominous if the chassis had been less effective.

As it is, the wide-spaced A-arm design has proven to be an excellent handler and its ability to house a complement of different engines – everything from a 500cc 2-stroke to a bevy of 4-strokes – some with turbochargers – and still maintain excellent ride and handling manners is nothing short of miraculous.

It’s a credit to the fine engineering people Arctic Cat has employed over the years. These squads of innovators have seen the company through some pretty rough years and have still been able to deliver great, competitive and contemporary sleds, not only to serve the Cat market, but Yamaha’s unique blend of owners as well.

When the 2022 models were revealed last January with a new, narrower clutch design, we immediately began to speculate Cat had some intentions to introduce a fresh snowmobile platform sometime soon.

Although we hesitate to guess what new features a Generation 2 ProCross platform would have, we can stab into what a new chassis will have, though. We can almost guarantee Arctic Cat will stay with the wide spaced A-arm design it’s used for a while now. Simply, there’s no reason to change something that has worked so well for so long. Handling has always been sharp and predictable and whatever theory the engineers came up with last decade has proven flawless.

New styling? We think this is absolutely a possibility! Cats have looked similar for a long time now – and although there was an update to sleeker looks and better panel removal a few years ago, it wasn’t a radical change in appearance.

We think, in order for Cat to get the full attention of prospective buyers – and to move buyers over from other brands – it’s time for something big in the looks department.

Why the narrow clutches? Certainly, in the mountain and crossover deep-snow markets, narrow is good. Cat’s narrowed Ascender vertical platform has preached narrowness and it really does make a difference lessening “paneling” on sidehills and reducing drag in deep fluff.

Focusing on narrow sleds may be an indication Cat sees the future of snowmobiling will be toward sleds with deep snow capabilities prioritized over trail use. The market kinda looks like that right now, doesn’t it?

Narrowness as a design goal may be a bit challenging with Cat’s current menu of turbocharged sleds. Check under the hood of a T-Cat and it already looks like a miracle of tightly crammed packaging. Would all that hardware fit and stay cool?

For sure, narrow is lighter. One guaranteed way to hack weight is to make sleds a couple of inches narrower. It also perks up aerodynamics and reduces drag at high speeds.

Ergonomics is another benefit. A narrower sled at the running boards and the front of the seat is more maneuverable and way more comfortable, standing or sitting, than one that’s porky in the middle. Polaris has learned this and applied it with huge success to its MATRYX platform.

Although Cat sleds offer competitive skidframe ride results, one way to blow by the competition would be with a new ride innovation that reduced unsprung weight and gave even more compliance.

It would involve the same kind of inventive thinking that dreamed up the slide-rail suspension in 1960s or coupled skidframes in the 1990s. Once again, Cat would need to rely on its engineering depth to come up with concepts that achieve these goals.

We’re taking a “wait and see” attitude right now, but the elephant standing in the corner of the room is a product that is long overdue for a radical update.

SKI-DOO 2022 MXZX 600RS (RACE SPECIAL)

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For the third season in a row the Ski-Doo MXZx 600RS has continued Its winning ways in snocross, dominating the circuits and leading the way as the sled to be on.

Last season Elias Ishoel piloted the sled to an incredible third straight ISOC Pro championship. The dangerous combination of Ishoel and Ski-Doo has proven to be a strong force to be reckoned with every weekend they line up.

The formula that has worked for Ishoel also works for many amateur riders alike proving the flexibility of the Gen4 chassis for riders of all abilities. For 2022 the focus remains on keeping that winning formula.

Refinement and detail apply to the 2022 model to ensure the winning ways continue. A new air box design provides engine performance consistency and added durability all while reducing sound levels for the rider.

The 600RS features 46 mm KYB Pro Series shocks with Integral Base Valves with the ability to adjust not only High and Low Speed Compression but also High Speed rebound and on the new model calibration has been updated based on feedback learned from all our riders.

For rider comfort a new seat cover design and high-traction material have been used to ensure the rider position Is maintained in wet or dry conditions. The rails, spindles and lower panel are now yellow adding identity with our Ski-Doo DNA.

The MXZx 600RS E-TEC uses the industry leading REV Gen4 platform with its open cockpit design and centrally balanced engine for superior rider ergonomics and handling in rough conditions.

The Gen4 layout delivers agility and responsiveness while the Ergo Step side panels and beveled tunnel allow racers the room they need to attack the course – without interference from the chassis.

The RAS 3 front suspension features a long spindle that allows high cornering speeds and a unique power steering system exclusive to the MXZx RS race sled that provides ultra-precise handling with less effort.

The Rotax 600RS E-TEC engine features E-TEC direct injection that always delivers quick response and perfect calibration no matter the altitude or weather conditions, so racers and their crew have less to worry about.

Calibration continues to be refined for 2022 to optimize maximum, consistent performance. Other features include booster injectors first deployed on the Rotax 850 E-TEC, a short intake tract with double reeds and digital eRAVE.

2022 MXZX 600RS HIGHLIGHTS

REV Gen4 Platform:

• Taper/tilt tunnel design
• Short heat exchanger with internal loop
• 137″ Track
• New more durable Lightweight Lexan Hood
• New Airbox Design
• LED Lightweight Headlights
• Reinforced E and S modules
• MX inspired seat and hi-traction cover
• Racing foot box
• 5-gallon fuel tank
• Low center of gravity
• High Air Flow Left Vent

RAS 3 Front Suspension:

• Kashima coated 46mm KYB Pro R Series shocks (High Speed /Low Speed compression and High Speed / Low Speed Rebound adjustments)
• Integral Base Valve Adjuster
• Rack steering with power assist
• Long Spindle design (Stronger + better speed cornering) – New Color
• Lightweight Pilot R2 Ski – Reinforced

Racing rMotion Rear Suspension:

• Race proven rail design – stronger – New Color
• Integral Base Valve Adjuster
• 137″ length
• Lightweight Front and rear arms
• Kashima coated 46mm KYB Pro Series piggy back center shock w/ High Speed / Low Speed compression and High Speed Rebound adjustment
• Kashima coated 46mm KYB Pro Series piggy back rear shock w/ High Speed / Low Speed compression and High Speed / Low Speed rebound adjustment
• Optimized geometry (race proven motion Ratio front and back)
• Holeshot Device

Rotax 600RS E-TEC Engine (599.4 cc):

• E-TEC direct injection
• Mono block cylinder design with Plasma coating – delivering more horsepower
• Refined engine calibration
• Intake booster injectors (850-inspired)
• Shorter intake length (850-inspired)
• Double reed valves (850-inspired)
• eRAVE (850-inspired)
• Lightweight exhaust system (Stainless steel tuned pipe)
• Racing Throttle Block – Ready for 50% throttle applications
• Reinforced engine mounts
• Hot Start Button

Drivetrain:

• Large brake backing plate
• Brembo Brake System – large diameter rotor, easy maintenance caliper
• pDrive primary clutch
• TEAM TSS-04 secondary clutch
• Slip gear – Better durability, less maintenance
• Lightweight belt guard – better air flow

SKI-DOO ADDS THREE NEW FEMALE AMBASSADORS

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Ski-Doo is expanding its roster of global brand ambassadors with the addition of three incredibly inspirational women who have deep roots in winter sports.

Nadine Overwater, Shena Thomas and Michelle Salt join a passionate global Ski-Doo community that celebrates all those who ride.

That commitment is part of the brand’s ongoing efforts to inspire and empower adventure-loving women to experience That Ski-Doo Feeling.

Overwater and Thomas are true winter warriors and their extensive backgrounds are proof that they’ve been snowmobiling ambassadors for quite some time already.

Nadine has been riding for 30 years with the last 14 in the mountains and hosting clinics for eight seasons now. Shena’s been riding for 12 years and hosting riding clinics for five years.

Their avalanche education speaks volumes about commitment as Nadine has Operations Level 2 certification and Shena is currently Operations Level 1 and will reach Level 2 this winter, which are professional level courses.

That means they’re qualified to teach the recreational courses most riders would attend in addition to conducting commercial operations in avalanche terrain.

Salt is an inspirational story of hard work, perseverance and empowerment all in one. Always a hard worker, she has overcome losing her leg to compete in Paralympic Snowboarding for the Canadian National Team and captured 14 World Cup podiums before retiring in 2019.

She turned to snowmobiling to fill her winter desire for adrenaline and has been absorbing the sport with her usual high energy and thirst to master any challenge.

We look forward to these women sharing their stories, knowledge and experience and are convinced you’ll want to follow along on their social media channels, meet them at industry events and more.

Follow these inspiring women on Instagram at the following handles:

Nadine Overwater: @nadineoverwater
Shena Thomas: @shenanigansthomas
Michelle Salt: @parashredder

Team Polaris is Geared Up for 2022 Season

Success and Development in the 2020-2021 Race Season Team Polaris descended upon racetracks across the snowbelt last winter, outfitted with the best of the best built in Roseau, Minnesota.

The pandemic cut short the 2020 season, and Team Polaris racers were eager to hit the track as soon as the snow flew. Armed with new engines and technologies, Team Polaris stood proudly on the podium from Jackson Hole to ERX and Eagle River.

“Last season was a fantastic winter for Polaris. We won and had great success in every venue of snowmobile racing, with great momentum coming into this winter.” said Tom Rager Jr., Polaris Racing Manager.

The headline of the fall was the all-new 600 race engine, purpose built for the AXYS 600R SnoCross race sled. Redesigned from the ground up, the 600 twin featured an all-new throttle body EFI system, new combustion chamber, ports, and lightweight crankshaft and flywheel.

The result was a 10-horsepower gain at peak RPM, and an 18-horsepower gain in the midrange. In addition to the massive power jump, the immediate response of the engine was dramatically improved. “The racer were looking for more power, both in the holeshot and top end for longer sections of the track. The new 600 race engine really delivers that, through a lightweight, low inertia rotating assembly and an all-new EFI system.” said Darren Hedlund, Powertrain Development Specialist. The result was a true step-change in performance all the way around the track, from the hole shots to tight corners and big triples.

Team Polaris SnoCross racers had a solid start to the season, with Adam Peterson taking the opening round of Pro Lite at ERX. The opening few rounds of the season saw some early success aboard the new engine, as well as working out some year one challenges. The season finished strong, with Polaris Racers Oskar Norum and Kyle Pallin teaming up to win 3 of the final 6 Pro Finals. Polaris dominated the Pro Lite class from the first green flag drop to the final checkered, with Adam Peterson of LaVallee Racing taking the season championship, and Travis Kern of Cottew Motorsports and Carson Alread of Judnick Motorsports finishing second and third. “Adam and Travis have shown they have the speed and consistency to be in the mix in the Pro Class, and we expect them to make an immediate impact” added Rager, Jr.

The Hillclimb team took on the RMSHA circuit, picking up right where they left off last season. While the 2020 season was cut short at only 3 races, Team Polaris won all 9 King titles, sweeping every single race. “With the 2020 season being mostly cancelled, I was coming into the 2021 season with a full head of steam ready to win.” commented Keith Curtis, Polaris Racer. Expectations were high heading into the 2021 season.

The season kicked off at the Bear Lake Hillclimb with Keith Curtis sweeping every class he entered, taking home all three King titles – and eliminating any notion that the Polaris RMKs had lost a step. The domination continued with the team coming into the Jackson Hole Hillclimb on a roll. The crew delivered a knockout performance in Jackson, winning 11 of 12 Pro classes and all three King Titles.

The season wrapped up at the Lost Trail Hillclimb in Sula, Montana, and the results are simply unreal: Polaris racers won 8 Pro classes, and Keith Curtis, Luke Rainey, and Justin Thomas combined to win all 18 King titles this season. Kept under wraps throughout the race season was some exciting news: Curtis and Thomas swept the Mod King titles aboard factory-built, near production Patriot Boost engines.

The Cross-Country season was shortened due to pandemic restrictions, only running four races this season, all on frozen lakes with Ice LeMans style racing. Justin Tate took home the Pro win in round three, and Taylor Bunke and Justin Tate finished the season in 2 and 3 respectively in the Pro Championship points. “The 600 Cross Country was built specifically for hard charging cross-country racing, and our racers are really excited. We’re confident there will be a step change in performance this winter with the new sled” commented Rager, Jr. After taking the top 11 finishing positions at the 2020 SOO I-500, the 2021 race was cancelled due to the pandemic. The team will be back in action this winter in Michigan to take on the challenging 500-mile oval race with high expectations.

Blaine Stephenson has been the man to beat at the legendary Eagle River Ice Oval in recent years, going into the 2021 race with a record three World Championships in a row. The race was a wild one, and Blaine was able to prevail for a record 4 consecutive World Championship on his Champ 440 Polaris. Expectations are high heading into the race season, and the engineering team in Roseau, Minnesota has made sure that Team Polaris is equipped with the best to fight for podiums. From the continuous improvement of the 600R to the all-new Matryx Indy Cross Country and new Hillclimb engines, Team Polaris is coming out swinging this winter.

The 600R SnoCross race sled’s new race engine last year was focused on delivering more power all around the track and did just that with nearly 18 more hp in the midrange. For the 2022 600R, the engine features a variety of updates, tweaks, and improvements to improve response and durability. Updated porting, exhaust valves, and an improved ECU deliver better performance and faster response around the racetrack.

At nearly every track on the circuit, the hole shot is a crucial part of the race. While you certainly can’t win the race in the first corner, being in the front sure doesn’t hurt. To make sure the red sleds are into Turn 1 in the lead, the engineering team built an all-new rear suspension hole shot device. The mechanism holds the suspension in the optimum, compressed position for launches, then disengages and allows for full travel once the first bump is hit. The result is more consistent, immediate launches. “Being at the front in turn 1 is a huge advantage in SnoCross racing, and the 600R’s new holeshot device will give us an edge” said Ben Hayes, Racing Development Specialist. “The new suspension device will give our racers better holeshots in every class.”

After 6 seasons aboard the AXYS platform, the Cross-Country team will be piloting the all-new 600 INDY Cross Country, a factory-built race sled on the all-new Matryx platform. The Cross-Country features components and designs proven on the toughest tracks, with a heavy-duty 136” Pro-CC rear suspension, race ready bracing, PRT brakes, venting and more.

The 600 Cleanfire engine features exclusive lightweight flywheel and cup, lightweight rotating assembly, and more aggressive engine calibration. From the ditches of Minnesota to the legendary Alaskan Iron Dog, the race-team exclusive 600 Cross Country is ready. “The new Matryx platform is going to be a big upgrade on the track, with how easy it is to move around the sled” said Alex Hetteen, Polaris Racer and Powertrain Engineer. Following the exciting launch of the all-new Matryx RMK in March, the Polaris Hillclimb team is excited to send the new RMKs through the gates. “I’m super excited to get the new Matryx Slash out on the track. After seeing what it can do in the backcountry, and how precise and responsive it is, I know it will be extremely competitive on the race course” added Curtis.

The RMK Khaos Matryx Slash will challenge the 900 and 1000, with the 650 Pro RMK Matryx in the 700 class. The lightweight, rigid design of the Matryx platform RMKs are ideal stock class Hillclimb sleds, and excellent foundations for the factory-built Modified class sleds. The standard Walker Evans Velocity shocks, Polaris-exclusive tracks, and Patriot powerplants deliver the power and control required for the brutal Hillclimb courses that are commonplace on the circuit.

Beyond the new platform are two new engine packages for the season. The first is a factory-built 650 mod, built for the 700 Improved class. The engine features a revised head and calibration, as well as purpose built twin pipes, designed in Roseau, MN by the engineering team. The second is a production stock Patriot Boost engine package to compete in the new Stock Turbo class. After taking all 7 Mod King titles last season, the Patriot Boost engine is ready to defend its reign from any challengers.

No matter the venue, race circuit, or conditions, Team Polaris is ready to race when the snow flies, with the best equipment, ridden by the best racers in the business.

BIG CHANGES ANNOUNCED AT ARCTIC CAT

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Textron has been massaging the management structure at Arctic Cat in a pretty serious way this spring and early summer. You’ll see as you read this report that Textron is both integrating members of their team and empowering other long-time Arctic Cat leaders.

Heidi McNary, Senior VP and General Manager of Powersports

Heidi is a university graduate with an Engineering degree, which leads us to believe she will be hands on with both snow and dirt products. In fact, McNary is a self-professing “question asker” who is always after solutions – whether they be mechanical or more marketing oriented.

McNary comes from a VP role at Textron Aviation. Her new role at Arctic Cat obviously requires her to be in Thief River Falls on a full time basis. She is joined in moving to TRF by her son and husband. Fortunately, the entire McNary family are avid outdoor enthusiasts. Look for some interesting improvements to come to both Arctic Cat sleds and Arctic Cat off road vehicles in the future.

Troy Halvorson, Director of Product Strategy, Snow

Troy is not a newcomer to Arctic Cat. It has been our privilege to have worked with Troy for more than 20 years. In that time we have come to respect Troy’s insight and understanding of Arctic Cat snowmobiles. Troy’s new role pretty much puts him in charge of what we’re going to see in both the immediate and long-term future of Arctic Cat. Troy is genuinely excited to take the reins of Arctic Cat snowmobile product development. In his words: “I have the greatest job in the whole wide world”.

Something New In The Works?

We had the opportunity to engage in a brief discussion with these two AC leaders in late June and, although no specific timing was indicated, there is likely something significant in the works in terms of a new snowmobile platform. Regular followers of SnowTrax and Supertrax know we’ve been adamant that the current Pro Cross chassis is in need of new, long front torque arm, rear skid.

Electric Cats?

We took the opportunity to ask about plans for electrification of an Arctic Cat snowmobile. Halvorson made it clear there is a ton of electric technology in Textron’s enormous EZ Go electric vehicle operations in Augusta, Georgia. However he did not give any indication about the development of an electric sled.

Yamaha

We zeroed in on the now decade old relationship with Yamaha which sees Yamaha branding Arctic Cat snowmobile chassis’ while supplying Yamaha engines to Arctic Cat. The answer was clear that the relationship is solid and we didn’t get any sense of negativity which surfaced in the waning days of former Arctic Cat CEO Chris Metz tenure about three years ago.

Pyramid Issue

Of continuing interest is the settling of the legal wrangling with BRP (Ski-Doo) as it relates to Arctic Cat’s use of a pyramidal style snowmobile chassis and the associated subtleties of the pyramid frame. Arctic Cat wasn’t at the liberty to speak on the litigation just yet. However, Arctic Cat is able to sell their snowmobiles in both the US and Canada without restriction.

We’re Optimistic

There are some promising noises coming from TRF and some promising steps being taken by Arctic Cat’s snowmobile and off-road leadership team. Most notably, was the news that they’re planning to hire 400-500 employees over the next 4 years. As a result, we are expecting big things from Arctic Cat in the future!

2021 RAD Award Winner

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AJ presents the winner of our for our annual Revolutionary Advanced Design (RAD) award.

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2022 Sidewinder X-TX SE Detailed Overview

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Luke presents a detailed look at Yamaha’s on-trail / off-trail Genesis turbocharged Sidewinder X-TX SE featuring Fox QS3 shocks, a VersAttak 146 rear suspension and a 2-inch lug Camso Challenger track and a 40-inch wide ski stance supported by wide Yamaha Mountain skis.

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2022 Sidewinder L-TX LE Detailed Overview

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Luke gives a closer look at Yamaha’s 2022 high-end Genesis turbocharged Sidewinder L-TX LE featuring premium FOX Zero QS3-R shocks with Kashima coating up front, a QS3 Kashima center shock and Zero QS3-R 2.0 rear shock and a Camso Ripsaw II 1.25-inch track.

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