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DREAMS DO COME TRUE: The Mach Z Returns!

ADVERTORIAL
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DREAMS DO COME TRUE: The Mach Z Returns!

**ADVERTORIAL**

There’s no other sled in the modern era that’s been as revered, loved and its return anticipated more than Ski-Doo’s legendary Mach Z.

There’s good reason for this. In all of its former iterations the Mach Z has been the undisputed ruler of the lakes. The formula for this success has been relatively simple: Build a ridiculously powerful 2-stroke engine with a heroic bore size and as many as three pistons, then shoehorn said engine into a purpose-built chassis and proceed to hang on – tight.

The last Mach Z was launched in the mid-2000s powered by a gargantuan Rotax 1000cc SDI 2-stroke twin arguably producing more than 150-hp – possibly as much as 160.

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This monster was introduced in Quebec and the North American press in attendance were given the opportunity to pull the trigger. It was snowing heavily and there was at least 3-inches of new snow on the lake we were using for top end runs.

Unbelievably, under these less than ideal conditions, the mighty Mach would pull well past 100 MPH (160 kph) and did so happily, pull after pull. Undeniably, the name Mach Z means lake-shortening power and unrivaled top speed. Ski-Doo knows this and thus, your dreams are about to come true.

It would be epic to have the Mach Z simply return with 160 2-stroke ponies, wouldn’t it? Ski-Doo would sell every Mach Z it built. However, that would not be Ski-Doo’s style. Valcourt is proud of the reputation Mach Z brings to Ski-Doo snowmobiles and a big part of that reputation is unrivaled power. But this time it’s also more than just a one-dimensional sled.

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So here you go. The Mach Z returns in MY 2022 powered by a completely re-engineered 900 ACE, twin cam 4-stroke triple, turbocharged and intercooled and carrying the handle “900 Turbo R”. This engine is the mightiest production snowmobile powerplant ever from Rotax. It produces a claimed 180 peak horsepower using over 17.5 pounds of boost. To say this Mach Z is fast would be like saying Tom Brady is a pretty good quarterback. Both are ridiculous understatements.

Included in the standard equipment column for the Mach Z is Ski-Doo’s semi-active Smart-Shox system. This is cutting edge technology supplied by KYB. Essentially, Smart-Shox continually alter damping rates in milliseconds to inputs from five chassis sensors. If the trail is lined with moguls, Smart Shocks will firm up damping in response to every bump in the trail. When you go into a corner, it holds the chassis flat to deliver cornering unexpected of a muscle sled. This is not fluff – this is the future.

Interestingly, because the Mach Z is a purpose-built lake shredder it arrives with its ride height lowered by one full inch to facilitate speedo-needle-bending top speed. When this was first announced, most wondered if the sled would ride overly firm. Nope, the Smart-Shox keep the chassis settled and the rider in control in the craziest whooped out trails.

If you’re a Mach Z groupie who’s been waiting for more than a decade to witness the return of the Mach Z, this has got to be good news. However, there’s a very serious caveat associated with this re-introduction. Ski-Doo is clearly and precisely making it crystal clear to Mach aficionados this is a one-year deal. You heard it right. This time around the Mach Z is a finite commodity only available on the Spring Break early order program and only available in one trim level – full jam.

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If you want a 2022 Mach Z you’ve got the month of March to make up your mind. Don’t expect any “phony” Spring Break ordered Mach Z’s to appear next October. If you want a Mach Z then your only shot at one is to make your best deal right now!

Included in the standard equipment column for the Mach Z is Ski-Doo’s semi-active Smart Shock system. This is cutting edge technology supplied by KYB. Essentially, Smart Shocks continually alter damping rates in milliseconds to inputs read by the shock shaft. If the trail is lined with moguls, Smart Shocks will firm up damping in response to every bump in the trail. This is not fluff – this is the future.

Interestingly, because the Mach Z is a purpose-built lake shredder it arrives with its ride height lowered by one full inch to facilitate speedo-needle-bending top speed. When this was first announced, most wondered if the sled would ride overly firm. Nope, the Smart Shocks keep the chassis settled and the rider in control in the craziest whooped out trails.

It’s decision time for the Mach Z faithful. Frankly, we don’t think Ski-Doo will be able to build enough of these for MY 2022.

SPRING CHECK your 2022 Ski Doo Snowmobile!

Kimpex Connect Accessory Attachment System

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Kimpex Connect Accessory Attachment System

Luke’s in the TRAIL TECH shop looking at the Kimpex Connect accessory attachment system with universal mounting options for every brand and just about every chassis.

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Polaris Indy 650 VR1 vs Ski Doo Renegade X 600R

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Polaris Indy 650 VR1 vs Ski Doo Renegade X 600R

Motorhead Mark joins Luke out on the Lake to run the 2021 Polaris Indy MATRYX VR1 650 against the Ski Doo Renegade X featuring the ROTAX 600R engine.

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Comparing All The 2021 Polaris Sleds In Our Fleet

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Comparing All The 2021 Polaris Sleds In Our Fleet

Luke helps a friend select which Polaris sled best suits his riding style and might be suitable for his next purchase.

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OFSC Reports Shut Down Of Many Farm Country Trails

Press Release
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OFSC Reports Shut Down Of Many Farm Country Trails

After delivering some of the best trail riding opportunities in recent memory throughout much of Southern Ontario, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) reports that snowmobile operations are ending for this winter in many of its southern-most districts.

With the trail base deteriorating rapidly from mild and rainy weather this week, many local snowmobile clubs, especially those in predominantly farm country areas, have now closed almost 10,000 kilometres of trails, many for the season.

More are expected to shut down soon if early spring-like conditions continue. Other clubs are asking snowmobilers to stay off their trails this weekend, until groomers can roll again next week, so as not to increase existing damage to the fragile snow base.

The OFSC reminds snowmobilers to respect our clubs and landowners by staying off any closed trails, now shown in RED on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG). Going on any last rides on trails closed for the season is not only unsafe and illegal, it could jeopardize their re-opening again next year.

Please check the ITG next week for any remaining available (GREEN or YELLOW) trail opportunities in other OFSC districts throughout Ontario, and always stay on the marked trail.

With the snowmobile season winding down, the OFSC also cautions all motorized trail users, such as ATV and Side X Side riders, that OFSC trails on private property are for winter use only by snowmobiles. Illegally entering these closed snowmobile trails at any time is a chargeable act of trespass under Ontario law, so please respect our landowners and stay off.

The OFSC thanks our landowners and club volunteers for making trail riding enjoyable and safe this winter.

The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is a volunteer led, not for profit association that provides the voice for organized snowmobiling in Ontario. OFSC snowmobile trails managed by 200 community based, member clubs generate up to $3.3 billion in economic activity in the province each year.

2022 Ski Doo Mach Z Detailed Overview

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2022 Ski Doo Mach Z Detailed Overview

AJ gives you a detailed overview of our recently delivered 2022 Ski Doo Mach Z featuring the ROTAX 900 ACE Turbo R engine with cable throttle housing, Launch Control and Smart Shox KYB semi-active suspension.

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2022 LYNX BOONDOCKER

Staff Report
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2022 LYNX BOONDOCKER

We’ve been inundated with responses to our YouTube and website postings about the new Lynx RAVE RE.

Frankly, your responses have set and broken records for anything we’ve ever posted in all the years we’ve been doing so.

With so much hype directed at the RAVE, we’ve been negligent in giving you much data on the other Lynx BRP is bringing to North America, the Boondocker.

This sled is equally as unique as the RAVE RE. With choices of 3900mm (153.54-inches) and 4100mm (161.42-inches) tracks and track depths of 2.5 and 3.0-inches, you’d expect the Boondocker to be targeted specifically at high altitude, pure vertical surroundings out West – much like the Ski-Doo Summit.

Although it is very competent in vert applications and can be ridden capably in the mountains in the same way a Summit could be, there’s a difference.

The name “Boondocker” is a clear hint this sled is aimed at a deep snow rider that requires high altitude props when required, but also wants to play in powder in less steep terrain.

The second hint is in the Boondocker’s PPS2 DS skidframe. This Finnish design, also used in a similar version in the RAVE, utilizes the same behavior we’ve observed with the RAVE’s PPS3 to enable the Boondocker to climb and dig-out in soft, powdery snow.

As you know, if you’ve been reading our impressions and watching our YouTube videos, the PPS skid pushes the rear of the track downwards, deeper into the snow when throttle is applied and when there is forward momentum. Because of the skid’s downward action under power, it tends to keep the front of the sled light and hold the skis up on top of the snow.

This engineering principle actually works really well when applied to powder riding, and makes the Boondocker a very efficient sled in that environment. This same principle is why deep-snow-specific skidframes are uncoupled.

Let’s go back for a moment and review what it’s like to ride in Northern Europe. Although there are some very high ranges and elevations, particularly in Norway and somewhat in Sweden, the terrain can on average be described as hilly, rolling, rocky, forested – with incredible snow depth.

Also, in the rest of Europe, and particularly in Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland where there is a lot of mountainous terrain, for eco reasons, motor vehicles are not allowed to enter those areas. Where allowed, deep snow riders need to find places to “boondock” in less altitude.

What this means is that a suspension like the PPS2 DS may be used in conditions where there are mountain passes that are packed down or in foothills where the climb may not be as steep but equally challenging because of snow depth. It may often include long, untramped, open, ungroomed passages on flatlands with no previous snowmobile footprints.

Because of its design and behavior, we’ve heard more than one deep snow rider claim the Boondocker makes an excellent hillclimber. Just like the RAVE, the PPS2 DS allows the sled to handle the kind of brutal terrain that gets packed down in a hillclimb race without exhibiting scary behavior on the way to the top. Since these events are 100-percent throttle-on affairs, it plays to the PPS2 DS’s strength.

We can think of a ton of places in North America where the Boondocker could be a hit. Actually, the whole middle and east side of the continent has places where the terrain mirrors much of what we’ve just described. In fact, there may be more riders experiencing that type of terrain than there are high altitude riders in the west.

YAMAHA ANNOUNCES 2022 SNOWMOBILES

Press Release
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YAMAHA ANNOUNCES 2022 SNOWMOBILES

Yamaha is excited to announce the launch of it’s 2022 Snowmobiles, the Spring Power Surge (SPS) Sales Program and new functionality on American & Canadian websites that allows customers to place deposits online.

2022 Model Highlights:

• New Sidewinder L-TX GT EPS
• New Sidewinder S-TX GT EPS
• New Mountain Max LE 154 SL
• New Transporter Lite 2-UP

Yamaha enters 2022 with the new snowmobiles and technology improvements that riders are asking for. Returning are the LE, GT, SE and 400 series of snowmobiles, complimented by Utility, Two-up and Youth models.

2022 will see 6 LE models available, led by the legendary Sidewinder SRX and 3 versions of the Mountain Max, including the Mountain Max LE 154 Super Lite, or SL for short. The pull start only SL puts a premium on weight savings with shortened mountain seat and revised fuel tank, but still employs a 3″ lug. Customers wanting an LE model will need to place a deposit during SPS to secure their snowmobile for next season.

Big news comes in the form of Electric Power Steering (EPS) and its inclusion on the Sidewinder L-TX GT EPS and Sidewinder S-TX GT EPS. Yamaha’s research demonstrated that many previous Apex and Vector customers viewed EPS as a crucial factor in their willingness to upgrade to a newer model.

The time is now. Yamaha’s variable EPS system eases the powerful turbo through twisty trails – but also isolates the rider from unwanted handlebar resistance fed back through the mechanical steering system from the trail.

The light steering effort and handling precision is unrivaled when it comes to long days in the saddle. The GT models are available in-season, but smart customers will be placing their deposit in the spring to lock in their rides.

Yamaha’s 400 series saw strong sales in the first year, and for 2022 the addition of the Transporter Lite 2-UP provides an economical and efficient option for new and returning riders who want to get on snow together. The addition of the Transporter Lite 2-UP provides a 400 series model for trail, mountain, utility and touring applications.

2022 Spring Power Surge Highlights:

• Priority Delivery
• 3 Years of Coverage – 1 year Factory Warranty + 2 years of Extended Service for 4-stroke models only
• Instant Customer Rebates or VISA Gift Cards
• Low Finance Rates
• FREE FXR Transporter Gear Bag

Over the years, Yamaha’s Spring Power Surge has cemented itself as the only time to get the most sought after upgraded LE snowmobiles, but also the best deal of the year for loyal customers. The 2022 program will run from March 9th – April 17th.

Online Deposits:

• New Online Deposits

Last year’s SPS season demonstrated it can never be too convenient for a customer to place a deposit on a new Yamaha snowmobile. Canadian customers now have the added flexibility of placing deposits on yamaha-motor.ca in addition to the traditional method of placing a deposit at a desired dealer.

American customers will be required to place all deposits online at yamahasnowmobiles.com in order to secure their snowmobile.

Customers who choose to place a deposit online will select a dealer to conduct the purchase with while placing the deposit. Dealers are notified when a deposit is placed and will follow up with the customer directly concerning the final purchase package, accessory or apparel options and any other pertinent information. When the customer’s unit arrives in the fall, Yamaha will apply the deposit to the package price.

Yamaha is confident the increased convenience of online deposits will make it easier for new and returning customers to enjoy a 2022 snowmobile. Yamaha feels this is an important feature to adopt with the significant upward trend in online consumer purchasing behaviour.

The 2022 Yamaha Snowmobiles offer something for everyone, with two-stroke and four-stroke options, youth to adult, utility to trail to mountain to touring. New riders are just as welcome as experienced and securing your ride for next year has never been easier!

For complete model information, American customers can visit yamahasnowmobiles.com or yamaha-motor.ca for Canadians.

2022 Yamaha Snowmobile Overview

SnowTrax TV
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2022 Yamaha Snowmobile Overview

Motorhead Mark takes a look at the 2022 Yamaha snowmobile line-up.

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2021 YAMAHA SX VENOM

Staff Report
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2021 YAMAHA SX VENOM

We’ve had a 2021 Venom in our test fleet for several weeks now and have had the opportunity to let a number of different riders experience it.

Generally, feedback from the teenagers who have tried it out has been 100-percent positive. They like the way it looks, have no complaints about its ride and especially like it’s strong, torquey feel on acceleration.

It does this little thing in take-off that is both fun and endearing: It pulls little two to three-inch “ski-wheelies” when traction is good and it makes the sled feel responsive and quick.

Back in the day, Yamaha’s 250 Enticer single did the same thing and it was one of that sled’s most loveable tricks. There’s a very real possibility the Venoms relatively short 121-inch track with only 14-inch width and much less rotating mass, adds to the snappiness you’re getting with this 397cc EFI single.

Our young riders liked the fact the Venom feels very light at the handlebars and can be wound down twisty trails with so much confidence. Generally, according to their feedback, the sled feels a lot smaller from the driver’s seat than what it is. It projects inherent lightness and agility and it makes novice riders feel safe.

Some of the adult women, more experienced in trail riding, who rode the base Venom were more critical of its comfort features. Biggest complaint was the lack of a warm windshield – we strongly suggest you order up a mid-height one from the Yamaha parts department – and its single temp-setting hand and thumb warmer setup.

The comment was because there is no medium setting it required the rider to fumble around trying to locate the switches several times during a ride to get a comfortable temperature. This is a very real gripe from this type of rider.

We were surprised none of our samplers commented on the Venom’s lack of a sway bar. The sled handles really well on both semi-hardpacked and loose snow in trail situations and about the only time we observed any lack because of the absence of the sway bar was on lakes where the sled was doing a slight side-to-side “wallow” when the skis were in three or four inches of powder. This behavior is very minor and certainly not pronounced enough to make a novice rider feel uncomfortable.

On trails, the sled’s perky midrange and smooth demeanor make the trip enjoyable. At 65-hp, you’re looking at about 60-65 actual top-end mph and that seems like enough to satisfy the performance needs of riders shopping this category.

This particular Venom model is very comfortable, with plenty of legroom for taller riders, good grip on the running boards and the seat is firm but comfy.

Based on what we’ve seen, the baseline Venom with its 121-inch track has plenty of appeal in its price range and its ride, power and handling are certainly sufficient in this class. However, for a more complete second sled experience we’d recommend you ante up the extra coin for the Transporter Lite.

The price is not that much more but with a longer articulated track (15×146) and the same power package, it gives you a lot more versatility, including a bit more trail plushness and the option to ride off-trail.

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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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