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.
Luke helps a friend select which Polaris sled best suits his riding style and might be suitable for his next purchase.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Motorhead Mark takes a closer look at the development of the Blast featuring a single cylinder 2-stroke EFI mill in several variations throughout Arctic Cat’s snowmobile lineup and what this sled means for the future of snowmobiling.
***ADVERTORIAL***
There are few names in the sport as iconic as “Polaris XCR.” The name conjures up images of historic cross-country races like the I-500 and legendary Spirit Mountain Sno-X events. The XCR is a timeless reminder Polaris has ruled terrain racing for decades.
For MY2022 the company has convincingly cemented the heritage of the XCR into the all-new, super-capable MATRYX XCR 128 and 136, available with 650 or 850 power.
These new XCR models leave nothing on the table for the competition. How so? The revolutionary, ergonomically correct MATRYX chassis takes the ditch banging, mogul-crushing performance of the XCR brand to a new level of precise control and comfort.
SnowCheck your 2022 Polaris Snowmobile!
Handling and cornering control is the hallmark of the MATRYX IFS front end. It produces precise bump control, correct roll center specs and a low center of gravity using premium Walker Evans Racing Velocity Hi-Lo compression adjustable shocks. The system delivers incredible consistency and rugged strength from Polaris’s double A-arm design. This is the benchmark for intuitive on-center stability, precise control and near telepathic turn-in.
XCR control is much more than its standard-setting IFS. Hardcore terrain pilots have found a new benchmark rear suspension with the coupled Pro CC extra long torque arm skidframe suspended by another set of Walker Velocity Hi-Lo compression adjustable gassers. Pro CC uses the responsive geometry of rear arm coupling to deliver a plush ride in moguls while resisting bottoming in square-edged bumps and high-flying landings.
SnowCheck your 2022 Polaris Snowmobile!
Why is this new XCR so fast? It makes no difference if you select the Patriot 850 or the new-last-year Patriot 650 for your XCR; both engines are class leaders delivering impressive acceleration and top end against all competitors. Swing a leg over the XCR’s flat top, ultra-narrow dirt-bike-style seat. Sit down, pull the trigger and release the kind of thrust that immediately curls your toes back and widens your eyes as you tighten your grip on the chrome-moly handlebars. This is a new level of refined, smooth and efficient XCR performance.
While the XCR undeniably delivers bare-chested brawn at WOT, the MATRYX XCR exudes a new level of sophisticated comfort! Polaris’s new Smart Warmers are the ultimate answer to the age-old problem of too hot or too cold – but never just-right handlebar and thumb heat! Pre-select the actual temperature you desire for three preset temps and then just forget about this important feature. Smart Grips work so transparently you’ll never be satisfied with another heater system.
SnowCheck your 2022 Polaris Snowmobile!
Navigating trails, lakes and ditches is what the XCR does best. The sled is never unsettled and never hesitates to soak up the terrain you ride. Riders can enjoy extra confidence using Polaris’s revolutionary, simple-to-operate and understand 7s GPS gauge set. Its unique Group Ride feature lets you see your riding pals in real time on the huge up-front touch screen and gauge cluster.
Going fast is what XCR is all about. However, XCR means ultimate control at speed and the Polaris Racing Technology (PRT) brake system provides massive, fade-free braking with deep modulation from just a light pull at the lever. The iconic XCR racing brake scoop on the hood announces the presence of high performance PRT Stealth braking.
SnowCheck your 2022 Polaris Snowmobile!
A new magnetic tether is standard on all 2022 XCR models as is the MATRYX platform’s sumptuous heated storage located up-front behind the gauge cluster. Big enough to swallow five pairs of goggles, this capacity is unrivalled in the industry. If that isn’t enough, the XCR’s seat can be quickly removed exposing another generous storage area.
All XCR models, including those powered by the 650 and 850 Patriot engines with 128 or 136-inch tracks, can be ordered with a 1.25 Ice Ripper, 1.35 Cobra or a 1.6 inch Cobra track. Polaris’s Pro Steer anti-darting skis are standard on all XCRs.
Now available in the all-new MATRYX chassis with formidable Patriot power, the XCR brand is sure to become even more imposing in MY 2022!
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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.
SNOWTRAX can be viewed weekly during the winter season in Canada on City TV, Wild TV, REV TV and Sportsman Channel Canada and across America on Sportsman Channel.
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