Vintage

When the St. Cloud, Minnesota start-up company Jet Dynamics introduced their first snowmobile to the burgeoning market in 1969, it’s safe to say they were breaking new ground. The unusual Hornet model featured a distinctive green hue with a face only a mother could love. What the vehicle lacked in style, it made up for through ingenuity.

Even during the boom days of the sport, manufacturers were struggling with the ups and downs of its seasonality. The Hornet was an attempt to overcome this obstacle with a vehicle that could be driven year-round - thanks to such features as a wheel kit, high and low speed transmission and outboard mounted shocks that worked with both the track and the rear wheels. Still, the crew at Jet Dynamics knew if they really wanted to capitalize on the fast-growing market, they would need a more traditional vehicle, and in 1970 they unveiled the Stinger. Knowing horsepower and speed was ruling the day, the Stinger was marketed as a performance snowmobile and featured up to four different factory installed engines. The sled was also available without an engine “for custom installations by racers and hobbyists.” Like many sleds of the era, the Jet Dynamics Stinger introduced a host of new technologies, most of which were geared toward increased performance and improved reliability. The Stinger boasted of a chaincase where gearing changes could be made instantly; an “ingenious self-adjusting brake;” an ideally balanced chassis; and a Goodyear drive track with polyurethane drive sprockets.

But similar to today’s market, the key attribute enthusiasts were looking for in the early 1970s was power, and it’s here where the inspiration for this beautiful, one-of-a-kind Jet Dynamics Sno-Bee took root. When the 1971 Stingers were unveiled, few changes were made, but one section of the single page brochure was different – the option of installing a triple cylinder Hirth 793cc free air engine. The Hirth triple was the king of swing in 1971, and the Stinger brochure put the “Hirth Honker” (as the engine has become affectionately known amongst collectors) as the star of the show. “Pick your own brand of excitement,” the brochure read. “Team up your Stinger with a power-plant that fits your preference and your budget. Power up to a mighty 793cc 3-banger. Then GO! Watch the hills straighten out and the trail flash by.” The pitch was compelling, but ironically there’s no record of Jet Dynamics building a Hirth Honker model. Like many snowmobile manufacturers of the day, fierce competition and a decline in industry sales was quickly thinning the once lengthy list of builders, and for Jet Dynamics, the 1971 model year would prove to be their last as bankruptcy loomed. For today’s vintage snowmobile collectors, the allure and appeal of the mighty Hirth Honker is stronger now than it ever was. The monstrous engine can be found in many bygone makes and models, and it continues to attract a crowd at shows, rides and vintage races. For Trevor Gottschalk of Kimball, Minnesota, who along with his father Scott and brother Travis, the allure of the big triple Hirth and thoughts of “what if” while researching the history of Jet Dynamics inspired him to create the triple threat Sno-Bee you see here.

As the story goes, as things began to go south for Jet Dynamics, another Minnesota company, Scorpion, would add insult to injury through a lawsuit intended to stop Jet Dynamics from using the Stinger name. It worked, and the company switched the name to Sno-Bee for its remaining models as it wound down operations. With no record of a Hirth Honker model ever leaving the St. Cloud factory, the Gottschalk Sno-Bee is an exercise in creative vision, and the result is nothing short of stunning. Customization can be found in every detail, from the snow flap to the chrome fuel pick-up to the beautiful blue metal flake finish and one-of-a-kind graphics. Often however, onlookers are immediately drawn to the hand-built “bag-pipe” exhaust bellowing through the open cowl hood. When Trevor first saw the “bag-pipe” design on another collector’s sled during the annual drag and swap meet in Princeton, Minnesota he knew it would be the pipe design for the custom Sno-Bee. While there are many stories behind the design, most point to the pipe as being part of a race package from Hirth and their mighty triple for race applications. With sleds of the time being very narrow with little room under hood for tuned pipes, the “bag-pipes” gave builders the easier option of going up instead of down when it came to exit the spent exhaust gases. While the design is nothing short of eye-catching, in real world competition the pipes were said to be excruciatingly loud and directed exhaust directly into the driver’s face. Despite these performance shortcomings, they are a show stopper in visual form. The Sno-Bee has become one of the centerpieces of the Gottschalk collection, which includes nearly every 1971 Hirth Honker powered snowmobile complete with a custom display trailer. The Gottschalk family museum located in Kimball, Minnesota is open for public viewing by appointment. Simply drop them a line at gottschalkscott@yahoo.com to check on availability.

arcticinsider.com

Company after company keeps cranking out circus paint wraps looking like a clown threw up on them…and it’s become tiresome. Enter ArcticInsider’s Rewind Wraps – their wraps transport you back to an era when figure skaters attacked each other and famous football players fled the police in white Broncos. The quality of these kits are high end, but the cost isn’t. These start with an aggressive 6mm print film specifically engineered for bubble-free adhesion to snowmobiles, then covered with a premium clear overlaminate that maintains flexibility, but provides the ultimate in durability. Installation is moderately easy as each sheet is printed and labeled to the corresponding body panel. Kits are available for all 2021-22 Arctic Cat Blast Models, ZR120/200 Youth models, and recently added GEN II full-size bodywork for Arctic Cat snowmobiles 2018 and newer. Check out the ZR kit designs from 94-98 and a special 98 Thundercat edition (pictured).

roxspeedfx.com

New Rox Speed FX Gen 3 Flex-Tec Handguards are designed to handle the toughest riding conditions. The New Gen 3 has a more edgy design, yet uses the same technology as the Gen 2 did to keep your hands warm and protected. Using a rigid but flexible backbone, these guards will bend and flex when necessary—they won’t snap off like many other guards on the market. Battle tested by us, Midwest Rider, and the pros on the ISOC Snocross Circuit, USXC, mountain experts and many more. Proudly made in the USA. • Standard Mounts - will work on Gen 4 and older Ski-Doo’s, and many other snowmobiles, EXCEPT sleds with the Hayes

Brake System and the Polaris RMK (2011-newer) & Assault (up to 2016) that come with Factory Pro Taper Lo/Med/Hi rise bars. • RMK Pro-Taper Mount - will work on Polaris snowmobiles that come with RMK (2011-newer) & Assault (up to 2016) that have a Pro Taper Lo/Med/Hi rise handlebar. • Extended Mount - will work on Polaris

AXYS, Matryx (non RMK), 2012 and newer

Arctic Cat, & Yamaha (Includes Sidewinder).

All sleds with Hayes Brake System – these mounts will only work with Rox Flex-Tec series handguards. Includes mounting hardware.

Piping Hot and Under the Hood, the Popular Mid-90s Cooking Fad Is Back.

With more and more enthusiasts wanting to simply “get outside” and enjoy the experience, snowmobiling has taken a much-welcomed turn. Instead of riders being intently focused on racking up miles, many are looking for a more complete experience with others. Often, this includes a trailside cookout, and we can’t think of a better way to bring the gang together than popping the hood and pulling out a piping hot “muffpot” meal. To get you started here are some tips and an easy to make recipe. When it comes to bringing the heat for your cooking experience, today’s modern sleds can be challenging to find an ideal mounting location. No matter where you mount your cooker, experimentation is key to know how long to cook your meal. Typically, we’ve found no matter where you choose to mount it, things get hot fast, so don’t overestimate cook times. Now when it comes to meal prep, we’ve also discovered there are two paths to follow. One is the pre-preparation method, where you have the time to get the pot loaded with all the good stuff and even pre-cook some of the entrée in advance. This is the path we usually choose when riding locally or perhaps trailering somewhere for the day. Method two usually happens when we are away for a long weekend or spending a week at the cabin. If you’re like most sledders, you eat out plenty, packing your credit card versus a cooler full of food. When on these trips we tend to eat like kings on the road and the leftovers are primo which in turn make for the perfect underhood-cooker formula the following day.

Hearty Steak and Potatoes

Most sledders we know love steak, so this is an easy to make meal that can feed you the night before and the day after. If we choose to grill steaks for an evening meal, we’ll set aside two New York strips that we grill just enough to char the outside, keeping them rare in the middle. These two “mule steaks” will finish their journey to perfection in the confines of a “muffpot” the following day. We usually accompany the steak with some fully cooked potatoes that are prepared prior to the trip.

Steak & Potato Prep

- Always start your meal prep by lining your cooker with parchment paper for easy clean-up. - Cut the partially cooked and chilled steak into strips and pack into the cooker. - We usually season our steaks when browning, if not, add your favorite steak seasoning blend. - Slice the baked potatoes into medium sized chunks and pack them into a friend’s cooker. - Add a few slices of butter and season with your favorite spices. With the two separate pots, the steak and side dish will be ready to eat at virtually the same time, providing you with a trailside meal better than any stick skewered hotdog. You’ll know the meal is ready when you can no longer take the incredible smell coming from under the hood.

While the rest of the world might sleep during the winter months, snow enthusiasts like us are making plans for the next adventure. Here are four big ones to mark as a must attend this winter.

MANAWA SNODEO

February 19-20, 2022 – Manawa, WI

Dubbed the “Best Show on Snow” Snodeo features four racetracks for racing of vehicles of all types including lawn mowers, cars, motorcycles and of course, snowmobiles. More than just a racing heaven, Snodeo features parades, vintage shows, exhibits, attractions and fun no matter the age. manawasnodeo.org

MIDWEST RIDE IN

January 28-30, 2022 – Elk River, MN

After the world’s largest vintage and antique snowmobile event made ERX Motor Park in Elk River, Minnesota its new home, the event hasn’t missed a beat. Whether you love old sleds or not, “Ride In” is a weekend of good times and great conversations, with riding (for any vintage sled), shows, a banquet, swap meet, contests, auctions, and racing. msvss.com Anytime you can take in a stop of the national snocross tour is a good one. Combine it with the scenery, hospitality and riding in the Black Hills and you have the formula for a bucket list stop. The best snocross racers in the world will battle at the Days of 76 Race Complex at night. During the day explore the historic town of deadwood and see the amazing beauty of the Black Hills. deadwood.com

SOO-500

January 31 – February 5, 2022 – Sault Ste. Marie, MI

A race with this much history, this much speed and this many activities is nearly impossible to leave off a list. The 53rd running of the famed 500-mile enduro race on the iconic mile track features a week of community activities including vintage, youth and sportsman class races before the raw horsepower and speed takes over. i-500.com

If you thought this first winter edition of Midwest Rider was packed, we’ve got even more in store. • First Snow to Last – Riding tips including best places to go in-season and late. • Pack for Adventure – Ready to saddlebag? Follow these tips for your best ride. • Ticket to Ride – We showcase the Midwest’s best events you can ride to.