Best Used

2009-2011 ARCTIC CAT CROSSFIRE R AND CFR 800 2007-2010 POLARIS IQ 600

The CrossFire was Arctic Cat’s popular line of crossover snowmobiles built upon the M-series mountain chassis for a mix of on- and off-trail riding. This was also the timeframe the go-fast manufacturer was marketing the new-ish Twin Spar chassis for trail riders. Unfortunately for speed fanatics, the Twin Spar wasn’t cutting the proverbial green relish like the Firecat 700 before it. The answer was the Crossfire R 800 in 2009 - a lightweight, big-bore snowmobile specifically tuned for speed, reminiscent of the Firecat’s legendary top end capability. For 2010, the model shed its confusing CrossFire name in place of the racier CFR (CrossFire Racer) moniker. 2011 marked the last year of CFR production.

2012-2013 ARCTIC CAT F1100

After the 2005 and 2006 Fusion fiasco, Polaris needed some on the snow success in a big way. To get there they went back to doing what they’ve always done best – a good handling midpower sled that over-performed and left a smile on your face. In 2007 the IQ 600 was that sled. With the less than desirable look of the Fusion put out to pasture, the updated 600 motor featured a four-injector fuel system with a smooth 125-ponies nestled into the lighter and much better looking IQ plastic. In short, it was a winner. Also, by 2007 Polaris had the handling quirks worked out from the earlier versions of the IQ front suspension.

2013-2018 POLARIS INDY 600 SP

While all the hype and focus was on the unusual looking and some would say unusual performing outside the tunnel ProRide suspension introduced in 2010. The extra effort required of the Pro-Ride suspension were further revealed in 2013 when Polaris brought back the Indy name in the Pro-Ride chassis and with a “conventional” rear suspension design. Targeted as a value sled at the time, many riders soon discovered the Indy was in many ways a better trail sled than the more expensive Rush model. Powered by the quick revving 600 Liberty, the Indy SP 600 was all the sled you needed, and it remains so today.

The all-new Arctic Cat ProCross trail chassis replaced the Twin Spar in 2012 and one of the best handling 125hp-class models was the F1100 with Suzuki’s 1056cc four-stroke twin-cylinder. Mated to the new ProCross chassis, the nearly bulletproof engine provided just enough weight to keep these early ProCross chassis firmly planted in the corners but yet retain its lightweight steering input. Those who thought it wouldn’t compete against the competition’s 600 two-strokes were quickly mistaken. For our tastes, we preferred the Sno Pro package with firmer FOX Shocks to tame the big stuff.

There’s little argument that the 2003 introduction of the REV chassis from Ski-Doo forever changed snowmobiling. Even today, a sled like a 2003 MXZ with its rider forward design is superior to any previous model with “old school” relaxed seating. Those early REV models worked and riders loved them. That’s why we selected the GSX as a best buy. Most MXZ models from this era have had the snot ridden out of them and finding one that isn’t “used up” is difficult. The GSX is just as good and was often a secondary sled, and still can be found with low miles. Swap out the shocks for some performance units and ride.

2009-2012 SKI-DOO MXZ-X 600 ETEC

The early 2000s was a significant moment in time when it came to snowmobile design. Every manufacturer had some type of significant introduction and for Yamaha it was highperformance four-stroke power. Certainly, all the focus was on the RX1 introduced in 2003. A hyper-sled by nearly every measure, the RX1 proved a high-performance four-stroke snowmobile could very well be a reality. But while the RX1 was grabbing all the attention, Yamaha introduced other four-stroke models that flew well below the radar. The Rage RS was one such model. While its lifespan was short lived and a bit difficult to find, it would be an ideal used sled buy, as most will have few clicks in the odometer and feature a three-cylinder motor that will long outlive the snowmobile.

2014 YAMAHA SR VIPER

After changing the landscape with the REV chassis in 2003, Ski-Doo stayed on the gas and introduced the next generation of the REV chassis dubbed the REV-XP. Joining this much more angular and dare we say sexy design was the direct injected goodness of ETEC. The 600HO ETEC feels almost electric and the next generation Ski-Doo turned out to be just about everything Ski-Doo claimed it was. Better by almost every measure, the MXZ-X during this span of years defined on-trail handling. If you opt for the first-year model in this mix, have a dealer ensure the ETEC updates were applied and you’re good to go. During the 2014 model year, the snowmobile industry was shaken up a bit when Yamaha introduced the all-new SR Viper with Yamaha’s incredible 1049cc triple-cylinder four-stroke engine mated to…wait for it…Arctic Cat’s ProCross chassis. The collaboration between the two companies was a partnership not heard of since Arctic Cat officially started using Suzuki engines in the 70s. As you could expect, the trail handling out of this unit was excellent like Arctic Cat’s F1100, but the Yamaha 1049cc engine cranked out 10 more horsepower than the venerable Suzuki, and outperformed it making for a true performance trail four-stroke snowmobile leader.

polaris.com/rzr

Polaris Off-Road recently introduced a serious eye-opener with the launch of the RzR Pro R in its wide open lineup. This is Polaris’ most powerful, strongest and advanced side-by-side. To start, the RZR Pro R features the most powerful engine ever in a stock side-by-side—a naturally aspirated 2.0L, four-cylinder motor putting out 225 horsepower. Paired to a one-piece chassis coupled with a fully-welded roll cage, strengthened unitized hubs, and massive boxed steel A-arms provide a level of strength rarely available off the showroom floor. In addition, the RzR Pro R offers the industry’s widest stance at 74 inches, and the most dynamic and sophisticated suspension ever designed by Polaris with all-new DYNAMIX DV, an intuitive system utilizing input from the vehicle and terrain to continuously optimize rebound and compression damping.

RZR PRO R, starting at $31,999 U.S. MSRP RZR PRO R 4, starting at $35,999 U.S. MSRP POWER

• 225 Horsepower – The naturally-aspirated, 2.0L, fourcylinder, liquid-cooled and fuel-injected ProStar Fury is the biggest engine ever put in a stock side-by-side, and it’s cooler running, well balanced and reliable. • Instant Power Delivery – A larger clutch and belt take the power from the revolutionary ProStar Fury 2.0L engine and smoothly deliver it to the ground, giving you instant acceleration off the line. • Selectable Throttle Control – Select from one of three throttle control modes (Sport, Rock, Race) to adjust throttle sensitivity, ensuring you have the right power when you need it.

STRENGTH

• Stronger Driveline – The shafts and knuckles in the RZR

Pro R are stronger than ever before and a new torque limiter helps protect the front drive from sudden surges during power-on landings. • Dual Path Clutch Cooling – Totally redesigned air flow system minimizes heat for a longer belt life and more ride time. • Robust Components – A one-piece chassis coupled with a fully-welded roll cage, strengthened hubs, and massive boxed steel A-arms provide increased rigidity, durability and strength in all conditions.

CONTROL

• 74-Inch Stance – Wide stance provides maximum stability through rough terrain, while the MaxLink 29-inch suspension with rear toe link soaks up the terrain and keeps the 32-inch Maxxis® Rampage Fury tires planted and tracking, even at high-speeds. • DYNAMIX DV – Four new suspension & steering modes monitor inputs from driver and machine hundreds of times every second and automatically adjust compression and rebound damping independently to help keep all wheels in contact with the ground. • Suspension to Stay Planted – Fully boxed steel front

A-arms with three-piece stabilizer bars and FOX® 3.0 Live

Valve X2 Internal Bypass shocks provide 27 inches of usable travel up front, while stout, boxed trailing arms with patented rear toe link, high-clearance radius rods, threepiece stabilizer bar and another set of FOX® 3.0 Live Valve

X2 Internal Bypass shocks offer 29 inches of usable travel in the rear. • Own the Experience – RIDE COMMAND puts the controls right at the fingertips, whether it’s keeping track of the ride group with GPS technology, monitoring suspension and ride settings, or setting the playlist to blast through the

Rockford Fosgate® audio system.

THE FUTURE OF UTVS?

ranger.polaris.com

Polaris has now harnessed the power of electrification with the introduction of the RANGER XP KINETIC featuring an entirely new electric powertrain born from Polaris’ partnership with Zero Motorcycles®. RANGER XP KINETIC is available as a 3-seat model and offered in Premium and Ultimate trims. The Premium trim is equipped with 14.9 kWh of lithium-ion battery capacity and offers an estimated range of up-to 45 miles, while the Ultimate trim boasts 29.8 kWh of battery capacity and offers an estimated range of up-to 80 miles.* The Ultimate trim also features a 7-inch infotainment screen powered by RIDE COMMAND technology and dash mounted speakers.

Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic Premium starting at $24,999 MSRP Polaris RANGER XP Kinetic Ultimate starting at $29,999 MSRP UNCOMPROMISED CAPABILITY

The all-new RANGER XP KINETIC offers 110 HP and 140lb-ft of instant torque deliver maximum capability for confidently hauling and towing heavy loads even over the toughest terrain. Together, the power and torque deliver the ability to tow 2,500lbs and haul 1,250lbs. 14-inches of ground clearance and 10-inches of suspension travel help the KINETIC confidently rise over obstacles and is equipped with 29-inch, 8-ply Pro Armor X-Terrain tires.

UNRIVALED DURABILITY

The electric powertrain features fewer moving parts, meaning less maintenance and more time to focus on getting the job done. RANGER XP KINETIC has been torture-tested in extreme conditions and treacherous terrain and is backed by 1-year factory warranty, 3-year electric powertrain coverage, and 5-year battery coverage. What’s more, the electric powertrain does not require oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs or clutch maintenance. Scheduled maintenance costs are expected to be 70 percent less than average maintenance costs for similar gas-powered vehicles.

REFINED PERFORMANCE

RANGER XP KINETIC features a 12V cargo box outlet for powering accessories like sprayers or charging portable batteries. A new shifter design includes high, low, neutral and park, and features a new, integrated switch for forward and reverse, enabling customers to change direction with the flip of a switch. This new feature makes tasks like plowing fast and efficient. Three drive modes are available: • Eco+: Optimizes torque and top speed for maximum range and light duty jobs • Standard: Optimizes throttle response for everyday driving and moderate-sized jobs • Sport: Optimizes throttle response for spirited driving and fast-paced work

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY POWERED BY RIDE COMMAND

A 7-inch infotainment screen powered by RIDE COMMAND technology lets owners work smarter and have the ability to see estimated remaining range and battery life. Riders can even drop a waypoint on their charging location and see how far away they are from their next charge.

FAST AND CONVENIENT CHARGING

Whether owners are looking for an overnight charge, or a quick top-off during the lunch hour, Polaris has them covered. RANGER XP KINETIC comes standard with a combined Level 1 / Level 2 EV charge cord for charging via a 120V or 240V outlet.

CUSTOMIZATION

RANGER XP KINETIC is compatible with 95 percent of RANGER XP 1000 accessories, including RANGER Pro Shield cab systems. Polaris has designed new accessories specific for RANGER XP KINETIC, including a fast-acting electric heater kit during colder months, as well as an upgraded 3 kW onboard charger for maximum fast charging. RANGER XP KINETIC were available for reservation December 1, 2021 and first shipments to begin in Summer 2022.

arcticcat.com polaris.com

2022 marks Arctic Cat’s 60th anniversary and one bit of market segment innovation centers around the newest C-TEC2 engine - a 397cc single-cylinder two-stroke with 65-class horsepower and Electronic Fuel Injection powering two new BLAST models – the XR Crossover and XR Touring. Last winter Polaris launched their new Matryx platform to much fanfare, and for 2022, the Matryx spreads its wings and can be found throughout the line-up including the mountains. And it’s here where you’ll find the most powerful factory turbo-charged two-stroke in the industry – the Patriot Boost.

ski-doo.com

The famed Mach Z name returns to the Ski-Doo lineup, but just for one year. Powered by the Rotax 900 ACE Turbo, it features an exclusive Launch Control for lake race holeshots and electronically controlled Smart-Shox.

yamahamotorsports.com

Yamaha was first to introduce power steering in 2011 and is doing it again with more advanced technology. Sidewinder GT models utilize the system which measures speed and handlebar force, calibrates assistance accordingly and helps remove unwanted negative steering feedback to the bars.

Looking to ride and are questioning the snow totals and trail conditions for your destination? MSPN Inc, publisher of Midwest Rider, has three helpful snow total resource links for Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan on our website. While you’re there, take a gander at our other publications via the digital links. mspninc.com

msasnow.org

dnr.state.mn.us