THE BEST SLED AWARDS
www.osmmag.com fb.com/onsnowmagazine CHEAPEST, FASTEST, UGLIEST
FIRST RAVE 1989 MACH 1 CAT SVX 450 • LAYING RUBBER SCENE IT HALL OF FAME ROUND UP VOL 31 • NO 1 • $ 5.95
DO MISS THE WORLD’S DON’T LAR LARGEST SNOWMOBILE SHOW TORONTO INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW DISPLAY UNTIL OCT 31, 2016
OCTOBER 21-23 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE
PRESEASON
GEAR
GET OUT THERE.
TH E TEAM FX JACKET | PANT FXR FACTORY RIDE EDITION arctic cat 800 RR
skinzprotectivegear.com
sPEEDWERXSTORE.com
THE MOST VERSATILE HELMET
TIM TREMBLAY Snowcross and motocross professional racer
THE LOOK OF A B AC K C O U N T R Y H E L M E T WITH THE ADVANTAGES OF A MODULAR HELMET.
The 210° goggles and the TITAN helmet design combine perfectly to ensure a perfect seal when the removable muzzle is in place. In addition, the unique design of the goggles and helmet provide an unrivalled 210° field of view. This is a first for a helmet in this category.
٠ REMOVABLE MUZZLE ٠ EXCEPTIONAL 210° FIELD VIEW ٠ PERFECT SEAL BETWEEN HELMET & GOGGLES ٠ TRAIL SETTINGS : OF COURSE WE COVERED IT! ٠ LIGHT : FIBER GLASS COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION 1430 g * PATENTS PENDING
www.ckxgear.info/titan/osm For more information please visit your Kimpex dealer or visit us on KIMPEX.COM
CLIFF & ATLAS
T I TAN ٠ ٠ ٠ ٠ ٠ ٠ ٠ ٠ ٠ ٠ ٠ ٠ ٠ ٠ ٠
Superior field of view specifically design for this helmet Fiberglass composite constructed shell 2 shell sizes (XS to L / XL to 3XL), 4 EPS sizes : personalized fit Aerodynamic peak designed to protect you against the elements Adjustable peak height Removable/washable interior liners and cheek pads ProClip quick release mechanism Meet or exceed ECE 22.05 standard Weight : 1430 g Removable rubber breath guard Removable chin curtain 5 ventilation ports Adjustable front vent Removable muzzle to free the rider Removable GoPro combatible camera mount
TITAN INCLUDES:
CLIFF
ORANGE MAT XS 507071
S 507072
M 507073
210° goggle Mirror lens Yellow lens RapidClip strap Rubber breath guard Standard neoprene breath guard Removable GoPro combatible camera mount
ECE
L 507074 XL 507075 2XL 507076 3XL 507077 99 E
XS 507151
419. $ CLIFF
CLIFF
CLIFF
YELLOW /BLUE MAT
YELLOW /GREEN MAT Y
BLUE MAT
S 507152
M 507153
507154 XL 507155 2XL 507156 L 50 715
3XL 507157 99
E
L 507114
419. $
XS 507081
S 507082
M 507083
L 507084 XL 507085 08 2XL 507086 3XL 507087 99 E
419. $
CLIFF
WHITE
M 507113 3XL 507117 99
E
S 507132
M 507133
XL 507135 2XL 507136 L 507134 X
XS 507131
3XL 507137 99
419. $
E
ATLAS
ATLAS
PINK MAT
S 507212
M 507213
S 507182
M 507183
L 507214 XL 507215 2XL 507216
3XL 507217
L 507184 XL 507185 2XL 507186
3XL 507187
409.99$
E
409.99$
E
XS 507181
ATLAS
SOLID
GRAY MAT
BLACK MAT
M 507173 3XL 507177
409.99$
XS 507221
S 507222
M 507223
L 507224 XL 507225 2XL 507226 3XL 507227 99 E
S 507162
M 507163
L 507164 XL 507165 2XL 507166
XS 507161
3XL 507167 99
419. $
HI-VIS MAT
L 507174 XL 507175 2XL 507176
419. $
CLIFF
S 507112
S 507172
E
PINK
2XL 507116
XS 507171
M 507093
CLIFF
XS 507111
E
S 507092
GRAY MAT XL 507115 X
XS 507211
XS 507091
L 507094 XL 507095 709 2XL 507096 3XL 507097 99
399. $
E
419. $ ATLAS
RED MAT XS 507201
S 507202
M 507203
L 507204 XL 507205 2XL 507206 3XL 507207
409.99$
E
SOLID
BLACK GLOSSY XS 507231
S 507232
M 507233
L 507234 XL 507235 2XL 507236 3XL 507237 E
399.99$
clicked
SURFS UP The new Ski-Doo Renegade X makes quick work of fresh morning powder. Location: West Yellowstone, Montana Photographer: Pat Bourgeois
clicked
VALLEY VIEW Jordan Hammack romps the new 2017 Arctic Cat up and over from the depths of Idaho’s Madison River Valley. Location: Near Targhee Peak, Montana Photographer: Pat Bourgeois
contents
56
74 82
54 FEATURES 54 30 40 92 SCENE IT
SNOWMOBILE HALL OF FAME CLASSIC SLED ROUNDUP
TIME TRACKS
1972 COLUMBIA TRACKMASTER C300
RIDE REVELATIONS CHECKING OUT THE HOT NEW RIDES
56 ALL HYPED UP 74 FULL FRONTAL ASSAULT 82 NARROWED AND NASTY
BEST BETS OUR BEST OF SLED AWARDS FOR 2017
104 30
PRE-SEASON GEAR
COLUMNS 16 DRIFTS RICHARD KEHOE
28 WINGING IT WITH LEVI LEVI LAVALLEE
118 KELLY SHIRES BREAST CANCER SNOW RUN 122 FLOAT BOWL PAT BOURGEOIS
DEPARTMENTS
40
18 26 27 38 46 48 54 98 114 120
INDUSTRY NEWS WORD SEARCH SUDOKU TAKE 5 SHOP HUSTLE LAWN ORNAMENTS ANCHOR OF THE MONTH TEARDOWN NBFSC REPORT OSM LISTINGS
92
VOLUME 31 NUMBER 1
FAST CYLINDER REPAIR SERVICE NiCom Plated ®
WE PURCHASE USED AND WORN CYLINDERS
FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CONTACT 1-888-661-7469 President & Publisher: Richard Kehoe Editorial Director: Pat Bourgeois Copy Editor: Rick Bloye
Lubricated Piston Skirt Coating $35.00 Plated Big Bore Kits • Core Exchanges Endorsed by MCB Performance/RK Tek
Art Director: Darryl Aspin
Full Service Nikasil Cylinder Services
Advertising Sales: 1-888-661-7469
Snowmobiles • ATVs • Mercury Marine Watercraft • Motorcycles
Sr. Manager Sales & Marketing: Matt Clark
Toll Free 866-922-5066 www.usnicom.com
Administrative Assistant: Sarah Day
US Chrome Corporation 650 Oak Park Ave. Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Production Manager: Tendra Crossman General Manager: Michael Blakoe
HUGE SELECTION OF ALL MAJOR AFTERMARKET PISTONS
Sales & Marketing: Cody Speares Coordinator: Logan Gamble Photographers: Todd Williams, Brett Moist, Aaron Belford, Gracey Dove, Joe Wiegele, Gary Walton, Lissa Marsolek, Steve Hamilton, CJ Ramstad Archives, Pat Bourgeois, Richard Kehoe, Tendra Crossman, Mike Blakoe, Matt Clark, Logan Gamble, Cody Speares Contributing Writers: Levi LaVallee, Jason MacDonald, Matt Clark, Justin York, Tyler Swarm, Suzy Stenoff, Darren Desautels, Ross Antworth, Dale Cormican, Jacob Travers, Jordan Hammack, Richard Kehoe, Tendra Crossman, Mike Blakoe, Matt Clark, Logan Gamble, Cody Speares Subscriptions 1-888-661-7469 or info@osmmag.com OSM is published six times a year by OSM Publishing Ltd. Office address and undelivered copies and change of address notice is: PO Box 551, 27083 Kennedy Road, Willow Beach, ON L0E 1S0, Canada. Telephone (905) 722-6766. Printed in Canada by: Dollco, a divisions of Lowe-Martin Group • Copyright 2016 OSM Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. Subscription rates for magazine (includes Trail Map Atlas) $19.00 per year, $29.00 for 2 years. $37.00 for 3 years.
Publication Mail Agreement 40010190 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
moving late fall, follow us on facebook to watch the process. @ATC Corral New address: 2 Paisley Lane, Stouffville, ON L4A 7X4
14
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
5531 Main St. Stouffville, ON L4A 7X5
www.atccorral.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE 27083 Kennedy Road Willow Beach, ON L0E 1S0, Canada ph: 905-722-6766 fax: 905-722-6761 toll-free ph: 888-661-7469 toll-free fax: 888-680-7469 email: info@osmmag.com www.osmmag.com
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
LET IT BEST-IN-CLASS DO THETOWINGHEAVY LIFTING. (UP TO 31,210 LB) 1
BEST-IN-CLASS TORQUE (UP TO 900 LB-FT) 2
BEST-IN-CLASS PAYLOAD (UP TO 7,390 LB) 3
LEGENDARY CUMMINS TURBO DIESEL
Every Ram truck is engineered to meet and exceed every challenge. No wonder Ram is Canada’s longest-lasting line of pickups,4 with the highest customer loyalty of any full-size pickup.5 FI N D O U T W H Y W E A R E 6
RAMTRUCK.CA
1 Based on 2500/250 and 3500/350 class pickups up to 14,157 kg. 2Based on 2500/250 and 3500/350 class pickups. 3Based on 3500/350 class pickups up to 3,352 kg. 4Based on longevity of entire Ram large pickup segment compared to all competitive large pickups on the road since 1988. Longevity based on IHS Automotive: Polk Canadian Vehicles In Operation data as of July 1, 2015, for model years 1988-2015 for all large pickups sold and available in Canada over the last 28 years. 5Based on third-party Canadian competitive ‘trade-in’ data for model years 2008 to September 2015 CYTD new full-size pickups. 6Based on 2015 model year sales.
osmmag.com
onsnow
drifts
Richard Kehoe
CALLING FOR COLD AND SNOW around for 225 years now, so who are we to question them? As we prepare for a great season of sledding, we’ve be visiting our usual, early season fall field events, including the Outlaw Grass Drags in Princeton and Haydays. As a true sledder at heart, I couldn’t be more excited to watch some Outlaw race sleds and walk the swaps at these events. The swaps are near and dear to many of our hearts, as long as the weather co-operates. A chunk of us from OSM, being a competitive bunch at the swaps, we are Sometimes you end up buying junk.. always trying to outdo one another. We This will be showroom buffed and on sale again in no time! all have our strengths, but for the most part, the trick is to not get caught up in he summer is sadly coming to the excitement. Normally, I come out an end, and with the excessive of the swap with one quality item and h e a t t h a t w e h a v e b e e n a bunch of someone else’s junk. Over experiencing around my place in North the years I have purchased some sweet America, I can’t wait for the fall cool sleds, the best one being a 1979 Jag down… which invites Mother Winter 340, and it was a runner for $80. One and our beloved sled season. year I was able to land a near mint 1992 It’s about time we begin another Polaris leather checkered jacket with sledding season and I couldn’t be more hot pinks and purples for $25. Later that excited. Last year was definitely a weak same night the swap turned winter. The diesel had a lot of miles on into the game show “Let’s her, searching for snow, but we always Make A Deal”. And not the found it. This year I picked up a very new cheesy one either, I’m trusting Farmer’s Almanac, and it is talking about the real one calling for a good winter with colder with Monty hall as the host. temperatures and more snow then the The OSM crew got caught average for 2017. This is great news deep in the swap, far from that I trust, The Almanac has been our camp and required
T
Come Sunday morning of the swap, it really resembles the Monty Hall game show!
16
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
some much needed hydration to make it out. It was a sad night to see that honey of a checkered jacket go, but the jacket turned into the much needed hydration for the entire crew, many times over. With those memories, there are also a few reminders of bad buys while on tour in the swap… To quote the old saying, “One person’s junk is another person’s junk.” I chalk it up to, it’s the experience that makes it fun and brings all of us snowmobilers together. There’s no block of cheese here, the key is not to get stuck with someone else’s junk! This year we will be trying to put some space between the, “Holy S*%# I can’t believe you got that, and so cheap.” And the more common, “holy F*&% what are you going to do with that?” If you’ve missed the grass drags and swaps in your parts, don’t worry, the indoor snowmobile shows start the North American tour next month. Until next time, I’ll be buffing the old Colt hood to sell at the swap!
Almanac is right this year!
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
THOSE WHO KNOW CHOOSE
DAYCO APP Find parts faster using state-of-the-art technology. Look up your machines belt with the Dayco App. The app includes belt specs, part numbers, a Where to Buy feature and training. Download the free mobile app at daycoapp.com
PROUDLY BUILTT ON THE SAME ME SOIL SOI YOU RIDE RID ON
What Belt are you? Download the app to ďŹ nd out!
daycoproducts.com dayc
news
TUCKER MAKES WISHES COME TRUE There was a sea of green t-shirts walking the pathways of south Minneapolis this summer, and leading the throng was none other than Tucker Hibbert. Tucker and his wife Mandi organized a team of Hibbert fans for the 10th annual Make-AWish Minnesota Walk for Wishes event. Appropriately calling themselves Team 68, the group raised more than $10,000 for the organization, which provides funding for wishes of kids diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. In total, over $96,000 was raised and the Hibbert clan was the top fund raising team at the event, proving once again, the generosity of snowmobilers is alive and strong.
02 01 GOT RISER BRAH? File this under the category of “when is too much riser, too much”? Once the stand up riding craze caught on, it seems everyone deemed they could turn their old snow buggy into a ground and pound ditch banger with more riser. Oh those poor steering posts. Seen some “ape hangers” in your area? Snap a few pictures and send them to our curmudgeon editor at editor@ osmmag.com. If your photos are selected, we will send you our latest OSM t-shirt for the effort.
03
400HP AND JUST 88 POUNDS Check out the Nissan ZEOD RC program engine; the threecylinder engine is incredibly compact, weighs just 88-pounds and produces…wait for it…a whopping 400-horsepower. That’s a power to weight ratio of 4.55-horsepower per pound! The engine was developed as part of Nissan’s new program designed to focus on heavily downsizing engine size and vastly improving efficiency. The engine is so small it would be considered carry-on luggage on most airlines. We know what you are thinking. Imagine for a minute, a two-cylinder version of this engine. Theoretically, the engine could produce 265-horsepower and weigh approximately just under 60-pounds!
18
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
04
GLOBAL COOLING…IT COULD HAPPEN
“Bring on the Maunder Minimum II”, that just might be the new motto for sledders in the coming years. Just what the hell is Maunder Minimum you ask? Good question. The Maunder Minimum is more commonly referred to as the prolonged sunspot minimum, a period that lasted from roughly 1645 to about 1715. This is the same time period that the last “Little Ice Age” occurred. According to the latest research by Professor Valentina Zharkova, and colleagues of Northumbria University, they made new discoveries on the inner workings of the sun. Long story short, the sun is set up for several solar cycles with significantly reduced sunspot activity. Throw another blanket on the bed and mount the snow tires. You’ve been warned.
05
THE ROTARY WANKEL RETURNS For those of you with grey hair and sore backs, you’ll remember the rotary twostroke engine developed by German engineer Felix Wankel. It was smooth as silk and had a sound all its own. It was used in several snowmobile applications with little success, but the engine concept lived on and was used in everything from Norton motorcycles to Mazda cars. Now the Wankel concept has new life in what is being referred to as an “inside-out” design. Instead of a triangular rotor rotating inside a peanut-shaped cylinder, it uses a peanut-shaped rotor in a triangular housing. The engine is being built by Connecticut based start-up Liquid Piston, and they have already built a 70cc version that powers a go-cart. The key here is the motor is incredibly lightweight for its displacement and power output, and it doesn’t suffer from the sealing issues the original design did. Now the shocker, Liquid Piston believes the design can be scaled up to as much as 1,000-horsepower!
HALL GOES TO THE COUNTRY
06
New digs and new colors will surround standout Canadian snocross racer Dylan Hall this winter as he competes in the Pro-Open ranks in CSRA and select ISOC races. Those new digs will be the Country Corners Race Team, who recently announced the signing of Hall for the 2016-17 season. Excited to be joining the Arctic Cat team, Hall hopes to complete the trifecta with a national championship in Pro-Open, after having already won the national title in Sport and Semi-Pro.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
19
news
07 POLARIS RAMPAGE This past spring, Polaris gave us a look at their latest creation, the Rampage. The vehicle is a true amphibious, all-terrain, all-season, global reaching platform. Think of it as one heck off a boon-docking buggy. The vehicle is currently deployed in support of Canadian Operation Nunalivut in the North Pole.
DEEP SNOW AND COLD COMING? If you follow weather patterns…and being an avid snowmobiler, we suspect you do, the recent winter weather patterns of the past two years has been a bust for most of us. Weather geeks call this pattern El Nino, and while we won’t get into all the scientific mumbo jumbo of warming sea-surface water, those same “geeks” say those areas of the ocean now appear to be cooling and should return to “normal” by summer. In fact, many are predicting the cooling trend will continue producing colder than normal surface temperatures in those same areas. They call this La Nina, and last time we had a significant La Nina event, it triggered record snowfalls for much of the Snowbelt. In other words, break out the paddle track, you might need it.
09
08 LATEST ON THE REV-4 Engineering crews at the OEMs never rest, especially during the summer months, as they ready the latest batch of sleds for production. The Ski-Doo crew alerted us to some updates to their newest buggy this past fall that may or may not have been effectively communicated during the spring buzz. For starters, all MXZ and Renegade 850 models will come with pDrive clutches equipped with clickers for RPM adjustment. Also, the Summit Gen4 models will come shipped with one set of front idler wheels in the rear suspension in addition to the rail-mounted scratchers. Those same models will now use a one-piece bottom gear in the case versus the bi-metal gear that was proposed this past spring. The kids from Valcourt also sent us a list of updated suspension specs, and noted they now measure rear suspension travel at the rail bump stop, meaning the new numbers represent true travel, not erroneous rear bumper numbers.
20
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
Available at:
WHITBY | GUELPH | INNISFIL | SUDBURY
ROYAL DISTRIBUTING | CANADA’S POWERSPORTS LEADER!
WWW.ROYALDISTRIBUTING.COM | MAIL ORDER: 1.800.265.2970 M-F 8AM-6PM EST
news
10
SVX 450 BURNS SOME RUBBER Perhaps the most anticipated new snowmobile for the 2017 season is the all-new Arctic Cat SVX 450. Hey…don’t go calling the new green machine a snow bike either, the kids at Cat are doing all the right things with this new machine to ensure it will, and can be registered as a bonafide snowmobile. The last time we checked in with the SVX was this past spring in Montana at the Arctic Cat western research and development center. The boys and girls there were putting in long hours on some key details, namely ski and track design, as well as some unique snowmobile required attributes such as a single lever brake. We haven’t yet had an opportunity to ride the SVX, but our good buddy and Arctic Insider website master John Sandberg has, and he tells us it is much easier to ride than any other similar “kitted” motorcycle. Perhaps even more enticing is the fact there is a ton of development and refinement potential to be gained, as Arctic engineers focus on making the ride characteristics more intuitive, requiring less of a learning curve. The bike hasn’t been kept completely under wraps either. Cat’s own Waiting for Winter guy simply couldn’t wait, and he (or is it she?) made the pilgrimage to the great motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota this summer to burn some rubber, cruise the main drag, and have a bump at Old Saloon No. 10, after the day’s ride was over.
50 YEARS OF THE DIABLO Old sledder fans take note, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the unusual Bolens Diablo Rouge snowmobile, and collectors of the one part snow tractor, one part sleigh are throwing a party. The date is set for January 14th, 2017 in Port Washington, Wisconsin, the very city where Bolens had their manufacturing facilities. Both the Hus-Ski, (the first model built in Pointe-Claire, Quebec before being purchased by Bolens in the summer of 1965) and Diablo models will be part of the celebration. Plans include a show, ride, and an evening banquet with special guest speakers. You can learn more by visiting www.gogodiablo.com
22
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
11 TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
news
12 BACK COUNTRY ASCENDER PROGRAM The manufacturers, in coordination with the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association will launch a new kind of avalanche awareness program this September at Haydays. Dubbed the Backcountry Ascender, the program is free and designed to educate all riders about the dangers of riding the backcountry, through an engaging smart phone app. Riders can earn points for completing lessons and courses, and in doing so will increase their “rank” amongst other riders. Plans are in the works to provide prizes from manufacturers and industry market companies for unlocking various levels of the app. Watch our website www.osmmag.com for more details after the program is launched.
13
24
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
CBR SIGNS PRO-LITE RIDER JACOB YURK Christian Brothers Racing has added young blood to their roster for the upcoming snocross season with up and comer Jacob Yurk from Grand Blanc, Michigan. Yurk finished second in the year-end points battle in the Sport class last year, taking four wins and eight podiums along the way. Jacob will look to continue his podium performance in the highly competitive Pro-Lite division. Yurk joins CBR Pro-Open racer Logan Christian in the hauler.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
news
THE BIG TORONTO SHOW IS COMING If you attend just one snowmobile show this fall, there is little doubt which one it should be…the biggest one naturally. The International Snowmobile, ATV, and Powersports Show at the Toronto International Centre is without a doubt, the world’s largest indoor snowmobile show. Offering more than just the biggest and best vendors in the industry, the show also features freestyle shows, custom sled builds, used snowmobile and ATV sales, vintage sled displays, 120 races, and nearly every possible tourism destination and region you can imagine, so you can plan this winter’s trips. Mark your calendars for October 21-23, 2016, and buy your tickets early to avoid the lines. www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
MOTORCYCLE SUN RUN Motorcycle Sun Run logo with “1st Annual Motorcycle Sun Run took place July 23, 2015, raising money to help financially support patients across Canada in their fight against breast cancer. With kick stands up in Guelph, Ontario, the event was a great success and raised money for a great cause.
WORD SEARCH
26
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
WHO YOU’LL FIND AT THE 29TH ANNUAL TORONTO INTERNATIONAL SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW
Arctic Cat Armour Truck Decks Bacon Baffin Boots Caliber Choko CSRA CV Tech CYT Snowgear Dayco Dealers Evans Coolant First Place Parts Five O Nine (509) FXR Gamma Gates Hygear Parts Canada Polaris Royal Distributing Ski-Doo Snowmobile Clubs Tie Boss Trailers Ultimax Yamaha
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
SUDOKU 7 4 9
2 2
9 1
8
6
1
5 FACEBOOK.COM/ONSNOWMAGAZINE
8
5
6
3 8
5 7
7
3
2
4 3
4
6
8
2 5
5
90 Piece Kit
In 2017 alone, there are 34 sled models that take a 90 stud pattern.
Today, life is all about convenience. Our 90 piece kit offers just that.
For 1.25" lug two-ply tracks:
GDPK-1325-90S
make life easier with Woody’s® 90 piece kit; contact your local dealer today!
Includes 90: Short Big Nuts, 5/16” Round Digger® support plates, and 1.325” Gold Digger® Traction Master® studs
For 1.25" lug single-ply tracks:
GMPK-1325-90
Includes 90: Short Big Nuts, 5/16” Round Grand Digger® support plates, and 1.325” Grand Master® studs
www.WoodysTraction.com 989.689.4911 woodys@wiem.com Hope, MI, USA International Engineering & Mfg. © IEM 2016. All rights reserved.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
27
Headhsot by Todd Williams • www.toddwilliamsusa.com
winging it
LEVI LAVALLEE
URBAN SNOWMOBILING seemed so unnatural, it really didn’t’ make much sense, which is likely why I found it so appealing. So how does an idea this absurd go from dream to reality? Red Bull. Red Bull has created and executed projects around the globe that will blow your mind! They also have a great relationship with the city of St. Paul, thanks to such successful events as Red Bull “Crashed Ice”, which has been held at the St. Paul Cathedral for several years. Although a little skeptical when approached with the idea of a snowmobile jumping off buildings and bridges, the city of St. Paul knew we would take every precaution to accomplish the project in a safe, well organized manner. After gaining approval from the city, we scouted out the area, looking for different features that looked appealing. Once we decided on the features, we measured all of the features so we could duplicate them at my compound. My compound was an assortment of nearly all the features in the video. Because it was winter, I couldn’t get the paving company to lay down some asphalt to duplicate the Ramsey Hill jump, so I had to just wing that one. (LOL) We practiced at the compound for about a month and I felt pretty comfortable. Then we took down all the features, loaded them on trailers, and hauled them The Compound Crew out measuring the Cathedral jump last Fall.
HEY!
I have a meeting to get to!”, the gentleman said in a slightly agitated tone as he checked his phone. “Sir, you cannot cross the road, a snowmobile is going to be crossing,” responded the police officer. “A what?!” This was the conversation between a hurried businessman, stopped at a busy intersection by a St. Paul Police officer last winter. Moments later, a snowmobile jumped off the roof of a city hall building
28
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
in downtown St Paul, and raced through the intersection onto the Wabasha Bridge. The businessman looked at the officer with eyes wide open and asked in a more curious tone, “Is he going to do that again?” For years, I have driven through cities, looking at all of the possibilities and thinking how incredible it would be to make a city into a playground for my snowmobile. The same way that skateboarders or BMX riders have done for a long time. Yet, the thought of a snowmobile racing through a city
This is what was left of my wear bars after we did a bit too much asphalt running the first day!
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow Field of dreams
to St. Paul to be set up. The city of St. Paul and their police department were exceptional with helping us with traffic control and any other things we needed throughout the week of filming. Often times we would have less than 24 hours to occupy the area, so the build would happen all night, and then we would film it the next morning so the crew could tear it down right after. The crew of guys from BecomeCo and The Compound Crew worked magic setting things up to spec, tearing it down, and then building the next day’s features in what was a week of non-stop activity. They worked long hours and as a result, I am positive they consumed more Red Bull per person, per day than anyone in the Midwest! I heard numbers like 10-14 in a day! By the time everything was set up,
the camera crew and I would arrive, and they would begin setting up the different shots. I likely had the easiest task of anyone involved. When it was time to go…I went. While I was going, I tried to make it look good, ha ha. The hardest part for me was trying to stay focused on what I was doing, instead of doing the internal “pinch myself, is this really happening”!? After 6 days of filming throughout St. Paul, I left being able to check another crazy idea off my bucket list. Aside from having to order some more wear bars from Woody’s, I left with an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life! To see that experience, check it out on You Tube: https://youtu.be/HoZBi04afwc search “Urban Snowmobiling” or scan the QR code.
The roundabout scene was an awesome idea. Put the outside ski against the concrete wall and pin it. It worked great but I wouldn’t suggest it.
“Is he gonna do that again?!”
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
29
scene it ON SN
ACCE
OW M
SS
AGAZ
INE
Snowmobile Hall of Fame Classic Sled Roundup The annual gathering of old sleds, past racing greats, and one of the best vintage snowmobile swap meets in the country at the Snowmobile Hall of Fame (SHOF) in St. Germain, Wisconsin has been on our bucket list of must attend summer gatherings for several years. This year we made it happen and we weren’t disappointed. A trip to this part of Wisconsin is in many ways, a trip back in time to the glory days of snowmobiling. In addition to the Snowmobile Hall of Fame and its amazing display of memorabilia, the community of Eagle River, Wisconsin is just a few short miles away, and is of course, home to the iconic Derby Track and the International Snowmobile Hall Fame. Needless to say, the area is steeped in snowmobile history and it was all on display during our visit.
We came across several sleds we’d never seen before including this one of a kind Evel Knievel Special Ski-Doo. We spent a little time gathering the backstory on this one, and we were so intrigued we scheduled a visit with the Gottschalk family, which owns the sled (and several others) to learn more and photograph the sled for a future Time Tracks feature.
We came across several sleds we’d never seen before including this one of a kind Evel Knievel Special Ski-Doo. We spent a little time gathering the back-story on this one, and we were so intrigued we scheduled a visit with the Gottschalk family, which owns the sled (and several others) to learn more and photograph the sled for a future Time Tracks feature.
30
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
This swap find immediately caught the eye of OSM Editor Bourgeois, who is also known to be a hot rod car enthusiast. The sled was quickly scooped up by a Rupp collector and we learned that Mickey Rupp and Robert Peterson, the founder and publisher of Hot Rod Magazine were friends, and one of their conversations led to a Rupp snowmobile becoming a project build for the magazine. This is another sled that we are going to follow closely to track down more information, and include it in a future Time Tracks article in the near future…stay tuned.
Along with the sleds that can be found on display at the SHOF and those being judged at the Round Up, there were plenty more gems to be found in the swap meet, like this glistening Mercury 250E…a sled so ugly only a mother (and avid vintage sled collector) could love it.
Hard to find parts were not-so-hard-to-find at the Round Up swap. We scored some Starfire heads that had been machined and ready to go.
According the Round Up regulars, the swap this year was bigger than ever, completely filling the St. Germain Town Park by early morning.
In the show area, the shine of restored sleds was everywhere…pick your favorite brand, it was there.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
31
s sceneit ON SN
ACCE
OW M
SS
AGAZI
NE
There are few things in the vintage snowmobile world more interesting and more stunning than the factory race sleds of the day. It was a time when excess was deemed best, and engineers and race teams tried everything to produce more power and winning results. The double X Ski-Daddler models and their megaphone pipes are littered with engineering details that were employed in what could best be described as a trial-by-fire approach.
Some displays took things a few steps further with vintage trucks completing the look. The old Ski-Doo on the truck appeared to be an unrestored original…our favorite kind.
Unlike other swaps we’ve been to, this one was virtually void of garage junk, and was filled with vintage sled stuff, period. We were in heaven.
32
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
The swap meet had deals literally falling out of the back of some vehicles.
Arctic was king back in the early 1970s and they often looked to expand their brand with such things as mini-bikes, lawn mowers, and of course, snow blowers.
We arrived at the swap by 7:00am Saturday morning, and already would be buyers were bending a careful ear to the cackle of a two-stroke.
This Can-Am drag bike was the creation of the late Phil Mickelson, when he worked for Bombardier as Service Manager. The bike started life at MX-1 125 Can-Am frame, and is powered by a 1973 three cylinder Blizzard 645 engine with some “Son Pro” specs applied. The bike only ran a few times, but Phil recorded a winning time in the 1/8th mile in Milwaukee, running 98mph in 7.41 seconds. The bike also clocked a quarter-mile run of 11.09 seconds at 106mph.
Of course with racing as an always present element of the SHOF, it wasn’t surprising to see several race sleds on display including this amazing Manta dragster. TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
33
A 1973 Northway 440 racer, complete with twin stinger pipes exiting each side of the hand fabricated cowl.
Heavy metal was pumping, and moving fast in the early morning hours.
sceneit ON SN
ACCE
OW M
SS
AGAZ
The local Bo-Boen Club played a vital role in the day’s activities, and it’s safe to say that the trails in this area are groomed to perfection with top-shelf equipment.
INE
There was a time when only antique sleds were considered truly collectable. Today the sport has exploded with such undeniable momentum, that all old sleds from early rear engine models to even early 1990 models are now deemed worthy of inclusion at any vintage sled gathering.
34
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
sceneit
Balloon tires, early 70’s metal flake, and a two-stroke motor…damn sexy.
We scored these wall hangers for the shop, along with an equally nice Moto-Ski lid.
There were sleds in the swap that changed hands and could very well be back at the show next year, freshly restored and part of the judged show. Along with collecting, vintage sled racing is huge in this region, with the Eagle River Derby Track hosting a vintage-racing weekend that attracts more racers and nearly as many fans as the original derby weekend does.
We couldn’t leave out another sled that is part of the Gottschalk family collection. This is the Gor Ski and yes, that is the correct color and correct seat. Apparently only 10 of these sleds were ever produced from the Gorski Industries plant in Corry, Pennsylvania. We hope to learn more about this sled when we visit the Gottschalk family later this year.
36
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
The Snowmobile Hall of Fame Museum is open Thursday through Saturday throughout the year, and offers extended hours during the winter months. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead if planning a visit: 715-542-4463. The museum is also currently planning a 6,000 foot expansion, with two floors of displays to showcase many of the sleds and memorabilia that is currently in other buildings, due to lack of space. You can learn more by visiting their website at www. snowmobilehalloffame.com
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
“THIS IS AN EASY AFTERMARKET UPGRADE, AND THE REWARDS ARE WELL WORTH IT.” —AMERICAN SNOWMOBILER MAGAZINE
REWARD YOURSELF The VForce3R was designed, developed and tested in close conjunction with Polaris Industries to ensure the very best in both performance and reliability. Unique to the VForce3R is the rubber overmolding on the reed tip surfaces of the reed cage. This allows the use of an ultra responsive reed petal, while also drastically enhancing reed petal life.
@mototass / mototassinari.com
VFORCE3R_FEATURES_
* RUBBER OVERMOLDING ENHANCES PETAL LIFE * MODEL SPECIFIC AIRGUIDE FOR MAX FLOW * EXCEPTIONAL HORSEPOWER GAINS * ALL-NEW EXCLUSIVE REED PETAL MATRIX * INCREASED FUEL EFFICIENCY
KINGS
take 5
When it comes to snowmobile kings, few will forget the mighty King Kat. The massive, speed obsessed sled featured huge, three and four-cylinder free-air cooled engines protruding through the hood, and are one of the most coveted Arctic Cat snowmobiles amongst collectors today. Here are five lesser-known kings. Editor’s Note: Special thanks to David’s Vintage Snowmobile Page for images and information used in this article. Have a strange sled you know little about? Visit David’s page at www. vintagesnowmobiles.50megs.com
SNOW-KING
SNO-KING
There were in fact, two Sno-Kings during the late 1960’s, one produced by Polaris for Messelt Direct Service stores, and another one pictured here, built by Lionel in Princeville, Quebec. The somewhat homely looking sled was available with front and rear wheel kits for year-round use, and came in three Hirth engine choices; a 300cc, 375cc and a big daddy 640cc.
Another one-year wonder, this Snow King was manufactured by Robin Nodwell who also manufactured SnoScoot snowmobiles. They were sold through Simpsons-Sears stores in Canada during the 1966 model year, and were featured in the Christmas catalog for 1965. The sled came with plenty of accessory options including a fiberglass sleigh and single-place trailer to transport your new sled. Power was from a 10.5-horsepower JLO, for speeds up to 30mph.
FRAM KING
The crew here at OSM couldn’t find much information on this Swedish built snowmobile, known as a Snoskoter across the pond. Produced in 1971 only, the Fram King featured a single cylinder Sachs engine and touted a gearbox with reverse. The Fram King ads proudly proclaimed the “King” was “the new Swedish quality controlled snowmobile program”.
38
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
YUKON KING
Probably one of the best known “other” kings, the Yukon King started life as a wooden sleigh for dog sleds, horses, and snowmobiles to tow. Looking to add a fiberglass sleigh to the line, Yukon King owner Don Thomson made contact with Silverline boats in Moorhead, Minnesota. Silverline had already built a snowmobile called the T-Bird in 1967, and soon after they agreed to produce snowmobiles for Yukon King and discontinue the T-Bird. Yukon Kings were produced till 1969 when Arctic Cat bought the company.
TRAIL KING
Imported by King International (naturally) from Portland, Michigan, the Trail King was another snowmobile produced by Lionel Industries. Available in 1970 and 1971, this King was also sold through Woolco Department stores, and was available in seven different model configurations in ’70. The sled featured a new, sleeker design in ’71, with the twin headlights mounted close together in the center of the hood.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
39
time tracks
‘72
40
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
Columbia TrackMaster C300
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
When A Bicycle Company Decided To Make Snowmobiles
S
nowmobile history is cluttered with giant companies that dove into the market, only to sell out or pull the plug after a few seasons. John Deere made perhaps the mightiest effort at making their snowmobile business work, pouring money into racing and developing some unique, if not groundbreaking snowmobiles. There were other big players as well - some obvious, some content to stand in the shadows and let the brand get all the glory. Textron was the giant behind Polaris, Armco Steel owned Chaparral, outdoor company Coleman owned Skiroule, Brunswick had a Mercury-branded snowmobile and even AMF jumped into the fray with its own Ski-Daddler brand, as well as a Harley-Davidson-branded machines. Then there were more experienced machinery and engine building companies that hedged a bet on the snowmobile industry,
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
41
time tracks
companies such as Massey-Ferguson, Suzuki and Kawasaki. While there were many interesting players jumping into the industry, one of the most interesting was Columbia. Snowmobiles were part of a push made by Columbia in the early 1970s to introduce a more diverse product line. Before 1967, Columbia had been
42
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
known as a maker of bicycles and school furniture – desks, chairs, etc. But, in 1967, a merger with MTD, one of the world’s largest makers of outdoor power equipment, expanded the company’s vision of what it could produce. Just three years later in 1970, Columbia introduced a 133cc all-terrain bike called the Mud Bug. They also demo’d a line
of snowmobiles, a product dealers said they wanted in a big way. Knowing their dealer network was craving to get into the fast growing sledding scene, Columbia went to market in 1971 with a line of snowmobiles bearing the MTD nameplate. Taking a lesson from their outdoor power equipment experience, they used
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
time tracks
standardized parts and production to create a small, but well-built lineup. With decades of outdoor power equipment experience, MTD knew dealers, and they knew they wanted products that were simple and easy. Although there were different models in the lineup, the chassis, suspension, and many other components interchanged between them, thereby simplifying service, maintenance, and parts inventory. With a year of production under their belts, MTD came to market in 1972 with seven different models. Dubbed “The Gem of the Snow Country,” the lineup consisted of three SST models and four TrackMaster models. The
44
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
SST models were geared more toward performance, and featured an all-new slide rail rear suspension; TrackMaster models were aimed at trail riders and rode on bogey wheels. MTD claimed the bogey wheel suspension on the TrackMaster provided a smoother ride and increased flotation. It used a center drive with a 15.5-inch wide rubber track, while SST models
used a dual-drive, polyurethane track. Bogey suspension didn’t have shocks, but front ski shocks were an option on TrackMaster models and standard on SST models. The skid frame on SST models featured torsion springs that controlled front and rear suspension arms. Both SST and TrackMaster models used 340, 400 and 440 JLO engines with single Walbro carburetors. The one exception is the model featured here, the C300 used a Sachs 293 single with a Tillotson HR64A carburetor. The C300 weighed 345-pounds, about the same as the more high-performance SST models and less than its sister TrackMaster models. Sleds boasted “automotive-type” steering with a ball and socket design, basically a simplified rack and pinion. Hand grips were unique too, featuring little rubber knobs that were designed to maintain grip, even if they got wet or icy. Braking was achieved with a cable-operated setup, mounted on the secondary sheave. While some manufacturers of the time were struggling with fit and finish, MTD had that down from the start. Painted
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
a brief mission statement. The sleds were officially branded as “Columbia manufactured by MTD Products Inc.” As new players, maybe the marketing whiz kids at the time thought it gave them more street cred to list both companies in the branding. Who knows? The 1972 C300 TrackMaster on these pages is in original condition. Powered by the 19.5-horsepower Sachs single, OSM Editor Bourgeois is just the third owner of this piece of snowmobile history. While the exact history of the sled is unknown, the previous owner believes the sled was “gifted” to a Minneapolis fabrication shop back in 1972 by Columbia. Void of any serial number or production tag, it is believed the sled was given to the shop in appreciation for their hard work in supplying some of the parts needed to produce the TrackMaster and SST models. steel tunnels, chrome bumpers with rear grab handles, metal flake hoods, finished cowls, and chrome hood pins gave the machines definite showroom appeal. Seats were racy-looking with low-profile trunks that gave the sled a “bobbed” look that only came on performance sleds from some other brands. Marketing for the brand was interesting. While Columbia owned MTD, the printed description claimed Columbia snowmobiles were manufactured for Columbia by MTD. The sales literature then went on to give an overview of MTD, describing it as the largest producer of outdoor power equipment in the world, and listing number of employees and TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
45
shop hustle Remember when a gas can was pretty dang simple…you know, a can and a spout and a cap? Then those darn environmentalists got involved, and decided those cans let too much vapor escape into the atmosphere. That’s where we got those new fangled versions with vents, and levers, and sliding nozzles. Some of them are so complicated, you need a manual to fill up your snow scooter, not to mention the flow rate is about as sparse as a bar pour at one of those fancy downtown hotels.
The Sure Can is made in the good ol’ USA, and while it meets all of the stringent Environmental Protection Agency (EPS) guidelines, it does so without the complexity of those cans you buy in the big box stores.
So when the Sure Can arrived at our shop last winter, we thought, “oh no not again”. The Sure Can serves up a new take on a rather simple product… think of it as a better mousetrap. Unlike traditional cans where you need to tip the can to pour the gas into your buggy, the Sure Can features a rotating nozzle at the bottom of the container, and a lever actuated valve that lets you control fuel flow. We were skeptical at first, but after a few uses we are ready to ditch our traditional cans and get a few more.
The unique quality of the Sure Can is the bottom mounted fueling nozzle that can be rotated more than 180-degrees, and locks upright when storing or transporting. One nag we noted was the cap is a bit difficult to unscrew, and the plastic tether to retain the cap is both too short and susceptible to breaking after a few uses.
46
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow The top mounted lever is self-ventilating and is used to control fuel flow while filling. Surprisingly, flow is far better than expected, and while it can’t rival an “oldschool” race jug or non-EPA compliant can from yesteryear, it flows faster than any off-the-shelf can we have in our shop.
We appreciated the slightly over-sized filler cap found on the Sure Can. The larger size makes fill-ups at the pump easier, with less chance of overfilling.
Once the nozzle is in place, squeeze the trigger and let ‘er rip. The smallish size of the nozzle allows you to still see inside the tank and since you can control flow, the risk of over-filling, cursing, and running quick to grab a shop rag are greatly reduced.
The beauty of the Sure Can is you don’t spill. Simply rotate the nozzle down and insert into the tank. Since the fuel valve is at the bottom of the tank, there are no dribbles to wreck that metal flake paint on your recently restored vintage buggy.
The Sure Can is available in colors to match most common fueling needs including yellow for diesel, blue for kerosene, and of course red for your favorite dead dinosaur. Gas cans come in 2-gallon ($39.99 US) and 5-gallon ($49.99 US) sizes. The price is a bit steep, but given how many of those big box cans we’ve purchased and hated, it’s worth the price. To get yours visit them online at www.surecanusa.com. Sure Can also recently announced they have partnered with Crispo Canada to bring the Sure Can north of the border. Contact Crispo for more details by emailing them at customerservice@crispocanada.com TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
47
lawn ornaments Wow, what a season it has been for our ongoing hunt for the not so elusive rotting lawn ornaments in yards, and backwoods locations across the Snowbelt. Call them sleds in waiting or on the to do list, just don’t call the junk man…yet. From partially buried treasures, to oh-so-close to the trash bin finds, here is this year’s first installment of faded plastic, ripped seat covers, tarnished aluminum, and rusting steel. Remember, if you stumble upon a lawn ornament in your area or on your travels, snap a photo and send it in. If your photo is selected and published you will receive a freshly screen OSM #RunsOnSpray t-shirt. Email your pics to editor@ osmmag.com. Happy hunting.
Gordon Vincent discovered the final resting spot of old Bravos, which apparently wandered off from the herd to lie down to die. We’d call these little one-lungers “well-worn”.
Bill and Judy Haiser have become regular contributors to Lawn Ornaments, and their latest find was located on the Dempster Highway in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The little Ski-Doo looks lonely as it waits for water and winter to return.
48
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
Ran when parked…two years ago.
Judging by the other “ornaments” in this shot, the Pro-X is the pride of the prairie and the newest fuel fed buggy in the yard.
Pride in ownership is evident… meticulously stored for the summer season.
Along every woods line, treasures can be found before the spring foliage provides UV protection.
The latest snowmobile touring sensation… the XC overnighter package complete with already sampled TORONTO SNOWMOBILE,some ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • hydration. OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
49
lawn ornaments
Up on blocks and ready for next season…good nuff.
A caged beast ready to unleash all 250cc of single cylinder mayhem.
FOR SALE: Two sleds…need work… make one runner and sell the other.
This guy is sponsored…#IRIDESTANDINGUP
50
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
1-888-661-SHOW
FRI. OCT. 21 1PM - 9PM
OSMMAG.COM
SAT. OCT. 22 SUN. OCT. 23 10AM - 7PM 10AM - 5PM
ATVWORLD.COM
FREE PARKING NEW SLEDS AND ATVS HUGE MANUFACTURER DISPLAYS LIVE FREESTYLE SHOWS AND RACING AMAZING CUSTOM EXHIBITS PLAN YOUR TRIP & BUY YOUR PERMIT
SPONSORED BY
CELEBRITY APPEARANCES GIANT USED MARKET AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS TOURISM PAVILIONS SNOWMOBILE RACING
WWW.TORONTOSNOWMOBILEATVSHOW.COM
lawn ornaments
Faded…torn…trusted.
The full arsenal of winter fun…pit sled, race sled, touring sled.
We can only imagine what’s inside the garage.
52
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
THE LEADER
IN RECONDITIONED ENGINES, PARTS AND ACCESSORIES
MOST COMPLETE INVENTORY IN NORTH AMERICA CYLINDER REPLATING
ENGINE AND CRANKSHAFT REBUILDING CVT PULLEYS, PISTONS, GASKETS AND MORE! 9701 S, 58th st., Franklin, Wisconsin, 53132-9107
::: &97(&+˨$$% &20
Fax : 1 (866) 418-4786
1 (866) 802-2404
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
53
anchor of the month
54
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
Anchor of the Month
NAME:
1989 Ski-Doo Formula Mach 1 _______________________________________________________
with silver striping COLOR: Black ______________________________________________________ BIRTHPLACE:
Valcourt, Quebec _________________________________________________
SIGNIFICANCE:
I _______________________________________________ introduced Rotax RAVE valve technology to consumers.
Wood paneling and low racing windshield. ACCESSORY I WISH I HAD: ______________________________________ FAVORITE SONG:
Blown Wide Open by Big Wreck; Slow Ride by Foghat; ______________________________________________
Wrecking Machine by Slave Raider; and anything by Taylor Swift since she breaks ______________________________________________________________ up with everyone. ______________________________________________________________ it would have to be the all black leather ridBEST PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTE: Oh _____________________________________
ing suits worn by my boyfriends. Although there was that one time when I wore ______________________________________________________________ a______________________________________________________________ sheep’s wool seat cover. That felt pretty nice. HEARTBREAKS:__________________________________________________ Arctic Cat Wildcat, Polaris Indy 650, and Sunday afternoon trails.
Machless, Davey Rave, PMS, Weight Watchers Dropout, Recall Rita NICKNAMES:_______________________________________________________________ tie-rod boot covers. LOST LOVES: My __________________________________________________ “You might want to mix THINGS OVERHEARD AT THE LOCAL WATERING HOLE: ______________________
in a salad.” and “Your dealer called.” ______________________________________________________________ IF I WEREN’T A SNOWMOBILE I’D BE: ____________________________ A Zamboni The year was 1988, and the snowmobile industry was in the midst of a dramatic transformation on two fronts.
The Polaris Indy had ushered in a formidable independent front suspension design that everyone was attempting to
replicate in a unique way. On top of that, the horsepower wars were heating up, with both Arctic Cat and Polaris playing at the top of the heap with the 650 Wildcat and 650 Indy respectively. Already regarded for the engineering capabilities, Ski-Doo released their own independent suspension starting in 1981 with the Blizzard MX and then improved upon it with the PRS design, which utilized trailing arms and a complex array of linkages and shocks underhood. Meanwhile it was on the ice oval racetrack where Ski-Doo and Rotax were working on an advanced
engine design that would squeeze more power from less displacement. In 1989 those power concepts were brought
to the masses with the first ever Mach 1 snowmobile. This was a new breed of muscle sled for Ski-Doo and while the engine was smaller than the competition at only 581cc, it was the introduction of Rotax Adjustable Variable
Exhaust (RAVE exhaust valves) that would give the Mach the added boost in power it would need to compete. The first year Mach was initially plagued with performance issues and a major factory recall was needed to correct
many of the issues. The sled also paid a huge weight penalty compared to other muscle sleds, due in large part to
the complex PRS front suspension. Still the sled was a looker, and in subsequent years the Mach would shake its
gremlins and eventually house a monstrous 670 Rotax triple that continues to lay down fast times in grass and ice drags today.
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
55
osmmag.com
onsnow
56
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
osmmag.com
onsnow
AFTER THE SPRING HYPERBOLE SUBSIDED, OSM was given an extended ride opportunity aboard the hot new rides for this coming winter. Here’s what we think.
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
57
osmmag.com
onsnow
58
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
THE most HYPER SLED S N R U T E R FASTER THAN EVER BEFORE
ders industry insi be ld u co knew it the r ve O . it d expecte er ev n uesধon q st o le been liħ done, yet m as h e er th s s year me of the past 40-plu y to build so it ac p ca e th s. Yamaha has powersport s, d motors in snowmobile te to ve s co ile st b o o m m to e. au ak es to r” nam rcycles to its “moto From moto p u e ed av h liv d as an yh technologies the compan ered in new op the sh u el e ev d av h n ca ey Th nly d they not o seamless demonstrate iver it with el d so al t u le, b bility. unimaginab e charts relia th f o p to d an run quality
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
59
osmmag.com
onsnow
The hyper sled has returned Whatt was finally Wh ll d done was the kind of four-stroke engine we’ve been secretly wishing for from Yamaha for the past several years. A fire-breathing beast that landed with a mega-ton bomb impact last spring that simultaneously said, “We’re back” and perhaps more quietly for both Arc c Cat and Yamaha, “The hyper sled has returned!” The original power claims of 180-horsepower for the Genesis Turbo have turned out to be rather modest. Both companies sent an early build of their flagship models to a third party source to glean output numbers beyond the in-house marke ng department claims. Turns out the beast-from-the-east motor, with technology tracing back to Yamaha’s motorcycle GP racing efforts, has plenty more power on-tap. Both sleds came back, pushing the dynamometer needles in excess of 200-horsepower. The somewhat unexpected, although not unheard of in the snowmobile industry, rela onship between Yamaha and Arc c Cat has proven thus far to be a win for both companies. With Yamaha in need of a jolt in terms of chassis and suspension development, and Arc c Cat gaining both increased build quan es and lessons in quality control measures, it’s safe to say the rela onship so far has been working. Now, with the arrival of the Genesis Turbo, it appears the duo is about to enter new ground with a powertrain package that appears to have involved both par es to a greater degree from the very early stages of development.
The “flatlander” RTX Sidewinder whips a rather inadequate 129-inch track that is clearly overmatched by the enormous thrust. We found the slightly longer 137inch equipped LTX to provide a be er trail balance for the power.
New body work graces all turbo models from both brands, with Yamaha opࢼng for a slightly rounded form, while the Cat is more angular and smooth. Both brands feature dual “nostril” vents for ample airflow under hood and a large front “mouth” for direct flow to the intercooler.
60
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
The changes to Arcࢼc Cat’s TEAM Rapid Response II drive and driven system is barely noࢼceable at first glance. The system obviously looks nearly idenࢼcal to the first version introduced last year, and now found on virtually every model in the line, but a secondary void of deflecࢼon adjustment is the visual cue. The system’s ability to maintain ideal deflecࢼon is perhaps the sleeper technological advancement of the season, regardless of brand.
Packing of the new Genesis Turbo is very compact, but despite using every available ounce of space, rouࢼng of wires and lines is done in ࢼdy fashion considering just how much of it there is. This view is looking down atop the Genesis and its turbo unique triple thro le body design.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
61
osmmag.com
onsnow
Never has the mantra “when in doubt, thro le out” been more true or more effec ve.
It’s a Beast and a Baby Technology laden is the best way to describe the new Genesis Turbo, the kind of engine that makes powertrain geeks and engineering students giddy. It’s a Dairy Queen® Blizzard® whipped and blended with every deliciously sweet concocধon imaginable, and goes down with a sugar hit that is both bold and smooth. While we could spend pages detailing the inner workings of the new Genesis motor, there are some key aħributes that play an important part in the horsepower symphony. It starts with a first of its kind intake manifold that touts a triple throħle body design; something according to Yamaha is unique for a turbo applicaধon. The idea behind it is to address a primary performance goal for the new engine to not “feel” like a “tradiধonal” turbo engine. The big culprit of most turbo engines is what is referred to as turbo lag, the hesitaধon from when you crack the throħle ধll the exhaust gasses can spool up the turbo, and produce the forced inducধon power a turbo engine is designed for. In the words of Yamaha engineers, “The
62
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
The added trac on available on Sidewinder BTX models with the all-new 153” x 1.75” Backcountry track makes it easy to stab the thro le, and ini ate sky launch at a moment’s no ce.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
FEATURING:
• SUPERCLAMP • NEW SUPERGLIDE WIDE • SUPERTRAC
OPTIONAL: • • • •
Aluminum or Wood Deck Long Track Deck Extension UTV Ramp See Website For More Options
THE NEXT GENERATION OF TRUCK DECKS Optional Deck Extension and UTV Ramp
WESTERN CANADA/USA CALL TOLL FREE: 1-866-930-9411 Chiliwack BC. • Stony Plain AB. • St. Andrews MB • Tacoma WA. USA
LED Lighting on Headache Rack and Under Truck Deck
Expandable Side Rail to Accommodate 1 or 2 sleds
EASTERN CANADA: LLD DISTRIBUTION
marlonproducts.com
TOLL FREE: 1-888-512-7226 EMAIL: info@lldinc.ca Ontario • Quebec (Francais) • Maritimes
birchpointmarina.com Bobcaygeon, ON 705.738.2473
BRINGS NEW LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE & RELIABILITY TO YOUR ARCTIC CATS
XYZ PERFORMANCE SPEEDWERX TURBO DYNAMICS Z90 TURBO PACKAGE DYNO SERVICES DYNO JET TRACK DYNO MACHINE SHOP & WELDING CLUTCH BALANCING CYLINDER REPLATING & EXCHANGE PROGRAM GRASS & ASPHALT & ICE DRAG SET UPS PARTS, TUNING COMPONENTS USED PARTS & USED SLEDS
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
63
osmmag.com
onsnow
One of the key changes to the Yamaha Sidewinder clutching package is the introduc on of secondary cam rollers versus tradi onal “sliders”. The rollers run cooler and are more efficient, and work in tandem with a new helix design that is larger in diameter and offers unique shi angles for the turbo applica on.
Off-trail versions of the Sidewinder (BTX and MTX) u lize a new Mountain Ski that Yamaha claims to offer the widest and deepest keel ever produced for a produc on sled. The wide ski design serves up added flota on, while the deep keel delivers improved “bite” in off-trail, deep snow condi ons. However, the big keel sacrifices steering effort and dar ng while riding on trail.
The struggle was real with Cat’s previous side panel design, especially on the PTO side of the vehicle. New panels have a much improved fit and feature half-turn fasteners.
Even in off-trail situa ons, we were impressed by the Genesis Turbo’s ability to deliver manageable power versus the light switch variety we were accustomed to from big pony sleds in the past.
64
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
Turbo power can be found across the Cat line, save the mountain category, but a new Cross Country model will have off-trail riders in the non-mountainous states applauding. This, in our opinion, is the best looking sled in the Arc c Cat line for 2017. more seamless and predictable the power delivery...the be er the inherent handling and control will be.” At the heart of the system is the turbo charging unit itself, a high-temp nickel alloy body, housing a lightweight Inconel impeller, rolling on ball bearings that have been ceramic coated to withstand the crazy kind of heat that a turbo can produce. While we never proclaimed to be anything remotely resembling a metallurgist, (but we do know our way around an aluminum beer can) the Inconel compound is said to be ridiculously heat tolerant and won’t warp or crack, in even the most extreme condi ons. The brain of the opera on is no slouch either, the Yamaha Mitsubishi electronic control unit touts nine sensors measuring track speed; ambient air pressure; (or al tude) engine rpm; possible engine detona on; coolant temperature; thro le posi on at the thro le body; intake air temperature; manifold pressure, and boost pressure. The informa on from those sensors is then used to adjust igni on ming, fuel delivery, manifold air pressure, and boost pressure; the la er two work
66
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
in tandem to deliver what is undoubtedly, the smooth and predictable power traits of this engine. As men oned previously, the problem with most turbo applica ons is what is commonly referred to as “turbo lag”. The increase in power a turbo develops is due to the “forced” air and fuel charge that is fed into the combus on chamber, thus crea ng a greater and more powerful combus on cycle, without having to revert to more “old school” methods of accomplishing this, such as bigger bore, higher compression heads, por ng, etc. Instead, the turbo uses exhaust gas to spin the impeller, which thereby creates a pressurized intake charge. The more air and fuel you can jam into the combus on chamber, the bigger the bang and the more power you make. The challenge with a typical turbo applica on is when you hammer the thro le, the “boosted” charge is not quite ready. With the engine running at low rpm’s, the exhaust flow is not sufficient enough to “spool up” the turbo impeller. Think of it as a chicken or the egg conundrum. In this scenario the engine has to come up
to speed using a more “normalized” intake charge un l the exhaust gas flow is sufficient enough to build enough boost pressure. This delay is the “lag” you feel and one of the primary complaints of a turbo charged engine. But what if you could keep the boosted intake charge in wai ng; ready to feed the combus on chamber the instant you stab the thro le? That’s exactly what Yamaha engineers did. To accomplish this, there are two methods of boost control. One is the more tradi onal waste gate, which on the Genesis Turbo is controlled by an ECU monitored solenoid valve. The other key element is another control mechanism dubbed the Air Bypass Valve (ABV). Also actuated by a solenoid, this control monitors the intake manifold pressure and incorporates a “closed-loop” that retains boost pressure, and thereby improves response me when you crack the thro le. The result is a motor that has all the expected “rush” of a turbo, with nearly instantaneous response, and perhaps even more importantly, power that is smooth and controlled or instant and aggressive…the choice is yours.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
67
osmmag.com
onsnow Numbers Game When both Arc c Cat and Yamaha launched their models with the Genesis Turbo nestled under hood, the power and torque numbers were impressive. Official reports had the motor producing a healthy 180-horsepower, making it the most powerful produc on snowmobile engine ever built. With this much power, the Yamaha Sidewinder and the Arc c Cat 9000 series sleds easily touted the highest power to weight ra o of any sled in the industry by a whopping 30%. Those numbers alone were enough to have power mongers taking quick no ce, but then we were shocked once again as both Yamaha and Arc c Cat sent their boosted sleds to third party dynamometer performance shops to get another opinion. The numbers that came back were even more shocking, with the Yamaha producing 204-horsepower and the Arc c Cat a whopping 211-horsepower, both using the DynoTech Research facili es. Of course, we need to keep in mind that both of these engines were pre-produc on units, and powertrain engineers may deem the engines “too hot” for a first year produc on run and “dial back” the boost to produce pony numbers closer to the original 180 mark. S ll, the power is there, lurking within the three-cylinder Genesis motor, and if the stock output s ll isn’t enough for you, we can guarantee the aftermarket will have the “hot” set-up to turn up the boost, and eclipse the 200 mark if you so choose.
The XF 9000 Cross Country Limited features a 1.75-inch lug track, wide 43-inch stance, and the easy to tune FOX Quick Switch 3 shocks on the front suspension and rear arm.
An eyebrow LED strip light accents the headlamp for both brands. Similar to previous partnership years, a different windshield gives each a uniquely different look.
68
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
JUST 50 MINS NORTH OF TORONTO
HWY 48, Pefferlaw, Lake Simcoe 705-437-1122 • quinnsmarina.com
SKI-DOO OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 25/26/27
BUILT FOR ADVENTURE.
TC118-LR
PR-207
trailers shown with options
XT11-101 XT11 101 W/4X4 COVER
XT10-101 XT10 101
Visit our website or call to find a dealer near you. tritontrailers.com 800-232-3780 TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
69
osmmag.com
onsnow
70
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
A floating primary sheave bushing allows the system to always maintain ideal belt deflection. Thunderous Applause or Snake In the Grass? he Thundercat and the Sidewinder may share a monster for an engine, but they
also have personali es and ride characteris cs that are unique. Chalk this up to key component differences and separate calibra on teams that work on these sleds a er the ini al concepts are finalized. It’s here we start to see some key differences between the Yamaha and Arc c Cat offerings. The OSM crew spent the be er part of four days riding both models, and we were also given a second ride opportunity aboard the Thundercat later on. Both brands have chosen to transmit power to the snow using their own drive and driven clutching. Yamaha has outfi ed the turbo motor with a new YSRC system that in essence, features an oversize primary clutch and a new reverse cam secondary that no longer uses “shoe” type sliders, and now employs low fric on rollers. Tuners will be happy to know that the primary will con nue to accept current YVXC weights, springs, and rollers, but all other aspects have been strengthened to
accommodate the added heat and power the Genesis Turbo produces. The secondary has also been beefed up with high strength, heat resistant cas ngs and a wider opera ng ra o, but also retains tuning parts common with the YVXC of old. Arc c Cat also improved their system with a new TEAM Rapid Response II drive clutch. If you remember, Cat introduced the new Rapid Response drive and driven a year prior, a system developed jointly with TEAM, and featured many new technologies aimed at greatly improving Arc c Cat’s transmission and belt performance and durability. The big change to gain the “II” designator is an auto-adjus ng design that eliminates the need to adjust belt deflec on. A floa ng, primary sheave bushing allows the system to always maintain ideal belt deflec on to eliminate the possibility of the belt grabbing the sheaves of the primary due to a “too- ght” condi on. Thanks to the floa ng bushing located on the primary sha , the belt remains high
Yamaha offers the turbo package in virtually every model category, (save touring) and nearly every track length you can dream up. The XTX will sport a 141 x 1.6” Cobra track for all in season models, while Limited Edi on spring models also featured a 137-inch version. TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
71
osmmag.com
onsnow
Both Arcࢼc Cat and Yamaha needed to employ new clutching systems to manage the 200-horsepower thrust of the Genesis Turbo. Yamaha opted to rethink their exisࢼng system, and in essence, “oversized” the drive and driven in key areas to manage the added power, squeeze, and heat.
72
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
During the spring Sneak Peek shows presented by Polaris, Ski-Doo, and Yamaha, the big pony Genesis motor was a clear gathering and conversaࢼon point for would be buyers.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
While you can certainly get the turbo package in several Arcࢼc Cat models, it’s the Thundercat namesake that has really drawn the a enࢼon of Cat faithful, and those who remember the king of hyper sleds from decades gone by. While the name is a hit, the use of non-tradiࢼonal Arcࢼc Cat colors on the flagship models is somewhat of a head scratcher. and ght in the secondary, even a er the miles pile up. The result is lower effecve star ng ra o, smoother engagement, reduced belt wear, and maximum available performance from your belt. The other big difference between the Cat and Yamaha versions is the skis. Arc c Cat employs their 6-inch ProCross ski featuring a dual, off-set runner design that greatly eliminates dar ng, reduces steering effort, and yet retains precise turn in. Yamaha will launch the Sidewinder trail sleds (RTX, LTX, STX, and XTX) with their dual keel Tuner III skis that can be tuned for condi ons through various carbide lengths in the inner and outer keel. Those two technical differences, combined with different ride calibra ons in both suspension and clutching results in two hyper sleds with different person-
ali es. Certainly both are crazy fast, and both exhibit an almost unnatural ability to deliver power in as li le, or as much as you want. Power comes on smooth, and if you want to cruise trails at 40mph all day, both are shockingly willing to do so…you couldn’t do that with the hyper sleds from the 90s. Both also hit with a ferocity that no produc on snowmobile has ever done before. During our extended ride aboard the Thundercat, we easily hit 119mph with rela ve ease. This wasn’t a “dream-o-meter” reading either, it was the real deal and it got there in a hurry. Speeds like this are possible and legit, no ma er which color you choose. However, when it came to ride and handling, the Cat effort has the early edge. Steering was lighter, and both more predictable and more precise, we chalk this
up to ski design and set-up. In comparison, the Sidewinder “felt” heavier due to increased steering effort, and exhibited a level of uncertainty when charging hot into a corner. Ride calibra on was also more refined with the Arc c Cat, soaking up small trail imperfec ons and hi ng larger ones without unse ling. We’re confident the Sidewinder can accomplish the same, but in early pre-produc on tune, it wasn’t there yet. Certainly not everyone needs a sled producing upwards of 200-horsepower, but once you sample the addic ve power, it’s hard to argue against it. While not our pick for ght, twisted trails and bombed out runs, if running open and sweeping trails and being first across the lake is your calling card, the hyper sled is back, and it’s be er than ever.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
73
osmmag.com
onsnow
No quesࢼon the biggest gain with the AXYS chassis move is the 800HO motor under hood. In our opinion, this is the most responsive and free revving motor on snow in the big bore category. While not the most powerful, the instant response is simply too damn fun.
74
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
olaris for 2017 P expected, oduce tr in ued to has con n condse e th n based upo ls e d o id m more e Pro-R e ersion of th v n o name. ra e gen new AXYS e th g n ri a strides chassis, be aking huge m K M ed R e With th eing launch d 016 a er b ce 2 n in la a b rd a more forw lighter and ble ch u im n m e e th th t in ved abou ra rs 017 e 2 d r ri , o chassis dling. F ff-trail han o d n se a ci p e re st p and logical lt u k the next a o ss to A s ri ck la a o P Switchb r la u p . o e p v ir lo gave the of AXYS same kind models the
s a E WE GO ON ON ONE WITH THE 7 1 0 2 W E N POLARIS ASSAULT
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
75
osmmag.com
onsnow
The Pro-S is sࢼll the on-trail sled of choice for us in the Polaris line, but the improvements to the Switchback Assault have made it a be er all-around sled. Hopefully, final suspension calibraࢼons will be skewed a bit so[er. Despite adjusࢼng the compression se࣌ngs back on all four Walker Evans shocks, on trail bump compliance was sࢼll lacking comfort when speeds were dialed back. HERE IN THE FLATS OF THE MIDWEST AND EASTERN CANADA, off-trail focused crossover sleds have become the “in thing”. While the Switchback Pro-S and Pro-X models have proven to serve up a lesser level of off-trail capability, the outside the tunnel design of the Pro-XC rear suspension tends to limit true off-trail capabili es. It’s here, where the snow gets deeper and the brush a bit thicker, where the RMK based Switchback and more venerable Switchback Assault start to rise above the more trail adept Pro-XC suspended versions. The move to the AXYS pla orm does more than simply give the Switchback a more nimble pla orm, it also ushers in all the other goodness found in other AXYS models, including the more powerful 800
76
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
HO motor, new plas c, LED headlamps, and the more nimble and ergo friendly cockpit. Joining those AXYS pla orm enhancements on the new Switchback Assault 600 and 800 models as well as the new 600 Switchback SP model is a new IGX rear suspension, new PowderTrac running boards, and a new lower-cost digital gauge package. Based upon past experience with the RMK AXYS, we already knew the latest Switchback would prove to be a be er offtrail sled than its predecessor. Yet, the shi to a more RMK type set-up had us hoping the on-trail traits hadn’t remained status quo, and hopefully had improved as well. Fortunately, this past spring a er returning from the four day photo rodeo in West Yellowstone, the crew at Polaris
We jumped at the chance and headed north to Minessotas called us to offer up one of their new for 2017 800HO Switchback Assaults for us to sample further on our local trails. We jumped at the chance and headed north to Minnesota’s North Shore where we logged some real seat me with the new AXYS based Assault. Here is what we learned.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
In s short hort the new 2017 A Assault is 201 better in virtually every ride performance category.
BALANCED
RIPPER We already knew the 800HO motor was a big step up from the old 800 Liberty motor, and we were immediately reminded of this again when thro ling down with the new Assault. The sled literally leaps out from under you when you mash it, bringing a big smile to your face, and the kind of thro le control we crave to influence overall ride characteris cs. Approach a bombed out bridge crossing or corner exit moguls, and you can quickly li the skis and dance the new IGX rear suspension through the holed out hazard.
Our experience with the older chassis Assault was one that le us wan ng more in terms of on-trail performance. It was a slice and dice buggy when taken off-trail to our favorite playground in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but the ride to get there had us taking up a spot at the back of the line. Surprisingly, the new AXYS based Assault has much improved trail manners… much of this we a ribute to the lighter chassis and improved rider posi oning and ergonomics. While it might not carve up a trail in the same manner of a Pro-S for example, it can more than hold its own.
SOAKER AAside from the addi on of the 800HO engine, the most tangible difference with the new Assault is found out back with the IGX rear suspension. The big change here is the addi onal travel at the front of the skid. By using the same front arm as found on the Pro-XC suspension, the IGX delivers over 40% more travel at the front arm. As with all “rider forward” sleds, the travel and capabili es of the front arm is a cri cal component of ride compliance and comfort. In today’s sleds, the bulk of
The new PowderTrac running boards found on the Switchback are machined from aluminum and tout ample snow evacua on holes and grip. We most appreciated the added width and fla er geometry, pu ng our feet in a more comfortable posi on, especially when transi oning from si ng to standing.
the rider weight is centered directly above the front arm (unlike old school sit-down sleds where the rear arm was the cri cal ride point). While we found the ride calibra ons on the Assault to be a bit firm for our liking, especially on-trail, the addi onal travel was a no ceable and welcome change.
ERGOS As men oned above, the move to the AXYS chassis gives the 2017 model improved rider ergonomics as it relates to the geometric triangle of knees, shoulders and hands. It’s just easier to transi on from si ng to standing, as well as moving forward on the chassis to ini ate improved on-trail handling. The other big improvements are found with the new PowderTrac running boards that offer more room, grip, and improved snow evacua on. But our favorite change was the new Pro Taper bars. The bend is more comfortable and more importantly, the elimina on of those goofy plas c hooked ends in place of a one-piece curved bar is be er in every way.
New ProTaper handlebars are now affixed to 2017 Assault models and are a major improvement over the former bar bend. While we would s ll prefer a bar that was fla er to keep our wrists in a more natural posi on, the move to a one-piece, curved end is a big step up over the former plas c hooks found on previous ProTaper bars. TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
77
osmmag.com
onsnow INSTRUMENTATION Since our loaner 2017 Assault wasn’t a Snow Check model, it didn’t’ come with the Polaris Interac ve Digital Display, (PIDD) which in our opinion is the best gauge in the industry, period. But we were greeted with a new LCD Message Center gauge, which features more informa on and a bigger 4.3” screen. The new gauge was easier to read, and while s ll not big enough for our liking, especially when bombing a trail, it’s a step-up if paying for the full-color version is not in the cards. In short, the new 2017 Assault is be er in virtually every ride performance category. While s ll not the best on-trail op on in the Polaris line, trail manners are far be er without sacrificing the superior off-trail capabili es that has made the Assault one of the best backwoods buggies around. Here you can see the revised bend of the new running boards. The change gives riders a deeper area that runs fla er before tapering and angling back. All Switchback models will also come standard with an integrated underseat cargo bag.
Unlike the so[ and mushy spring snow condiࢼons we typically encounter during the West Yellowstone test sessions each year, we were fortunate to find premium mid-winter like condiࢼons in Minnesota during our extended evaluaࢼon opportunity. So[ snow tends to mask suspension shortcomings, and the set-up trails gave us a real taste for the acceleraࢼon and on-trail handling characterisࢼcs of the new Assault.
78
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
Holding a line in powder comes almost naturally with the Switchback; the sled ࢼps in with extreme ease, but more importantly, touts a broad balance point, allowing you to hold a line through narrow openings in the ࢼght trees with greater confidence.
If you ordered early, (or have a dealer who massaged the spring order system) you can get hooked up with a pimped Assault complete with custom color panels, tunnel, rails, and suspension components
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
79
INDY RACING AT ITS FINEST HWY 11
G
HUR BAT
CENTRE
ST
PERFORMANCE
HOLLAND LANDIN
19890 Highway 11, Box 1240, Bradford, ON
905-775-1717 WWW.EDGEPERFORMANCE.CA Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride. ©2015 Polaris Industries Inc.
TERRAIN DOMINATION TerrainDomination.com
LET YOUR SLED BE BLACK AND BLUE, NOT YOU 19890 1 19 989 98 890 Highway Hiigh H ghwa wayy 11, 11 Bo 11 B Box ox 12 1240, 240 40 Br B Bradford, ra ad dfo forrd d O ON N
905-775-1717 WWW.EDGEPERFORMANCE.CA HWY 11
G
ST HUR BAT
PERFORMANCE
HOLLAND LANDIN
CENTRE Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride. ©2015 Polaris Industries Inc.
TERRAIN DOMINATION TerrainDomination.com
80
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ASSAULT THE COMPETITION WITH THE PROVEN 800 H.O. 19890 Highway 11, Box 1240, Bradford, ON
905-775-1717 WWW.EDGEPERFORMANCE.CA Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride. ©2016 Polaris Industries Inc.
TERRAIN DOMINATION TerrainDomination.com
RUSH INTO EDGE FOR THE BEST POLARIS SERVICE
19890 1989 19 890 0H Hi Highway igh hway way 11 11, 1 B Box ox 12 1 1240, 24 40 0 B Bradford, rad adfo ford d ON ON
905-775-1717 WWW.EDGEPERFORMANCE.CA
Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride. ©2016 Polaris Industries Inc.
TERRAIN DOMINATION
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
TerrainDomination.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
81
osmmag.com
onsnow
Ski-Doo held nothing back with the introducࢼon of the new model, delivering an 850 version in each major riding category in both earlyseason trim an in-season models. The Renegade X was especially stunning with its orange and black color combo.
82
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
s ’ e r e W h E t N ALLREV-4 P U S E K SHA S U T A T S THE N I A G A … QUO
, the no ques on year el d o m 2017 ays, is in many w on er n urth ge a e all-new, fo TEC 850 has h T . o o -D ki S E the year of genera on uzz, and second and media b REV pla orm n’s share of a en on y an m in e lio any that garnered th or the comp s F . ile n b o o as m w re o d sn and for goo ow we ride so d not only h odel, but al m V E R 3 0 ways change 0 2 d r ar ei rw th o der-f change with their ri facturer to e other manu y duc on of th er o tr ev in e ed th l, forc el w er as howev , sophies s. This year ew design philo n ig b s ay is alw rest as BRP “next” REV f special inte o is oisjoli -4 V E R of fficer Jose B the launch xecu ve O n light E f ee ie gr h e C d th ring team President an ee n gi d en ge d n ign an challe gave the des n sheet, and ea cl a n m er o d fr h, a mo to start fres ameters of hink” the par e now ready for the et “r to em th s ar . Their effort eyes of the snowmobile ple, and the m sa to d rl wo e watching. snowmobile mmunity ar co ile b o m en re snow
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
83
osmmag.com
onsnow
HERE ARE FIVE TAKEAWAYS FROM THAT RIDE. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to sample the new REV-4 on three different occasions last winter; once during an early introduc on in southern Quebec, again during the annual industry first ride and photography event in West Yellowstone, and lastly, in our own backyard as Ski-Doo gave us a personal opportunity to rip the new 850 on some of our favorite trails in northern Minnesota. In our final go around for the season we were greeted with what we deem the best riding condi ons of the three test rides. Temps were cold and the snow pack was set-up, providing a be er representa on of condi ons you’ll likely encounter this winter. Here are five takeaways from that ride.
INSTANT ACCELERATION - There’s a lot of things that need to come together to create the kind of accelera on that makes you sit-up and take no ce. We already knew the new 850 motor was a much quicker revving engine package, compared to the “old” 800 Rotax. Now riding on set-up snow versus spring slop, it became even more evident. The big take away here is not so much that the new REV4 accelerates at a drama cally quicker clip than the MXZ of old, but rather how thro le response now allows you to control the overall a tude of the sled that much be er. Li ing the skis over trail bombs is now much easier, and the overall lighter feel provided by this accelera on and improved weight transfer results in a sled that is simply more fun to drive.
The new REV made the rotaࢼons through our group of riders back in Minnesota and no one came away disappointed.
84
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
This combined combin cold with co temps forced the suspension to do all the work and not have ride characteristics become masked by soft snow conditions.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
The X package in both MXZ and Renegade models comes with all the technical goodness introduced by Ski-Doo over the past several years including running board mounted suspension controls, adjustable ski carbides, and new for 2017, adjustable handlebars with precise “rack-steering” geometry.
FRONT SUSPENSION SHOCKER – When Ski-Doo responded to the Polaris Pro-Ride suspension with their r-Moধon rear suspension, the ability of the rising rate skid to soak up nearly any trail anomaly with both comfort and control, almost immediately exposed the front suspension of older REV deigns of its shortcomings. The subsequent move to the RAS-2 front suspension was an improvement, and enough to perform nearly equal to the rear. However, the new RAS-3 front suspension, with an addiধonal inch of travel and slightly revised geometry has finally done it. Our final ride was liħered with long, bombed out secধons of trail that hadn’t seen a groomer in more than a week. This combined with cold temps, forced the suspension to do all the work and not have ride characterisধcs become masked by sođ snow condiধons. Now the front not only keeps up with the rear…it out performs it.
This was our very first look at the REV-4 pla orm as the Ski-Doo design team pulled the sheets off the Summit model at our early look, invite only event in Quebec. In many ways, it would appear the REV-4 was designed to be a mountain sled first and then adapted to be a trail sled. If this is the case, the team has done an outstanding job in crea ng a single pla orm that can sa sfy the very different needs of both riding categories.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
85
osmmag.com
onsnow
No question, the previous REV XS platform was the most precise, razor sharp trail sled we’ve ever thrown a leg over. 86
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
MASKED PRECISION
NARROWED COMFORT
If there’s one key area with the new REV4 plaĤorm where we sধll need more seat ধme, it’s in the arena of handling. No quesধon, the previous REV XS plaĤorm was the most precise, razor sharp trail sled we’ve ever thrown a leg over. The planted feel of the front skis truly created an onrails characterisধc that allowed you to slice up the most twisted trail you could find with uncanny accuracy. However, the new plaĤorm throws a curveball into the mix by creaধng a lighter, more playful and less planted overall feel. Keep in mind we said “feel”. On the trail when running bumper to bumper with other sleds, the new REV4 was at the top of the game in ধght trails. Obviously, suspension set-up can have a dramaধc impact on the “feel”, and if we had to choose the more planted REV-XS, or the fun to drive REV4, the new plaĤorm would get the nod every ধme.
With a total of 5 full-days of riding with the new REV plaĤorm, we can confidently say this is not only a sled that touts one of the most maneuverable cockpits we’ve ever driven, it’s also damn comfortable, at least for single day burns. Skepধcal at first, due to the vastly narrower seat and open cockpit configuraধon, we quickly reaped the benefits when romping through moguls or when moving far forward to iron out ধght trails. In later rides we learned that when the pace slowed and we inched back on the seat, the REV4 appeared to sacrifice liħle in terms of comfort as well. However, unধl we can log some big back-to-back days, the jury remains out on true longrange comfort, but thus far our backside is feeling very happy.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
re o t S y o T My SKI-DOO OPEN HOUSE NOVEMBER 25/26/27
347 Cranston Crescent, Midland, ON L4R 4K6 705.526.2248 • www.factoryrecreation.com
SPEEDY SNOWMOBILE RENTAL
Dalton Clutch Components Arctic Cat Ski-Doo Polaris Yamaha
WE RENT BIG SLEDS!
1200 RENEGADE
YAMAHA VIPER
• Helixes- thousands of angles available
• Quick adjust flyweights • New, even larger assortment of clutch springs for all brands • TRA pins & components
Check out our website!
Dalton daltonindustries.com Dalton Products-Made in Nor th America
(866) YOU-SLED rentsnowmobile.com Kirkland lake
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
87
osmmag.com
onsnow
However we do know this…the REV4 is at the top of our list for sleds to be in our stable for this winter… and we can hardly wait.
The idea of an adjustable riser block is certainly not a new one, but the execu on used by Ski-Doo is. The pivo ng parallelogram design retains the posi on of the handlebar curve, ensuring that your preferred adjustment is retained in all fore and a posi ons of the riser.
88
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
Skep cal at first of the all-day comfort the much narrowed and tapered seat would offer for those who prefer to simply sit-down and log big miles; we became more and more accep ng of the comfort level this seat will provide for such riders with each subsequent ride.
The open footwell design with a “bolt-on” aluminum toe-hold is perhaps the first major, deep snow focused element of the trail focused REV that has yet to win us over. We found ourselves looking for a place to apply force to in high-speed corners, only to find our foot slipping out of the open design. Ski-Doo will offer a close-off attachment as an accessory.
Motor junkies might focus on the new 850, second genera on e-TEC motor, but the true genius of the REV-4 is the drama cally narrow chassis and cockpit design that makes this the most maneuverable snowmobile we’ve ever ridden.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
89
osmmag.com
onsnow
90
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
Back on our home turf, we hammered the new REV over an extended weekend on our favorite trails of northern Minnesota. Snow condiࢼons were near perfect and the long stretches of ungroomed trails sold us on the bump capabiliࢼes of the new pla orm.
FIRST YEAR NERVES – Perhaps more than any performance a ribute surrounding the new SkiDoo model making would-be buyers hesitant, it’s the bad rap that first year models have received in the past. For certain there is a lot of new things going on with the REV4, but keep in mind the suspension and much of the chassis design a ributes are known commodi es. To help alleviate some of those hesita ons, Ski-Doo offered up to a 3-year warranty on orders placed during their Spring Fever promo on, with the op on to add a fourth. Obviously, we can’t predict what the future holds for the new REV in terms of reliability. However, we do know this… the REV4 is at the top of our list for sleds to be in our stable for this winter… and we can hardly wait.
We could sense a heightened level of anxiety from the core Ski-Doo team as they gave the media a first look at the REV this past January. Yet, a[er a day of riding on the new REV and receiving much praise from all members of the riding media, the team was all smiles as they prepared to launch the REV4 to the rest of the world.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
91
osmmag.com
onsnow
FROM YOUR EX-WIFE TO YOUR CHEAP UNCLE
OUR BEST OF SLED AWARDS FOR 2017
92
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
YOU’VE seen those “best of lists” for sleds, motorcycles, boats, cars…you name it. Not so shockingly, everyone seems to be a winner…just like T-ball… thanks for showing up, here’s your shiny medal. The crew here at OSM set down our cold beverages for a few hours this summer and got down to brass tacks to develop our first ever Best Bets snowmobile awards.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
BEST TO BREAK THE BANK - Redline Revolt The boasts emanaধng from the Redline crew back in the early 2000’s were ear shaħering. According to then Redline president Kent Harle, the manufacturers had it all wrong, and Redline was going to show the snowmo-world how to really build a snowmobile. The sled would have a monster rear suspension, and a fourstroke engine producing 200-horsepower. In 2001, the Redline was supposed to finally become reality with a proprietary 800cc two-stroke motor. The cost? About $13,000 U.S., which in today’s inflaধonary dollars would be more than $17,600 bucks. Factor in the Canadian exchange rate and you have a long, futurisধc, paperweight cosধng nearly $23,000! Only a handful of Redline sleds were ulধmately built as the company fell millions of dollars short of the investment and operaধng capital they needed to make bank.
BEST FOR POSERS - Wrapped Wrap it loud and wrap it proud. There’s no beħer way to let your posse’ know you too are a legit sledded, than with a vibrant graphic wrap. You know the kind, the morning ađer wrap; the one that looks like your buddy up-chucked his breakfast (and everything else) ađer an all night bender. Compliment with lots of bar riser, a loud exhaust can, and a few race sধckers. Throw it atop a liđed truck and pull your flat brim hat down low…your skills are on full display brah.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
93
osmmag.com
onsnow
BEST TO BE FIRST - Arctic Cat Thundercat You know the guy…big leather suit, full-face helmet, and enough push through sharpened ice picks to make the local needlepoint church group jealous. Perched far back on the seat of his muscle sled, he prowls the lake in search of any would be takers. Never mind the sacked out rear suspension springs, speed is the answer to everything, and nothing will be faster on the lake this winter than the Genesis Turbo powered Thundercat (other than its kissing cousin twin the Yamaha Sidewinder). With close to 200-ponies crammed under the hood in stock trim, rest assured there’s much more lurking once the speed shops get their hands on this beast.
BEST TO EMPTY A WATERING HOLE Ski-Doo REV-4 Renegade X 850 Few things will a ract a crowd quicker this season than the all-new REV-4 pla orm Ski-Doo. The sled is dripping with cool new features and technology, and when wrapped with the unusual color combina on found in the Renegade X package, even those “regulars” hunkered down by the pull-tabs will likely get off their stool to see what all the commo on is about. Be sure to get all the cool extras too, including the running board mounted rMo on adjusters and Quick Adjust system for the skis.
94
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
BEST FOR EX-WIFE - Triple Triple Terror Your neighbor told you he thought something didn’t seem right when he no ced the FedEx truck over at your house every other day while you were away. Funny thing, there never were any packages. Now that she’s been kicked to the curb, you’re faced with the unenviable task of divvying up the assets. Fortunately, she likely doesn’t know the difference between that shiny new snow rocket in the garage and any other sled. Now’s the me to pick up the perfect sled for her “half”. Might we suggest a mid 90’s triple-triple with a low windshield, non-func oning hand warmers, and gravedigger steering effort. Share the love of the sport…that’s our mo o.
BEST TO GET HIGH Polaris 800 Pro-RMK 174 LE Want to get to the top of the mountain? Look no further pal; the new Polaris RMK has literally stretched the limits of deep snow, ver cal capabili es with their new RMK 174 LE. Oh we haven’t forgo en about the new Ski-Doo Summit, with its equally long 174” track, but the Polaris RMK is a proven commodity for 2017, and based upon the specifica ons as we know them today, the RMK should p the scales as the lighter machine. Light is right when it comes me to climb a ver cal wall of powder. The new Series 7 track features a 3” paddle, designed exclusively for those deep pow days. Point it, squeeze it, and plant a flag at the top.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
95
osmmag.com
onsnow BEST BENCH RACER Yamaha SRX 700 For certain, the list of sleds that could land in this illustrious category are many, but the Yamaha SRX 700, manufactured from 1998 to 2002, has a so spot in many garage racers hearts. The sculpted blue hood looked menacing with its off-set nostrils, and the quick revving staccato of the triple piped Yamaha motor was unlike anything on snow…and even be er when si ng on a track stand in your shop. Yeah, the handling was marginal, the ride quality was equal to a farm wagon, but it was fast and it sounded even be er. Crack a beer and plug your ears boys.
BEST OLD SCHOOL Yamaha RS Vector The term “old-school” can be deemed derogatory, but not in this instance. If the modern, rider forward, stand-up-and-pound crop of snowmobiles is not your cup of tea, may we suggest the Yamaha RS Vector? When it comes to comfort and long days honing groomed trails, this is the sled for the job. The ergonomics are tailored for sit-down comfort, yet the sled is one of the most technologically advanced anywhere. The Chip Controlled Thro le system lets you choose how you want the power delivered; from first mer friendly, to touring, to performance…all with a push of a bu on.
BEST ON THE CHEAP - Yamaha Enticer 250 In the category of it’s not just good…it’s good enough, we know of few sleds that just keep running longer or be er than the venerable Yamaha En cer 250. We swear it will run on anything from varnished gasoline to paint thinner. Oh sure it shakes like a paint can mixer at Canadian Tire at idle, but it’s reliable, simple, and best of all, damn cheap.
96
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
• LOSANDULONT ST, ONE .MARIE, ON. • • KITITCMMHEINNES, R,ONON. . • ORILLIA, ON. •
NORTH BAY, ON. ROUYN NORANDA, PQ. TROIS RIVIERES, PQ. BARRIE, ON. LINDSAY, ON.
osmmag.com
onsnow
BY GOODWOOD AND BEERSTEIN
who? IS GOODWOOD AND BEERSTEIN
... SWAPPER FUMES AND HEIRLOOMS
Native to the windswept fields and ditches, swamps and thickets, and deep forests of the northwoods, Goodwood and Beerstein are salt-ofthe-earth, down-home country boys who’ll just as soon drink all your cold ones or steal your girlfriend. They work hard and play harder, spending every spare moment scaring up game, hooking big ones
TearDown
and, of course, making things faster. Especially snowmobiles. They share their stories here each month because they said not everything in snowmobiling starts and ends with a flat brim hat (actually it’s because they lost a bet, but they don’t like people to know they lose so we can’t say that).
It’s
hot here at the shop. My old dog, Dog, well, he just lays there all day tryin’ to soak up whatever cold is left in the concrete floor. And dirt, he soaks up a lot of that too. Dog, he just showed up one day wantin’ to hang out in the shop and never left. Not sure what he is, but pretty sure he’s got some huntin’ dog in him. Lab maybe. One of these days I should give him a bath, but with how the water beads off him at this point I’m guessing that’s a half day project at least and me and Beerstein we got stuff to do. Speakin’ of Beerstein, he came over the other day not so much to help in the shop, more just to complain about the heat. You probably guessed we’re cold weather types, so this summer stuff gets old. And long too. Some people call that summer solstice thing the first day of summer, but around these parts we call it the first day of fall. And with fall comes swappin’, something me and Beerstein take pretty dang seriously. See, in our shop, everything’s for sale. Well, everything except Beerstein’s championship-winning drag sled. That thing’s won more races than it has picks in the track, and that ain’t no lie. Beerstein calls it his baby and there’s been more than one night he’s slept with that old thing in the trailer at some
98
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
osmmag.com
onsnow
SOME OF THEM SWAP PLACES LOOKS LIKE A BAD MEMORY FROM A FAMILY REUNION.
Podunk race, breathin’ in whatever toxic mess he had mixed up in that little fuel tank he spent so much time fabricatin’. And I say “had to” but I tell you what, he’d sleep with that sled anyways if he knew it wouldn’t get people talkin’. Anyway, swaps are where me and Beerstein fund our sled season and, with everything for sale, it gets to be a pretty big deal plannin’ these things out. Heck, just payin’ for the swap spots gets a little spendy since it seems like they size some of these swap spots thinkin’ it’s gonna be some guy sellin’ knock-off brand oil out of his diesel Caprice with 300,000-miles. Don’t need much room
for that. But you get our old sled hauler with a trailer on the back and we’re payin’ for two or three spots easy. Of course, we save a few bucks mowin’ ‘em ourselves. Speakin’ of that, a while back we built a mower usin’ an old one-lunger out of a Bravo and let me tell ya, mulchin’ ain’t a problem. Now, the way we see it, swap meets these days, well, they’re packed with people sellin’ all kinds of junk besides sled parts, and that’s what gets Beerstein’s tighty-whities in a bunch. Heck, mine too. Just so happens, a while back we listed out some of these yahoos on the shop to-do chalkboard and we thought
you readers might like to check it out and compare notes: Cleanin’ Out the Garage Guy– this guy brings everything he’s been trippin’ over in his garage. Or, more than likely, everything his wife’s been trippin’ over. And instead of puttin’ it all in the dumpster he decides he’s gonna try to make a few bucks. He’s the same guy who leaves a pile of that junk in his swap space when he leaves. Then there’s the Made in Bangladesh Tool Guy selling shit tools at deeply discounted prices. You know, the guy with the plastic Vernier calipers, the pot metal wrenches and the worklight that uses
... GUY SAYS IT WAS USED BY HIS WIFE…SAYS ITS COLLECTOR…BEER SAYS KEEP WALKING.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
99
osmmag.com
onsnow
TearDown
THERE’S SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR ADD-ONS AT A SWAP…
BY GOODWOOD AND BEERSTEIN
COULD BARELY PRY OLD BEERSTEIN AWAY FROMM THIS GUY.
totes, and buckets of grease, dirt, and dead mouses and stuff…never sorted, never priced, doesn’t know what sled half his stuff fits. Also known as fend for yourself guy. If you ask any questions he usually wants you to “make an offer on the whole box.”
batteries you can never find. Don’t ask how we know. One of the ones that always leaves us standin’ there with our beers getting’ warm is the Overstocked Freight Guy who got a screaming deal on 100 god knows what items. One year there was
a guy who had a ton of bicycles. One tip here buddy, people at the snowmobile swap meet like things that burn fuel, not calories. Nothing screams laziness like The Boxes of Shit Guy. This is the guy who goes to every swap with the same boxes,
Here’s one that always gets Beerstein’s dander up - The Single Trailer, One Sled For Sale Guy. Now this guy usually has an air about him like he’s “too good” for the whole swap meet scene, but he thinks he can find a sucker to pay top dollar for his mint sled because, of course, he owned it. Now, I’m as patient as anybody, but Beerstein’ll tell ya the one that gets me is the I’ll Be Back in 15-Minutes Guy. This guy’s usually got legit stuff for sale, but he’s never around because he don’t know if he wants to sell or swap. Yeah, missed out on an old FIII chassis one year because of this guy. Then there’s Party Guy - sofa, fire ring, and spent beer cans everywhere. This guy’s usually sleeping by noon. Crazy thing is this guy typically has a few gems
RAN WHEN PARKED… WHEN?
100
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
1174 South Service Rd. West Oakville, ON L6L 5T7 905-681-7270 NEW Barrie Location! 22 Commerce Park Dr Barrie ON L4N 8W8
YOUR BEST CHOICE ONTARIO POLARIS DEALER Terr rrai a nD nDom om minat in nattio ion. n.c n.co co om
www.peakpowersports.ca
Rider pictured is a professional on closed course. Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. For safety training in Canada please contact your local Polaris dealer. Never drink and ride. 2015 Polaris industries Inc.
All Aluminum Trailers Available Trailers: ailers: ontractor • Cargo & Contractor • Landscape • Car Haulerss le • Snowmobile • Utility • Enclosed We can customize our trailers with any options you may desire
Snowmobile • Motorcycle • ATV • Trailer Enclosures • Flatbeds • Utility
See Our Full line at: blizzardmfg.com
Old Forge, NY (315) 369-6334 | Boonville, NY (315) 942-2399
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
101
osmmag.com
onsnow
... NEVER HURTS TO SPICE UP YOUR SWAP SPACE WITH A FEW OF DEM DER PURTY LADIES.
he’ll let go cheap if you can pin him down. Offer way less says Beerstein, and throw in a warm can of cheap beer for lubrication. What is it about Canada? Seems like there’s always some start up oil blender from Attawaspiskat Ontario hawking lube by the gallon. Oil Startup Guy. Another guy who sometimes has a gem is the Pulled Out of the Weeds Guy. More often than not though he’s just got a trailer full of old rotting iron and first thing he’ll tell ya is they all ran when parked (25 years ago under that weeping willow out back). Scentsy Chick - the wife who just had to tag along to sell her scentsy crap and other pyramid scheme knick-knacks. For the husband – we feel for ya buddy. Then there’s the Bag Boys Hawking Giant, Made in India duffle bags that were designed to haul sheepskins over the foothills of Himalayas. And usually right next to them, likely some sort of relatives, is the Pakistan Leather Boys schleppin’ boots, purses, belts...all made from premium leather direct from Pakistan. Just ignore the Lentil Stew stains on the straps.
YUP… ONE BORN EVERY MINUTE.
THERE’S A REASON WHY THEY SELL USED CHAINSAWS AND IT AIN’T CAUSE THEY GOT RID OF THE BARREL STOVE.
102
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
HWY 47 & Douglas Rd Uxbridge, ON 905-852-5884
35 YEARS EXPERT SALES & SERVICE NEW AND USED INVENTORY PARTS, CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES THE TRAIL STARTS HERE
uxbridgemotorsports.com ®, TM and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational 3URGXFWV ,QF RU LWV DIÀOLDWHV
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
103
gear Well it’s official the snowmobiling season son is ted to upon us. We at OSM are just as excited o let’s get throw a leg over a sled as you are. So ready to hit the trails. Compiled here,, is a list cessories of the newest topnotch gear and accessories w jackets to come down the pipeline. From new and pants, to scratchers and studs, this is n find this just a small sampling of what you can season. Enjoy!
1
Arctiva Vibe Gear
New from Arctiva this year is the VIBE jacket and bibs. Think of this as the next generation in snowmobile gear. Made from durable Sympatex ™ material, the Nylon shell is developed to stand up to the most aggressive riding style and the construction of the gear boasts windproof, waterproof and breathable features. The biggest thing you will notice on this bad boy is the fact that not only is it going to keep you warm, but the material is surprisingly stretchy so it will keep up with your quick moves. For complete details head over to www.partscanada.com and check out your local dealer.
3 104
2
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
AMSOIL Deluxe Grease Gun Kit A leader in powersports Lubrication, AMSOIL has added a new tool to the arsenal of products. The new AMSOIL Deluxe Grease Gun Kit is everything you need for mess-free “lubing-up” of your sled. By producing up to 3500psi, the grease gun offers improved pumping performance and ensures the grease reaches all the important spaces on your sled suspension. It comes with both a flexible hose and a rigid pipe and two head ports for increase flexibility. Lastly the easy-to-use plunger simplifies loading and makes the ever-important job of greasing your toys a much easier job. To get your hands on one of these kits head over to: www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/grease/
Woody’s 90 Pcs Kit Anytime someone can make our lives easier, we jump at the opportunity. This season Woody’s has done their research and taken away the guesswork of putting together a traction kit. With over 34 brand new 2017 sled models taking the 90-stud pattern, the product development team at Woody’s decided to box up a full kit and offer it to their customers. All you need to know is, how many ply your track is? And if you’re running a single ply, you’ll need the Grand Master® stud kit, and if you’re running double ply, you’ll need the Gold Digger® stud kit. The kit comes complete with 90 Studs, Plates and Bolts. It is that simple. To check out complete fitment, and if your sled is applicable, head over to www.WoodysTraction.com TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
4
Hygear Dual Pressure 3
Air shocks by design have a few limitations if a day on the trail finds you in different conditions. Set the pressure low and you have a nice plush ride however instability, front roll and push with excessive bottom come into play. Set the pressure high and you increase sled stability and reduce the bottoming resistance, but now your ride becomes harsh and your suspension travel is reduced due to increased spring rate. Discuss suspension settings with anyone who has an opinion and you are sure to get into an argument. To take the guesswork out of it and stop the arguments get a set of Hygear Dual Pressure. How it works is pretty simple in theory; the system has two charging valves so ride height and bottom resistance can be adjusted independent of one another. By increasing the air volume the Dual Pressure system can take higher air pressure to increase handling and stability with reduced body roll all the while, not sacrificing bottom resistance and ride quality. For complete details and how it works you should head over to www.hygearsuspenion.com and watch the vids.
MULTI-PURPOSE TIE DOWN ANCHOR SYSTEM
29.5" 29.5" 13.5" 8.25"
PRO
5
WIDE
7.5" 15"
Super-Glide Wide
When it comes to certain things wider is always better, right? Get your mind out of the gutter, and think ski glides. New from Super clamp is the industry first 13.5” Super-Glide Wide ski glides. Featuring all the same benefits as the regular glides like; the anti-slip traction surface and the well thought-out venting system to protect your trailer from moisture damage, the Super-Glide Wide simply provides a wider footprint. Each box contains 8pcs of 13.5” x 30” glides, which results in 20 linear feet per box. For complete details head over to www.superclamp.net
#1 SNOWMOBILE / ATV TRAILER ACCESSORIES
www.superclamp.net Call Today: 403.203.2210
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
MADE IN CANADA PROUDLY NORTH AMERICAN
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
105
gear g ear
7
6
LCG Goggles The LCG (Lens Change Goggle) Snow Cross Goggle is all about vision adaptability. First off the LCG goggle features the adjustable FIX system, which allows the rider to adjust the frame to fit different face shapes but also features a really slick interchangeable lens system. Leave it to Scott to tackle a big problem us sledders face, having to pack multiple goggles for a long day out on the trail or mountain. Any serious rider knows that the only reason you need to switch goggles during the day is due to a lens issue like the lighting has changed, you got a face full of snow or you fogged up the first pair. Introducing the LCG from Scott. This engineering masterpiece allows the rider to swap the lens at the push of a button. That’s right, you read that correctly, simply depress the button on the side of the frame, and the lens removes itself ready to accept the other lens that came with the goggle. Think of all the benefits of only having to carry an extra lens as opposed to an entire set of goggles. The LCG comes with two different lenses, a really cool hard carrying case, and of course, features the FIT system we already told you about. Yup, we will wait as you go check out www.scott-sports.com for complete details.
Team FX Jacket
613-489-5297
jawsperformance.com
Pipes Silencers 106
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
Arctic Cat Polaris Ski-Doo Yamaha
If performance trail riding is your thing then the Team FX Jacket from FXR is your jacket. The Team FX is still the flagship jacket in the huge lineup that FXR is offering in the 2017 season. Developed with the trail rider in mind the Team FX is constructed with a durable nylon shell that utilizes HydrX™ moisture shield that keep you dry but still allows the jacket to be breathable. It also features the F.A.S.T technology with stands for: Flotation Assistance Safety Technology that is an integral feature for any serious sledder. New this season the FXR designers have added a badass Army Urban Camo color that we are sure is the final push you’ll need to wanting this jacket. For complete details head over to www.fxrracing.com
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
8
Boyesen Superstock Reed Petals
Probably one of the most overlooked maintenance to a two-stroker’ is the reed petals. Just like your belt, hyfax and brake pads, reed petals can wear out and that in-turn can result in reduce performance and hard starting. If you are finding your buggy is not running to the max, then maybe the Superstock Replacement Reed Petals from Boyesen are the answer. Made from durable T2 epoxy material, which uses the latest in carbon technology, these Reed Petals are matched to the manufactures specs and will get your sled purring like it did the day you got it. For complete details and fitment head over to www.boyesen.com. They have a simple search tool on the web where you can enter your sled, make model year and it will tell you what exactly you need.
WWW.BOYESEN.COM
AIR POWER PERFORMANCE AIR INTAKE SYSTEMS
Helium Access Lightweight Hood Kit Attention all new Polaris AXYS owners: Have we found a product for you! The guys over at Skinz have released a new Lightweight Hood Kit that will take your buggy to the next level. The hood swap fits like the OEM hood and does not need any modifications. What you get in return is a much larger storage area behind the windshield, and easy access to the pipe… Why would you want that? …Two words…Muff-Pott. Boom! ..that happened. For complete details head over to www.skinzprotectivegear.com
9
THE BOYESEN ADVANTAGE. HAND-CRAFTED FOR YOU. CUSTOM REED PETALS BUILT TO YOUR SPEC CARBON ROTARY VALVES COMPLETE INTAKE PERFORMANCE SYSTEMS INTAKE REPLACEMENT PARTS AND KITS REPLACEMENT REED PETALS PERFORMANCE REED PETALS
BoyesenEngineering
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
boyesenfactoryracing
@boyesenracing
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
107
gear
10
Tactic Boa Focus Boot Built for extreme riding conditions, the Tactic Boa boot from FXR offers up the highest level of stiffness, stiffness support and warmth. FXR designers threw pretty much everything at this boot with features fe like; the lace-up removable liner, which adds maximum support and increased warmth, w and a molded inner heel insert, which improves backward flex. Also FXR d designed this boot with minimal seams in key areas that are always in contact with tthe sled, so wear and tear is taken out of the equation. Lastly if you haven’t used the BOA® tensioning system before, you don’t know what you are missing. It is next nex level. For complete details head over to www.fxrracing.com
Ranger Instinct Monosuit
11
New for 2017 from FXR is the Ranger Instinct Monosuit. The designers at FXR really thought long and hard at what you would need in a monosuit. What came out the other end is a suit that not only has all the standard features you look for but some other features you may not even know you needed. The material is a 4-way stretch material that utilizes an advanced climate management technology (A.C.M.T), which, in laymen terms, acts like a double lens snow goggle. If you have two layers it creates an anti-condensation system that is both waterproof and breathable taking the Ranger Instinct suit to the next level. The designers also considered that mountain guys tend to run at lower speeds so the venting system was developed to give better intake even when you are not blasting down the trail. Finally FXR even took into consideration that most sledders in the mountains wear backpacks so they strategically placed the vents in areas that would not be affected by straps. You have to admit that is pretty ingenious. Learn more at www.fxrracing.com
Fly Carbon Jacket Here is a jacket that is jam-packed with features that wont drain the piggy bank. The new Carbon Jacket from Fly Racing features a Cardura ® out-shell which makes it light weight but at the same time, tough. Some the standard features that make this jacket stand out are: The two fleece-lined hand warmer front pockets, along with the chest pocket and a sleeve key pocket. The designers also incorporated a waterproof inside accessory pocket with a headphone port so bringing the tunes out on the trails is now a simple task. Another really cool feature is the Carbon jacket features a full 360° of ultra-reflective Innolite® panels which they incorporated into those panels you see. A little extra visibly is never a bad a thing. For complete details head over to www.flyracing.com
12
108
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
Fly Igniter Balaclava Most of the OSM crew rides open face, so we take our balaclavas very seriously. We ran across the new Ignitor from Fly Racing last season and just wanted bring it to your attention n and suggest that it might be time for you to upgrade to a new balaclava after the abuse you put yours through this year. The Ignitor is constructed of CoolMax® material that keeps you warm, and nd more importantly dry. The material is thin on top, so it fits well under your helmet as well as the Ignitor features a windproof lower portion. For complete details, head over to your local Gamma mma Powersports Dealer. www.gammapowersports.com
13
CKX Titan Helmet l t Who would have thought you would ever see a modular open face moto helmet? Well look no further – it just happened. The CKX Titan just broke all the rules when it comes to open-face bucket protection. Available this season, you are now going to be able to get your hands on a helmet that has a removable muzzle that will give you access to your mouth, which was not a possibility before the Titan. The helmet does not stop there is also has a new peak design with fins to reduce wind resistance, an air diffuser under the peak to control air flow, and grooves specially designed to increase air circulation. But really, it is all about the removable muzzle. At OSM we hate taking our helmets off so we are excited to give this bad-boy a try this winter. For availability head over to your local Kimpex dealer: www.kimpex.com
14
516 Hwy 2, Trenton ON , K8V 5W6 • 613-394-6691 • 1-877-394-6691
www.bay-Marine .com SERVICING ALL MAKES & MODELS
FULLY CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS
SELLING FUN FOR OVER 35 YEARS
Offering the best service in Eastern Ontario ®, TM and BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates Alawys ride responsibly and safely. Follow all product instructional and safty materials. Observe all laws and regulations. For your safty, always wear appropriate protective gear and clothing. Please remember that riding and alochol/drugs don’t mix. For ATV drivers, its highly recommended to take a training course. For ATV safty and training information, see your canadain dealer or in Canada call the Canadian safty Council at (613) 739 1535, ext 227.
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
109
gear
Scott 350 Insulated Glove Born from the racetrack the 350 Insulated Glove from Scott has been developed for the competitive rider in all of us. It has a close fitting and slim cuff, which gives the rider increased dexterity and movement, and a pre-shaped construction for a way better fit and feel. The materials are synthetic leather that offers durability and breathability and a soft flexible palm to help reduce rider fatigue. For complete details check out www.scott-sports.com
15
16
Bronco Heated Grips If you own a new sled, you probably have felt the warm glow that a set of heated grips offer on those cold days out on the sled. There is however some sleds that don’t have this feature, and if you are one of those owners then allow us to introduce the Bronco Heated Grip Kit. This kit comes with everything you will need so you too can feel the warm glow. From the new grips, to all the wiring, a 4 stage command center, and even a thumb warmer this is all you will need to keep your hands warm on those really cold days. For complete details, head over to your local Gamma Powersports Dealer. www.gammapowersports.com
See your dealer or visit
helmetlight.com Free shipping on US orders over $50 wtih code OSM
110
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
GET READY FOR THE SEASON WITH THESE «MUST HAVE»
RETRACTABLE WHEEL SYSTEM Versatile product, superior quality Zero pressure on the skis Easy to install Freeze resistant
LUBRICATING AND COOLING ICE SCRATCHER Superior quality product Patented no-slip fastening system Replaceable wear points Flexible and durable Installs in 10 minutes
gear
17
112
NXT LVL Handlebar Dam Adams Edition Guys and Gals, this bar comes right out of Dan Adams riding clinics and was developed to take your sledding to the next level. Dan started the Next level Riding Clinics many years ago and has become one of the industry’s best back country riders. Fly Racing partnered with Dan to develop this bar which takes the rider position and gets you lower on the sled. This lower center of gravity reduces that “tippy” feeling you get from the stock bars, but they kept the grip area wide enough to accept the OEM controls and handguards. Constructed of 2014 grade aluminum, which offers up greater flex and reduced arm pump, if back country is your thing, then this should be your bar. For complete details, head over to your local Gamma Powersports Dealer. www.gammapowersports.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
Exclusive Partner / Partenaire Exclusif
Level One Level Two
Level Three JOIN THE REVOLUTION AT BITEHARDER.COM
The New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs La Fédération des Clubs de Motoneige du Nouveau-Brunswick
A Common Misconception “The Federation” Runs the Trail System In 2017 the NBFSC enters its 35th year of providing snowmobile trails. In the past 34 years we have grown to become not only important to snowmobile enthusiasts but to NB communities, the NB Government and especially the economic winter tourism impact to New Brunswick.
As also reported by NBFSC President Brad Mann, the Board and Staff are very excited to inform all the Trail Permit holders that the Federation has received permission from the Clubs to begin to change, especially as it relates to providing better consistency in Trail Grooming.
While many Provinces and States struggle to have consistent winter weather, New Brunswick continues to always have snow. In 2016 the earliest snowmobiling began weeks before Christmas (2015) in regions like the “Moose Valley” and riding continued in the Mt. Carleton - Christmas Mountains regions into the 3rd week of April. This was during a winter when most of North America was bare ground, all winter.
Effectively the majority of the Clubs-Volunteers see the need to change and this is very positive and important. As we undergo this change another group must also be open and willing to change; you, the Trail Permit holders.
Our challenge now is to change not only with our winters, but in how we deliver and fund our trails. At the same time we must respect that the trails are still being provided by primarily volunteers in each community of the 50 Member Clubs. Each club is volunteer based, independent and incorporated bodies that have raised much of their own monies and deal directly with the private landowners in their region of (NBFSC) trails. Collectively all 50 clubs are the Federation. Thus, the NBFSC or as is spoken on the trails ‘the Federation’ does not have autonomous authority over the Member Clubs, which confuses many snowmobilers and our many partners. Everyone not directly involved sees NBFSC Trails, an NBFSC Trail Permit, NBFSC Maps and a NBFSC Website. The primary role of the NBFSC is to acquire legislation, recognition and public dollars to assist the volunteers; however it is the volunteers – the clubs who make the large important decisions on how to operate every year, not the Federation. The common misconception is that it is that the Federation “runs” the trail, which is not true; it is the 50 Clubs.
Why; do we realize that the entire 8100 plus kilometers of snowmobile trails are really run by approximately, maybe, best estimate 100 to 150 individuals only! No staff, no wages, just dedicated snowmobilers who have put their hand up…and also buy a trail permit. There are 50 Clubs who will all tell you there are 2-3 of them who perform the majority of the work; land permission, brushing, cutting and cleaning of debris, bridge construction and maintenance, trail signage and of course the Trail Grooming and Groomer maintenance. Some of this important work could be replaced with more volunteers in more Clubs, however the trend is that most of it is being replaced by more money or the need for more money, not more help. So, will there be more contributions of time for each Club or will we as snowmobilers have to contribute more money? Everyone wants more grooming, better grooming and signage and thus more consistent trails and you have also demanded that the Federation, fix the problem. The Clubs - Volunteers have begun to change, is anyone else ready and/or willing?
Ross Antworth, GM, NBFSC, “A Volunteer Organization”
www.nbfsc.com Snowmobiling is New Brunswick’s Winter Tourism… 114
✪
ON SNOW MAGAZINE ✪ VOLUME 29 • ISSUE 6
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2013 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
Un malentendu largement répandu. On croit souvent à tort que la Fédération dirige le réseau de pistes En 2017, il y aura 35 ans que la FCMNB pourvoit la province en pistes de motoneige. Notre croissance de ces 34 dernières années a fait de nous une entité incontournable autant pour les motoneigistes que pour les communautés et le gouvernement du N.-B. Mentionnons également notre impact économique en matière de tourisme d’hiver au NouveauBrunswick. Alors que bien des provinces et états éprouvent des conditions météorologiques hivernales changeantes, le NouveauBrunswick jouie constamment d’une couverture neigeuse adéquate. La saison de motoneige de 2016 a débutée quelques semaines avant Noël 2015 dans certaines régions dont la Moose Valley et s’est prolongée jusqu’à la troisième semaine d’avril dans les régions du Mont Carleton et des Christmas Mountains et ce, alors que l’Amérique du Nord est restée en grande partie sans couvert neigeux. Aujourd’hui, nous devons nous adapter à nos hivers en plus d’adapter notre façon de livrer et de financer nos pistes, tout en tenant compte du fait que les pistes sont principalement l’œuvre de bénévoles des communautés qu’englobent les 50 clubs membres. Chacun de ces clubs est une entité communautaire indépendante, constituée en corporation, dirigée par des bénévoles, qui a levé ses propres fonds et qui traite directement avec les propriétaires fonciers chez qui passent les pistes de leur région FCMNB. Les 50 clubs forment ensemble la Fédération. C’est ainsi que la FCMNB —ou, comme
on l’entend nommée le plus souvent sur les pistes : la Fédération— n’a aucun pouvoir autonome sur les clubs membres. Ceci porte à confusion pour bien des motoneigistes et bon nombre de nos partenaires. Les observateurs extérieurs remarquent les pistes de la FCMNB, les permis de la FCMNB, les cartes de la FCMNB et le site Web de la FCMNB. Le rôle principal de la FCMNB est de se doter des lois, de la visibilité et des fonds publics nécessaires pour venir en aide aux bénévoles ; car ce n’est pas la Fédération mais bien les bénévoles —les clubs— qui prennent les grandes et importantes décisions concernant les opérations chaque année. On croit souvent à tort que la Fédération dirige le réseau de pistes mais c’est faux : c’est là le rôle des 50 Clubs. Tel qu’annoncé par le président de la FCMNB, Brad Mann, le Conseil et le personnel sont très heureux d’informer tous les détenteurs de permis que la Fédération a reçu l’autorisation des clubs pour amorcer un virage, de sorte à assurer, en particulier, une plus grande cohérence en matière de damage des pistes. En effet, la majorité des clubs-bénévoles voient la nécessité de modifier le processus, ce qui est très positif et important. Et vous, les détenteurs de permis, devrez aussi faire preuve d’ouverture et d’une volonté de changer. Pourquoi ? Il faut se rendre compte qu’audelà de 8100 kilomètres de pistes de motoneiges sont en réalité gérés par à peu
près, peut-être, au gros max, entre 100 et 150 personnes ! Aucun employé, aucun salaire, uniquement des motoneigistes qui se sont impliqués en levant la main… et qui, de surcroit, achètent leurs propres permis de pistes. Dans chacun des 50 clubs, on vous dira que 2 ou 3 de leurs membres effectuent le plus gros du travail : obtention de permissions des propriétaires fonciers, débroussaillement, coupe, déblaiement, construction et entretien de ponts, signalisation des pistes et, bien sûr, le damage des pistes et l’entretien des dameuses. On pourrait redistribuer une partie de ces travaux importants sur un plus grand nombre de bénévoles dans un plus grand nombre de clubs mais on a plutôt tendance à vouloir remplacer le bénévolat par l’argent, toujours plus d’argent. Alors, verrons-nous chacun des clubs contribuer davantage de son temps ou nous, les motoneigistes, devrons-nous contribuer davantage monétairement ? Tout le monde souhaite un plus grand nombre de pistes parfaitement damées, une signalisation adéquate et une cohérence accrue du réseau de pistes. De plus, vous avez demandé à la Fédération de régler ce problème. Les clubs-bénévoles, eux, ont amorcé le virage ; d’autres sont-ils prêts et désireux d’agir ?
Ross Antworth, DG, FCMNB, « Une organisation bénévole »
www.nbfsc.com
La motoneige est le Tourisme d’hiver du Nouveau-Brunswick… TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2013 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
ON SNOW MAGAZINE
✪
VOLUME 29 • ISSUE 6
✪
115
The New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs La Fédération des Clubs de Motoneige du Nouveau-Brunswick
President’s Report… Trail Grooming To Improve Welcome to the winter of 2017, albeit a little bit early. I am honored to have been elected again at the NBFSC AGM last May, to serve with all the other Board and Club volunteers of our Federation to improve snowmobiling and thus the Province’s Winter Tourism, now measured at $32.7 million in tourism economic impacts every season. Last season was to say the least for many of you and us, frustrating at many times. New Brunswick however was one of the few regions in North America to continue to have consistent snow, granted not in everyone’s backyard. This led to a tremendous effort and workload being placed on the Club’s trails north of Grand Falls in the west, from Boiestown north in the center of the Province and from Miramichi north in the east. So, we could all snowmobile, all winter, but we could not always keep up with the traffic and the subsequent need for grooming and so some of you did not have the trails you hoped for on every ride. Again, as in early March on our NBFSC Facebook page, I personally apologized on behalf of all of us and those responsible. We received tremen-
dous positive feedback from our Facebook message ‘An Apology to Snowmobilers and a Thank-You to our Clubs-Volunteers’ posting last season. Not every Club agreed with the words and apology; however the public’s positive response from you the Trail Permit holders that fund the Clubs was almost unanimous. Today, I am pleased to report that we were given by the majority at the May AGM the support to take action. We have begun to understand how we can improve the Trail Grooming of all Member Clubs and the possible future ability to move Trail Grooming equipment from Club to Club or Zone to Zone and ultimately Trail to Trail. Two actions are being undertaken as you read this; first, a ‘’Committee of the Clubs” is being established and will be led by two of our Board Directors. Normand Martin, a former Club President and now NBFSC Vice President and Zone 1 Director will Co-Chair this Committee with Danny McCully also a former Club President and now the NBFSC Zone 8 Director. This concept was adopted by the member clubs in my President’s Report at the AGM. Second, the member clubs also gave the Board the ability to set aside in restricted cash, a new financial fund to be able to eventually physically move Grooming Equipment around the Province. The Committee will look at how this can also be done. Overall, the “Committee of the Clubs” role is to bring forth a set of recommendations to the entire 50 Member Clubs at the NBFSC’ 2017 AGM, in May 2017. I am very, very excited with this progress. We do not have all the solutions, a process or answers yet, but we do finally have a willingness to admit we have some weaknesses, question how we currently groom trails and last…are willing to possibly change. Welcome to the winter of 2017, albeit a bit early! Brad Mann, President, NBFSC, “A Volunteer Organization”
Snowmobiling is New Brunswick’s Winter Tourism… 116
✪
ON SNOW MAGAZINE
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2013 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
Rapport du Président… Damage amélioré en vue Bienvenue à l’hiver 2017 (même si c’est un peu tôt) ! C’est pour moi un honneur d’avoir été réélu lors de l’AGA de la FCMNB en mai et de vous servir avec tous les autres bénévoles du Conseil et du Club de notre Fédération afin d’améliorer la motoneige et donc le tourisme d’hiver de la province —que l’on évalue actuellement à 32,7 millions de $ par saison en retombées économiques touristiques. Nous avons été nombreux à nous sentir frustrés la saison dernière. Même si le Nouveau-Brunswick comptait parmi les quelques régions en Amérique du Nord à avoir gardé une couverture neigeuse, ce n’était pas le cas partout. De ce fait, on a dû redoubler d’efforts et intensifier les travaux sur plusieurs sentiers dont ceux des clubs au nord de Grand-Sault à l’ouest, ceux au nord de Boiestown au centre de la province et ceux au nord de Miramichi à l’est. Même si tous ont pu faire de la motoneige tout l’hiver, il nous a été impossible de nous adapter à une telle circulation et à la demande accrue en damage et plusieurs d’entre vous ont trouvé que l’état des pistes laissait parfois à désirer. C’est pourquoi, dès le mois de mars, j’ai publié sur la page Facebook de la FCMNB des excuses en notre nom et au nom de tous les responsables. Ce message, intitulé Une excuse à nos motoneigistes & un remerciement à nos clubs et bénévoles, nous a valu des commentaires extrêmement positifs. Si les Clubs n’ont pas tous bien reçu la formulation de nos excuses, nous avons reçu une réponse quasi unanime du public, c’est-àdire de vous les détenteurs de permis de sentiers qui financez les clubs. Il me fait plaisir de vous annoncer aujourd’hui que nous avons reçu un appui majoritaire des clubs lors de l’AGA de mai pour prendre des mesures en ce qui a trait au damage des
pistes. Nous entrevoyons déjà des moyens d’améliorer le damage des pistes de tous les Clubs membres ainsi que la possibilité, à l’avenir, de déplacer l’équipement de damage d’un club à l’autre, de zone en zone et, ultimement, de piste en piste. Deux mesures ont été prises et se déroulent au moment-même où vous lisez ces lignes : Premièrement, on met actuellement sur pied un Comité des Clubs que codirigeront deux directeurs de notre Conseil : Normand Martin, ancien président d’un club, vice-président actuel de la FCMNB et directeur de la Zone 1 ; Danny McCully, ancien président d’un club et directeur actuel de la Zone 8 de la FCMNB. Les clubs membres ont adopté ce concept lors de mon Rapport du président à l’AGA. Deuxièmement, les clubs membres ont accordé au Conseil la possibilité de réserver, en tant qu’encaisse affectée, un nouveau fonds qui permettra éventuellement de déplacer l’équipement de damage dans la province. Le Comité se penchera également sur la façon d’y procéder. Le rôle d’ensemble du Comité des clubs est d’apporter une liste de recommandations aux 50 clubs membres lors de l’AGA du FCMNB en mai 2017. Je suis très, très heureux de notre progrès. Nous n’avons pas encore de réponses et nous cherchons toujours des solutions et une façon de faire ; mais nous sommes enfin prêts à admettre nos faiblesses, à remettre en question nos pratiques de damage et… à changer éventuellement. Bienvenue à l’hiver 2017, même si c’est un peu tôt ! Brad Mann, Président, FCMNB, « Une organisation bénévole »
La motoneige est le Tourisme d’hiver du Nouveau-Brunswick… TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 25-27, 2013 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
117
18 YEARS RIDING FOR BREAST CANCER
It is hard to believe that it has been OVER 18 years since that the concept for the annual Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run was born. A passion for powersports and a mission to help those diagnosed with breast cancer have been the driving forces behind the charity and its amazing volunteers. Many great things have happened over the past 18 years which have help grow the main fundraising event, an all women snowmobiling event to adding an ATV ride (Trax4bc.com) aimed at both male and female riders to also hosting an annual golf tournament Fore the Love of Pink and our the most recent event, The Motorcycle Sun Run. Our ATV, golf and motorcycle events are open to male and female participants, where the Snowmobile event accommodates to the female riders (part of Kelly’s Dream and vision). When we lost Kelly Shires in October 2004, it really hit our group hard but it also helped the team to regroup and forge forward to help keep Kelly’s dream and Legacy alive. Kelly Shires had the dream of helping provide financial aid across Canada to those affected by the disease has been made possible by those who support our events and
118
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
by the most amazing Corporate Sponsors who whole heartedly stand behind the cause. We want to share with you the exciting details of our upcoming 18th Annual Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run. The weekend of February 3rd - 5th, 2017, the Muskoka trails will once again be painted pink for our fun filled event. Each February for the past 17 years this very special weekend event has taken place in a snowy paradise amongst the most wonderful snowmobile trail system. Once again, this year the venue will at Hidden Valley Resort in Huntsville with the entire resort being dedicated exclusively to those taking part of this extraordinary affair. If you’ve ever considered participating in this event we would strongly encourage you to register and be a part of something that will touch your life in a way you probably couldn’t imagine. The idea behind this all-women snowmobile event is a snowmobile experience that will take a hold of your love for snowmobiling as well as being able to do some good. Although the theme of “Women helping Women” speaks volumes, there are many men that support this event and help make it the
success it has been known for. Participants have the choice of 5 teams (or levels) to ride on. We want everyone to know it is not a race (although we are not sure the Hooter Haulers know that!), we want you to have a fantastic day out on the trails so have tailored team choices accordingly. Participants are asked to raise a minimum of $1250 in pledges to participate, this essentially helps one breast cancer patient! This year we are once again presenting the Bring-a-friend program, and long time sponsor Royal Distributing has made this deal even sweeter… The Double Royal Challenge! For those brave enough to take the challenge, Royal has offered the participants of the bringa-friend program to both raise $1250 minimum and they will donate $2000 on your behalf! Who is up for a challenge? This event and charity is volunteer driven. The dedication of the volunteer organizing committee ensures that this is not your conventional group ride or event. The event kicks off on the Friday afternoon, where ladies will get settled in, meet the registration team and pick up their fundraising incentive gifts complete with a fabulous goody bag and then shop at the pink market. Take in some social and relaxation in the mingle centre. Early evening the Friday night Meet’n’Greet really kick starts the festivities and is hosted by Carey Moran from KICX FM. The Meet’n’Greet is a great opportunity to meet with other riders, catch up with old friends from previous rides and just relax and have fun, along with dinner, games, prizes and laughter. The following morning is all about the ride, after enjoying a wonderful buffet breakfast. Participants choose which team to ride with based on their riding ability. The beauty of this design is that there is a team for everyone, whether it is your first time riding or if you love to zoom along on the trail! A secret panel of
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
nent. Most of those going through treatment are too ill to work and many do not qualify for any type of government assistance, at a time when they need to focus on their health and recovery. Public and private health plans do not cover all expenses related to going through a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. The Kelly Shires Foundation helps financially assist breast cancer patients across Canada with items that are not covered by public or private medical plans. To learn more about the event, apply for assistance or to make a donation, please visit www.breastcancersnowrun.org. For more information on the charity visit www.kellyshiresfoundation.org.
judges will be covertly making notes and taking pictures of the snowmobiles which have been decorated for the decorated sled contest. Each team then departs on its designated route after opening ceremonies. Teams will meet up at the designated lunch location nestled on the trails. Each team then departs from the lunch destination to arrive back late afternoon at Hidden Valley Resort where they are treated to hot chocolate and treats before they hit the showers and get ready for the evening. The festivities kick off in the evening with cocktails, and a plated dinner, speeches, awards and a silent auction. We have a very special guest speaker and Emcee lined up for this year’s event. For those who are not quite ready to call it night, we invite you to join us as we dance the night away. Sunday morning participants are treated to a buffet breakfast before they leave for their journey home, full of new memories and with the knowledge that they have made a difference in the life of someone battling breast cancer. It is a feeling that words cannot fully capture. For more information or to register please visit us at www.breastcancersnowrun.org We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all our sponsors, including platinum level sponsors: BRP Inc., Choko Design, Factory Recreation (Ski-Doo dealer in Midland), FXR, Royal Distributing, Snap On Tools and The Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV and Powersports Show (a full list of sponsors can be found on the charity website). There is literally a way for everyone to get involved, from participating to fundraising, volunteering or simply supporting the companies that champion the charity! Please be sure you come and visit us at our booth at the Toronto International Snowmobile, ATV & Powersports Show, October 21 - 23! Follow the pink carpet to our booth! Our annual raffle with early bird prize (2016 Can-Am 570 XMR) will be drawn at the show! How was the Charity Started? The Charity and the Snow Run event were Co-founded by good friends Kelly Shires and Suzy Stenoff 18 years ago... When Kelly was diagnosed with breast cancer she immediately knew she wanted her focus to be on others in the same situation. She experienced first-hand everything from the initial diagnoses, the physi-
cal, emotional, mental and financial aspects of the battle against the disease. She knew there was great insufficiency in the financial compo-
We are not funded by the government, we rely on the generosity of our donors, if you cannot make it to one of our events and would like to support the cause, we would welcome any donations through our secure on-line donation form at www.kellyshiresfoundation.org
Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Snow Run
DONATION FORM
VISA
MASTERCARD
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
AMEX
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
119
To advertise your business in this section call: 1-888-661-7469 ONTARIO
ONTARIO
Sundridge 9 ONTARIO MAP 21 Atlantic Host Hotel
Wawa . ONTARIO MAP 11 Wawa Motor Inn
24368
Nearby
5
118 Mission Road, Wawa, Ontario P0S1K0 Tel: 705-856-2278 • Fax: 705-856-2171 Toll Free: 800-561-2278 Email: wawamoto@shawbiz.ca Website: www.wawamotorinn.com Your Superior Vacation Experience featuring 50 main building rooms, 20 cozy log rooms and 18 rustic Chalets with fireplaces. All main building rooms are 100% smokefree. Enjoy fine dining in the Fireside Dining Room and Lounge; home of the largest fireplace in the North. Easily accessible to snow trails and ample parking.
24
Nearby
SUBSCRIBE TODAY GET IT NOW! SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
SUBSCRIBE TO OSM AT
538
INSIDE
1450 Vanier Blvd. Bathurst, NB E2A 4H7 Toll Free: 1-800-898-9292 Office: (506) 548-3335 • Fax: (506) 548-9769 thehost@nbnet.nb.ca • www.atlantichost.com Known to all sledders as the place to stay in Bathurst. Located on Trail #19, or take exit #310 on Rte 11. Loading ramps, indoor sled parking, heated repair bays. Fuel nearby. Excellent accommodations, excellent restaurants, pub-style lounge, heated indoor pool, sauna and whirlpool. And did we meantion we’re the only hotel in New Brunswick located directly on NBFSC trails?
ONTARIO
Hwy 560, PO BOX 67, Gowganda, ON P0J 1J0 info@gowgandalakecamp.ca (705)624-3446 www.gowgandalakelodge.com
Our 4 season resort has groomed trails to our door. Located in the center of A107C and the south end of L136 (north shore of Gowganda Lake) or drive directly to us on Hwy 560. We have 6 deluxe cottages, 5 which will hold up to 6 people, and 1 cottage that will hold up to 10 people. All units are fully furnished with 4 pc baths, full kitchens, wi-fi and satellite TV. General store, LCBO, beer store, wood burning sauna, and fuel are all on site. Meal plans are available with reservation. Accomodation as low as $30 pp/pd.
23451
10 ISSUES - $29
Nearby
678
REVIEWS TECHNICAL LIFESTYLE VINTAGE RACING BUYER’S GUIDES MUCH MORE
1YR 2YRS 3YRS
5 ISSUES - $19
rONTARIO MAP 13
FACEBOOK.COM/ONSNOWMAGAZINE
15 ISSUES - $37
osmmag.com ✪
✪ SERVICE & REPAIR TO ALL BRANDS ✪ HPG / ACT / KAYABA / RYDE FX / OHLIN / FOX ✪ ✪ SHOCK DYNO SERVICE & REVALVING ✪
GUARANTEED QUICK TURNAROUND
SNOWMOBILE, ATV, MOTORCYCLE & TRUCK SUSPENSION
FOX AIR EVOL" REAR SUSPENSION FOR ALL 2008/2009/2010/2011 008/2009/ SKI-DOO -DOO MODELS
AUTHORIZED FOX SALES & SERVICE DEALER
120
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
To advertise your business in this section call: 1-888-661-7469 BOBCAYGEON UXBRIDGE
ONTARIO
43
• MAP 42
ONTARIO
GRAVENHURST
ONTARIO
BRADFORD
BRINGS NEW LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE & RELIABILITY TO YOUR ARCTIC CATS
8
• MAP 31
Muskoka’s Only Polaris Dealer Come be satisfied by the rising stars of POLARIS. York Region's newest, biggest dealer.
SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • ACCESSORIES
1689 Winhara Rd. Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1R1 Phone: (705) 645-8464 Toll Free: (800) 696-3849 northgatemuskoka.com
19890 Hwy 11, Bradford, ON L3Z 2B6 (905) 775-1717 • Fax (905) 775-0518 UXBRIDGE MINNESOTA, USA GREENBUSH
ONTARIO
PEFFERLAW
ONTARIO
PEFFERLAW
ONTARIO
TRENTON UXBRIDGE
98
• MAP 43
JUST 50 MINS NORTH OF TORONTO
HWY 48, Pefferlaw, Lake Simcoe 705-437-1122 quinnsmarina.com
ONTARIO
UXBRIDGE
W ONTARIO
WHITCHURCH-STOUFFVILLE
48
347 Cranston Crescent NE, Midland, ON L4R 4K6 705.526.2248 www.factoryrecreation.com
• MAP 41
516 Hwy 2, Trenton ON K8V 5W6 613-394-6691 • 1-877-394-6691 www.bay-Marine .com
BOOK YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN TODAY
FLK;FFI B@K:?<EJ a G@QQ8 FM<EJ FLK;FFI ]I<GC8:<J a 99HJ
Authorized Polaris Dealer Durham Region's #1 Ski-Doo/Sea-Doo, Sportboat, Can Am dealer. Full line of Ski-Doo sleds, parts, clothing and accessories.Trail starts at our door. 3 Douglas Road, Uxbridge, ON L9P 1M7 (905) 852-5884 • 1-800-668-SLED uxbridgemotorsports.com ONTARIO
BOWMANVILLE UXBRIDGE
7
• MAP 42
5531 Main Street, St. Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON, L4A 7X5 Phone: 905-640-2212 Email: atccorral@bellnet.ca
www.atccorral.com ONTARIO
BURLINGTON
Your South Western Ontario Polaris dealer
4325 Harvester Road, Unite 12 Burlington ON L7L 5M4 Phone: 905.681.7270 Fax: 905.681.1697
www.peakpowersports.ca
ADVERTISE IN ON SNOW MAGAZINE Get your message out to thousands of SNOWMOBILE enthusiasts
1-888-661-7469 www.osmmag.com
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
To Book An Appointment Call
905-841-3100
W W W. O U T D O O R L U X U R Y. C O M ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
121
floatbowl
Pat Bourgeois
CONNECTED border town just a stone’s throw away from Manitoba. I know of those small towns that Gord speaks of, I know of the deeply rooted passion for hockey that the country continues to hold, and I know of the people and history that are often the inspiration for much of the music. There is a connection with this band that runs much deeper than merely great music. The reasons are perhaps too complex and too diverse to explain…yet it is undeniable. In some ways it’s not unlike the connection we hold for snowmobiling. The roots of our sport run deep within us, we know the names of those who invented the early machines; we feel a The Tragically Hip take one final bow at the close of their show in Kingston, Ontario. connection to small towns across the Snowbelt that hold special meaning was more than 1,200 miles Canada to see “their” band play. for us; and we embrace the chilling Yet, in Canada they are considered effects of winter. Those on the outside from here to there, yet the s c r e a m i n g a n d s w a y o f a national treasure, selling out arenas looking in, often times simply don’t bodies could have been right here with in minutes, and topping the charts understand it. Yet, for those of us who me. It was a national celebration, a time with album after album. They have do, snowmobiling is a sport that we can for a country to stop, reflect, and cherish their own postage stamp, a street truly call our own. something that was truly theirs. It was named after them in their hometown of Kingston, and their “final” show was my moment too. It was a long way from the northern being broadcast live from coast to M i n n e s o t a c a b i n w h e r e I f o u n d coast during primetime on the nation’s myself disengaged from the campfire premiere television station. They are the conversation and, like a teenager, band that every Canadian can call their immersed in my phone. The streaming own…the Tragically Hip is Canada’s images and sounds from Kingston, band. Fortunately, they are my band Ontario brought with them a stirring of too. For me and their many fans, the emotions from joy to sadness and so many others it was hard to pinpoint. “Hip” is not just another band. The Others who had watched the show best Tragically Hip has created an emotional described it later that night on social connection with their fans and with media, “I don’t really know what to feel”. Canada that runs much deeper than just The Tragically Hip had likely played merely good music. They sing about their final concert; their singer diagnosed Canada…its small towns, its history, its a few months earlier with terminal brain landscapes, and its people. The music cancer spelled the inevitable end to is driving, yet haunting and the lyrics more than 30 years of music. Outside not only tell a story, but also create an of Canada they are a band that few will emotional connection in a way in which know, or likely appreciate. They never only their singer and poet Gord Downie cracked the United States or European can write and deliver. I’m not sure how I became a “Hip” markets, instead playing in bars and small venues to fans that often drove fan. Most likely it has something to hundreds, or even thousands of miles in do with my roots, growing up on a
IT
122
ON SNOW MAGAZINE • VOL 31 • ISSUE 1
TORONTO SNOWMOBILE, ATV & POWERSPORTS SHOW • OCT 21-23, 2016 • TORONTO INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • www.torontosnowmobileatvshow.com
41ST ANNUAL
NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL
PRESENTED BY
JAN 6-8, 2017
INTERNATIONAL CENTRE • TORONTO
FRIDAY JANUARY 6: 12PM - 10PM • SATURDAY JANUARY 7: 10AM - 9PM • SUNDAY JANUARY 8: 10AM - 5PM - 2017 201 NEW BIKE DISPLAYS - HOT SHOPPING DEALS HUG DEALER EXHIBITS - HUGE - 500 EXHIBITORS SPAN OVER 7 HALLS - PARTS PAR AND ACCESSORIES FOR SALE
CCANADA’S CANA ANA LARGEST CUSTOM BIKE CCASH ASH & AWARDS PROGRAM!
- MEET INDUSTRY CELEBRITIES - 100 CLUBS, RIDES & RALLIES - CUSTOM BIKE BUILDING COMPETITION - ENORMOUS USED BIKE MARKET - LEGENDARY “CENTURY OF MOTORCYCLES”
FREE PARKING WWW.MOTORCYCLESUPERSHOW.CA 1-888-661-SHOW CANADA CUP
CHAMPIONSHIPS
NO PAYMENTS FOR 5 MONTHS
AND
RIDE GUARANTEE NO SNOW? NO PROBLEM. EXTRA 1 YEAR WARRANTY.
UP TO
$
AND
1,000
IN APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
ACT NOW TO EXPERIENCE GREAT OFFERS ON 2016 SLEDS PLUS FREE APPAREL & ACCESSORIES.
VISIT TERRAINDOMINATION.COM FOR MORE OFFERS RESTRICTIONS: No monthly payments for five (5) months applies to new 2016 or older models purchased through 10/31/2016, on approved credit, and delivered by [10/31], 2016. Monthly payments are deferred for a total of 180 days. Contracts will be extended accordingly. Interest charges (if any) will not accrue during the first 150 days of the contract. After 150 days, interest (if any) starts to accrue and the purchaser will repay principal and interest (if any) monthly over the term of the contract, but not until 180 days after the contract date. Conditions apply. See a participating authorized dealer for full details, eligible models and other offers. Offers are subject to change, extension or cancellation without notice. Errors and omissions excepted. Snowmobile Ride Guarantee: For a customer to be eligible, the customer must have less than 300 miles (500 KM) on their snowmobile odometer as of 3/31/17. If a customer does not achieve 300 miles (500 KM) by 3/31/17, they can bring their snowmobile back to the dealership for verification of the odometer. Dealer will submit a request and proof of mileage for customer. Upon verification Polaris will add an additional 12 month extended limited factory warranty to the snowmobile. After the first year, the additional factory warranty offer is subject to a $50.00 deductible per visit. The mileage will need to be verified by a Polaris dealer and must follow the verification process. This must be completed between 4/1/17 – 5/15/17 to be eligible for the ride guarantee offer. Customer must live in the following provinces to be eligible: SK, MB, ON, QC, NL, NB, NS. The offer of “up to $1000 free G&A” is up to $1000 in free Polaris garments and accessories. It is redeemed at the dealership. Valid on select 2014 – 2016 Polaris snowmobiles. Amounts vary on model, see dealer for details. WARNING: Professional rider on a closed course. Polaris recommends that all snowmobile riders take a training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Never drink and ride. ©2016 Polaris Industries Inc.