Throwdown

REAL SLEDS, REAL RIDERS, REAL TRAILS, REAL RESULTS

S T L U ES R L A E R , S L I A TR L A E R , S R E D I R L A E R , S D LE S L REA

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THERE’S A PROBLEM WITH OUR SPORT AND MORE SPECIFICALLY, WITH HOW NEW MODEL SNOWMOBILES ARE EVALUATED. IT’S CALLED SPRING, SUMMER, AND FALL; OR MORE ACCURATELY, WINTER IS TOO DAMN SHORT.

Let

me me explain further. Every spring, the manufacturers invite members of the snowmobile media, from magazines to websites, and showcase their entire forth-coming model year sleds. The event, better known as Snow Shoot, is comprised of five days of technical downloads, photography, and riding. Aside from typically being held at altitude, the new model sleds are often pre-production models; works in progress if you will, especially in critical areas such as fuel, clutching, and suspension calibrations. Despite these shortcomings, many media outlets (ourselves included) evaluate these machines in what amounts to a short two-hour demo ride

aboard several machines, and giving readers our best interpretation and prediction of the production model to come. What’s more, most of these test rides are conducted as if we all have something to prove, or a race to win; riding at aggressive speeds and beyond, and in process, dismissing other types of riders. In short, most new model evaluations is little more than one man’s or woman’s opinion based on limited seat time, on a pre-production sled, with little to no test data to support the outcome. Throw Down is our attempt to change that, even if slightly. Leading up to this point, I had always admired how our publishing counterparts in the motorcycle or automotive circles had executed such thorough, head to head tests. They were often a combination of statistical data and extensive subjective analysis from several riders. However, unlike our street based counterparts, we are faced with a sport that is seasonal in nature, often giving us less than three months of time and zero chance of testing a true production sled. Of course, this first go around is far from perfect. The sleds we gathered could be likened to comparing apples to oranges by some, and our goal of including a wide breadth of riders varying in age, ability and gender is still on the horizon. Yet despite this being our first trip to the Throw Down rodeo, we were pleased and confident in the event, the process and the results.

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THROW DOWN 2011

HOW IT WENT DOWN

With our mantra being real sleds and real trails, the first ever Throw Down was held on the outskirts of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area with ERX Motor Park in Elk River, a year round track featuring snocross during the frozen months, as our home base. Each of the sleds was bone stock, with optional accessories limited to taller windows to shield us from the January chill, and factory fresh wear bars. Each sled was set-up to exact factory specifications for each given rider. From that point, each sled was massaged in term of suspension calibrations in order to achieve optimum ride quality for conditions. Each rider kept notes on things such as spring pre-load and dampening setting for each sled so they could always return to their unique “sweetspot” when swapping sleds. For our first effort, we collected two

different data sets. One was an extensive subjective evaluation form (qualitative) that included 18 categories with a possible 30-points available in each. All told, each sled could receive a maximum of 540 points through subjective evaluations. The second data set involved quantitative data via a timed closed-course bump test built specifically for OSM at ERX Motor Park. The course featured a variety of small to medium bumps from stutters to 8-inch chop. Timing lights were stationed at the entrance and exit of the track, and each rider and sled made multiple trips through the traps, as suspension settings were tweaked for optimum ride quality. All told, the Throw Down took a week to complete, and during that time we took multiple rides, in all types of conditions, terrain, and temperatures. Here’s the low down on our first ever Throw Down.

Aside from the closed course riding at ERX Motor Park, we spend the bulk of our time riding the sleds on a wide variety of trails, switching often, making a multitude of suspension adjustments and talking plenty of smack.

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We were fortunate enough to gain access to the race shop at ERX Motor Park. Along with all the tools and heat, the bright blue Porta-Potty on the back side of the shop was not only appreciated but needed.

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Our chief wrench, Jason Mac-n-Cheese MacDonald put his years of experience working at both an OEM and at area dealerships to good use as we barked suspension orders in his direction.

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bump/chatter course and utilized timing lights to help us determine optimum suspension performance.

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THROW DOWN 2011

2011 OSM THROW DOWN SUBJECTIVE EVALUATION KEY Handlebar/Control Ergonomics Bend, position on chassis, rotation, ability to adjust, overall reach, pull and shape.

Steering Effort Effort, smoothness, linear feel at both high speed and low speed.

Running Board/ Foot Well Performance Depth, width, toe hold, traction, range of motion, snow build-up, and angle.

Comfort – Ride, Handling and Stability Ability to deliver a plush ride over a wide range of conditions with limited adjustments.

Seat Performance/Seat Comfort Seat shape, height, surface material, foam density, foam comfort, range of motion.

Cockpit Ergonomics Relationship of running boards, to knees, to elbows, to hands. Sharp edges/shape Low Speed/Tight Trail Handling Performance Predictable bite, degree of counter-steer, darting.

Performance – Ride, Handling and Stability Ability to deliver ride quality over a wide range of conditions with limited adjustments. Stutter Bump/Low Amplitude Bump & Hole Compliance Ability to deliver control, confidence, stability and comfort over trail chop. Large Bump/High Amplitude Bump & Hole Compliance Ability to deliver control, confidence, stability and comfort over large bumps/holes.

High Speed/Sweeper Corner Handling Performance Predictable bite, degree of counter-steer, darting.

OPINIONATED

Each chart represents the cumulative average of all riders during Throw Down. By using the 25 average of the results, we were able to weed out anomalies, but created final numbers that often appear “average”. Because of 20 this, a particular model had to significantly over perform or under perform on a consistent 15 basis in order to make an impact on the final line chart.

Fit/Finish/Gauge Package Appeal, seam fit, rattles, paint quality, fasteners, easy to read and understand gauges, gauge capability.

Storage/Tool Kit/Ease of Access Quantity and quality of storage; access and standard tools available; ability to access belts, plugs, side panels, etc.

Engine Run Quality Overall engine traits including startup, idle, smoothness, burbles, flat spots, etc.

Wind Protection/Warmth Windshield and cowl protection.

Clutching Engagement quality, up-shift, back-shift, ease of tuning.

Brake Performance Brake lever effort, feedback or brake feel, brake fade, noise, etc. Suspension Adjustment Performance/Capabilities Tuning ability, ease of access, range of tuning

2011 TRUE TRAIL THROW DOWN

10 800 RUSH PRO-R

RU NN IN G

CFR 800

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APEX SE

800 MXZ XRS

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THROW DOWN 2011

800 RUSH PRO-R

RU NN IN G

HA ND LE BA BO R/ AR CO D/ NT FO RO OT LS W EL SE ER LP AT LO GO ER PE W S FO RF SP HI GH OR RM EE D/ MA SP A NC TIG EE NC E HT D/ E/ SW CO TR EE MF AIL PE OR CO S R HA T CK CO ND PIT RN L IN ER ER G GO S PE HA S RF ND OR LI N CO MA G MF NC PE OR E PE RF ST TRF OR UT O R M RM TE ST ID A E, NC R EE AN BU HA E RI CE NG MP ND LA -R L /L E I RG FF NG ID OW E OR EB ,H AN AM T UM AN D PL ST DL P/ ITU A HI I NG BI GH DE L ITY AN AM BU D MP PL ST ITU /H A B OL DE I LI EC TY ST BU OM AN MP DA P /H LI A RD OL FIT NC EC ST & E FI N OR OM AG IS H PL E/ I A / GA /T NC OO UG E LK EP IT/ AC /E K AG AS E EO FA EN CC GI ES NE W IN S RU D PR N QU OT A EC LI T TIO Y N/ WA RM SU TH SP EN BR CL SIO AK U TC IN N G HI AD PE NG JU RF ST O ME RM NT AN CE PE RF OR MA NC E

The Rush scored extremely well in 10 big bump compliance, as well as in clutching, brake performance and range of a suspension adjustment. 5 Low scores in wind protection, storage, and steering effort however, pulled down the overall score. O

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Bowmanville, ON 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. 2011 Polaris industries Inc.

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HA ND LE BA BO R/ AR CO D/ NT FO RO OT LS W EL SE ER LP AT LO GO ER PE W S FO RF SP HI GH OR RM EE D/ MA SP A NC TIG EE NC E HT D/ E/ SW CO TR EE MF A IL PE OR CO S R HA T CK CO ND PIT RN L IN ER ER G GO S PE HA S RF ND OR LIN CO MA G MF NC PE OR E PE RF ST TRF OR UT O R M RM TE ST ID A E, NC R EE AN BU HA E RI CE NG MP ND LA -R L /L E I RG FF NG ID OW E OR EB ,H AN AM T UM AN D PL ST DL P/ ITU A HI I NG BI GH DE L IT Y AN AM BU D MP PL ST ITU /H A B OL DE ILI EC TY ST BU OM AN MP DA P /H LIA RD OL FIT NC EC ST & E FIN OR OM AG I SH PL E/ I A / GA /T NC OO UG E LK EP IT/ AC /E K AG AS E EO FA EN CC GI ES NE W IN S RU D PR N QU OT A EC LI T TIO Y N/ WA RM SU TH SP EN BR CL SIO AK U TC IN N G HI AD PE NG JU RF ST O ME RM NT AN CE PE RF OR MA NC E

RU NN IN G

Real Sleds, Real Riders, Real Trails, Real Results

APEX SE 30

Despite the top score, the chart 10 illustrates how the Apex is not necessarily the best sled for every occasion. Thanks to power steering, 5 the Apex received the best segment score, conversely big bump compliance scored poorly. O

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THROW DOWN 2011 30

CFR 800

While scoring lower than the Yamaha and Ski-Doo, the Cat chart 10 was the flattest of the bunch, proving it was more consistent from category to category, a result that could be 5 linked to its years of refinement.

RU NN IN G

HA ND LE BA BO R/ AR CO D/ NT FO RO OT LS W EL SE ER LP AT LO GO ER PE W S FO RF SP HI GH OR RM EE D/ MA SP A NC TIG EE NC E HT D/ E/ SW CO TR EE MF AIL PE OR CO S R HA T CK CO ND PIT RN L IN ER ER G GO S PE HA S RF ND OR LIN CO MA G MF NC PE OR E PE RF ST TRF OR UT O R M RM TE ST ID A E, NC R EE AN BU HA E RI CE NG MP ND LA -R L /L E I RG FF NG ID OW E OR EB ,H AN AM T UM AN D PL ST DL P/ ITU A HI I NG BI GH DE L IT Y AN AM BU D MP PL ST ITU /H A B OL DE ILI EC TY ST BU OM AN MP DA P /H LIA RD OL FI T NC EC ST & E FIN OR OM AG IS H PL E/ I A / GA /T NC OO UG E LK EP IT / AC /E K AG AS E EO FA EN CC GI ES NE W IN S RU D PR N QU OT A EC LI T TIO Y N/ WA RM SU TH SP EN BR CL SIO AK U TC IN N G HI AD PE NG JU RF ST O ME RM NT AN CE PE RF OR MA NC E

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The XRS came oh so close to 5 edging out the Yamaha for overall top score. Frankly it comes down to how you ride, and if ego thumping and race-neck speed over terrain is O your thing, this is your sled.

RU NN IN G

Real Sleds, Real Riders, Real Trails, Real Results

MXZ XRS 30

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THROW DOWN 2011

2011 THROW DOWN THIRST

Model

Arctic Cat CFR 800 Polaris 800 Rush Pro-R Ski-Doo 800 MXZ-XRS Yamaha Apex SE

AVG MPG 12.12 9.32 11.67 12.96

Editors Note: As is always the case, the thumb has a very distinct impact on fuel economy, and during last winter’s week long Throw Down we liberally applied additional petroleum to the combustion chambers of all four buggies as we massaged our egos and honed Minnesota’s snow filled ditchlines. Like all fine distillates, use in moderation can result in more favorable results.

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Real Sleds, Real Riders, Real Trails, Real Results

BUMPITY BUMP

The bump course was one of the eye opening moments of Throw Down 2011. The test delivered real numbers versus opinions on how a sled was performing. Starting from a dead stop, just before the initial timing beams which got the clock running, each rider attempted to negotiate the bump littered course at the fastest speed possible while keeping their butt in contact with the seat. If at any time a riders butt left the seat, the run was tossed out. Subsequently, suspension

settings were tuned and adjusted time and time again in effort to improve results. Only runs where the driver completed the course in control, with their butt staying in contact with the seat the entire time, were saved into the system. Once a particular sled was calibrated for optimum performance in the bump course, it was then required to complete eight successful runs. Those times were then averaged for the associated chart.

OSM THROW DOWN MY2011 - TRAIL BUMP COMPLIANCE RESULTS Brand/Model

Individual Course Time in Seconds

Average Time

MX-Z 800 XRS 10.028 10.022 10.191 10.662 10.134 10.128 10.256 10.309 10.133 10.207

Apex SE 9.900 9.634 9.692 9.839 9.452 9.643 9.878 9.919 10.089 9.783

CFR 800 10.323 10.281 10.282 10.083 10.861 10.528 11.176 11.012 10.749 10.588

800 Rush Pro-R 10.611 11.102 10.442 10.282 10.070 10.092 10.131 10.032 10.163 10.325

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THROW DOWN 2011

MACDONALD’S FINAL TAKE

Arctic Cat CFR

I really enjoyed our time together, much of which was spent throwing petroleum products in one of two places within the big Suzuki, just to calm its appetite. The machine is pleasant to ride with good lighting, and an easy to read gauge package that made the low to snow plush seat, and well-damped rear suspension, iron out all but the nastiest chassis flexing holes. Watching the handlebars perform figure 8's on early morning warm ups, was just a reminder there was indeed a four plug, twincylinder, 163-horsepower lake monster under hood. I know the ProCross chassis is the new kid on the block, but for the old-school rider who wants to drag knuckles and lurk on the edge of the icepack for their next victim, the CFR is your ride.

Yamaha Apex SE

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More often then not, people would give me the "deer in the headlights" look when I would show my strong adoration for the Apex. Similar to showing up at prom with that “bigger girl” who had a pretty face and nice personality, the EPS equipped SE was always there for you and was extremely easy to ride. Other than going out for a long day of bashing the local, mogul filled ditch line, the only four stroke in the test was always waiting patiently with its raspy exhaust note and ‘don't forget me’ look on its face. Better yet, when everyone was done with their high maintenance short-term love affairs, the Yamaha was still there; just plugging along with very little effort, good fuel mileage, and refined level of comfort that everyone learned to appreciate.

Ski-Doo 800 MXZ XRS

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Patent Pending

I could just be getting old, given the amount of training and high grade supplementation my body now requires to simply make a flight of stairs. But regardless of age, the XRS has all the traits of a purebred Ricky Racer that needs to be ridden aggressively to perform properly. The stiff suspension settings will punish the average rider, and only speed and a mission to punish the terrain will overcome and deliver positive results. It’s at this pace that you

Real Sleds, Real Riders, Real Trails, Real Results

truly appreciate the capabilities of the XRS. The hard pull of the 800 E-Tec is always at the ready, but the ergonomics force you to hang on more with your arms than with your legs, which can be tiresome by days end. The steering effort and handling are tight and precise, but is intended more for the haves who are never willing to lift, than the hasbeens. The Valcourt group did a good job of giving the masses something that can truly be pushed to the limits, and offer great rewards to those willing to do it. Posers need not apply.

Polaris 800 Rush Pro-R

First off, I am not a pro. In fact, I’m not actually even a semi-pro. Given this tough assessment of myself, I thought I might not be able to live up to the hype of what Polaris claims as the industry’s first rising rate rear suspension ever put in a snowmobile. Truth is, the machine works well in certain areas as long as you’ve set up the suspension correctly for that particular terrain. I always seemed to find myself softening the spring preloads all the way around, and

using the clickers to control the overall ride quality. The Rush failed to impress on small chatter bumps, where the rear felt rigid. Yet it was remarkable in large holes and road approaches, where it absorbed bumps and flew flat. The retro graphics brought a lot of positive comments along the trails when stopped, which was frequent either to rest my arms from the heavy steering

effort, change the resistor for fuel quality, (this should be automatic) or add more fuel to the tank. Despite its faults, the machine does have panache and emulates the racing heritage of the big P. Throw in more wind protection, improve small bump compliancy, and tone down the steering effort and the Roseau crew will be well on their way to turning everyone pro.

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THROW DOWN 2011

ERICKSON’S THROW DOWN, LOW DOWN

The Throw Down certainly made all us think more and evaluate to a deeper degree than most of us had previously. Yet despite the ranking system, scorecards, and timed courses, some things just can’t be calculated and must be quantified elsewhere. I’m talking about the overall, subjective “feel” of the machines and how they stack up in my brain. If these were the four sleds I had as an option to vie for my cash, here they are in the order I would buy them:

Yamaha Apex SE

In a surprise, I believe I would be the most content with the Apex SE. There is a weight penalty in the nasty bumps, but the EPS makes a big difference in overall fatigue and the suspension was the most comfortable over the majority of the trail anomalies we encountered. I t ’s g o t p o w e r t o k e e p t h e t r a c k spinning in deep, loose snow and I somewhat proved the Apex can hold its own as a ditch boondocker. Plus, with an engine that will last well into the next decade, it scores bonus points given the expense of repairs, parts, and dealer service hours.

Polaris 800 Rush Pro-R

The Rush can be a damn frustrating machine to ride. I would rate it “excellent” in handling and suspension one day, and then find myself frustrated during the next encounter. Make no mistake; trailside adjustments are not recommended… they are required. The Polaris suspension calibration guys are a passionate, hard working crew, and the Rush Pro R has the components necessary to make the sled really perform – but the sweet spot is too narrow. Buyers, or those thinking of this machine on the used or non-current market, would do themselves a big favor getting the 2012 updates.

Arctic Cat 800 CFR

The Crossfire R is a dart – a speedy, point and shoot, go fast, sleek, friggin’ dart! Its engine is ornery in a good way, but hungry and subtlety unrefined – which makes it a hoot for wide open stretches of deserted fields and lake-tops. Handling is superb with its low, stable chassis and what felt like a forward bias with weight well centered over the skis for supreme steering. It’s great on flat trails, but it’s a bit of a niche sled – the weight on the front and the burden on the front torque arm makes the CFR unpleasant in a terrain game. Gobs of power, a slippery seat, and little for my size 11’s to lock into complete the dart feeling.

Ski-Doo 800 MXZ-XRS

The XRS is a race sled with little business on trails – the people who can truly harness what is capable with this chassis have missed their calling as terrain craftsmen. It’s tough; it’s stiff; it hates to go slow; and it mistreats you for wimping out, in an effort to be smooth. Spank this machine – come in and out of the throttle hard, and rip the bars to full lock turns with an aggressive, standing, lean hard over the bars to the inside maneuver for the most effective handling. Get my drift? I looked like a wannabe tool on this machine, and chances are, image-boy buyers will too.

KEHOE’S NORTH OF THE BORDER PERSPECTIVE

At the start of Throw Down, it seemed the immediate questions that came to mind and needing answering were: Are you the Poser? Are you the guy that’s in charge of hauling Ms. Daisy around? Are you the Show-Off? Do you ride standing-up or is your butt glued to the seat? In short, what type of rider are you really?

Ski-Doo 800 MXZ-XRS

If you’re into cross-country, race-like conditions, the XRS is your sled. The more throttle you and the XRS throw at the bumps, the better it works. In fact, if you don’t use the throttle you’ll be left bruised, battered, and scratching your head. Plain and simple, this sled needs to be abused, and the 800 E-Tec will help you smoke and crush the bumps at insane speeds. The sled cornered like your typical XP chassis; point, turn, and be rewarded with few surprises, inspiring confidence in heaping portions. That being said, the suspension is way too stiff for the conventional rider, and this sled would be a real mistake for someone pretending to be someone they’re not. If you’re not attempting to win a 200-mile cross-country race every time you ride, this is not a sled you should ever consider.

Yamaha Apex SE

The Yamaha Apex SE was the dark horse of the group. If I would have placed a few side bets on this sled, I could have retired, as this sled turned out to be the preferred trail sled of the group. Remember the Throw Down is 86

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OTHER THINGS WE THREW DOWN …OR WOULD LIKE TO. MacDonald

Vintage Leafers…nuff said.

Erickson

about real world riders; the norm if you will. Like most, my riding is on wide groomed trails, and this is what the APEX calls home. I found myself rallying at any and all speeds with the Apex’s motor in tune with any song I chose to listen to. My favorite thing about the Apex was its Tokyo Drift handling; power slide into the corners and pull out with buttery smooth power. Power steering was the icing on the cake making, the Tokyo Drift even better. The one thing that I didn’t appreciate for my riding style was that there is zero possibility to ride standing up; even when approaching a guaranteed F-BUMP. Every time we were coming down a hill or a lofter, I’d watch the guys ahead of me stand up, pour on the coals, and lift the skis before hitting the “guaranteed F-BUMP”. However, on the Apex I was grabbing the brake, slowing it down, and yelling “F-ME”!

Polaris 800 Rush Pro-R

The Rush Pro-R is a sled that requires time in the seat to really make it work right. The suspension works well, but needs to constantly be changed for the type of riding style and conditions. As we all know, one minute you can be pounding down a ditch, the next on a groomed logging road, and ending with a twisty bush trail. The Rush is awesome for pounding down ditches with bumps and craters. It can wheel through under power, making it a very fun sled. It provides a safe “feeling” as

it’s very predictable when ridden on this type of terrain. But if you’re heading through tight twisties, you earn every corner. At times my arms felt like Popeye’s and I actually began to crave spinach. The predictability of the straight line bumps and whoops are no longer with you in the twisties. To top it off, the Roseau ride didn’t even have a place to jam a toque, in order to conceal helmet head or male pattern baldness, eh!

Arctic Cat CFR 800

With the CFR being replaced this year, it felt like the old girl was at her last rodeo. Truth is, she was. However, this sled is fast and allows you to throttle past others, wearing a proud smile and snug fitting bibs. Who doesn’t like being the fastest? It’s a fun sled to ride on a long day of smooth trails, and it handled well. It was also very predictable in the corners. You always felt in control, and you could trust it to follow your path. Yup, the CFR was like riding a hybrid “cougar”; she felt a little older, yet got me to where I wanted to be in a hurry. The old girl knew what she wanted and how to get it, and left me smiling from ear to ear after every ride. Although, the CFR made itself known at the pumps, grunting and groaning with hunger pains. But as most men know, “it costs more to make a cougar purr.” Next year AC will be back with a whole new platform that is younger, hotter, and will make your riding friends stare with lust. We’ll see who’s laughing at the pumps next year!

Late night combos from your local convenience store – 2 cokes, a double dose of Nyquil, a dozen Mentos, Alka Seltzer, a packet of crushed red pepper, and a glass of strawberry milk followed by an aggress 5K run…just to see what happens.

Erickson

Other patrons wanted to Throw Down with the damn handsome gents wearing our luscious homegrown T.D. tees. Don't copy them - we'll recognize imposters.

All

Litterbugs - After riding miles of ditches during Thrown Down we noticed they are full of trash from highway users!

Bourgeois

The Kehoe diet plan which allowed him to throw down an entire pizza every night. According to Rich, he “mixed in a salad”, thereby nullifying the effects of the 2-pounds of mozzarella…no chance.

Macdonald

My old school bright orange moto brain bucket is ready for retirement – aside from the stench and the dark yellow stalactites hanging from within, I’ll buy a new lid as soon as makers add some safety orange to their lids…double throw down.

Kehoe

My Canadian passport got thrown down when we were ditch banging at 90mphs following Bourgeois on the Apex. The officer was not amused. ON SNOW MAGAZINE

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THROW DOWN 2011

BOURGEOIS’ BRASS TACKS

To say I was shocked by the results of the first ever OSM Throw Down would be a massive understatement. Sure, the objective was to go beyond traditional seat-of-thepants evaluations, test true production snowmobiles in real world conditions, and do so for more than a few hours. But I never expected my ego-tainted expectations to be squashed so convincingly. I’ll admit that well before the first buggy hit the snow pack, I had determined my Throw Down, dead pool pecking order. I was wrong.

Yamaha Apex SE

Ski-Doo MXZ XRS

Considering the XRS for a three-day saddlebag journey, is like bringing a bottle of Jack Daniels to a wine tasting party of suburban housewives. The 800 XP based buggy is brash, extremely capable when driven with aggressive tendencies, and has tools that exceed the skills of nearly every on-trail rider you’ll meet on a Sunday afternoon. I love the 800 engine, E-Tec is nothing short of amazing, and the assured, no doubt point and shoot handling is as precise as it gets, even if a bit tiring. If you eat lightning, crap thunder, and sign your name Joe Ego, welcome to your new ride.

Arctic Cat CFR 800

Time travel is possible, at least if you want to relive the hyper sled craze of the late 1990s. From the V-Max 4 to the Mach Z, and of course, the all-mighty Thundercat, the CFR 800 is all that and box of Thief River Falls glazed doughnuts rolled up into one. What’s different is that this missile is also I grew up in far northern Minnesota, in the shadows of both Polaris and Arctic Cat. More importantly, it was an area where trails were virtually non-existent, and scorching wind swept, debris filled ditchlines were not only expected, but also considered damn fun. Once I left those frozen swamps, I learned the rest of the snowbelt rides on tens of thousands of miles of groomed trails. It’s on these trails where the Apex SE simply stood above the rest. Sure, my racer ego may have taken a hit, but when the mercury dipped low, and comfort and assuredness were in high demand, the Apex was my mate. 88

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ON SNOW MAGAZINE

refined. Overlook the low riding position and sloppy foot wells, and you’ll find a very predictable and comfortable, trail mannered scoot. While the CFR is a distant memory for 2012, the blistering speed and abruptness of the 800 mill, returns in even better pastry trimmings.

Polaris 800 Rush Pro-R

I really, really wanted to fall in love with the Rush, but the split personality of this particular Roseau girl makes her someone I rather date for benefits, rather than live with for life. Give me a stretch of 2-foot craters and unpredictable backsides of road approaches, and the Pro-R is king of the roost. But the narrow ride bandwidth, and the need for constant adjustments (which can be difficult to make) sours the relationship. Clutching is near perfect; run quality is above average; steering effort excessive; and fuel thirst can be an issue (ironically it barely consumes oil). You get the feeling the Rush is close, but so far, no cigar.