Motor Mouths

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Gearing Up for the Excell Eastern Grass Drag Nationals

Posted 2 months ago by Emily Hare

Even in the full heat of summer, we can't help getting antsy for the upcoming snowmobile season. Snow may still be months away, but that doesn't mean we aren't thinking of horsepower and spinning tracks. After all, every snowmobiler knows that you don't need snow to have a rip-roarin' good time. The Eastern Grass Drag Nationals at Excell Raceway park in Bouckville, N.Y. (Sept. 23-24), are a great example. Every September, thousands gather in a field to watch souped-up snowmo...

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Hayes Offers the Next Big Thing In Snowmobile Brakes

Posted 2 months ago by mboncher

Hayes Performance Systems is the major supplier for the majority of braking systems in the snowmobile market. Hayes' fully-bled systems, among many other products, have helped thousands of snowmobilers realize that the true performance of a snowmobile has just as much to do with stopping power as it does acceleration. American Snowmobiler has a distinct connection with this group, so we've been behind the scenes to witness new product enhancements, including testing and R&D. This we...

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BRP Goes Big in Wisconsin!

Posted 2 months ago by mboncher

What do snowmobile editors do in the summertime? We go visit our industry friends! That's what I recently did when I took an in-depth tour of the BRP plant in Sturtevant, Wis. The main purpose of this Bombardier facility is not to make Ski-Doo snowmobiles, as that is still mostly done in Valcourt, Quebec. Instead, this is the site where a lot of summertime fun products are built. For boaters like myself, this is a second heaven ... where Evinrude outboards are made! The connection betw...

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Textron to Close Arctic Cat Offices in Minneapolis

Posted 3 months ago by Ross Halvorson

Textron Inc. announced that it plans to close Arctic Cat's Minneapolis headquarters building. The decision to close the freshly renovated building located in downtown Minneapolis will impact 62 employees, according to a report in the Thief River Falls Times. A few options are on the table for those impacted employees, including moving to Arctic Cat's St. Cloud, Minn., engine manufacturing facility or their Thief River Falls manufacturing facility. Arctic Cat moved its corporate offices...

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Polaris to Re-Purpose Iowa Plant

Posted 3 months ago by Ross Halvorson

Polaris announced Monday that it is re-purposing its plant in Milford, Iowa, where the company has manufactured all-terrain and utility vehicles since 2013. The production of ATVs and UTVs will be relocated from the Milford plant to other Polaris manufacturing facilities in Huntsville, Ala.; Roseau, Minn.; and Anaheim, Calif. According to Polaris, the Milford facility will be converted into a storage/warehouse facility to to support the Spirit Lake, Iowa, plant, which will continue to...

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Arctic Cat Name Dropped From ATVs

Posted 4 months ago by Ross Halvorson

Textron announced this week that it will be uniting its dirt line of vehicles under the name "Textron Off Road." This includes the Arctic Cat and Bad Boy brands of ATV and SxS vehicles. Arctic Cat snowmobiles will retain the Arctic Cat branding, but off-road vehicles - like the Wildcat and all ATV lines - will be under the Textron Off Road brand. For Team Green dirt enthusiasts, the Arctic Cat name may be gone, but the individual vehicle sub-brands will remain the same with the ...

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New Clutch Tech from Ski-Doo

Posted 5 months ago by Ross Halvorson

Ski-Doo has revealed a new patent-pending technology for its pDrive clutch on the REV Gen 4 platform. This new technology minimizes the engine vibration issue that many large-displacement 2-cylinder snowmobile engines experience. And it does so without adding weight to the machine. We’ve sung the praises of the new Rotax 850 E-TEC engine and the pDrive clutch since its debut last season. Part of what makes the package such a good consumer experience to ride is the counterbalancing p...

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2017 Stock Hillclimb Test: RMSHA-Style Course

Posted 5 months ago by Emily Hare

The race course is the ultimate proving ground for many sleds and components before they reach the consumer market, so it only makes sense that we test there too! That’s exactly what our dedicated team of mountain riders did when they put our 2017 fleet of mountain demo sleds through a hillclimb test course designed to be nearly as demanding as what the pros run through at a Rocky Mountain States Hillclimb Association (RMSHA) race. Our two main test riders took each sled up and through t...

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The Best 2018 Sleds to Buy this Spring

Posted 5 months ago by Emily Hare

Why should you plunk down your hard-earned coin on a down payment for a spring-buy snowmobile? Here we will examine each manufacturer’s spring specials, and reveal our top spring-buy snowmobiles from each manufacturer. AmSnow has ridden them all! If our paychecks actually allowed us to, these are the three sleds we’d take a long, hard look at this spring. Of course, you’ll find the full report on these snowmachines in the upcoming issues of American Snowmobiler magazine, so don...

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Leighton Motorsports to Cease Operations

Posted 5 months ago by Ross Halvorson

Leighton Motorsports announced that the 2016-17 snocross season will be its last. The team is liquidating at the end of the season, which will come after the final rounds take place in Lake Geneva, Wis., March 17-19, 2017. With the recent announcement of Trevor Leighton’s retirement from professional snocross, the team has made the decision to end its run on the national tour and will begin selling all of their sleds, parts and equipment, including a Kenworth tractor and Featherlite haule...

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Polaris Shootout Data: A Closer Look

Posted 7 months ago by mboncher

We all love numbers and data so we thought we would give folks a closer, even more detailed analysis of just a few quick stats from the New York Shootout. By this time of year we have already done both our New York Shootout (out of the box stock sleds) and our Real World Shootout (broken-in and accessorized real consumer condition sleds) so we have a good handle on what is really working and what really isn't. We wanted to focus on one sled in particular, actually one engine in particular, t...

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AmSnow's 2018 Snowmobile Predictions

Posted 7 months ago by Emily Hare

The crystal ball in our offices is fickle. Unlike some industry media folks, we don’t claim to know it all. We are not always right, and we also can’t predict the future … but it sure is fun to talk about it! With the inside track on a lot of things, we do have a few more insights compared to the average snowmobile future-teller. Still, at the end of the day, we are all just making educated hypotheses. Over the next few weeks, AmSnow editors will be attending the OEMs' Sn...

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ISMA's 'Go Snowmobiling' Campaign Expands Its Reach

Posted 8 months ago by Emily Hare

The "Go Snowmobiling" campaign has been a great success. Clubs, groups, and associations across North America have held military rides and political rides, and many often just have fun snowmobiling with friends and family. Winter is starting strong this year, and there is still a good bit of the season left. Trails and riding areas in many parts of North America are already in phenomenal shape. As we get further into the season, increases in daylight hours and temperatures improve opp...

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EVENT RECAP: 2016 New York Shootout

Posted 8 months ago by mboncher

A tale of two seasons… last year at our New York Shootout it was 55 degrees and sandy. This year was the exact opposite, and just about the most impressive start to the snow season we have seen in 20 years. It was an idylic setting, with over a foot of snow and perfect 20-degree weather with light snow falling. The track and setup could not have been better, even if we had bribed the snow gods! Each year, American Snowmobiler and DynoTech Research host the New York Shootout, a perennial ...

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Another Snowmobile Show Season in the Books!

Posted 9 months ago by Emily Hare

Many of you reading this may have attended a snowmobile show over the past few months. Perhaps it was at Hay Days, the world’s largest snowmobile grass drags, or maybe it was out on the East Coast, at Race Into Winter! in Epping, N.H. Who knows, maybe we even crossed paths at the Snowmobile USA Shows in the Midwest, or at Toronto Snowmobile & ATV Show in Ontario, Canada. Regardless of where you went, I hope that that show was everything you had hoped it would be, and that your hard ear...

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New York Shootout 2016 Coming Soon!

Posted 9 months ago by Emily Hare

Don’t look now, but the AmSnow / Dynotech Research New York Shootout is just days away! This year’s event will take place Friday, Dec. 9, at Chip and Cindy Sauer’s track next to the Ole Barn Restaurant in Inlet, N.Y. Admission is $10. Unlike last season, cooperative weather has already dumped nearly a foot of powdery white goodness on the Inlet / Old Forge area! Long-range forecasts indicate the track will be in great snow shape, allowing full quarter-mile pull on the timing s...

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New Title Sponsor Named for AmSnow Super Sled Shootout

Posted 9 months ago by Emily Hare

We at American Snowmobiler magazine strive to provide snowmobile enthusiasts with the highest quality product as well as the most unbiased, independent, professional, and exciting content available. So it is with great excitement that we announce that Warren Distribution (Mag1 and Polar brands) will be the new title sponsor for the 2017 AmSnow Super Sled Shootout in Martin, Mich. Mag1 is a leader in the high-tech lubricant business, and its lubricants reduce friction while prolonging engine lif...

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Meet Us in Michigan for the Snow Show!

Posted 10 months ago by Emily Hare

In just a matter of days, American Snowmobiler will hit the road and head to Novi, Mich., for the Snowmobile USA Snow Show (Nov. 4-6). Self-proclaimed as “America’s Largest Snowmobile Show and Sale Event,” the Snow Shows also offer everything a snowmobile enthusiast could want or need – all under one roof. It's going to be a great time, so come on out and get geared up for the snowmobiling season! Be sure to stop by the AmSnow booth (#149-150), where you can meet mem...

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Wisconsin Arctic Cat Dealer Kicks Off Winter With Open House Event

Posted 10 months ago by Ross Halvorson

Fall is known as snow show season throughout the snowmobile industry, but if you're a snowmobile dealer, it's also open house season. Some happen to do it up a little more than others. The folks at Road Track & Trail, an Arctic Cat dealership in Big Bend, Wis., know how to have a good time at their open house events. It starts with the claim of being the "World's largest pre-owned powersports dealership." One look at their used showroom will tell you not to bother seco...

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Welcome, Snow Show Season!

Posted 10 months ago by Emily Hare

Snow show season is here, and we couldn't be more ready! The Snowmobile USA Snow Shows offer you the opportunity to meet members of the AmSnow team in person. Self-proclaimed as “America’s Largest Snowmobile Show and Sale Event,” the Snow Shows also offer everything a snowmobile enthusiast could want or need – all under one roof. The first show will take place just outside of Milwaukee, at the Wisconsin Expo Center in West Allis, Wis. (Oct. 14-16). Here are the deta...

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Polaris Recalls RZR Turbos, Extends Warranties

Posted 11 months ago by Ross Halvorson

Thursday, Polaris announced that they have an approved corrective-action plan for its RZR XP Turbo vehicles, following the stop-sale/stop-ride advisory in late July. Owners of model-year 2016 RZR XP Turbo vehicles can now contact their dealer to arrange for service, and Polaris will be giving all 2016 RZR XP Turbo owners an additional 12 months of warranty. In addition, all owners of recalled RZR 900 or 1000 vehicles who have their recall work completed by the end of 2016 will receive ei...

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BRP Releases 2017 Sea-Doo Models

Posted one year ago by Emily Hare

When temps are hovering in the 90s and you're going through snow withdrawals, it's best to find a high-horsepower replacement for your snowmobile to tide you over through summer. Personal watercrafts (PWCs) offer a great diversion. Earlier this week, BRP released its 2017 lineup of Sea-Doo models and a new Rotax Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) power plant. The new Sea-Doo line comes in a wide range of price points and includes something for every PWC rider, like the Sea-Doo Spark T...

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Hay Days or Bust! Your Guide to the Season's Kickoff Party

Posted one year ago by Emily Hare

For those of you who haven’t been to Hay Days before, you're missing out! This event marks the unofficial start of winter and the snowmobile season, and it gives snowmobile enthusiasts everywhere something to look forward to while waiting for the snow to fly. Hosted by the Sno Barons Snowmobile Club in North Branch, Minn., this year marks the 50th anniversary of the world’s largest snowmobile and powersports swap event (Sept. 10-11, 2016). Hay Days is like a giant reunion or Chr...

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AmSnow's Countdown to Winter

Posted one year ago by Ross Halvorson

The last month of summer is officially melting off the calendar into fall, and eventually winter will arrive (not soon enough!). We can’t think of a better way to get through these last stifling days of summer than a countdown of all the events where we can meet up with you in person, talk sleds, and especially go ride! Hay Days 50th AnniversaryWe’ll start with the granddaddy of all snowmobile shows – Hay Days in North Branch, Minn. You already know Hay Days is big, but ...

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Christian Brothers Racing Adds to Snocross Team

Posted one year ago by Ross Halvorson

Fertile, Minn. - Christian Brothers Racing announced today the signing Jacob Yurk to race Pro Lite on the ISOC National Snocross circuit for the 2016-17 season. The Grand Blanc, Mich., native finished on the box in eight of 12 races last season, including four wins, en route to a 2nd place points finish in the National Sport class. “I’m excited to be a part of a dynamic team like Christian Brothers Racing for the 2016-2017 season,” said Yurk. “I am looking fo...

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SLED REVIEW: 2017 Polaris Pro-RMK 174

Posted one year ago by Ross Halvorson

AmSnow’s Western Team got a little extra seat time on the 2017 Polaris 800 Pro-RMK 174 this spring. We thought we’d give our readers an early glimpse of what we’ve learned so far. Don’t forget to check out our video review below as well. First, we really like the low-end power. Just like the shorter AXYS trail sleds, the 174 really gets out of the hole quickly, which puts you on top of the snow fast. It lags a bit behind the other brands ever so slightly on the top...

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Stopping the EPA's Proposed Motorsports Ban

Posted one year ago by mboncher

If anyone missed this today, the folks at Speed Sport did a nice video on how the EPA consistently tries to regulate motorsports. Without the vigilance of many of our lawmakers on both sides of the issue, this government entity would continue to do more harm to industries such as snowmobiling. Our tiny industry is already under a microscope from the EPA, and motorsports has long been in the crosshairs of activists. The simple fact is that regulations that have been imposed on our manufacturers ...

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Ultimax Sponsors NHRA Snowmobile Drag Racing

Posted one year ago by Ross Halvorson

Ultimax belts was named the official sponsor of the 2016 NHRA Northeast Division Pro Stock Snowmobile series. The asphalt snowmobile drag racing series features sleds running 8-second quarter-mile times at speeds of more than 160 MPH in a "heads-up" drag race sanctioned within NHRA Division 1. Ultimax and Carlisle belts were added to the power transmission portfolio of Timken Company in September of 2015. Premium quality Ultimax belts by Timken are proudly made in the USA....

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Yamaha 2017 Sidewinder Update

Posted one year ago by mboncher

Yesterday, Yamaha put out some new info onto the great and wondrous world wide interweb regarding its new 3-cylinder 998cc FI turbo 4-stroke Sidewinder. You will remember that AmSnow recently had this sled on a dyno at Dynotech Research. It pulled 204.1 hp and stirred a lot of Yamaha folks blood ... and got the attention of competitors, too! Now there have been a few more technical updates released regarding gearing and the like from Yamaha's Canadian contingent, specifically from Product...

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Mid-Season Review: 2016 Arctic Cat ZR 9000 Limited

Posted one year ago by Emily Hare

Arctic Cat’s 2016 ZR 9000 Limited is way faster than anything else stock. Trust us, it is. We didn’t come across another stock sled this season that could touch this one headed across a lake. Triple digits were commonplace on the speedo, and not one blown belt in over 1,000 miles! Lake drags are great, but what about trail manners? Well… that’s a matter of debate depending on the trails you’re riding. In big, wide-open sweepers, the ZR 9000 is an absolute blast! T...

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