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February 2010
BRP Secures Over $700,000 in Snowmobile Club Support Funds
February 25th, 2010
Funds will help clubs with trail grooming and improvements. (MORE)
BRP, in partnership with its Ski-Doo dealer network, has generated a staggering $720,000 for snowmobile clubs across North America. The funds will help clubs with trail grooming, improvements to trail infrastructures and other promotional activities.An advertising campaign placed in all markets across the U.S. and Canada required club members to simply submit a completed certificate - valued at $10, with 100% going to their local club - to a BRP dealer. The top four clubs with the highest participation rate were awarded a new 2010 Ski-Doo MXZ or Summit snowmobile. The successful program, which was launched in September 2009, quickly generated nearly 65,000 certificates resulting in the additional funding support.
“We are quite pleased with the results of this program,” stated Yves Leduc, vice-president and general manager, North American division. “BRP understands that the heartbeat of the snowmobile community is its volunteers. We were there at the beginning when the trail network was built and we are proud to continue contributing to the sport with efforts such as the Club Support program,” Leduc concluded.
BRP's Ski-Doo Club Support program initially started in Canada as a grass roots effort to raise funds for local clubs. It was so successful that BRP expanded into the U.S. and has now provided additional funding to over 1,650 clubs in North America. Participating Ski-Doo dealers have proclaimed an improved relationship with their local clubs and associations as a direct result of the Club Support program.
Team Arctic Continues to Dominate Podiums
February 25th, 2010
Wins in Hillclimb, Cross-Country and Snocross Highlight the Latest Week of Competition (MORE)
Thief River Falls, Minn. (Feb. 22, 2010) – Team Arctic racers got out the broom again this past weekend, methodically sweeping their classes – and the competition – in snocross, cross-country and hillclimb events across the country.The most complete class-cleaning occurred at the RMSHA hillclimb in Afton, Wyo., where Team Arctic racers won an astounding 14 classes – including a sweep of the 800 Stock, Improved and Mod classes with the best-selling M8 HCR – plus three King of the Mountain titles.
Add to the tally wins in 600, 700, 1000, and Open classes, and it’s evident that the ever-versatile Arctic Cat’s M Series can climb mountains and clean the competition’s clocks.
“We won more than half the classes in Afton, and at least one final in every engine category,” said Mike Kloety, Team Arctic Race Manager. “This was just the third race in the RMSHA schedule and our best performance of the season, so clearly the team’s trajectory is pointed to the top.”
While the hill-climbers were standing the highest out west, Team Arctic’s eastern contingent welcomed USCC cross-country to Tug Hill, NY, for the first time. And with their welcome came the obligatory door-slam-in-the-face of the competition, as the guys in green stood atop of the podium in six classes.
The trip to Tug Hill by Team Arctic/Christian Bros. Racing star D.J. Ekre proved worthwhile, as he led a sweep of the Pro classes aboard his Sno Pro 600, while helping kick-off cross-country racing on the east coast.
National-level snocross racing made its first and only foray into Canada this weekend, at the ISOC Canadian Nationals/CSRA regional in Sarnia, Ontario. Four class victories highlighted the team’s success as it presses to finish the season strong and on top of the points’ battles. Semi Pro stalwarts Cody Thomsen and Logan Christian each won a class and took third on another, with Christian leaving Sarnia with the points lead in both classes.
This next weekend (Feb. 27-28) Team Arctic racers will tackle the USCC cross-country in Munising, Mich. See www.usccracing.com for more info.
New Ski-doo Models Feature Two New Fuel Efficient Engines
February 24th, 2010
Rotax 800 E-TEC is Joined by All-New Rotax 600 ACE Delivering 29 Miles Per Gallon (MORE)
Orlando, Florida, February 24, 2010 – BRP's commitment to developing cleaner engine technologies was reaffirmed last night in Orlando where Ski-Doo dealers and distributors gathered to attend the unveiling of the 2011 Ski-Doo line-up at the annual Club BRP. In addition to the award-acclaimed Rotax 600 H.O. E-TEC engine, this year's Ski-Doo product line-up introduces the all-new Advanced Combustion Efficiency (ACE) 4-stroke engine. This Rotax 600 cc twin cylinder engine sets the industry standard for fuel economy at 29 mi/gal or 8L/100km and has a fuel range of 310 miles (500 km). The most fuel-efficient, performance driven, 600 cc snowmobile engine of the industry will be available in 2011 on six Ski-Doo snowmobile models: the MXZ TNT and Sport, Renegade Sport, Grand Touring Sport, Expedition Sport, Tundra LT and Skandic WT.
"The launch of a more fuel-efficient family of engines - the Rotax ACE engines - brings the industry to a whole new level, opening doors to new markets and attracting newcomers to the sport," stated Yves Leduc, vice president and general manager, North America division.
BRP also expands its revolutionary 2-stroke direct injection E-TEC technology with the Rotax 800R E-TEC engine. This lightweight engine delivers up to 37% better fuel economy (19 mi/gal or 12.3L/100km) and the lowest emissions of competitive models in the same class. The Rotax 800R E-TEC completes BRP's Ski-Doo 800 class offering where the Rotax 800R PowerTEK was already the best in overall performance and efficiency.
The 2011 Ski-Doo line-up also introduces new platforms targeting emerging markets that are attracting new enthusiasts to the sport.
The all-new Ski-Doo Summit Freeride sled is built to take on the most challenging terrain; backcountry riders have no issues climbing chutes and throwing whips with this machine.
The new Ski-Doo Summit S-36 suspension package offers mountain riders a narrower ski stance while changes to the front and rear suspension transform the deep snow handling of the Summit sled, making it easier to lean the snowmobile while boondocking and sidehilling.
In the utility segment, the Ski-Doo Skandic Wide Track model with LTS front suspension moves from the REV-X to the REV-XU platform making it more nimble and 31 pounds lighter (14 kg).
For recreational riders who prefer an off-trail powder experience, the Tundra X-treme model combines the deep snow floatation of the Tundra with the power of the Rotax 600 H.O. E-TEC engine.
The new Ski-Doo Summit S-36 suspension package offers mountain riders a narrower ski stance while changes to the front and rear suspension transform the deep snow handling of the Summit sled, making it easier to lean the snowmobile while boondocking and sidehilling.
In the utility segment, the Ski-Doo Skandic Wide Track model with LTS front suspension moves from the REV-X to the REV-XU platform making it more nimble and 31 pounds lighter (14 kg).
For recreational riders who prefer an off-trail powder experience, the Tundra X-treme model combines the deep snow floatation of the Tundra with the power of the Rotax 600 H.O. E-TEC engine.
"The expansion of our engine technologies and platforms has improved our performance and competitiveness dramatically over the years," added Leduc. "Our 2011 Ski-Doo line-up continues to enhance the consumer experience while appealing to a broader audience and thus dictating the way the snowmobile industry will go," added Leduc.
BRP also previewed its 2011 Ski-Doo riding gear and accessories collections. Consumers can choose snowmobile gear based on their riding style and needs. From absolute warmth to lightweight breathability, trendy snowboard-inspired design to long-distance touring gear, BRP's cutting-edge technology provides ultimate comfort options for all types of riders. With new offerings such as a complete boot line-up, the Vision180° helmet, an expanded windshield line-up, Tundra-specific accessories and handlebar wind deflectors, BRP has the products to enhance every ride.
"The 2011 Ski-Doo snowmobiles line-up and accessories provide dealers what they need to continue to create excitement with their customers. When you combine the continued innovative capacity with the quality of the BRP line-up you have a win-win formula to go beyond customer expectations and that will eventually allow us to reach a new breed of consumers," said Rob Strauss, from Rob's Performance in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin.
"The 2011 line-up for Ski-Doo snowmobiles will certainly strengthen our leadership position worldwide,” said Chris Dawson, vice president and general manager for the International division. “BRP is well positioned with more fuel-efficient technologies and a line-up that addresses all markets,” he concluded.
Minneosota Dedicated Snowmobile Account in Jeopardy
February 24th, 2010
Governor Pawlenty Supplemental Budget to Transfer Funds from Dedicated Account to General Fund (MORE)
MnUSA has received information that the Governor's Supplemental Budget transfers $267,000 from the snowmobile dedicated account to the General Fund. Although this claims to be a one time only transfer, this sets a precedent that the funds paid by snowmobilers to create and support the snowmobile trail system, are open to other uses. Contact your State legislators and tell them this is not right - the snowmobile fund is a user-pay fund for the snowmobile trail program. All legislators have received an invitation from MnUSA to its legislative reception on Wednesday, February 24 from 4-7 p.m. at the Kelly Inn Capitol, 161 St. Anthony Ave., St. Paul (I94 & Kellogg) but the legislators would like to see their constituents. Please contact your legislators and offer to meet them at the reception. Your assistance will be appreciated. If you need information on how to contact your State legislators, go to http://www.gis.leg.mn/mapserver/districts/ Please help protect the sport - contact them today.Dick, Ekre Split Pro Wins at USCC Fargo Race
February 15th, 2010
Cross Country Event Featured a Five Mile Course at the North Dakota Horse Park (MORE)
Arctic Cat riders Brian Dick and D.J. Ekre won both Pro races the USCC Monster Energy Fargo 107.9 race this past Sunday, February 14, making it a back-to-back sweep of the FXR Pro 600 class for Dick on what was a double-header weekend for the USCC. After hazy sunshine on Saturday in Grand Forks, Sunday in Fargo proved windy and sunny as racers pounded a five-mile, whooped-out course constructed within the grounds of the North Dakota Horse Park.“This was the most fan-friendly course the USCC has ever run,” said USCC President Pat Mach. “It worked out great because fans could see the entire course and it made for great racing.”
The course wound around the horse park grounds and got rough where it narrowed down in places, but wider spots made for passing opportunities and short straights stayed relatively smooth and gave riders a chance to relax for a few seconds.
Ekre started the day by winning the Fox Racing Shox Pro Open class with a time of 20:20.667, narrowly edging out Dick who logged a time of 20:21.204. Polaris rider Aaron Christensen came in third (20:49.954) and Yamaha rider Ross Erdman landed in fourth (20:50.629). Dick wouldn’t get a second chance at the win until late in the day when the FXR Pro 600 race was set to go down. He made it count, logging a winning time of 57:27.595 and putting nearly 17 seconds on second place rider Christensen (57:44.142) and over a minute on his teammate Ekre (58:55.823) in the process. Arctic Cat riders Ryan Huston (1:00:26.488) and Chad Lian (1:02:51.408) came in fourth and fifth and Yamaha rider Erdman came in sixth (1:02:58.247).
Jeremy Tulenchik capped off a strong weekend with his first USCC win in the ArcticFX Semi-Pro 600 class. The Arctic Cat rider logged a winning time of 1:02:13.542
Nearly nine seconds faster than second place Polaris rider Ryan Faust (1:02:22.164). Arctic Cat riders Ryan Greening (1:02:37.643), Cole Nymann (1:03:16.066) and Chad Kyllo (1:03:42.386) came in third, fourth and fifth. Faust won the AMSOIL Semi-Pro Improved class with a time of 21:37.832, besting Kyllo (21:49.952) and Polaris rider Lucas Kemper (21:58.044)
Nate Moritz took his first USCC win at the Fargo race too, winning the Brothers Motorsports Expert 85 class with a time of 25:09.081, five seconds ahead of Greening (25:14.352) and 21 seconds ahead of Arctic Cat rider Bobby Menne IV (25:30.698). Moritz also won the Arctic Cat Expert 85 Improved class with a time of 24:17.130, three seconds ahead of Menne (24:20.943) and 10 seconds ahead of Arctic Cat rider Bryce Buchanan. Other class winners at the Grand Cities 100 include: Bill Slominski (Arctic Cat, 23:04.179) Stud Boy Masters 40+; Bill Slominski (Arctic Cat, 24:18.688) Speedwerx Masters 50+; Timmy Kallock (Arctic Cat, 12:34.425) TekVest Junior 14-17; Jenna Sobeck (Arctic Cat, 29:16.822) Powermadd Women’s; Adam Mach (Arctic Cat, 12:54.958) Carver Performance Junior 10-13; Dillan Dohm (Polaris, 25:09.574) Woody’s Sport 600; Dillan Dohm (Polaris, 24:11.884) C&A Pro Sport 600 Improved; Corey Davidson (Polaris, 22:00.286) RV Sports Vet 30+; Luke Perrault (Arctic Cat, 26:02.275) Orion Industries Trail; Alex Gudajtes, 120 Stock; Sara Larson, 120 Improved.
Next up for USCC is the USCC East Tug Hill 120 scheduled for February 20 in Tug Hill, NY. Then it’s a USCC/USCC East joint event in Munising, Michigan, February 27-28. For more info on USCC racing visit www.usccracing.com.
Team Arctic Wins First Soo 500 Enduro
February 09th, 2010
Cadarette Racing’s Troy Dewald and Jeff Leuenberger Overcome the Soo Hex (MORE)
It took a racer with a broken shoulder to finally knock the monkey off Team Arctic’s back at the Soo International 500 enduro in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.Piloting a 2010 Arctic Cat Sno Pro 600 while nursing a broken shoulder blade, Troy
Dewald and his Cadarette Racing teammate Jeff Leuenberger broke the 42-year hex to finally put Arctic Cat atop the world’s most prestigious snowmobile enduro race.
“The Arctic Cat family of dealers, racers and race fans extends a huge high-five to
Dewald, Leuenberger and the whole Cadarette racing team,” said Mike Kloety, Team Arctic Race Manager. “Aided by the never-say-die attitude of team owner Greg Cadarette, these two amazing racers overcame incredible adversity to win. The pride we feel toward them is immense.”
The greatest adversity wasn’t history, rather it was the crash sustained on Thursday while testing for the race. The result: Dewald’s broken right scapula and a seriously tweaked race sled just two days before the Soo 500, which put into doubt their ability to race let alone win for the second-consecutive year.
“The pain was terrible and that made this win extra special," said Dewald, who started from the pole position and raced an estimated 200 of the 500 laps. "We came close to scrapping the program. To come back after that big crash makes this feel great."
“The sled was all bent and the crew worked feverishly on it,” said Leuenberger. “Troy just said he would tough it out. I can't believe he was able to ride as much as he rode.”
Polaris Announces 2011 Rush 800 PRO-R
February 08th, 2010
More Power Finds a Home in the Advanced Pro-Ride Chassis (MORE)
After creating what was surely the biggest model news for 2010 with the somewhat unusual looking Pro-Ride 600 Rush last season, Polaris has answered the question everyone was asking almost immediately after peering under the removable cowl; where’s the 800? The new 800 Rush was revealed to salivating members of the Polaris fold in its entirety on February 5th, after being teased with subtle views of the vehicle days prior on the Polaris website. As the name implies, the 800 Rush combines the semi-direct injected Liberty 800 twin with the technologically advanced Pro-Ride chassis and same said named Pro-Ride rear suspension. The list of technical wizardry associated with the Pro-Ride is a long one; featuring a cast bulkhead, lightweight rotor and jackshaft, premium Walker Evans Needle shocks and styling that vaguely hints towards the square jawed Indy of yesteryear.
Yet the focal point of the Pro-Ride vehicle continues to be it’s exposed tubular rear suspension, with a massive rear shock mounted outside the parameters of the 15”x120”x1.25” RipSaw track. Damping forces from a triangulated rear arm and an under-seat mount, Polaris claims the Pro-Ride skid is the only true progressive rate suspension in existence today, allowing the Rush to deliver a level of bump absorption and ride quality unlike any other.
Of course with a new model year, comes other changes as well all in an effort to refine the Rush even further. Those of note for 2011 include a revised rail profile for improved speed and quieter operation; a revised front torque arm for improved stud clearance; a new rear mid-flap mounted cooler said to bolster the current cooling system during low snow conditions; changes to the rear torque arm to not only allow for the rear cooler but to simplify the system; and a new lightweight silencer said to shed 7-pounds from the previous 800 twin suitcase silencer found on IQ models previously.
While the 800 Liberty is down on power compared to other 800 contenders in its class, efficient Polaris clutching and the sizzle of the Pro-Ride chassis will make the 800 Rush one of the most coveted models on snow next winter. The new models don’t stop there for Polaris, as their entire model line will be released on March 9th.
Hibbert Ends Season with Career Win No. 55
February 07th, 2010
T-Train Goes 9-for-10 in 2009-10 (MORE)
The
Finger Lakes Racetrack was invaded by snocross fans for Round 5 of the
International Series of Champions AMSOIL Championship Snocross Series (ISOC
ACSS) Eastern Nationals. The aroma of racing fuel and adrenaline filled the air
as the best snocross racers in the world went bar to bar throughout the
weekend.
While
this was the fifth stop on the National circuit, it was the last stop on the
tracks for Tucker Hibbert. All of
his competition kept that thought in the back of their minds as each one hoped
to be the racer to derail Hibbert before he stepped down on his own to turn his
attention to motocross for the remaining 2009-2010 season.
In
the AMSOIL Pro Open final, the holeshot went to Levi LaVallee, of Longville,
Minnesota, but Hibbert poured on the steam and got out front at the get-go. The
drivers didn’t give in and instead stepped it up and put the pressure on
Hibbert.
Ross
Martin of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, started in the middle of the pack and
battled his way up to second place. With hard work, he focused on his lines. In
front of his hometown crowd, Brett Bender of Colden, New York, forged his way
up from the last row to get to the third place position.
The
order stayed the same and at the checkered it was win number 55 for Hibbert.
Martin took second and Bender took a well-earned third. Hibbert thanked the
fans for a great season and said, “I’m going to go home and sit on my couch for
a while.”
After
a hard day of racing, the track was beaten down as 15 riders started out for 16
laps in the Air Force Semi Pro Super Stock #2. Mike Bauer of Owen, Wisconsin, nabbed
an awesome hole shot. Within the
first two laps, riders started bumping and bobbling. The pressure was on.
Kyle
Pallin of Ironwood, Michigan, grabbed a handful of throttle and didn’t let go.
The most exciting race of the day was the battle between Pallin and Bauer only
inches away for over half the race. Logan Christian of Fertile, Minnesota, was
breathing down Bauer’s neck.
The
top three stayed in that order for the remainder of the race, but it was bumper
to bumper, near passes and lap traffic that created the heart pounding exciting
race to the checkered.
On
the podium it was Pallin with a well-earned first place, Bauer in second and
Christian in third.
The
next stop will be Round 6 in Salem, New Hampshire, for the HK Powersports New
England National for Valentines
weekend February 12 to 14.
International Series of Champions
Amsoil Championship Snocross Series
Farmington, NY
February 5-6, 2010
Pro Open: 1. Tucker Hibbert (Cat); 2. Ross Martin (Pol); 3. Brett Bender (Pol)
Pro Super Stock: 1. Tucker Hibbert (Cat); 2. Tim Tremblay (Doo); 2. Ross Martin (Pol)
Semi-Pro Open: 1. Cody Thomsen (Cat); 2. Darrin Mees (Doo); 3. Justin Broberg (Doo)
Semi-Pro Super Stock 1: 1. Mike Bauer (Pol); 2. Colby Crapo (Pol); 3. Kyle Pallin (Cat)
Semi-Pro Super Stock 2: 1. Kyle Pallin (Cat); 2. Mike Bauer (Pol); 3. Logan Christian (Cat)
RMR Pro Open: 1. Danny Poirier (Pol); 2. Bobby LePage (Pol); 3. Iain Hayden (Yam)
RMR Pro Super Stock: 1. Danny Poirier (Pol); 2. Mathieu Morin (Doo); 3. Jason Boron (Doo)
RMR Semi-Pro Open: 1. Lincoln Lemieux (Doo); 2. Nick Pattyn (Cat); 3. Justin Ochsner (Pol)
RMR Semi-Pro Super Stock: 1. Nick Pattyn (Cat); 2. Brett Nastala (Pol); 3. Corin Todd (Doo)
RMR Pro Women Stock: 1. Steffanie Lemieux (Doo); 2. Martha Wells (Doo); 3. Paige Calderwood (Doo)
RMR Plus 35 Stock Pro AM: 1. Joseph Lemieux (Doo); 2. Greg Weever (Doo); 3. Michael Berghorn (Pol)
RMR Women Stock 600: 1. Steffanie Lemieux (Doo); 2. Paige Calderwood (Doo); 3. Melanie Acker (Pol)
RMR Sport Stock 500: 1. Joseph Bishop (Doo); 2. Sean Wright (Doo); 3. Marshall Himes (Cat)
RMR Sport Super Stock 1: 1. Jake Scott (Pol); 2. Jesse James Bonaduce (Doo); 3. Mike Billow (Pol)
RMR Sport Super Stock 2: 1. Joseph Bishop (Doo); 2. Christopher Ingles (Doo); 3. Jake Scott (Pol)
RMR Plus 25 Stock: 1. Daryl Nutting (Pol); 2. Josh Gessinger (Cat); 3. David Bidwell Jr. (Pol)
RMR Plus 35 Masters Stock: 1. Rene Desrochers (Pol); 2. Rob Sapp (Cat); 3. Jason Soucy (Doo)
RMR Junior 16-17: 1. Edward Bandel (Doo); 2. Leo Patenaude (Cat); 3. Nick Zielinski (Doo)
RMR Junior 14-15: 1. Edward Bantel (Doo); 2. Hunter Nelson (Doo); 3. Leo Patenaude (Cat)
RMR Junior 14-17: 1. Leo Patenaude (Cat); 2. Connor Roscoe (Cat); 3. Edward Bandel (Doo)
RMR Junior 10-13 600: 1. Tyler Adams (Cat); 2. Kaleb Dallmann (Doo); 3. Hunter Patenaude (Doo)
RMR Junior 10-13 380: 1. Montana Jess (Doo); 2. Wade Acker (Pol); 3. Nate Newland (Doo)
Polaris Donates Snowmobile to Minnesota Arboretum
February 05th, 2010
Low-Emission Widetrak Model Will be Used for Trailing Grooming and Utility Work (MORE)
Trail grooming and winter utility work at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will be accomplished in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner with the new four-stroke utility snowmobile donated today by Polaris.The low-emission FS IQ® WideTrak utility snowmobile will allow the arboretum staff to groom cross-country ski trails and snowshoe trails, and complete winter chores such as maintaining fences erected to keep deer from feeding on arboretum trees.
“We are thrilled with this donation by Polaris and thankful to have a machine that’s much more efficient and really fits with our ‘Green at Heart’ initiative,” said Professor and Interim Arboretum Director Mary Meyer. “We had no budget for the purchase of this machine, so we are very grateful to Polaris for this wonderful donation.”
Polaris CEO Scott Wine said the company welcomed the opportunity to support one of Minnesota’s most popular attractions. “At Polaris, we’re all outdoors lovers and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is one of the most beautiful, relaxing and educational sites of its kind in the country,” he said. “Our 4-stroke FS IQ WideTrak is ideal for the arboretum’s needs and its sustainability initiative, and we are pleased to support them with this contribution.”
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, which is part of the University of Minnesota, is the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum.
Located in the Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen, the arboretum features more than 1,000 acres of gardens, model landscapes and natural areas such as woodlands, wetlands and prairie, as well as extensive collections of northern-hardy plants.
In warm weather, the arboretum grounds feature over 12 miles of paths and trails as well as a scenic Three-Mile Drive. In winter, there are 9 miles of cross-country ski trails and 3.5 miles of snowshoe trails. These trails, especially the cross-country trails, have previously been groomed using an old, unreliable V-8-powered machine that taxes both the environment and arboretum mechanics’ repair skills.
“We had been grooming with a 1966 machine called the Super Imp that’s very inefficient and we were constantly repairing it,” Meyer said. “A mechanic worked on it regularly all winter, and parts were nearly impossible to find. We were thrilled when Polaris offered to donate a snowmobile.”
She said the FS IQ WideTrak will allow more frequent grooming of the cross-country ski trails, as well as expanded initial grooming of the snowshoe trails, some of which run in remote areas the old machine couldn’t access.
“Since the Polaris snowmobile is so much lighter than the other machine, we’ll be able to groom more often,” she said. “The other machine was so heavy, you didn’t want to groom too often because the tracks would actually dig into the ground. Our cross-country ski trails are heavily used, especially in light of recent snowfalls, and were in dire need of a new grooming machine.”
Since learning of the Polaris donation, the arboretum staff has been looking forward to taking delivery of the FS IQ WideTrak, which has a clean, powerful, quiet and efficient four-stroke engine. It also has electric start, reverse, Hi and Low forward ranges, underseat storage, a tow hitch, heated glove box, heated handgrips and thumb warmer, mirrors, a tall and protective windshield and a wide track that delivers excellent flotation and traction.
2011 Apex Delivers Power Two-Fold
February 03rd, 2010
Electronic Power Steering and Engine Enhancements Lead a Dramatically Different Apex for 2011 (MORE)
While some may have written off the Yamaha Apex model for 2011, feeling Yamaha would further pursue refinements to their popular Nytro models instead of investing more into the original champion of four-stroke technology, many might be pleasantly surprised they didn’t. The new 2011 Yamaha Apex introduces an industry first with the employment of electronic power steering in a snowmobile application.
With electronic power steering playing a major role in Yamaha’s all-terrain vehicles and with a patent on the application of power steering for a snowmobile, it was perhaps only a matter of time before Yamaha would adapt the technology for the winter world. While we have yet to sample the new power assisted Apex, initial reports and our experience with EPS equipped quads, have us believing the result is steering nothing short of buttery smooth.
More than just a simple straight assist system, the Yamaha EPS monitors several aspects of the vehicle’s performance in order to vary the level of assist for differing circumstances. Sensing vehicle speed, ski torque, engine speed and the level of assist the EPS is currently employing, the result is a true variable assist design that will deliver near full power at slow trail speeds and will dial back the level of assistance at higher, straight line speeds.
The advent of power steering has also allowed Yamaha engineers to tweak the front suspension traits of the Apex, which up until now had elicited heavy effort and a level of unpredictability in certain conditions. A new ski-design with an enhanced keel, revised carbide placement and a tweak in the amount of trail in the system should give the Apex a new found bite in the corners without the penalty of increased steering effort thanks to the power assisted design.
Joining the EPS system is a dramatically revised engine package featuring what Yamaha dubs the EXUP system or Exhaust Ultimate Performance package. The fancy nomenclature calls out a servo motor controlled four-into-one-into-two exhaust system that allows Yamaha engineers to control the backpressure of the system and deliver a near linear powerband. It’s a technology that has been in use in their R1 ultimate street bike and has now found a home aboard the Apex.
While those technologies are the focal point of the new 2011 Apex, more changes have been introduced throughout the vehicle including a 2-inch taller seat for improved ergonomics; a new cooling system with an additional rear heat exchanger for improved cooling; new extrovert rear drivers to eliminate track slip; a taller windshield design; a 128-inch Rip-Saw track; and a suspensions system on the Apex SE that features air shocks both front and rear, thereby eliminating any coil or torsion springs.
Three Apex models will be available in 2011 with the new EPS and exhaust system technology: Apex GT for high performance trail riding; the Apex SE for those who are after a more big bump compliant ride; and the new Apex XTX with a 144-inch track design for all around comfort and versatility.
Full details on the 2011 Yamaha line are available at the Yamaha website now, and in addition you will find information on their extensive demo tour dubbed the Sno-Safari which will allow enthusiasts to sample the new Yamaha power first hand. Details can be found at www.yamahademos.com
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