Just like all of the other 2008 MX Z models, the all-new MX Z Renegade gets what amounts to the most comprehensive make-over ever when it comes to a snowmobile re-design with the REV-XP platform. About all that’s left over from last year are the engines, primary clutch, skis... Read more
That’s right, a plastic rear suspension from AD Boivin, makers of the SnowHawk “snow bike” and the Expert X rear suspension. Called the ZX2, the rails and swingarms are all made of a plastic composite material, said to be very robust, very durable and free of “weldings”. The swingarms... Read more
The 2007 Arctic Cat F-Series models have plastic hood screens that are press-fit into the hood at various points; as snow screens up on the front and nose of the sled, and what we call the “knee vents”. During aggressive riding, your knees can contact and knock the screens... Read more
It made sense to use a 4-post primary clutch for the higher-torque applications. Having four flyweights and towers would make the clutch stronger, and each flyweight could be lighter to provide the same amount of belt squeeze. So, Arctic Cat fitted their Jaguars and F-1000s with a 4-post primary... Read more
While most of us are aware of the EPA requirements to reduce carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbon emissions from snowmobiles starting with the 2006 model year, few have heard of, or are aware of the new “fuel tank permeation” requirements. That’s right. If you’ve removed the gas cap and... Read more
According to Polaris, the NGK BPR9ES and NGK BPR9EVX spark plugs are acceptable substitutes for the Champion RN57YCC and RN57YC spark plugs now found on Polaris engines. The NGK plugs seem to have better sealing gaskets that reduce seepage anytime the plugs have been removed and reinstalled. The ”EV”... Read more
Yamaha has made available accessory rear heat exchangers for their 4-stroke models (all except Phazers). These accessory heat exchangers increase the cooling system capacity and are recommended for units that are operated in marginal snow conditions. Each kit comes with mounting instructions, templates and required rivets. The kits are... Read more
There’s a good number of sleds out now that have the FOX FLOAT Airshox on the front suspension. While they have proven to be light and durable, they do require service and inspection. One of the main benefits of this shock design is the ability to vary the airspring... Read more
This one really had us scratching our heads for a while. One of our Ski-Doo 800s fitted with the PowerTEK engine package had a problem at the end of the year where the muffler would get really (and we mean REALLY) hot, so hot things started to melt. It... Read more
For almost ten years now, Yamaha snowmobiles have pretty much all been fitted with the hard and durable “8DN” drive belt. Performance tuners have found that while this drive belt is a fairly hard compound and seems to last forever, this firm nature also leads to a fair amount... Read more