Rider-Forward Rules

Now for 2006 we have rider-forward ergonomics from all four major manufacturers. What is rider-forward, and when is it better?

The term “rider-forward” describes the positioning of the rider on the snowmobile. For years, riders have traditionally sat more towards the rear of the sled. With the introduction of the Ski-Doo REV models, rider positioning was moved forward as much as twelve inches.

The benefits are many; the rider is better isolated from the rocking and pitching action of the chassis, especially when going through rough terrain. A rider sitting towards the rear of the sled would be subjected to the “bucking” action away from the center, or pivot point, of the machine.

There is also great benefit to having the rider placed in the middle when it comes to overall vehicle center of gravity and “moment of inertia”. With the masses centered, the vehicle can react to and respond quicker to directional change inputs; the sled will handle better and respond quicker with less effort.

Yet another benefit is a matter of leverage. A centered rider can better leverage his or her weight on the vehicle, providing a mechanical advantage of sorts when compared to sitting towards the rear of the machine. Moving your body mass around has a greater effect on the vehicle as you can place it ahead of, on top of, or behind the vehicle’s center of mass, allowing you better manipulate traction and handling response.

Downsides? Moving the rider forward tends to cause more weight to be carried on the skis, which can be detrimental to performance in deeper snow as well as increase steering effort. The total suspension calibration must be revamped to maintain a balance of weight transfer (in both directions, during acceleration and braking) so as to provide enough traction without too much steering effort.