Future Focused
For model year 2012, the snowmobile manufacturers followed the next step in a continuing EPA emissions program. Future rounds of standards are set for 2016 and beyond. So, now and into the future, the snowmobile market will be a leader in clean, fun, exciting recreational motorsports for outdoor enthusiasts.
Here are a few facts on modern 2- and 4-stroke powered snowmobiles:
4-stroke Gets a Boost
Traditionally, to achieve greater fuel economy and avoid constantly adding injection oil, motorsport or power-equipment buyers bought a 4-stroke. But 4-strokes were typically heavier, due to their more complex construction, and pound for pound, they weren’t as powerful as a 2-stroke. And 4-strokes were more expensive. However, much of that is changing. The new Yamaha 4-strokes, in particular, are some of the most powerful while becoming lighter each year. This sled also will last many years, running 20,000-plus miles easily with no need for major engine repairs, if well-maintained. Compare that with 4,000–8,000 miles for your typical 2-stroke of just 10 years ago.
The new 4-strokes also are light on fuel. In tests by American Snowmobiler magazine, Ski-Doo’s new 600cc ACE 4-stroke was admittedly on the low end of horsepower but averaged almost 29 mpg! Compare that to 2-stroke sleds with similar horsepower of just 10–15 years ago that were averaging 8–10 mpg. The new technology is light-years ahead.
In addition, 4-stroke snowmobiles like Arctic Cat’s F1100 Turbo come with the extra boost of a turbocharger. Offering advanced performance technology like a turbocharger in a stock snowmobile was unheard of until just a few years ago. Now both Arctic Cat and Polaris have 4-stroke sleds with turbochargers. These fuel-injected 4-strokes have little in the way of exhaust smoke. Oh, and Arctic Cat’s turbo sled packs 180-plus horsepower!
2-stroke Cleanliness
Until a few years ago, “clean” was not synonymous with snowmobile 2-stroke engines. The Environmental Protection Agency and the Big 4 sled makers have worked hard to change that. If you’ve spent any time on a lake, you’ve probably heard the name Evinrude. Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) bought Evinrude several years ago and has since taken the brand’s clean outboard engine technology, known as E-TEC, and put it in its Ski-Doo snowmobiles.
The new 600cc and 800cc sleds from Ski-Doo featuring E-TEC technology are at least twice as fuel efficient as some of the old carbureted engines they’ve replaced, getting over 20 mpg. Additionally, they’re two or three times more oil efficient, and the engines produce little to no exhaust smoke or smell. The days of watching your neighbor pour out of his garage in a cloud of white smoke are gone. These sleds are quiet too, yet just as powerful as the older carbed and newer electronic, fuel-injected sleds from other manufacturers.
FOR ATV/UTV RIDERS: TWO TOP WINTER ACCESSORIES
Are you an ATV/UTV rider? Here are two incredible accessories that you can add to your machine so you can use it all year.
The first is a snowplow. Several companies make accessory plows, including WARN, BOSS, Swisher and more. You can order plows for your off-road vehicle through most motorsport dealerships, including Arctic Cat and Can-Am dealers. You can also go online or visit big-box outdoors stores such as Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops. For more info: www.warn.com, www.bossplow.com, www.cabelas.com.
The second accessory is pricier but allows you to really traverse your property no matter the snow depth. It’s a track system that replaces the four wheels and tires with four small tracks. Several makers are online, including Mattracks and Camoplast, or you can talk to your local ATV dealer.
ABOUT OUR AUTHOR
Mark Boncher is senior editor of American Snowmobiler magazine. For more information, visit www.AmSnow.com.
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