ARCTIC CAT
The American company has introduced a new all-purpose snowmobile, the Norseman, equipped with a 154-inch Cobra track with XtraAction rear suspension, a drop heel, a large rack, mountain handlebars, wide ProUte skis and a rear bag. The snowmobile is equipped with a 6000 C-Tec2 engine. A version with a 4-stroke engine will also be available.
Arctic Cat Norseman 6000
The Pantera family of touring snowmobiles also received a 6000 C-Tec2 engine with 125 hp. With. Models with this power unit will occupy an intermediate position between devices with engines of the 3000 and 7000 series.
Arctic Cat XF 6000 CrossTour
In the purely utilitarian segment, Arctic Cat's new product is the Bearcat XT, which, in fact, is a “clone” of the Yamaha Viking: 540 cc 2-cylinder carburetor engine, 156-inch (356 mm) Cobra track, high and low gears, plus reverse and electric start .
Arctic Cat Pantera 7000 XT LTD
In the 2021 model year, the company will add models with a 6000 and 9000 series engine to the CrossTour 7000 crossover. Designed for long-distance travel, these sleds feature a 70-quart fuel tank, a long Cobra track for a comfortable ride, Slide-Action rear suspension, rear view mirrors, a mid-height windshield, and a heated helmet connection.
Arctic Cat ZR 200
In the new season, Arctic Cat offers a new model for young snowmobilers. The ZR 200 will help you smoothly transition from the children's ZR 120 to adult technology. The snowmobile is equipped with a 200 cc 4-stroke Yamaha engine producing 9 hp. With. and a new automatic variable transmission, and also features a longer chassis, hydraulic disc brakes, a higher seat, a 236 mm (93”) Cobra track and an 8.5-liter fuel tank. The new product will be able to keep up with adult snowmobiles, which will allow teenagers to ride with their parents.
BRP SKI-DOO
Ski-Doo Renegade Backcountry 850 E-Tec
The Renegade Backcountry Series sleds have been significantly redesigned for 2021 to become a true 50/50 all-rounder that's at home on the trail and in deep snow. These models are also based on the REV Gen4 platform and are equipped with the 850 E-Tec engine. This “kit” provides easy maneuvering, comfortable ergonomics and quick response to the gas. Suspensions have been designed specifically for these sleds' missions and include the new cMotion rear suspension.
Ski-Doo Expedition SE 1200
In the Expedition and Scandic lines, the update has affected some 4-stroke models, which received a new, improved air-cooling system with a fan.
Ski-Doo Skandic SWT 600 E-Tec
"Taiga Varyag 500"
Utilitarian snowmobiles from the Rybinsk plant remain the most inexpensive equipment of this kind. The Taiga engine has a two-stroke unit model RMZ-500 (500 cubic meters) and is equipped with a Mikuni carburetor.
The car does not have enviable power, like previous respondents, only 43 hp. s., therefore, to ensure proper dynamics, engineers had to significantly lighten the weight of the entire structure. As a result, we have a snowmobile weighing 265 kilograms.
Advantages and disadvantages of the model
And although the dynamics were clearly improved with the loss of weight, the car lost its electric starter: the engine can only be started in manual mode. As for the transmission, the Varyags were equipped with a classic CVT with mechanical reverse and steps. The design turned out to be very simple, and this automatically added reliability to the snowmobile.
Advantages of "Varyag":
Disadvantages of the model:
The owners are also satisfied with the driving characteristics of the snowmobile. But the fly in the ointment in our cars was and remains the build quality.
LYNX
In honor of its 50th anniversary, the Finnish Lynx not only released a new mountain platform Radien (see “5 wheel” No. 10 2017), but also decided to bring back to life its very first legendary snowmobile Commander 5900. Half a century ago, it was the first wide-track snowmobile with a pendulum suspension and an incredibly powerful Rotax 503 engine for those times, producing 40 hp. With.
Lynx Ranger Alpine 69 1200 4-Tec
The 2021 Anniversary model features a Rotax 900 ACE iTC engine, 500mm wide track, heated seat and Blade XC skis.
Lynx Commander 5900 900 ACE
Another new product for the coming season is the 69 Ranger, a universal utility-touring snowmobile equipped with a 900 ACE engine, 600 track, PPS rear suspension, LFS+ front suspension, Blade XC skis and a heated seat - a very comfortable and practical working device.
Extreme sportsmen
Touring ones have narrower tracks, which makes them more manageable. But it is not suitable for deep snow, but for a snowy plain or a well-worn road it is quite suitable. They can have a powerful two or four-pin motor. They are distinguished by high prices and maximum comfort. They have many accessories to make your trip enjoyable. For example, they can be equipped with xenon, heated grips, and adjustable suspension.
On the utility platform, snowmobiles are created with a powerful two-stroke engine that provides high speed. Such models are no longer completely utilitarian; they are created more for entertainment and adrenaline than for work.
POLARIS
One of the most interesting new products for Russia is the universal utilitarian snowmobile Polaris Titan, which is designed for driving both on groomed trails and in deep snow, both with and without a load.
The Titan 800 is built on the new AXYS Titan chassis, equipped with a Cleanfire engine and has high cross-country capability and precise handling.
Polaris 800 Switchback XCR
The innovative charging voltage regulator ensures the required current even when the engine is idling or at low speeds. The Polaris Titan cooling system with radiator and fan ensures optimal engine performance, while the energy-saving suspension and 508mm (155”) wide track with 46mm lugs allow the sled to confidently navigate challenging terrain, even when towing up to 540kg.
The Polaris Titan features an integrated Lock&Ride storage system that allows you to install and remove the rack and storage compartments without special tools. A quick-release love seat is also included as standard.
The new product is available in three trim levels: 800 Titan SP 155, 800 Titan XC 155 and 800 Titan Adventure 155.
Polaris 800 Titan XC
The crossover segment is the fastest-growing category in snowmobiling today, and Polaris offers riders Switchback models that combine performance, high traction, a smooth ride, easy handling with a comfortable central riding position and off-road agility.
The new 600 and 800 Switch back XCR models feature 348mm (137”) wide tracks with a 65mm lug height.
In addition to the new XCR models, the 2021 Switchback lineup includes the PRO-S, PRO-X and Assault sleds with the 800 HO Cleanfire or 600 Cleanfire engine.
The full lineup of 2021 Polaris snowmobiles also includes RUSH trail models, INDY touring models and Voyageur recreational-utility snowmobiles.
How to choose a utilitarian snowmobile
Which utilitarian snowmobile is better to choose? Among the leading brands are Yamaha, Arctic Cat, Polaris, Buran, Lynx, Taiga, etc. If you are a beginner and have decided to purchase your first snowmobile, then models from leading brands will come in handy.
Of course, more expensive types of snowmobiles, domestic or imported, are more durable and of higher quality. Among the above in terms of reliability, I would like to buy imported Yamaha ones. A low-price vehicle with a Chinese engine on board is unlikely to last long enough. And the operation of such a snowmobile cannot be called comfortable. Soon breakdowns will begin, the need to replace parts of the track, transmission and engine.
Let's say we are choosing a snowmobile for hunting - this is one of the most common reasons for buying a utilitarian type snowmobile. Usually, hunting requires a powerful, passable and reliable vehicle. All these parameters must be combined in one design. To choose a snowmobile for hunting, it is better to pay attention to the quality of the engine and the suspension on which the skis are attached. As for the engine, it is better to give preference to models with a four-stroke engine and a CVT. If you have settled on any model, find out its engine number and look at reviews on the Internet on this topic: does it run smoothly? How long will it take to replace piston rings, gaskets and other parts? Remember, a good engine is not only powerful, but also reliable.
If you are going to hunt on your all-terrain vehicle, then also pay attention to the availability of a sufficient number of components and optional features. Is the steering wheel heated? Are drag sleds included, is the snowmobile equipped with a tow bar, and how convenient is the luggage? Regarding the latter, there must be a sufficient number of luggage compartments. It is better to choose a snowmobile with panniers for storing equipment than to later regret the lack of them.
We have already said above that it is better to purchase snowmobiles from leading brands. Perhaps other manufacturers also have good models, and at a price that would seem to be much cheaper. But is it easy to find spare parts for them when you have to repair or replace the main components of the snowmobile? And if you are not very knowledgeable about repairs, how many qualified service stations undertake repairs specifically for your model? These questions are very important, since the service life of the all-terrain vehicle depends on it.
STELS
released a new budget snowmobile Stels “Moroz”, built according to the formula “one ski - two tracks”. The model combines advanced design solutions already implemented in the Ermak snowmobile, original design and low cost.
The new product is equipped with a reinforced frame with an inclined front tunnel wall to provide additional space for the pilot's legs and increase the torsional and bending rigidity of the frame. The new 2-stroke, 2-cylinder, in-line, air-cooled engine with a carburetor for each cylinder produces 49 hp. With.
Stels "Frost"
The snowmobile is equipped with a modern programmable ignition system, a cooling fan without a drive belt (axial drive), and steering with anti-vibration bearings to reduce vibrations on the steering wheel. Other important components and parts have also been improved, including the steering column and vibration protection for the engine base.
The snowmobile is available in two versions - regular and extended. Additional options are also provided: a power front bumper, a case for storing accessories, a finder headlight, and ski protection.
YAMAHA
In the new season, the Japanese manufacturer will offer domestic snowmobilers updated utilitarian models VK540 V and VK Professional II EPS.
Yamaha VK540V
The VK Professional II EPS received a new Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, as well as new front high-pressure gas shock absorbers in an aluminum body, new 8HG steering knuckles, new wide skis based on the Yamaha MQRD MTX skis, designed to reduce the load on the steering column and improve handling, lightweight driver's seat backrest and passenger back support, as well as a lightweight mudguard.
Yamaha VK Professional II EPS
RUSSIAN MECHANICS
For the 2021 season, the company is introducing an updated Buran. The legendary snowmobile was improved taking into account the suggestions and expectations of the owners and received a “prefix” to the name: “Buran Leader”. Key changes concern increasing the strength of the ski, improving handling and extending the service life of the snowmobile through the installation of standard carbide undercuts SHT "Taiga". Thanks to them, during long-term use, the turning radius of the snowmobile does not increase and there is no need to replace the entire ski - only undercuts that retain their functionality for a mileage of up to 3000 km.
"Buran Leader"
The updated Buran is equipped with an automatic chain tensioner on the reverse box. The device allows the owner to save time on maintenance, eliminates manual work and the need to check the condition of the chain before each trip. Improved traction and dynamic characteristics and the ability to save fuel are provided by a new centrifugal regulator of Russian Mechanics' own production. The Buran Leader model is distinguished by a high molded windshield, the geometry of which eliminates the possibility of its deformation.
The glass protects the driver from headwinds and flying snow, and the reinforced bumper prevents damage to equipment when driving through forests and dense bushes. A high steering wheel with heated grips and throttle trigger adds ease to driving the snowmobile. The Buran Leader is also equipped with an LED tail light.
RMS 551 Tour
The appearance of the snowmobile has also been changed: now it is made in bright black-orange and white-orange colors. In addition, the company plans to release a special series in winter camouflage intended for hunters. Another new product from Russian Mechanics will tentatively be released in January 2021. This is the new snowmobile RMS 551i Tour - a touring model built on the Taiga base with a two-stroke two-cylinder engine with a volume of 553 cm3 and a power of 65 hp. With. with liquid cooling and separate lubrication system. The front suspension is wishbone with a travel of 225 mm, a track 500 mm wide and lugs 32 mm high.
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Basic model
These are machines for those who are going to actively use a snowmobile and seriously load it.
For these people, the first place is the reliability of the car, confidence in it, that it will not fail under load, will start in any weather and will be able to pull a loaded sled behind it. Such users do not pursue comfort, high speed and various accessories. Therefore, the design of such snowmobiles is appropriate - reliable and repairable, with a minimal risk of breakdown and the ability to be repaired in the most unsuitable conditions.
