For us snowmobile writers, this is always an exciting time of year. The manufacturers have released their new sleds and right now, they are on the road showing the public what’s in store. It’s called Sneak Peek and the tour travels from east to west in Canada. Instead of waiting for it to come our way, we decided to hit West Yellowstone, Montana, for the 2015 World Snowmobile Expo where all four OEMs were unveiling their new sleds for the first time in the Western U.S.
Here’s the scoop on what’s new:
Arctic Cat
For 2016, it’s the M Series that’s in the spotlight. Cat made some big changes to the geometry of these sleds to make them more capable for technical riding.
First, the front suspension. It features all new A-arms and single-post spindles that are angled back 27 degrees. According to reps at the expo, the new spindle geometry should make it easier to hold a line while sidehilling. Cat engineers were also able to shave 2.4 pounds off the front suspension. They also went to a narrower 36-inch stance and a wider mountain-specific ski that is tapered from seven inches at the front to 6.5 inches in the centre. The rear Float-Action suspension has been redesigned with new skid frame rails to better soak up the bumps. The new M series sleds also get TEAM Industries clutching and they are equipped with the Power Claw track (available in a three-inch version on M Limited models).
Polaris
Polaris was the first to release its 2016 models, starting with the 800 Pro-RMK 155. What’s new? Everything. For starters, the platform it is built on is a version of the AXYS platform that came out last year in the Rush and Switchback trail sleds. Adapted for mountain riding, this platform features a patented raised design that is designed to increase clearance and reduce drag.
The 2016 800 Polaris RMK 155 is also equipped with the new 800 H.O. Cleanfire engine that was paired with the AXYS last year, equalling a better power-to-weight ratio. Weight? Somehow, Polaris managed to shave nine pounds off this sled. It now sits at a lean 408 pounds. The rear suspension was also redesigned to offer more rigidity.
For 2016, Polaris is offering three new tracks for its RMK lineup—including one with three-inch lugs for snowcheck models.
Ski-Doo
There is a growing number of people who use snowmobiles to access the backcountry for skiing and snowboarding. It might be considered a niche market but Ski-Doo has just broken into it with the 2016 Summit Burton edition. Designed with the help of Burton Snowboards’ team of pro riders, the 2016 Summit Burton edition features BRP’s exclusive LinQ snowboard and ski attachment system and a larger seat that is better suited for two-up riding. It also comes with Burton-designed graphics.
Another new member of the Ski-Doo family is the Renegade Enduro. Inspired by an adventure motorcycle, the 2016 Renegade Enduro features rMotion suspension with new Air Ride rear shocks, RAS 2 front suspension, a heavy-duty front bumper and Ski-Doo’s brand new Pilot TS ski.
The industry’s first and only adjustable ski on the market, the Pilot TS allows riders to raise or lower the height of the carbide runner. It also comes with a new square keel design to eliminate the ski darting effect.
Yamaha
Last year, Yamaha introduced us to the SR-Viper M-TX—a four-stroker with mountain-specific features and ergonomics. This year, it’s all about refinements. For 2016, the SR-Viper M-TX gets a narrower ski stance that is adjustable from 34.5 inches to 38.5 inches and new sculpted spindles to reduce snow drag. The SR-Viper M-TX also dropped some weight, thanks to its new front end suspension design, and it will be available in 141-, 153- and 162-inch track lengths.
All the 2016 SR-Viper M-TXs come with the 2.6-inch Power Claw track—except for the two limited edition spring power surge versions. These babies tout a three-inch track, as well as new Fox Float Evol suspension on the front and back, a rear storage bag and a heated mountain seat.
Not a mountain sledder? Yamaha added 15 new models to its 2016 lineup, so there’s something for every kind of rider.
