Mechanics are the lifeblood of the motorsports world. These are the people who keep our machines running which, in turn, keeps smiles on our faces. A good wrench is something to be valued and when you find a good one, you hold on to them. They not only will be talented at diagnosing problems but will also help you get your ride tuned up and back out on the trail or snow as fast as possible while saving you a dime or two when they can.
Adam Furlong is the head mechanic for Route 99 Motorsports in Pemberton, B.C.—an Arctic Cat dealer by trade, but they will work on all brands of sleds, ATVs and motos. Furlong always has a smile on his face and he absolutely loves engines. Get him going on mods—whether it’s sled, bike or one of his trucks—and be prepared to sit there for hours. With a reputation for doing fair and honest work, he has built up a loyal following in the Whistler area.
One-on-one with Adam Furlong:
Pemberton is your home but have you always been there or did you, like many, come from somewhere else?
I was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick. I moved to B.C. in 1996 and have checked out a few spots but picked Pemberton as my home for the last 10 years.
Could you tell us a little about Route 99 Motorsports, the shop you wrench at?
Route 99 Motorsports has been an Arctic Cat dealer since 2009. I’ve worked here from day one and we have built it into what it is today.
How long have you been wrenching on sled and bike motors?
I’ve been riding bikes and sleds for over 25 years and I’ve been wrenching since day one.
How did you get into tinkering with motors?
I grew up around bikes, sleds and trucks so it’s in my blood!
What made you choose wrenching in a sled/bike shop as your calling?
Well, I lucked out on that one. Someone needed help and I needed a job and had the skills to get the job done.
Working as a mechanic usually involves some training—what have you taken to work on sleds, ATVs and bikes?
I’ve had a lot of good teachers over the years but nothing tops years of working on random brands of bikes and sleds.
What is your favourite part of being a mechanic?
Having the knowledge to fix things when they break. It’s nice to help people with breakdowns.
What is your least favourite part of being a mechanic?
Rusted and broken bolts.
What has been your favourite build so far?
I would have to say this year it had been the RK Tek 925 big bore—taking a stock 800 sled to just under 200-horsepower for half the price of a turbo kit.
You must see some really beat-up stuff come through the door. What is the worst ATV, bike or sled that someone has brought to you?
We see some pretty rough stuff but if throwing money into it is going to be a waste of time, we try to let the customer know.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working in the shop?
Well, for the most part, I sled as much as I can all winter and wrench on one of my trucks. I have been building 4x4 trucks for fun and racing for the last eight years as well. My current rig is a ’79 Scout 2, 12-valve Cummins, linked on 44 boggers.
Route 99 Motorsports sponsors a lot of the Whistler/Pemberton Slednecks riders—do they keep you busy in the shop and what are the common mods you guys are doing to their sleds?
Yes, we have a great crew of riders and they are pushing the sport to another level so I tend to see a bit of carnage. As for mods, the rest of the guys and girls are running SLP pipe kits and our clutch kit. The new Cats don’t need much but with this combo, it’s a good 170-horsepower.
You’re riding a Cat M1100 Turbo this year. What all have you done to your personal sled?
This year I went with full 3” MBRP straight pipe and downpipe off the turbo, MBRP charge tubes, Feet hooker running boards, inserts and avid drivers for a 20 per cent gear-down. I have been testing the 1.9 and 2.0 Boondocker boxes and waiting for some Evolution Powersports goodies. The 1100 doesn’t need much—it’s a monster at 177-horsepower, stock.
