I have known José for more than 20 years and have had the privilege of getting to know this genuinely amazing leader. A little more than a year ago I discussed with José what so many successful CEO’s often do: They cash in and move to Florida. Fortunately, this was not José’s plan. Even though he doesn’t look like it, he is on the north side of traditional retirement age. He is intent for BRP to have new, strong leadership and I’m pretty sure he’ll keep his eye on whoever that may be for as long as needed.

Every snowmobiler owes Boisjoli a debt of gratitude. It was his willingness to risk it all back in 2002 when the first rider-forward Ski-Doo REV was born. As history now records, the REV changed how the modern snowmobile would be built and how it would be ridden. The REV’s amazing rider forward ergonomics propelled Ski-Doo to the top of the market – a position the brand has held since the REV’s intro. Today, Ski-Doo has more than a 50-percent share of the snowmobile industry.

Boisjoli has also left his mark on the Personal Watercraft business taking Sea Doo well beyond  50-percent market share under his leadership. Sea Doo is now the largest selling boat brand in the world. Ten years ago Boisjoli’s gutsy introduction of the Sea Doo Spark, boasting a US MSRP under $5000, sent the entire industry reeling, and reinvigorated the PWC market.

During José’s tenure the Can-Am ATV and SxS brand became an everyday part of BRP’s off-road business. Can-Am is now a leading ATV and SxS OEM with a penchant for one-up-man-ship in innovation, outperforming power and quality manufacturing. 

Boisjoli has spearheaded so many amazing accomplishments it’s not hard to believe he will be indelibly etched in the history of the powersports industry. One thing I will truly miss when José walks away from what has been an incredible career, is his quiet and humble demeanor. I have had the privilege of getting to know José during my 37-year-long career. It’s been my experience José Boisjoli has never let his ego get out of control. Suffice it to say he commands the respect of everyone who works for him and, moreover, everyonewho knows him. 

In the meantime, the search for José Boisjolis’ replacement has gone out. Whoever is in charge of that project we sincerely wish them the best of luck. Brilliance is never easy to replace!

A LITTLE HISTORY

Along with being known as the original outboard engine, Evinrude has had a storied 100-plus year past. In the late 1990’s the parent company of Evinrude (and Johnson), Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC), was thrown into disarray by corporate raiders.

This event led to BRP’s acquisition of the Evinrude and Johnson brands including a 2-stroke Direct Injection (DI) system known as Ficht Ram Injection. After BRP’s acquisition Ficht was re-branded and re-engineered becoming E-TEC Direct Injection.

The system debuted on BRP’s Ski-Doo snowmobiles in MY 2008 and the rest is history. Today E-TEC is still the only Direct Injection system in the sno-mo-biz.

It’s interesting to note, when OMC Corporation went into receivership and BRP acquired Evinrude, Johnson and Ficht, it did so for a relatively attractive sum in the corporate world.

EVINRUDE AND THE MARINE BIZ

The marine industry has almost, without exception, adopted a sales model called “vertical integration”. Vertical Integration requires outboard OEMs to acquire boat manufacturing companies their engines can be exclusively installed on.

In other words, many (if not most) of today’s boat OEM brands are actually owned by Mercury and Yamaha. While this has gone on for the past 15 years (or more) BRP took a different path and marketed its engines to the “re-power” market.

Only recently did BRP jump into the boat biz and begin vertical integration in a sizeable way.

OUR 2 STROKE SENSIBILITIES

Honestly, we’ve felt a sense of pride in the success of the Evinrude brand knowing it is the only outboard engine using 2-stroke power exclusively.

The E-TEC paradigm in the outboard world stood alone for almost two decades. E-TEC’s performance, lightness and EPA cleanliness, not to mention its exceptional fuel efficiency, set Evinrude apart from the 4-stroke hoard.

A PAUSE OR THE END?

Reading what BRP had to say about the cessation of Evinrude production, we perceive the company is not likely to re-introduce the brand. However, BRP has stated it won’t sell the brand either. In fact, in any corporate communications we’ve seen since this announcement Evinrude is still listed as a BRP brand.

E-TEC

BRP and, in particular, the Ski-Doo Division, have made it clear the cessation of Evinrude E-TEC production has no effect on E-TEC 2-stroke development as it relates to snowmobiles.

In fact the company has made it clear E-TEC snowmobile power will continue to be developed and used in Ski-Doo snowmobiles indefinitely.

Here’s how E-TEC 2 stroke Direct Injection works:

FIRST, THE CONCEPT

Direct injection (DI) differs from all other 2 stroke induction systems in that absolutely no fuel enters the engine’s crankcase. The throttle bodies allow only air to enter the engine’s bottom end.

While air is pumped upwards to the combustion chamber via conventional transfer ports oil is pinpoint injected onto the rod bearings and piston skirt. This oil slowly migrates up the transfer ports and is ultimately burned.

Since so little oil is involved as a result of keeping fuel out of the scavenging process (which would normally wash down the bearings) there is almost zero smoke and odour associated with the system. Because fuel is injected so late in the 360 degrees of crankshaft rotation, virtually no unburned fuel escapes into the exhaust system.

UP TOP

E-TEC’s hallmark feature is its electronic voice coil injectors externally mounted on the cylinder head over the combustion chamber.

Voice coils use a similar process as stereo speaker magnets to produce pulses of fuel to the cylinders. The injectors pulses take fuel from relatively low pressure to over 2000 psi in less than the blink of an eye.

The voice coils literally hammer fuel into the cylinder with each pulse. The sled’s ECU (computer) adjusts the stroke of the voice coil injector pin to meet the engines demands determined by the ECU.

The “magic” of the E-TEC system is this. To ensure no unburned fuel escapes out the exhaust port the voice coil injectors are able to introduce fuel into the combustion chamber after the exhaust port is closed.

With only 15 degrees of crankshaft rotation left before the spark plug lights off the compressed fuel and air virtually no fuel escapes out the exhaust port.

Other than a higher cost to manufacture compared to other 2 stroke SDI injection systems there’s no downside to E-TEC. BRP is able to deliver the cleanest running, highest efficiency, low emission 2 stroke engines in the biz as a result of E-TEC’s sophistication.

One more E-TEC benefit is easy starting. Due to its high pressure injectors and high voltage electronics, an E-TEC engine only requires a 120 degree rotation of the crankshaft to start it. That’s why the revolutionary “SHOT” electric start system is possible. E-TEC atomizes fuel so efficiently the engine lights-off with only a tiny bit of crankshaft movement.

The new 600R engine with E-TEC sets the bar very high for snowmobile power and performance as well as efficiency and cleanliness.

The GSX was a tamed-down version of the MX-Z with less sophisticated shocks and, in 2009, offered choices of both 600 E-TEC power and a 4-TEC 1170cc 4-stroke.

We like the GSX as a used sled because of the type of owner who bought one. Since this was not regarded as an all-out performance model, chances are these sleds may have led an easier life than some MX-Zs and Renegades.

The truth is, however, except for shocks and aesthetics, the GSX is an MX-Z in nearly every imaginable way. The 600 was built on the super-light XP platform and the 4-TEC used a modified, slightly wider XR chassis to accommodate its big-inch 4-stroke.

This brings up another good point: That 1170cc 4-stroke was the largest engine put in a snowmobile (still is) and that probably means there might have been less stress than on a smaller one. This 4-stroke has proven to be durable and is a versatile, fun sled to own – especially if you’re a trail rider.

Some considerations:

1. The 4-TECs had annoying throttle lag that takes some getting used to. Once you’re onto it, though, it’s not much of a concern.

2. Beyond 10,000 miles the 600 E-TEC may need a bottom end refreshing because of the sealed, grease-lubed bearings in the crankcase. Pricey, but many 600s go well beyond 10,000 miles without it.

We give the 4-stroke GSX LTD a 4.5 out of 5 and the E-TEC a 4.

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SnowTrax departs to the frigid Arctic Circle to take one incredibly lucky contestant winner on Arctic Cat’s Ride of a Lifetime giveaway. Watch as Luke embarks on a two-day, near 400km group snowmobile trek through the harsh, natural terrain of Norway to the familiar and tranquil landscape of Finland where no two trails are the same.

We get an exclusive invite to BRP’s Rotax manufacturing plant in Gunskirchen, Austria to get an insider’s look at the development of powersports’ engines, including the new 600R E-TEC for Ski-Doo’s recently announced 2018 MXZ 600.

Then in TEST RIDE, AJ reviews the highly anticipated and reinvigorated crossover sled – 2018 Ski-Doo Renegade Backcountry X.

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Features like tinting with the touch of a button, heated dual lenses in both a wireless and wired configuration, plus construction of the highest quality materials for optimum performance will set these goggles apart from the crowd.

Integral to the design and development of all models were key performance aspects like wide field of vision, great fit inside Sno-X style helmets for warmth, and great optical clarity.

The goggles will be offered in five styles; the Advanced Tech and Helium series bring the cutting edge features while the Adrenaline, Holeshot and Trail goggles deliver the performance and features expected in a great cold weather goggle.

Advanced TEC E-Chrome Goggle $249.99/297.99

Advanced Tech goggles feature a patented E-Chrome dual lens that instantly tints dark when activated or returns to normal when deactivated for great vision in changing light conditions.

The lens is anti-fog treated and scratch-resistant for long lasting performance in a rugged environment. The large frame is constructed of urethane for flexibility with an integrated comfort flow ventilation system and the oversize triple density hypoallergenic face foam provides great comfort while absorbing shocks and sweat without irritating the face.

The Advanced Tec also has a premium dual hinged strap system to fit any facial geometry with silicone backing on the strap for no slip performance. Includes a clip on nose guard for additional protection in extreme conditions. Advanced TEC branded.

Helium Electric Wireless Goggles $229.99/274.99

The Helium Electric Wireless goggles feature a patent pending, scratch-resistant dual lens electric wireless design for maximum anti-fog performance in all conditions, while allowing unrestricted driver movement.

The rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack can be installed on the goggle strap or the arm band provided. The large frame is constructed of urethane for flexibility with an integrated comfort flow ventilation system and the oversize hypoallergenic triple density face foam provides great comfort to absorb shocks and sweat without irritating the face.

They have a premium dual hinged strap system to fit any facial geometry with silicone backing on the strap itself for no slip performance. Includes a clip nose guard for additional protection, and a wall charger for the battery pack.

Helium Goggles $89.99/104.99

This high performance goggle for the most demanding riders and racers brings a wide view of the action, high flow ventilation and great fit in Sno-X style helmets to seal out the cold.

The mirrored anti-fog, scratch-resistant max flow dual lens comes installed while an amber lens with the same antifogging and scratch resistance features is included for changing light conditions or preferences.

The large frame is constructed of urethane for flexibility with an integrated comfort flow ventilation system and the oversize hypoallergenic triple density face foam provides great comfort to absorb shocks and sweat to reduce face irritation.

Premium dual hinged strap system to fit any facial geometry with silicone backing on the strap for no slip performance. Includes a clip on nose guard for additional protection. Available in white and silver.

Adrenaline Electric Wired Goggles $159.99/189.99

Featuring a patent pending dual electric lens system for the ultimate performance in the worst conditions – the Adrenaline goggles use a large co-molded urethane frame for strength, flexibility and style, with oversize hypoallergenic dual density face foam to absorb both shock and sweat and reduce skin irritation.

The hinged strap system provides a great fit on any face while the silicone backing on the premium strap prevents slipping. The anti-fog dual pane amber lens is scratch-resistant to provide long life. Includes a clip nose guard for additional protection, and the wire to connect to a standard RCA jack (as standard equipment on many Ski-Doo snowmobiles or supplied in kit 860 200 242).

Adrenaline Quick-Strap Goggles $69.99/84.99

Using the clever Quick-Strap system for easy on and off this goggle also has an amber anti-fog, scratch-resistant max flow dual lens for long lasting clear vision in the toughest conditions.

The Adrenaline goggle uses a large co-molded urethane frame for strength, flexibility and style to fit any Sno-X helmet while providing a large field of vision and sealing out the cold.

Oversize hypoallergenic dual density face foam is used to absorb both shock and sweat and reduce skin irritation. Available in red and black, the goggle also comes with a clip on nose guard.

Holeshot Goggles $59.99/69.99

The Holeshot goggles are priced for exceptional value, but deliver more on the key design elements like field of vision and sealing out cold.

Using a large co-molded urethane frame for strength, flexibility and style, with oversize hypoallergenic dual density face foam to absorb both shock and sweat and reduce skin irritation – this goggle has the features to perform.

The hinged strap system provides a great fit on any face while the silicone backing on the premium strap prevents slipping. The anti-fog, scratch-resistant amber max flow dual lens delivers long lasting clear vision in tough conditions. Available in red and black.

Trail Goggles 39.99/49.99

Trail Goggles feature an anti-fog scratch-resistant amber dual lens for clear vision. This goggle also uses a large moulded urethane frame for flexibility and style with hypoallergenic face foam for long lasting comfort and performance. The silicone backed strap provides slip free performance. Available in white, yellow and black.

Junior Trail Goggles 34.99/39.99

Using the same construction and features as the Trail Goggle, these are designed to fit a smaller face. They feature an anti-fog scratch-resistant amber dual lens, a large moulded urethane frame for flexibility and style with hypoallergenic face foam for long lasting comfort and performance. The silicone backed strap provides slip free performance.

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