Finish quality has been amplified as has the reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in the new chassis powered by the now-iconic 165-hp Rotax 850 E-TEC twin.

The Gen5 Blizzard arrives with a new engine mounting system and it effectively erases chassis vibration to make this sled’s incredible smoothness possible.

The Blizzard uses the industry benchmark 129-inch rMotion X rear suspension. This skidframe delivers the best ride in the business and ever since the X changes arrived two seasons ago, it has allowed the new Gen5 to corner laser level with nary a hint of inside ski lift on corner exit.

With quality shocks up front and in the rMotion X skid, Blizzard pilots can reach new heights of driver control as both the front RAS X suspension and the rMotion X skid respond intuitively to varying trail conditions. There’s really only one way to describe the Gen5 Blizzard’s ride quality – supremely plush!

Gen5 ergonomics take riders to a higher echelon of all-day comfort utilizing a centered, aerodynamic rider pocket. Aggressive vented running boards and a flat-top seat provide confidence-inspiring grip when attacking tight, technical trails. The rider can easily move around on the Gen5 in response to any terrain while always maintaining complete control.

Rotax E-TEC direct injection power is the industry standard for lightweight, emissions-clean 2-stroke engine performance. Better yet, the 850 extrudes its formidable thrust all the way from engagement to wide-open throttle. Furthermore, both fuel and oil consumption are class leading.

Ski-Doo’s breakthrough Gen5 chassis melds perfectly into the popular Blizzard 129-inch trail platform bringing improved rider comfort, improved handling and dramatically reduced vibration while presenting a seamless, clean body profile snowmobilers will definitely approve of.

Visit skidoo.com for more.

Does it seem odd a sled that has carved out a reputation as stellar as Ski-Doo’s XRS Renegade would undergo major changes for MY 2023?

We think so too, but Ski-Doo keeps its complete product line on a four to five year updating cycle and the G4 architecture was due to be refreshed for the upcoming model year.

So, what’s new and what’s different about the new G5 platform?

Let’s start with an all new frontal profile for the X-RS. The G5 brings a sleeker, less edgy, more visually appealing look up front. The new bodywork includes a much easier-to-access engine bay needing to remove just six screws to gain full access under hood. The fresh bodywork uses an innovative sound-absorbing lining that noticeably cuts engine noise at all RPM levels.

More importantly, a major revision to the engine mounting system includes four completely re-engineered engine mounts – one more than the G4. While this might not sound like a huge development, it nets a quantifiable improvement in hood, handlebar, handguard and footrest vibration, particularly at idle and up to engagement.

The windshield shows no vibes or shakes at these levels and a tangible feeling of refinement spreads throughout the chassis as a result of this new 4-mount system.

The G5 X-RS is the first Ski-Doo platform to include a full LED headlight system. LED lighting provides an incomparable amount of forward illumination seasoned Ski-Doo riders will immediately identify and appreciate. This isn’t a big deal, it’s a huge deal – and it gets approval from every test rider.

Okay, we know you’ve been waiting for this… and so have we! After a 10-year hiatus, it’s high time for Polaris to enter the 4-stroke market.

To say Polaris has entered the 4-stroke market is a gross and almost incalculable understatement. What Polaris has come with is not a “me too” 4-stroke offering but rather a new engine available in multiple MATRYX chassis variants.

Let’s unveil the new ProStar S4 powerplant with a thunderous drum roll. This engine is purpose-built for snowmobile use. Yes, the engine in some ways mirrors the off-road RZR’s 1000 ProStar, however there are material differences not the least of which is a dry sump crankcase to get the engine’s center of gravity as low as possible (the RZR uses a wet sump design).

Ski-Doo is known for studying market trends, anticipating customer needs and developing calculated responses. This is precisely the lineage of Ski-Doo’s Backcountry Series.

Without a doubt the Crossover (X-Over) market is gaining traction in Model Year 2022. Sleds catering to the dual purpose, on/off trail crowd are in hot demand and, as a result some OEMs have thrown fresh and innovative technology at this burgeoning segment.

Ski-Doo is no exception. Both the G4 850 and 600R E-TEC powered Backcountry series exemplifies the determination and drive Ski-Doo has to be the leader in every segment in the snowmobile industry. These Backcountry Ski-Doos leave nothing – zip – nada – on the table.

From its cMotion, transfer reactive, uncoupled 146-inch skidframe to its hybrid RAS 3 double A-arm front end that incorporates the best features of the Summit RAS with the MX-Z RAS X, Ski-Doo delivers a true dual purpose, variable width suspension system that’s specific to the Backcountry series.

Flotation is at the heart of any deep snow, off-trail foray. Ski-Doo ups the ante with an aggressive crossover-specific 146-inch track and skid. The cMotion suspension uses no coupling on the rear arm resulting in near telepathic lift that can propel the Backcountry up and on top of bottomless fluff as capably it does in more densely packed snow. Likewise, cMotion uses a rising rate rear arm shock to process whooped-out trails when you head out for a big-mile excursion.

Click Here for more about the 2022 Ski-Doo Backcountry!

With the arrival of the new MATRYX platform, the Polaris faithful and those shopping Polaris for the first time may find they need some direction weighing out the features and benefits of this revolutionary Indy chassis.

Find The Right Indy For You!

What’s A VR1?

Okay, let’s not mistake the obvious here for something we only think exists. Renegade Enduro riders know their rides are essentially Renegades loaded with more abundant standard features. So why don’t these hardcore “adventure touring” pilots just pony up for a standard Renegade, accessorize it and get on with it?

Easy, my friend. Enduro Renegades come stock with a ton of must-have options mere mortal Renegades must be optioned-out with to be comparable.

Check out the 2022 Ski-Doo Renegade Enduro

There’s no other sled in the modern era that’s been as revered, loved and its return anticipated more than Ski-Doo’s legendary Mach Z.

There’s good reason for this. In all of its former iterations the Mach Z has been the undisputed ruler of the lakes. The formula for this success has been relatively simple: Build a ridiculously powerful 2-stroke engine with a heroic bore size and as many as three pistons, then shoehorn said engine into a purpose-built chassis and proceed to hang on – tight.

The last Mach Z was launched in the mid-2000s powered by a gargantuan Rotax 1000cc SDI 2-stroke twin arguably producing more than 150-hp – possibly as much as 160.

SPRING CHECK your 2022 Ski Doo Snowmobile!

There are few names in the sport as iconic as “Polaris XCR.” The name conjures up images of historic cross-country races like the I-500 and legendary Spirit Mountain Sno-X events. The XCR is a timeless reminder Polaris has ruled terrain racing for decades.

For MY2022 the company has convincingly cemented the heritage of the XCR into the all-new, super-capable MATRYX XCR 128 and 136, available with 650 or 850 power.

These new XCR models leave nothing on the table for the competition. How so? The revolutionary, ergonomically correct MATRYX chassis takes the ditch banging, mogul-crushing performance of the XCR brand to a new level of precise control and comfort.

SnowCheck your 2022 Polaris Snowmobile!

There’s no doubt Ski-Doo loves acronyms and, in particular, acronyms using the letter X. Let’s look at the latest variant of the now well-known and respected G4 platform.

The newness is not just sizzle but bonafide triple A steak. Let’s deal with the Renegade first. Take your Renegade X and X-RS models and mix in new technology called RAS-X IFS, rMotion X skid and TS-X adjustable skis.

Visit skidoo.com for more.

Polaris has done it again. It has changed the rules and raised the bar in the snowmobile business for MY 2021. The all-new Matryx platform is the biggest news since the arrival of the revolutionary AXYS.

HOW?

Polaris’ calling card is industry leading handling. The low CG, controlled roll center, plush-acting variable castor independent front suspension used on the new INDY VR1, INDY XC Launch Edition AND Switchback Assault 146 models on the Matryx platform closely mirrors the original design with important upgrades designed to enhance the benchmark in snowmobile handling and control.

All-new forged IFS spindles and radically altered rider ergonomics contribute to even better handling. The rider’s perch is fully 4.8 inches narrower through the gas tank and seat junction while the seat itself has been lowered one full inch.

The result is near-telepathic initial turn-in followed by confidence inspiring mid-turn bite due to the platform’s laser level posture which keeps both skis in contact with the trail – whether the riding surface is whooped-out with ruts or freshly groomed.

The rider simply has more control over the chassis as a result of the unique ergonomics.

Visit snowmobiles.polaris.com for more.