Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/803676
42 • April 3, 2017 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com SNOWMOBILE ERX proves and idea setting for all-new ZR 200, 120 BY DAVE McMAHON EDITOR IN CHIEF We continue to hear chatter about how to get more kids involved in riding. Well, Arctic Cat managed to pull off quite a kid-friendly snowmobile event Saturday, March 4 at ERX Motor Park in Elk River, Min- nesota. Kids of nearly all ages and abilities were lined up sometimes a dozen deep to take a few laps on the all-new ZR 200. Its sister 120 model offered rides for the younger set on an adjacent track. The snow maker was working overtime to make the event possible on a sunny day with temps in the mid-30s. But there was plenty of snow cover on the track for hotshot 12-year- olds and first-time 13-year-olds to have a grand old time. My wife and I took two of our kids — ACT prep class for the oldest — and both were instantly hooked. "When are we getting one, Dad?" was their first question on the ride home. We didn't see much of them dur- ing the two-hour introduction to their new favorite snow sport. Well, we did see them do their laps, then return instantly to the line for another go. It was like a free pass to their favor- ite ride at the amusement park, only way more fun to operate. Arctic Cat swag was available by the box- load, and the entire 2018 Arctic Cat snowmo- bile and off-road lineup was on display for eager enthusiasts. Plenty of folks without kids in tow joined around the campfires to have a first look at the 2018 ATV and side-by-side models. But it was most certainly a snowmobile-friendly crowd. The Tucker Hibbert apparel and FXR jackets told me so. As one Cat employee working the event told me as he saw two kids running to get in line: "It's so awesome to see how excited these kids are about snowmobiling. They can't get enough of it!" The smiles were so big on my kids that the Arctic Cat gets kids on 2018 sleds at demo event Above: A couple of newbies made their snowmo- biling debut, then told the world about their expe- rience in an interview with Sledhead 24-7. Right: A steady stream of youngsters interested in some seat time aboard the all-new Arctic Cat ZR 200 is hopefully a strong sign of things to come at retail. Fifty years of snowmobiles, and the only Japa- nese manufacturer, is a cherished milestone that Yamaha is proud to have achieved. Yamaha could not have reached its status as a leader in the snowmobile industry without the support of its dealer network, industry partners and most importantly, its valued customers. In 2017, Yamaha attacked the top of the market by releasing the incredible Sidewinder with Genesis 998 Turbo. For 2018, Yamaha is celebrating its 50th snowmobile anniversary, not just with a number of themed LE models, but with a noble objective. Yamaha's goal is to ensure the industry grows and matures for another 50 years by releasing the SnoScoot, the perfect introduction to snowmobiling for new riders. The SnoScoot offers a stylish, off-trail ready, reliable, trail compliant, affordable gas and go snowmobile, but it's also some of the most fun you can have on snow! The 192cc, Yamaha four-stroke engine, adjustable suspension and roomy ergonomics ensure the SnoScoot will keep riders smiling for years to come. Yamaha will be aggressively promoting the SnoScoot to non-snowmobilers, demonstrating how ben- eficial the snowmobile lifestyle is for families, community building and rider empowerment like they did in this video. At the other end of the spectrum, Yamaha continues to push the performance envelope by releasing a total of six Sidewinder M-TX models Yamaha celebrates 50th with new snowmobiles Yamaha introduced the 192cc SnoScoot for young riders with the 2018 snowmobile lineup. Polaris reveals 2018 snowmobile lineup All-new Timbersled ST90 also part of announcement Polaris has introduced its 2018 model lineup featuring purpose-built snowmobile models built on the AXYS platform and the all-new Timbersled ARO platform. Built on the new AXYS Titan Chassis, the three Polaris Titan models for 2018 have sev- eral new features that ensure rider comfort, secure carrying, and reliable performance in all locations and conditions. The all-new 2018 line of Polaris Titan models are powerful and agile snowmobiles that feature industry-leading deep snow mobility, unmatched carrying and towing capabilities, solo or 2up riding versatil- ity, and off-trail or on-trail agility. Built on the new AXYS Titan Chassis, the three Polaris Titan models for 2018 have sev- eral innovative new features that ensure rider comfort, secure carrying, and reliable perfor- mance in all locations and conditions. The 2018 Polaris snowmobiles lineup also includes new models for deep snow and cross- over riders: The 800 SKS 146 is engineered to deliver the ultimate deep snow performance along with confident handling on trails. The 600 Switchback XCR and 800 Switchback XCR feature race-proven compo- nents for class-leading performance and the ultimate durability. The full 2018 Polaris snowmobiles lineup includes purpose-built models for every type of rider and terrain, including deep snow RMK models, trail-dominating RUSH models, versa- tile Switchback crossover models, INDY mod- els that epitomize the fun of snowmobiling and recreational-utility Voyageur models. NEW TIMBERSLED ARO PLATFORM A Timbersled system converts a dirt bike into a snow bike that rides on a ski up front and a track in the rear. The system lets a rider use that favorite dirt bike year-round, exploring winter's snow-covered terrain — on hard-pack as well as in deep, ungroomed snow. For 2018, Timbersled is elevating the ride experience yet again with the all-new See Arctic Cat, Page 43 See Yamaha, Page 43 See Polaris, Page 43