Ontario Snowmobiler Magazine

Last weekend, the Canadian Snowcross Racing Association (CSRA) held their final race of the season, with all the Championships up for grabs. It was a beautiful, sunny weekend at Horseshoe Resort, just north of Barrie, Ontario .

Making the top of the pile a home was Ski-Doo racer Mike Vandolder. Vandolder swept both Pro classes to give him the #1 again plate for next year. Vandolder had a quiet weekend, but still managed to finish ahead of Lee Butler, who finished 30 points behind in the Super Stock and a mere 5 points behind in the Open.

2009 Polaris Switchback 800 Dragon

If your type of riding takes you both on and off the trail, the Switchback 800 Dragon is among the best cross-over sleds in the marketplace. The new 800 Cleanfire Injection mono-block twin provides you with tons of top-end and torque while weighing in at a mere 2.5 pounds more than the 700 Liberty motor. The new P2 secondary clutch is the next generation, delivering better backshift and improved top speed. On the snow is the Campolast 1.25 inch Ripsaw track that works great in deep snow and on the trail. The 136 inch fully coupled IQ skid tackles the snow well with plenty of grab both on and off the trail.

2009 Ski-Doo Summit 800X 163

If you’re looking for the ultimate mountain climber, look no further than the 2009 Ski-Doo 800X 163. Featuring what feels like a steroid-induced 800R PowerTEK engine, this snowmobile had tons of power to climb the highest of mountains. More times than not, what will keep you from highmarking will be running out of nerve rather than running out of power. With the REV-XP lightweight racing seat, cornering and standing is easy and comfortable. The 800X comes with what Ski-Doo calls a low windshield. Let’s just say ‘low’ is an understatement. We think you’ll be happier ordering a mid-size one. Floatation is made available by the16-inch wide PowerdeMax track with 2.25 inch lugs that hook up like nobody’s business. Up front are a pair of wide-body Pilot 6.9 skis, which have a short, deep centre keel to reduce steering effort, while still being buoyant on the snow.

2009 Yamaha Phazer GT

If there’s one sled that exudes “lots of fun”, it’s the Phazer. It’s light, nimble, and has enough power to play around with. The GT version goes one step further, adding much needed wind protection and GYTR aluminum piggyback clicker shocks. One of the negative issues to show itself on the 2008 version was the gap in the tunnel under the seat that was left open. While riding, snow would kick out through the opening and pile up on the ride and running boards. For 2009, this has been closed off, and an added heat shield was installed to protect the seat and tail section. Riding position is enhanced by the narrower seat and tunnel along with wide running boards and cool hooked handlebars. On the snow is a 1 inch Hacksaw track that hooks up well. The front GYTR dual-clicker shocks have lots of tunability with 12 clicks of compression and 20 clicks of rebound damping. It’s easy to adjust with large knobs that turn easily even with gloves on.

2009 Arctic Cat TZ1 LE

We could start by talking about the great features found on the new Arctic Cat Turbo, but let’s cut to the chase. How does this bad boy perform? The same 1056cc four-stroke mill that was in the Jaguar reappears in the TZ1, with an inter-cooled turbocharger, however. How does it work? How do you think a stock 177 horsepower sled goes? It’s fast! The TZ1 LE comes with Cat’s Infinite Rider Positioning (IRP) that allows you to adjust the seat, handlebars, and foot rests to make your ride the most comfortable for you. The

ACT Diamond Drive

planetary gear case provides the rider with a smooth ride, and you also have push button reverse. The LE also features a heated seat for those really cold days we’ve talked about in previous issues.

2009 Ski-Doo MXZX 800

The 2009 MXZX 800 features the arm-stretching 800R PowerTEK engine. While this lightweight, 151 horsepower mill is among the fastest Active Image

engines, thanks to the REV-X platform, it’s one of the best handling sleds in the 800cc class. Eight additional inches of legroom and a more sculpted tank enable the driver to slide up in dynamic cornering or stretch his legs in relaxed cruising. On the ground is a lightweight Camoplast RipSaw REV-X track and a pair of aggressive Pilot 5.7 skis.