Editor's Note - First Run April 7, 2008

We ran our 2009 model FIRST LOOK right after we climbed off the sleds at SnowShoot in Grand Lake CO. Now, the snow is starting to fall again and you are in shopping mode. So we'll bring 'em back, update what we've learned since, and kick off the 2008 sledding season! It's going to be a great season - long and cold.

And be sure to come back in March 2009, for your first look at 2010 models (whew!).

-ptw

Are you looking for a well-rounded snowmobile that is equally capable on the trail or off-trail in the powder? The answer to your needs could be a snowmobile from the crossover segment. This is one of the newest segments in snowmobiling and was formed to bridge the gap between the 121 track length trail machines and the 163 track length mountain machines.

Before track lengths on mountain machines began increasing at an alarming pace, the track lengths on the crossovers would have put them in the mountain category. Over the past several years both trail and mountain snowmobiles have become more specialized but the manufacturers have formed a new crossover segment to offer snowmobiles that are more versatile and work well in a variety of snow conditions and terrain. We took an in-depth look at the 2009 crossover snowmobiles offered from Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo, and Yamaha:

Arctic Cat

Arctic Cat’s offering to the crossover segment are the appropriately branded CrossFire machines. For 2009, Arctic Cat has put theCrossFire machines through a rigorous weight reduction program and added a few new features. The CrossFire line is comprised of eight crossover models; 5, 6, 8, 1000, 8 Sno Pro, 1000 Sno Pro, 8 Sno Pro LE, and 1000 Sno Pro LE. The Sno Pro models differ from standard by using a slightly different track, Fox Float shocks, and a few other upgrades. The LE models are Spring Only Sno Pro machines with unique graphics. Although the new Crossfire R8 and R1000 are branded as CrossFires, they are placed in the short track segment.

Freewheeling

Visually from the front the 09 CrossFire’s look very similar to the 08 models, but looking at the rear of the snowmobile reveals a whole host of changes. The rear suspension, tunnel, and track have all been redesigned. Track length has been increased from 136” in 2008 to 141” on all 2009 models. The standard CrossFire models get a 15”x141”x1.25” Cobra track whereas the CrossFire SnoPro models get a taller lugged 15”x141”x1.5” Cobra. These new tracks use the new single-ply technology that is “freewheeling” - therefore requiring less horsepower to turn.  Both the Cobra tracks have the same 3” pitch and are lighter than previous versions (5lbs lighter on 1.25” and 2.0lbs on 1.5”).

Lighter and More Functional

The tunnel has been redesigned and shortened 4”. You might be asking, the tunnel is shorter but the track is longer? We know it doesn’t make sense in theory, but the key to the changes is a new rear supsension with 8” rear wheels. The result of the new track length change is approximately more track lug on the snow. The rear suspension is one area that the Cat engineers were able to get make significantly lighter, the Float rear suspension used on the Sno Pro models is 17.5 lb lighter and the standard rear suspension is 9.4 lb lighter.

The new tunnel is not only lighter and more functional than before, but is much better-looking also. The rear tunnel has been completely redesigned with a new aluminum bumper, LED taillight, snow flap, and different heat exchangers. The combined weight savings of the new rear tunnel is 6.3 lbs.

Probably the coolest and most-usable feature from any manufacturer for 2009 is the VSB (Variable Speed Bar) system that allows the rider to quickly raise and lower the handlebars without any tools. The VSB is really nice because you can raise the handlebars for an upright riding position for playing off-trail and then drop the handlebars back down again for a better trail handling. Our test riders were very impressed at how easy the VSB system was to use and didn’t notice much additional slop in the steering. VSB is available on the SnoPro CrossFires.

Arctic Cat has continued their weight savings into the engine bay with a new ACER (Arctic Cat Engine Reverse). The new reverse system is a push button system that stops the engine and turns it in reverse while still using the Diamond Drive system. The new ACER is available on the 800 and 1000 models and saves eight pounds.

Polaris

Clearly Polaris sees the value in offering machines in the crossover segment, as they added three new models in this segment for 2009.

In the performance, crossover and mountain categories Polaris offers three levels of trim - each have an inexpensive base model named Shift, middle trim level machines keep their original name Switchback (IQ or RMK trim levels), and the top of the line machine is named Dragon. This naming system makes it easy to identify the machine by their segment and trim level. For 2009, Polaris has a total of six machines and four engine choices in the crossover segment: the Cleanfire 600-2 HO is available in the Shift, the Cleanfire 600-4 HO is available in the Switchback, and Dragon Switchback, the four-stroke turbo, is available in Switchback trim, and the Cleanfire 800 HO is available in Switchback and Dragon Switchback trims

The Cleanfire 800 HO was a new engine from Polaris in 2008 and was only available in the Dragon RMK models, for 2009 Polaris will be using this engine in the Switchback and IQ models as well as the RMK models. This is excellent news as it allows Polaris to compete against Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat, and Yamaha in all segments of the 800 class. This 800cc fuel-injected twin produces a healthy 154 hp. Next in order of engine output the Turbo Switchback features a twin cylinder 750cc turbocharged four-stroke producing 140 hp. The third and fourth engines used are the Cleanfire 600HO-2 and 600HO-4, these engines are basically the same aside for a different injection system, and Polaris rates their output at 120 hp and 125 hp respectively.

The IQ Raw chassis is the backbone of all the Switchback machines offered by Polaris. This chassis has really grown on us over the past few years and has received slight changes and upgrades along the way. For 2009 it remains basically the same as 2008 with a smaller front bulkhead heat exchanger and cooling extrusions on the tunnel sides. A new Freestyle seat is used on all Switchbacks; it is designed to make the transition between sitting and standing easier.

Polaris uses the 136”x15”x1.25” Ripsaw tracks on all these machines with the exception of the Shift 136 that uses a 15”x136”x1” Hacksaw. The rear suspension is a coupled IQ 136 with different shocks depending on the Shift, Switchback or Dragon.

Top Of the Line Goodies

The top of the line Dragon models get a host of exclusive features - shocks, racing handlebar, handlebar hooks and grab bar, matte black low windshield, and matte white hood with Dragon Graphics. The rear shock on the Dragon models is a RydeFX clicker shock with external compression adjustment and remote reservoir, and the fronts are RydeFX Air 2.0 shocks.

Ski-Doo

Ski-Doo’s crossover machines are the MXZ-Renegades, available with three different engines for 2009. Good news for the crossover buyers because two of these engines are brand-new. Of course we are talking about the new 600 E-Tec and the 1200 4-Tec while the 800R Power T.E.K. is third engine available. The two-stroke 600 E-Tec and 800R Power T.E.K. are in the REV-XP chassis whereas the 1200 4-Tec is in the new REV-XR chassis. Although the REV-XR chassis has different body panels the chassis itself is very similar to the REV-XP with the only significant difference in the braces that hold the engine in place.

Good for the Sport

First up is the 600 HO E-Tec. It’s a direct-injected 600cc twin cylinder using technology proven in BRP’s Evinrude outboard engines. According to Ski-Doo it uses 15% less fuel and half as much oil as the 600 SDI engine it replaces. With rising fuel costs and the impact snowmobiling has on the environment on some lobbyist’s agenda, engines like the E-Tec are good for the sport of snowmobiling. Next up and completely new is the Rotax 1200 4-Tec. Although this is the first four-stroke engine produced by Rotax to be used in a snowmobile, the BRP owned engine company has a good track record building 4-stroke sportbike engines for Apriliia, Buell, BMW, and KTM. The 1200 4-Tec is an inline three cylinder engine with dual overhead cams, fuel injection and 130 hp. Last but not least the 800R Power T.E.K. is the twin cylinder carbureted four-stroke that has powered the REV 800 machines for the last couple of seasons. With 3D-Rave valves and 151 hp it’s right there in terms of performance with the Polaris and Arctic Cat 800’s.

Ski-Doo is very concerned with weight and the Renegade machines are some of the lightest in the crossover class. Even the 1200 4-Tec is very competitive in terms of weight, its weight is so close to the Yamaha Nytro that I think the winner would depend on if the machines were weighed on a scale in Japan or Canada.

All three Renegade machines use a 16” x 137” x 1.25” Ripsaw track, Ski-Doo are the only company offering a 16” wide track in the crossover segment. In terms of track footprint the 16” wide 137” track is equivalent to 15” wide 146” track. But there is some sacrifice in cornering and maneuverability with a wider track. Rear suspension is handled with the snocross derived SC-5 coupled suspension. The front suspension features a dual a-arms with a link style sway bar.

Yamaha

Yamaha released three new models for 2009, with their main marketing focus on the Nytro XTX crossover machine. This further proves the theory that the crossover segment is growing and here to stay. When Yamaha released the FX Nytro in 2008 it was available in either a short track or a long track. Yamaha could have easily used some rails from one of their other 136 machines, a short track suspension and thrown on a 136” track and called it good. If they had done this we would have ended up with a decent crossover machine but nothing that was that exciting. Thankfully for the crossover rider, Yamaha held back for a year and spent the time developing a new rear suspension, tunnel, running boards, and front suspension all for the 2009 Nytro XTX.

A Favorite Gets Even Better

Using the lightweight FX Nytro chassis and powerful Genesis 130 FI engine as a base, Yamaha have gone to work transforming the XTX into a crossover machine that works well in a variety of snow conditions. The rear skid is designed to make the machine turn like a 121, bridge the bumps like a 136, and have the off-trail flotation of a 144. Yamaha is able to achieve this with rails that are flat until the 121 length and then kick-up at a 6-degree angle. With such a high degree kick-up on a flat groomed trail the amount of track on the ground is the same as a 121.

There is also an idler wheel installed at the point where the rails kick-up allowing the 15”x144”x1.25” Ripsaw track to turn freely. We have heard rumors about an option for a dealer installed 1.75” lug track for better deep snow capability...

Suspension is a huge factor on a crossover machine, as it needs to be stiff enough to handle the bumps and rough trail while still being plush on the groomed trail. Yamaha went through the suspension on the '08 Nytros with a fine-toothed comb and came up with a bunch of improvements for 2009. The front suspension features all new geometry with different a-arms and spindles. The XTX Nytro also features remote reservoir dual clicker 40mm GYTR shocks. The rear suspension is a coupled dual-shock CK 144 with two HPG aluminum shocks, and the rear track shock features a remote reservoir and external compression adjustment.

Keep Your Tunnel Clear

Also new on the XTX is a new tunnel and running board design. The running boards have been tipped up 2 degrees from the RTX Nytro to 11 degrees. This will help keep the running boards from dragging in the deep snow and reduce snow build-up in the tunnel. The new running boards have a different tread pattern with wide oblong openings to help clear the snow easier. Yamaha has countered the loss of material and strength with tunnel reinforcements on the underside of the running boards.

Ride Impressions

With so many good machines in the crossover segment it is almost impossible to pick one machine that is the outright winner. But that being said, there are certain attributes from a few machines that really stood out. 

The Arctic Cat Crossfire 800 and 1000 machines really impressed us with their weight savings, and the VSB telescoping steering post is fantastic. The VSB is a innovative concept that works well and is perfect for a machine that is designed to operate in a range of different snow conditions and terrain.

We have to give Polaris a high-five for offering an inexpensive machine to the crossover segment with the IQ Shift 136 priced at $7,999. With rising fuel prices its good to see manufacturers offering a less expensive way for people to get out snowmobiling. Our test riders enjoyed the handling of the 600 and 800 Switchbacks but found the Switchback Turbo a bit heavy and unbalanced for this type of machine. The Turbo has fantastic top-end pull but has lots of lag, making it difficult to ride.

The Ski-Doo MXZ Renegades are very light and nimble and all our testers loved riding them. The 600 E-Tec Renegade is an absolute blast to ride, it has excellent power, uses less fuel and doesn’t smell as much. Our only complaint with the E-Tec is that it would cut out when hitting large bumps - the engine would keep running but you could hear it hesitate for a second. This may well be a problem that will be fixed before production. The new Rotax 4-Tec engine is a great addition to the snowmobile industry and is definitely right there with Yamaha in terms of performance.

Yamaha has stepped it up a notch with the 2009 Nytro XTX. This machine was rated very highly by all our test riders. We really like the way the power hits on the Nytro. Some say the power is too aggressive but we like to be able to lift the skis to clear obstacles and have power whenever we need it. The chassis is well-suited to a crossover machine as it places the rider in the center of the machine, balancing it well. We liked it because it’s a four-stroke, quiet, doesn’t smell, starts with a key, and feels well-built.