| 2009 Mountain Sled Reviews |
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2009 Yamaha Mountain Segment
Not surprisingly, considering the elevated topography, there are a lot of Yamaha 4-stroke mountain sleds out west. In a fast growing segment, which is becoming quite competitive, the Yamaha mountain 4-strokes are doing well. Here’s what the Japanese manufacturer is bringing our way for 2009.
Apex MTXAlong with its durability—a key selling point—this vertical climber has tremendous low end power, thanks to the Genesis 150FI engine. Where Yamaha has it over their competitors is the EFI…the higher the elevation, the less the competition gets to perform. If there are any disadvantages it’s the added weight of a 4-stroke, but it seems that many discount this. To get the Apex MTX up the inclines Yamaha uses the 16”x162”x2.25” Maverick track, which is wrapped around the lightweight ProMountain 162” rear suspension.New for ’09 is the addition of aluminum HPG center and rear shocks in the skid. Up front the SOQI aluminum HPG shocks provide the duties of absorbing the big landings. The MTXs come with adjustable wide mountain skis for lots of floatation. A black and flame motif colour scheme puts the finishing touches to the Apex LTX.
FX Nytro MTX
The FX Nytro MTX, which made its debut last year, returns with mostly suspension upgrades for ’09. The 130hp FI motor is popular due to its lighter weight and agility when compared to its bigger sibling. For ’09 the Nytro comes with new HPG reservoir clicker rear shocks and an aluminum HPG centre shock, which makes this ProMountain CK rear skid a winner A Camoplast Maverick 15”x153”x2.25” track and standard reverse, along with EBRS engine braking, are all included on this mid-sized vertical climber. Comfort features consist of a narrow plush seat, and tall hooked handlebars with mountain strap and digital gauge package. The Nytro MTX comes in a Team Yamaha Blue with white graphics.
Phazer MTX
The nimble little Phazer MTX has become quite a hit in the west as an intro and intermediate boon docking sled. The ultra agile Phazer really becomes fun with riding experience. The ’09 Phazer receives suspension upgrades in the rear for harder working durability, using a C36 HPG rear shock and C36 HPG center rear shock in the ProMountain 144 rear suspension. The Camoplast Maverick 14”x144”x2.25” track supplies plenty of traction in crusty snow or fresh powder. The Phazer MTX comes in a new eye-catching black and orange motif colour scheme.
2009 Ski-doo Mountain Segment
Ski-doo has a new motor that is now offered in Summit models. The new Ski-doo Summit X 600 HO E-TEC comes with a 154” track, but is only available in spring order. This sled features the new gas miser engine, the 600 HO E-TEC. (For more info on this engine see Ski-doo New Tech in this issue.) The ’09 Summit X model has two engine options: the previously mentioned 600 HO E-TEC and the returning 800 R PowerTEK. Both of these engines provide great power for the ultimate boon docking machine. The X package has the following PowderMax track lengths: 146”x16”2.5”, 154”x16”x2.5”, and 163”x16”x2.5”. The X package continues with features like the HPG take-apart aluminum shocks and comes with racing brake parts and a steel braided brake line. The X package also comes with a multi function gauge, aluminum handlebars with bent J-hooks, and hand guards. The finishing touch on the 800 R is black; bright white and true blue on the 600 HO E-TEC. The returning Everest comes with the same engine options as the X package and is finished in a deep black, as is the Summit fan. Here is a new value-priced model from Ski-doo that is worthy of consideration. The Everest 500 SS is a model that is intended as a boon docking machine for experienced riders. It is expected that this new value-priced machine will find its way to several rental fleets. The Everest 500 SS has a carbureted 600cc engine mounted in the REV XP platform and comes with a 15”x146”x2.0” PowderMax track. This sled still comes with electric start, RER, heated thumb and hand warmers, and gauges as standard equipment. The Everest 500 SS is finished in a deep black.
2009 Arctic Cat Mountain Segment
For the model year ’09, Arctic Cat continues to put the M-Series on a diet. The overall weight reduction for these new models is a hefty 22lbs. Arctic Cat believes that this new weight reduction will put them in the game out west. Part of this weight loss is the elimination of the ACT/Reverse on the 800cc and 1000cc M-Series models (-10lbs). These models have a new forward only ACT Drive system and this system can be retro-fitted to ’07 and ’08 models with the ACT/Reverse; this will eliminate weight and reverse. The ’09 reverse is called ACER (Arctic Cat Engine Reverse), an electronic system that allows the engine to run backwards for reverse.There are several changes in the ’09 Arctic Cat mountain chassis and all of these changes are designed with less weight in mind. Cat is using a new Power Claw track which takes the best of three different tracks to come up with a new combination that has a finger and paddle design. This new track is lighter weight and has impressive traction features. The new M-Series rear suspension is even lighter for ’09…it has a two rear wheel setup, with the lighter weight rails resembling a cheese grater. Here is a new idea that is long overdue: a telescopic steering column! Imagine a day of back country sledding with the comfort of a high handlebar and then riding home with the comfort of a low handlebar all in one unit. This new telescopic steering system has four inches of up and down travel in 3/8” increments, and it is easy to adjust on the fly. This new system is offered on the Crossfire and M-Series Sno Pro models. The M-Series LE has two engine options: the 800cc and 1000cc and is for spring order only. The M-Series standard has three engine options including the 600, 800, and 1000 and comes with two optional lengths of Power Claw tracks, 15”x153” and 15”x162”. The M-Series Sno Pro has the 800cc and 1000cc engine options and comes standard with telescopic handlebars and performance shocks. The aggressive look you have come to expect from an Arctic Cat Sno Pro is ever present on the M-Series.
2009 Polaris Mountain Segment
 Polaris also continues to put their RMK model line on a diet. The ’09 RMK models continue to push the RAW envelope with a narrower front bumper, a narrower nose belly pan, and lighter weight spindles and A-arms. The ’09 RMK models come with a new torsion bar system that is easier to adjust. Polaris offers more 800cc engines in different RMK models and features the all new Assault, which comes with the 800 Cleanfire engine. This model is specifically built for free riding in the back country and is the first model that is Sled Neck ready. The Assault is loaded with special features for deep powder with its 15”x146” competition track and floating Gripper skis. The Assault is built for the biggest jumps and comes with the IQ suspension, fitted with Walker Evans Air Piggyback shocks up front and the Walker Evans Air shock in the rear. The ergonomics are significant: it comes with freestyle Pro Taper handlebars and grab bar that let you have a comfortable stand-up ride position. The handlebars have hooks that are a true 90 degrees and a solid feel. The aggressive running boards also provide a solid feel anywhere you plant your feet. The narrow Freestyle seat is mounted high for easy sitting and standing transitions. The Assault comes with race style brake parts to slow the sled down. But that is the only slow attribute about this new model. Even the appearance of the Assault is quick: it has a low black windshield and is finished with a matte red hood and Assault graphics.The ’09 Shift RMK models have been expanded. This welcomed move includes the 600 RMK Shift 144, the 600 RMK Shift 155, and the 800 RMK Shift 144. The Shift series may be lacking in areas of shocks and looks, but these value sleds are worthy of consideration and have become very popular with different rental fleets.
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