New 2009 Cross-Over Snowmobiles

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!).

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.