Yellowknife (Oct 20/03) - Whether a sledding enthusiast or first time buyer, this season's range of new snowmobiles has something for everyone.

In terms of new advancements in sledding technology, Yamaha's introduction last season of the RX-1, a four-stroke high-performance snowmobile, remains the engineering bench mark.

While not the first sled manufacturer to build four-stroke machines (three seasons ago Arctic Cat and Polaris each unveiled a four-stroke touring model), Yamaha was the first to build a four-stroke snowmobile built for speed. Powered by a 998 cc incline four-stroke engine adapted from Yamaha's R-1 motorcycle, the RX-1 runs on regular gasoline. The result is a quieter machine that achieves more than double the mileage of its two-stroke counterparts.

"Two strokes are still the industry mainstay, but U.S. EPA emission controls are driving the industry," said Force One GM Doug Witty. "And the RX-1 beats the California Emissions Standards, which are the toughest in North America."

For those "crotch rocket" inclined riders not interested in four-stroke technology, the three other manufacturers have some powerful offerings.

Love it or leave it

One of the more radical designs -- also introduced last season -- is Ski-Doo's MX Z Adrenaline. While the MX Z drew reviews of the love-it-or-leave-it variety, those who love it say the sled handles and performs similar to a dirt bike. Those who don't love it probably prefer something that rides more like a couch, said Witty.

"Before you decide what you are going to buy, you have to decide what you are buying the sled for," he added. Taking this notion to the next level, Ski-Doo has started producing a twin-track cruising sled with side-by-side seating called the Elite. Certainly not a new concept, Ski-Doo has revived the spirit of Bombardiers-past to produce something wholly unique to the market.

In terms of other technological advances of note, Polaris has come out with compressionadjustable shocks that can be manipulated on the fly at the push of a button for its 800 Classic model. As for Arctic Cat, last season was also a breakthrough for this sled manufacturer with the introduction of its Firecat.

Already the manufacturer of the ZR900, the highest horsepower machine on the market, the Firecat distinguished itself with its engine placement that tilts the motor towards the rider. With the exhausts, carburettors and power valves pointing forward, this keeps the engine low and gives the snowmobile a lower centre of gravity, resulting in better overall handling.