If we were planning on telling you absolutely everything we know about snowmobiles this would’ve turned out to be a review so long, that we’re sure you wouldn’t have the nerve to read it entirely. That’s the reason why we’ve decided to only highlight the moments you need to know about those extreme machines. Some of the things mentioned below we’re sure you’re aware of, but there are those you don’t know, we’re asking to keep reading for.
The definition:
The original definition is that those are vehicles designed to be driven on snow or ice. They’re propelled by track, made of a Kevlar composite, at the rear and ski up front for steering. What powers them is a two-stroke gasoline/petrol internal combustion engine, but the latest and greatest are powered by a four-stroke engine.
History:
We know it can be boring, but you have to know where it all started and how much those things have changed over the years. At first the snowmobiles were nothing like those we know today. For the USA it all started way back in 1916 with the first patent for snow-vehicles issued to Ray H. Muscott of Waters, MI. What we’re speaking of here are only multi-passenger snow-vehicles that were very heavy. For the time, they were used mainly for mail delivery. Of course there was the idea for individual snowmobiles, but because of the heavy engines used back then it wasn’t till later when that was possible to achieve. There were some attempts at 1955-1956, but the machines were heavy (1000 lbs or 450 kg) and slow (20 mph or 30 km/h). Then came the 1959 when the engines became smaller and what we know as the modern snowmobile in its open-cockpit one- or two-person form was invented. The design kept changing and improving and as time passed the snowmobiles became smaller, faster and economical.
Now:
The snowmobiles we know today are what we call high-performance ones. Many of them can achieve speeds in excess of 120 mph (190 km/h) and racing snowmobiles reach speeds in excess of 180 mph (288 km/h). They can easily beat most stock or aftermarket cars and accelerate to 100mph+ in under six seconds (when set-up for ice-drags). Recently companies started working on the ecological side as well. Since 2002-2003 the engines used by most of the leading companies are four-stroke ones that are significantly less polluting. But even if companies are still using the two-stroke engines, they’re trying to make them cleaner. As an example - Bombardier’s Semi-Direct Injection (SDI) two stroke motors emit 60 percent less pollutants than previous carbureted 2-strokes. As to how far the customizing have gone, we can only say that you can now get your snowmobile modified with handle bar risers, hand guards, custom/lightweight hoods, windshields, and seats, running board supports, and numerous other modifications that increase power and maneuverability. Nevertheless snowmobiling is a dangerous sport.
Danger:
We’re not saying that this is the most dangerous sport ever, but just like any other involving high speeds accidents can happen. The most common accidents are caused by: speeding, loss of control, quick turning and unknown surrounding. Unfortunately the usual outcome is death. Yet again, just like with the every other sport involving high speeds, those accidents can be avoided, if only people weren’t trying to be daredevils. If you are, or you’re planning on practicing this sport don’t forget how dangerous it can be and be reasonable - it is indeed your life that is at stake. Note: the snow only looks fluffy and soft…in reality it hurts like hell if you fall down.
In conclusion:
From now on we’re gonna present you the biggest names in industry of snowmobiling and their latest products. We hope you’ll find the following reviews helpful as we’ll do our best to be as informative as possible, but also we’ll try not to bore you with unnecessary for you details. Ready?
