Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/561797
INNOVATION FROM WITHIN PSB FOCUS This issue: Snow Next issue: Metric Motorcycles www.PowersportsBusiness.com Powersports Business • September 17, 2015 • 17 CEO Boisjoli plays key engineering role with new Pilot TS adjustable track BY KATE SWANSON ASSISTANT EDITOR For snowmobile terrain, Ski-Doo's new Pilot TS adjustable track solves headaches faster than any medicine. With a slight turn of the hand, the Pilot TS adjusts to more than 20 positions to fine tune handling to accom- modate changing trail conditions. The idea for the innovative ski came from BRP's CEO José Boisjoli, who shared his thoughts on the engineering process and idea behind the Pilot TS ski with Powersports Business. PSB: What made you first think of this idea for an adjustable track? JOSÉ BOISJOLI: In the winter of 2009- 10, I was snowmobiling on a trail between Québec City and the Charlevoix region. On Saturday, the tem- perature was -10 degrees Celsius, and riding conditions were icy. All day I had a hard time controlling my snowmobile, even though I'm an experienced rider. My snowmobile was always darting. Needless to say, I did not enjoy my ride. The next morning, 3 to 4 inches of snow had fallen during the night, and the weather was around -2 degrees Celsius, which made for very nice riding conditions. Contrary to the previous day, my snowmobile rode magnificently. I realized that something had to be done to make sure that our clients would consistently enjoy rid- ing our products. The following Monday I went to see our Ski-Doo engi- neering team to brainstorm o n h o w w e could resolve the problem. It took a few y e a r s , b u t we did " " Our goal is to make Ski-Doo customers' ride the most enjoyable possible. — José Boisjoli, CEO of BRP read more from José on page 18. For snowmobile terrain, Ski-Doo's new Pilot TS adjustable track solves headaches faster than any medicine. With a slight turn of the hand, the Pilot TS adjusts to more than 20 positions to fine tune handling to accom- modate changing trail conditions. The idea for the innovative ski came from BRP's CEO José Boisjoli, who shared his thoughts on the engineering process and idea behind the Pilot TS ski with Powersports Business. PSB: What made you first think of this idea for an adjustable track? JOSÉ BOISJOLI: In the winter of 2009- 10, I was snowmobiling on a trail between Québec City and the Charlevoix region. On Saturday, the tem- for very nice riding conditions. Contrary to the previous day, my snowmobile rode magnificently. I realized that something had to be done to make sure that our clients would consistently enjoy rid- ing our products. The following Monday I went to see our Ski-Doo engi- neering team to brainstorm o n h o w w e could resolve the problem. It took a few y e a r s , b u t we did " Our goal is to make Ski-Doo " Our goal is to make Ski-Doo " customers' ride the most enjoyable possible. — José Boisjoli u