Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/575161
SNOWMOBILE 60 • October 5, 2015 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com Snowmobile unveiled at Haydays gets engine updates, new clutch During Haydays in September, BRP introduced the 2016 Ski-Doo MX Zx 600RS racing snow- mobile designed specifically to attack North American snocross tracks. The sled features a radically updated engine, new clutch and sus- pension changes that result in better accelera- tion, traction and rider control. The MX Zx 600RS already has a proven track record of durability, great handling and low maintenance costs for its racers. For 2016, the Race Engineering team in Valcourt concen- trated on engine, clutch, suspension and track development to deliver better starts, better drive from corner to corner and more power throughout a race. The Rotax engine features a new cylinder design with a tight tolerance manufacturing process to maximize power and consistency. In addition, there's a new crankshaft, drive clutch and stator that reduce inertia more than three times compared to last season's lightweight crank program. The powerpack also features a new Y-pipe shape and tuned pipe to match the cylinder changes, plus a lightweight muf- fler that shaves 6 pounds (2.72 kg) off the sled. These changes together deliver fast revving, consistent and robust power from engagement all the way to the 8500 RPM redline. To make the most of the additional power, the Valcourt Race Shop matched the engine with a completely new high performance pDrive primary clutch. This new pDrive is designed to reduce friction, reduce weight, tighten toler- ances, allow for more consistent RPM delivery, require less maintenance and last longer. To accomplish this, the specialty racing pDrive clutch features unique elements like fast and friction-free dual rollers to transfer torque in place of traditional sliding buttons, the renowned BRP-exclusive adjustable clickers — only this time applied to flyweights, needle bearings in oversize rollers and a compact open design that's also 11mm narrower. The new clutch and new clutch cover combine to reduce belt operating temperature by 68 degrees F (20 degrees C). Another driveline component seeing change is the track. A new lightweight track that shaves an additional 2 pounds (0.9 kg) of rotating weight takes the b a s i c d e s i g n from last year and reshapes t h e l u g s d o w n l o w while adding strength with towers at the ends and in the middle of each lug for both better holeshots and more durability. Late season testing shows the new track gaining a consistent one-half to one full sled length advantage over last year — with- out considering the engine and clutch changes. In the quest to gain every advantage pos- sible, there will also be a new patent pending progressive coupling device that can be added to the renowned Racing rMotion suspension that's used on the MX Zx 600RS. This device aids in weight transfer and chas- sis dynamics to deliver the explosive holeshots every racer wants. PSB Arctic Cat released the ZR 6000 R SX and ZR 6000 R XC sleds at the annual Haydays event in September. The 2016 technical specifications are as follows: 2016 ZR 6000 R SX RACE UPDATES ProCross chassis design with race features (improved rear spar tunnel mounting brackets; Reinforced foot pocket; optional X-32 brake mounting features added) 2.52-inch pitch 9-tooth track driveshaft assembly, required for new track New 2.52-inch pitch 129-inch by 15-inch by 1.75-inch SX track with 20 percent more effective lugs with optimized weight for improved traction and performance Race-proven brake caliper and pads for improved wear and increased stopping power (new brake pads with increased backer thick- ness for improved durability) New lightweight stainless 2-pc brake disc for improved stopping power and reduced warping Fox 1.5 ZERO C center track shock with wide range hand adjustable compression (revised calibration for improved handling) New rear arm adjust "hole shot" device for improved starting line traction and performance Borg Warner chain and sprockets for reduced stretch, lower friction, and increased strength New rear suspension rail cap for improved durability New lightweight torque sensing link arm for improved durability New style retaining nuts in rear suspension for improved torque retention New steering support for reduced weight Revised driven clutch belt tensioner bolt for improved durability Revised PTO engine plate assembly and mount orientation for improved durability and reduced engine movement Vent lines on carburetor have been removed New resonator outlet seal to prevent snow packing in belly pan New exhaust temp sensor for improved durability New bottom brake disc protector for improved brake cooling Addition of L/H spar pad for engine snubbing Revised chaincase mounting and fasteners 2016 ZR 6000 R XC New Team Rapid Response drive clutch for improved durability and increased performance Revised driven clutch belt tensioner bolt for improved durability Borg Warner chain and sprockets for reduced stretch, lower friction, and increased strength Revised chaincase mounting and fasteners Brake pads' friction material has changed back to T-124 for increased pad life New rail for additional mounting holes for front arm shock (ice racing) New style retaining nuts in rear suspen- sion for improved torque retention Revised rear shock valving for improved handling and increased rebound control New lightweight torque sensing link arm for improved durability Fully clipped Cobra track for improved ice racing performance New ECM map for improved durability and performance PSB The 2016 Ski-Doo MX Zx 600RS is specifi- cally designed for North American snocross tracks. Ski-Doo unveils updated 2016 MX Zx 600RS race sled 2016 HAYDAYS PRODUCT LAUNCHES Arctic Cat ZR 6000 R SX, XC get performance boosts Arctic Cat revealed the 2016 ZR 6000 R SX (left) and ZR 6000 R XC at Haydays.