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I understand that Arctic Cat is applying for patents regarding their proposed "purpose built" Snow Bike.
From what I've read, the company is toying with the idea of a 450cc 4 stroke engine and a 600cc 2 stroke engine.
They also plan to use a CVT in lieu of a spur gear transmission and clutch arrangement.
What I love about this proposed idea.... is that is will NOT be built using a Motorcycle chassis, or even a modified Motorcycle chassis.
Quote: "The application implies a product built by Arctic Cat from the ground up, which would allow several advantages over the requirement of adapting a donor bike from another manufacturer" such as with a Timbersled!
Here's some info:
If I'm understanding this, Arctic Cat's patent is being slowed down by EPA certifications and over-snow vehicle classifications and regulations.
So why doesn't Arctic Cat put this new machine a into "Single Ski Snowmobile" class, and forgo all of the EPA BS ?
If they pull this off, I'd be interested in the 600cc 2 stroke engine version.
What, if any, updates do you guys have?
From what I've read, the company is toying with the idea of a 450cc 4 stroke engine and a 600cc 2 stroke engine.
They also plan to use a CVT in lieu of a spur gear transmission and clutch arrangement.
What I love about this proposed idea.... is that is will NOT be built using a Motorcycle chassis, or even a modified Motorcycle chassis.
Quote: "The application implies a product built by Arctic Cat from the ground up, which would allow several advantages over the requirement of adapting a donor bike from another manufacturer" such as with a Timbersled!
Here's some info:
- The application shows the use of a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which would be better suited for the application than the manual transmission used in donor dirt bikes
- An engine air handling system positions the air intake above the engine, with a rearward facing intake port
- By rotating the engine 180˚, the exhaust system is placed in a linear configuration within the chassis and tunnel of the vehicle, thereby preventing contact with the user (and melting those expensive snow bibs!)
- A drop fork component reduces weight of the vehicle and allows better adjustment of the handlebars
- The size and length of the fork can be reduced
- Components, including the engine and gas tank, can be placed lower and farther forward in the purpose-built frame, allowing a lower center of gravity for better handling and balance
- The drive shaft can be placed closer to the foot pegs than is possible with a snow bike kit
- The vehicle can be made lighter overall than a typical snow bike kit
If I'm understanding this, Arctic Cat's patent is being slowed down by EPA certifications and over-snow vehicle classifications and regulations.
So why doesn't Arctic Cat put this new machine a into "Single Ski Snowmobile" class, and forgo all of the EPA BS ?
If they pull this off, I'd be interested in the 600cc 2 stroke engine version.
What, if any, updates do you guys have?
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