1990 500 class sled test

SKI-DOO FORMULA PLUS - New Styling That's A Plus

From talking to non-Ski-Doo owners it seems that you either like Ski-Doo's formula for excitement or you don't. We haven't figured out why there is such a strong feeling about them. Put us in the "we like 'em" camp.

For 1991 our favorites are the new Mach I and the revised Formula Plus. The sleek new hood styling is exceptional - especially with the evil-looking, blacked-out, low windshield. It looks best on the new Mach, but can get your blood running on the red Plus as well.

Another thing we like about the Ski-Doo Plus is the Rotax twin. Have you ever noticed how many Rotax engines seem to be powering winning racers these days? These rotary-valved engines pump out extremely useable power. We like that.

The 1991 Plus, as well as other Formula sleds, has actually gone away from bare performance to sophisticated performance. Maybe we're getting old, but we appreciate the fact that Ski-Doo offers an electric start for the Plus. Just because you buy a muscle sled doesn't mean that you have to flex yours to start the creature. Ski-Doo is joined by Polaris, Yamaha and Cat in offering electric start as an option on these performance sleds. Good move.

Good movement is what you'll get with the Plus. Its 521cc Rotax twin is a proven commodity in the snowmobile world. It has exceptional power, gets off the line smartly, has competitive top end and very smooth mid-range. Cooled by under seat extrusions, the liquid-cooled Rotax takes advantage of some very perceptive engineering insights. For example, a minor change in the windage plates on the clutch accounts for a smoother running engine and a couple of extra horsepower. An increase in compression makes the already hot Plus twin just a little more snappy across the rev range for 1991. Add in new carburation too. Dual VM34 Mikunis are standard So is oil injection and CD ignition.

Clutching is the externally adjustable TRA clutch. This is now the standard performance clutch for sports and touring sleds at Ski-Doo. The reason is simple. The clutch is both reliable and extremely easy to adjust for elevation and rev settings.

For 1991 the suspensions have undergone refinement. The front suspension spring has been changed on all Formulas as has the front rocker arm assembly. The result is a smoother ride. The front progressive action rate delivers 5.2 inches of travel while the rear monoshock design counters with 5.8 inches of progressive action. While the numbers are down when compared to the other sleds in this class, we warn you against faulting the Plus ride until you try it. These Ski-Doos deliver extremely competitive rides when compared head-to-head against the competition. Statistics can be deceiving. Test rides won't be.

When riding the new Plus, you'll notice something different, but might not know exactly what it is right away. The handlebars are straighter. The "buckhorn" style is gone. We prefer the new style overall. It's said to reduce rider fatigue and to be stronger. Like the competition, the handlebars are adjustable.

Standard equipment on the sled includes: a high windshield (opt for the sexy low look); speedometer; tach; odometer; temperature gauge; carbide runners; parking brake; two-stage progressive action throttle (literally a nice touch); and halogen headlamp.

Lest you forget, the Plus is available in bright, exciting red. We like it. If you must take a friend along, there is a two-up version of the Plus called the Plus XTC. It has a two-up seat with backrest and storage rack. But why share?

In fact, why share any of these sleds?

These sleds are ultimately engineered and built to be ridden by one rapid transit driver. The choices are getting tighter every year, but no matter your snowmobiling inclinations, there is a sports performance sled for all of us in this category. As far as we are concerned, the "500" class is where it's at!