1995 weight class by the numbers

A boxer's weight class says little about his performance level. Each individual fights according to his strengths and then sets his strategy. Prize-fighters improve within their weight-class by enhancing the gifts they already have.
The same is true about snowmobiles. Neither light nor heavy machines are better than the other sized machines. They just perform specific functions unique to themselves.
Choosing a sled is never easy, but we profiled the five lightest and heaviest 1995 machines to make your selection process easier.

The Lightweights
(Note: Based on dry weight. Arctic Cat has no weight specifications available so they are not included.)

1. Ski-Doo Elan
Weighing-in at 284 pounds, this classic is propelled by a 250cc engine that is cooled by a radial fan. Stopping is made easy with an adjustable drum brake, while a multi-leaf front suspension affords three inches of travel. With its Boogie-wheel rear suspension, the Elan can go where no other sled can.
2. Ski-Doo Tundra II LT
A low-weight body and 139-inch track make this 335-pound Ski-Doo an incredible performer. Under the hood you'll find a 269cc single-cylinder Rotax engine that rests on a telescopic front suspension system.
3. Polaris Indy StarLite
Polaris reminds us that good things come in small packages. This Indy weighs only 378 pounds, but is backed with plenty of power. Under the hood sits a fan-cooled, one-cylinder, 244cc engine that rests on hydraulic front and rear shocks, and stops with a mechanical disc brake.
4. Yamaha Bravo LT
Surrounded by considerably heavier machines, the Bravo LT holds its own at 386 pounds as Yamaha's lightest snowmobile. Its light weight, 136-inch track and 246cc engine are perfect for trappers, linemen, ice fishermen and others who must brave the elements to get where they want to.
5. Yamaha Ovation LE
Economy and power come together in the 390-pound classic. Its 337cc, fan-cooled engine and 8.1-gallon fuel tank work together to take the driver new distances. This beauty comes standard with telescopic strut suspension, no-mess autolube oil injection, electric start, thumb and hand warmers and a cushioned seat with storage compartment.

The Heavyweights
(Lightest to heaviest, based on dry weight)
Four of the five heaviest machines are Yamahas which means one thing: Yamaha is not a pushover. These sleds range in weight from the 571-pound Vmax 500 DX to the 606-pound VK 540 II. Still the heaviest of them all is the 778-pound Ski-Doo Alpine II.
1. Yamaha Vmax 500 DX.
DX of course stands for deluxe. Every one of the 571 pounds of this Vmax is deluxe. Features start with a 494cc liquid-cooled power house set on an aluminum chassis. Telescopic struts give the front suspension 7.2 inches of travel while progressive links in the rear allow for 8.5 inches of travel.
2. Yamaha Vmax 600 DX
This big brother of the Vmax 500 DX weighs in at 573 pounds, but has 104 more cc's in its 598cc, liquid-cooled engine. Like the 500 it has a longer 136-inch track, tall windshield, passenger grip warmers and large storage box in the rear of the seat. Also new on this Vmax, like all other Vmax models, is the Yamaha VX Clutch system.
3. Yamaha Vmax-4 ST
The Vmax-4 ST now features an all-new 791cc, four-cylinder powerplant to thrust its 578-pound body over the snow with more thrilling torque. The new in-line four-cylinder engine being installed into the linear-balanced chassis is the largest in Yamaha history.
4. Yamaha VK 540 II
Yamaha builds the sturdy, 606-pound VK 540 II to help you finish your work sooner, allowing you more time to play. With the power of a 535cc twin engine and the traction of an Ultra-Block track that's 156-inches long and 20-inches wide, it goes anywhere. It also goes any direction with its two forward gears and one reverse.
5. Ski-Doo Alpine II
Beast, monster, animal, workhorse, unstoppable: all apt ways descriptions for the 778-pound Alpine II sport-utility sled. With a 497cc fan-cooled engine, which rides inside a steel frame, this long-time standard never dies. Its two massive 139-inch tracks dig hard and deep to help you haul just about everything.
Honorable mentions:
The Polaris Indy Storm tips the scales at 550 pounds. Gut-wrenching power from its 794cc liquid-cooled triple is this Indy's calling card. Big or small, short or tall. Size is not as important as function and performance. Whether you prefer the 284-pound Elan or 778-pound Alpine II there's a machine in every weight class to fit your needs and desires.

The Lowest Priced
You may not have enough change under the cushions of your sofa to buy a snowmobile, but the five lowest-priced 1995 sleds won't require you to find too much more than that. From the Polaris Indy StarLite to the Ski-Doo Tundra II LT prices range from $2,549 to $3,299.
1. Polaris Indy StarLite
Polaris claims the pole position of the lowest-priced machines by retailing the Indy StarLite for $2,549. At Polaris, StarLite is the word for ultimate value. Based on the same chassis and suspension systems as the Indy Lite, the StarLite features a 244cc, one cylinder engine that's stingy with gas, but more reliable than a winter forecast for snow.
2. Ski-Doo Elan
At $2,699 this legendary sled is a steal that still is demanded for its simple hard-working mind set. The bogie-wheeled Elan is a favorite where lightweight, low cost considerations remain. Its 250cc single-cylinder Rotax is mounted on a steel frame. This legend is tough.
3. Polaris Indy Lite
Lite means value. At 393 pounds, the Lite is a souped up version of the StarLite, but the price is hardly souped up at $2,899. Like the Lite Deluxe, the Lite features a 339cc fan-cooled twin to drive 121 inches of track. It is coupled to a chaincase style drivetrain for efficient power transfer.
4. Arctic Cat Puma
According to Arctic Cat, once you've bagged a Puma you need to hunt no more for the best deal on the snow. For $2,999, this 339cc lightweight is a perfect pet whether your getting into the sport or looking for an addition to the family.
5. Ski-Doo Tundra II LT
Polaris Indy Lite Deluxe
The Tundra's 269cc single-cylinder Rotax engine is bred for torque and economy. Its light body weight combines with a 139-inch track to keep you on top of the snow. The Tundra is priced at $3,299.
Lite Deluxe: Also for $3,299 you'll find this Indy which is more than an economy sled. The 339cc engine is coupled to a chaincase style drivetrain for efficient power transfer. Front suspension allows for seven inches of travel while rear suspension can travel 6.5 inches. Other comfort features include electric start, hand and thumbwarmers, and EZ-Steer carbide skags.
Honorable Mention:
Yamaha's lowest-priced sleds are the Bravo LT for $3,599 and Ovation LE for $3,899. Bravo LT has a 246cc fan-cooled engine that helps it perform in the rugged terrain of Alaska and Canada. The 1995 Ovation LE is very affordable and powered by a 337cc engine.
If you're looking for a deal that spells value, look no more. These sleds have what every snowmobiler is looking for at prices that are within his grasp.