fast intros high output blade
Amsnow
If you didn't know that FAST prez Russ Davis used to be a senior VP with Ski-Doo, you might be able to guess from the yellow-black color combo of the new Blade HPO ST model. The newest Blade snowmobile from the folks in Eveleth, Minnesota uses a high output. FAST-tuned Polaris 800 twin cylinder engine and an all-new M-16 rear suspension system.
Drivetrain
The HPO 800 relies on the FAST/Polaris-built 800cc twin cylinder engine equipped with FAST's twin performance pipes and a specially calibrated silencer that is tuned for low to medium elevations, two TM 40mm flat-slide carburetors from Mikuni and a calibrated intake plenum. As is standard Polaris practice, the Blade has a dual-position ignition switch to let you compensate for poor fuel
A FAST-calibrated Polaris P-85 drive clutch is mated with a TEAM Industries's Rapid Reaction secondary. The roller cam design features a special cut Twin Trax™ helix designed specifically for the HPO sled and power package. It's new in the BLADE line-up for the 2003 season. FAST officials claim that this clutching combination provides a very aggressive up-shift with smooth and reactive back-shift action.
FAST engineers rotated the engine 180-degrees set it low in the perimeter-design chassis and closer to the BLADE's fore and aft centerline.
M-16 Suspension
The M-16 is a unique feature of this specific Blade snowmobile and is the next generation design from the company that made the M-10 famous. Its 136-inch suspension employs FAST's new patent pending lighter weight, "live rear axle" technology. According to FAST, the M-16™ boasts large 7.5" diameter rear PPD idler wheels for free-wheeling the track. The larger diameter idlers and the ten-tooth drive wheels help this design put nearly 13% more track on the ground to further enhance sled stability, traction and overall on-snow float.
The new unit relies on aluminum-body Ryde FX shocks with an exclusive hi-speed compression adjuster on the rear shock reservoir. The M-16 retains FAST's patented sliding block type coupling, but relocates it to the upper cross shaft.
A special, hand-cut 14-inch wide Camoplast was chosen for its ability to offer maximum traction control and slippery rubber construction. It has clips every three windows for non-stick performance in a multitude of conditions.
Front Suspension
The first 80% of travel the HPO's RAD™ (Rocker Arm Displacement) front suspension is said to be linear, with the last portion being rising rate for nearly 10-inches true vertical motion. The unequal length upper/lower wishbone front end is typical auto design that works well in snowmobiling due to its near zero bump steer tractability that makes for extremely responsive handling.
You'll find a large Wilwood brake caliper uniquely mounted to a heat-sink on the chassis. Such exposure to the snow provides extra cooling. Another feature is the use backlit digital LCD speedometer and tachometer readouts for increased precision and ease of reading.
Specifications
Engine: US-made Polaris 800 cc Twin Cylinder
Claimed Dry Weight: 435 lbs.
Engagement RPM: 3700
Shift RPM: 8100-8150
Suspension Travel: Front, 9.8 inches; Rear: 16 inches
Brake: Hayes/Wilwood/FAST Drive shaft mounted
Fuel Capacity: 12.3 US gallons
Length with skis: 113 inches
Width: 49 inches
Ski Stance (center to center): 44 inches
Track: Camoplast, 14-inches wide x 136-inches long; lug height, 1.125 inches