skidoo makes more changes to 2009 models

Ski-Doo engineers listened to their customer's suggestions on how to make the XP snowmobiles even better. Since our pre-production rides, even more changes have been made for the upcoming 2009 model lineup. Here are several that Ski-Doo has shared with us.

2009 MXZ X, Renegade X, TNT and Renegade
All of these models have a new rear arm in the SC-5 suspension that is more of a rising rate design instead of the linear design from last year. Complaints about the stiffness of the shocks and motion ratio were taken into consideration with this change. The rear shock is also recalibrated to coincide with the new motion ratio.

2009 REV-XP, and REV-XR models (MXZ, GSX and GTX)
These models will get new Super High Density foam in the seat. The foam could be considered a "rising-rate" foam, as it is initially soft, but resists bottoming.

2009 4-TEC engines
Enabling a small amount of air to bypass the butterfly when the throttle is decreased has reduced the 4-stroke engine braking. Also, there will be two exhaust tones for this engine. There will be more of a performance note from the MXZ machines, while the GSX and GTX models will be less harsh sounding.

2009 REV-XP and REV-XR
The welding and machining process has changed on the hydroformed driveshaft. Quality control is looking more closely and inspecting 100% of the shafts before they leave the supplier's factory.

2009 Summits
We've already told you about the new belt that resists heat de-lamination and cord pull-out, which will be standard on all the Summits (part no. 417300377, belt is 4mm shorter and 1mm wider for better fit and easier deflection adjustments), but there are new clutches as well.

There was an rpm variation in different riding conditions (8,500 on trail vs. 8,200 climbing) and there was a need to adjust the drive pulley clickers for a small altitude variation. The new clutches are easier on the belt with more consistent rpm and lower temps due to better clutch/engine alignment. The TRA primary has new ramps on the helix and a new spring. The new ramp has a more linear load curve and there is a 43/47 CAM helix. The QRS secondary has the new dual-angle cam and new longer-life roller bushings and sliding-sheave bushing. The gearing is reduced overall on the 146-inchers to 21/45 as well. Among other benefits, Ski-Doo hopes the changes will cure belt temp problems, sensitivity to altitude variations and give a better low-end response.

On the QRS secondary clutch, the locking mechanism has been redesigned to work with tow tubes with sliding wedge profiles. Tighten the bolt and squeeze the wedges together tightly. Also, holes in the plastic bushing are deeper, so the adjustment tool won't slip out, and the tool is now U-shaped in order to be able to use the socket at the same time as the tool. The bolt head is now a 13mm too, and the clutch guard has been changed slightly to make it easier to take on and off.

Ski-Doo is also inserting 1-inch, open-cell foam inside the prefilter sock that pushes on the surface against the hood to reduce snow and ice build-up on the cab intake. Stiffer springs will be available for larger riders too and the track flash has been trimmed and flush rivets put into the tunnel to stop the track from fraying.

All 2009 snowmobiles
The handwarmer supplier has been changed, to ensure better reliability and quality.