The design team at AD Boivin has been hard at it this winter, putting the final touches on the next generation snow bike, the Snow Hawk 600 HO. "The 600 HO liquid-cooled engine will give us the best power to weight ratio on any snow vehicle, hands down," said company spokesman Vincent Melanson. "The conversion to a liquid-cooled powerplant has given us some new challenges, but it has also brought out some very unique technology for snow machines."
Drive Preservation
The Boivin brothers, like all bump racers, know that the weak point on the drive system is the roller chain. In this case, it's a belt. If a machine comes off a big jump on the gas, there is a great possibility of putting too much shock on the system, and a failure results. With 117 horsepower coming from the new engine, 'Hawk engineers needed a way to reduce the chances of belt destruction. The answer came in the form of a slip clutch in the lower sprocket.
"We've come up with a very unique design for snow machines, borrowed conceptually from motocross bikes, that will allow Snow Hawk drivers to land on the gas," explained AD Boivin project engineer Rob Pilgrim. "The slip clutch will break loose and slip just before the point of stress where the belt could break. It not only protects the drivetrain, but it also acts like a slingshot for the bike. When it lands and the clutch plates re-engage, it gives the Snow Hawk a very hard initial acceleration."
Cooling the 600 'Hawk is accomplished by traditional heat exchangers under the seat. "We have a small deflector on the rear axle that helps send snow up toward the tunnel area," explained Pilgrim. "It's similar to Ski-Doo's Rev beavertail in function. Our shallow track return angle has been a benefit to moving fresh snow up to the exchangers, too. We don't lose much snow from the track as a traditional snowmobile because of that angle."
There are two extrusions up under the seat. They are curved to follow the track lug profile's unique shape.
Not for the Meek
"This is going to be a very aggressive Snow Hawk," Pilgrim warned. "We went to a 1/4-turn throttle setup on this machine. One little crack will get you moving. It's definitely meant for more advanced riders who are familiar with dirtbikes or have ridden the Snow Hawk for a while."
Other new features on the 2004 Snow Hawk include a new ski. It resembles a Precision ski, with two keels for corner biting. Urethane steering dampers will be standard fare, as well, to allow riders to lay the bike down in a corner and keep the ski straight.
Both the 503 fan and 600 HO liquid-cooled Snow Hawks will feature new color schemes. The fanner will be blue and yellow, similar to the factory race team's race colors from this past season. Melanson said the pricing had not been set as of press time, but expected the 503 fan version to be priced below $8,000.
The 600 will be all black with orange and silver decal work. It will retail under $9,000.
Like the Big Guys
AD Boivin is making its move toward full-fledged factory status with its first-ever snow check promotions. Snow Hawk buyers can receive $400 cash back on their purchase or opt for $600 in official Snow Hawk accessories when they purchase their bike before May 31, 2003. Returning customers can take advantage of the program all year, with an extended deadline of December 31, 2003.
For more information, stop by your local Snow Hawk dealer or hit the company's website at
www.adboivin.com.