AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
“Super-sizzling” was how one print advertisement described the Sno-Runner built by Chrysler Marine in the late-1970s. Chrysler claimed the Sno-Runner was, “A winter sprinter that’s versatile, maneuverable, fast, affordable, and fun.” So in other words, it sounds like the perfect snow vehicle.
Portable design
Similar to the concept of today’s snowbikes, but smaller, the Sno-Runner employed a narrow track and was designed to be more maneuverable than a snowmobile, which has a relatively wide ski stance. A close look at the Sno-Runner shows it actually had two fiberglass skis – one in front for steering and one underneath the rider for stability. Unlike today’s snowbikes, it was not a conversion kit for running your dirt bike on snow. It was a snow-specific vehicle with a twist grip throttle, left-hand brake lever, working tail/brake light, high-low beam headlight and a kill switch next to the rider’s right hand.
Other features
Power came from the loop-charged 134cc 2-stroke Power Bee engine with CD ignition putting out 7 hp, transferred to a 3.125x63-in., 21-cleat track by a single-speed transmission with an automatic centrifugal clutch. Top speed was said to be around 25 mph. A contracting band-brake that squeezes the clutch housing is activated on the left handlebar. A 90W alternator operates the high/low sealed beam headlight and taillight with brake light.
A hidden 1.3-gallon gas tank was built into the welded aluminum frame. That small amount of fuel provided a claimed three hours of run time. There were also four-position adjustable foot pegs for your feet. The rear suspension was constructed of steel components.