Ski Doo's line-up has been solid the past few seasons, and they aren't coasting in '99. The biggest news from Ski Doo is a brand spanking new 600cc engine in a shiny new chassis, available in MXZ or Summit trim. The engine is a lightweight liquid cooled 597cc, reed-induction twin, producing more horsepower than the venerable 583 twin. This new engine is stuffed deep into a new chassis labeled the "ZX platform". Ski Doo claims this smaller designed chassis is lighter, to provide improved handling and performance. Enhancing handling even further is a revision of the DSA front suspension. This latest version is dubbed "Advanced DSA", which includes unequal length radius rods and a formed shape sway bar, and is claimed to provide superior steering and control. Only time will tell, but it certainly appears to be a move in the right direction, taking handling cues from the CK3 chassis of last years triples, and incorporating the slim-ness of the S-2000 series. Owners of these new machines don't have to worry about not being noticed out on the trail. The new hood and belly pan certainly stand out, incorporating CK3 styling cues, and dare it be said; Arctic Cat ZR touches.  

The new ZX platform is exciting, but Ski Doo didn't stop there. Last year's Rotax Electronic Reverse (RER) is back and offered on more sleds. This system is a novel solution, providing the convenience of reverse without adding any significant weight or mechanical parts. This system works by physically reversing the rotation of the engine so it runs backwards. For '99, RER is standard on the Formula Deluxe 500 and 380 fans; Grand Touring SE and 700; Touring SLE, LE, and E; Skandic 500 and 380; and Tundra R. But wait, there is more! During Ski Doo's spring promotion, you can have RER factory installed on the Mach Z, Mach Z LT, and Mach 1. This is truly a boon for the high performance crowd that in the past didn't want to make any sacrifices by adding additional weight or moving parts for the convenience of reverse.  

OK, if the RER doesn't excite you, maybe the new MX Z 670 H.O. will. Flat-landers were disappointed that the Summit X came with a high output engine and DPM, (Ski Doo's computerized carburetion management system), that they couldn't get. There will be plenty of these engines to go around in '99, pumping out significantly more power than the standard 670. Speaking of DPM, it is standard on the Summit 600; and Grand Touring SE and 700 models in '99.  

The new Ski Doo colors and graphics have been creating a quite controversy, and it's hard to say what buyers will actually find in the fall. Overall, I didn't find anything truly offensive, but I'm not a fan of the new burgundy and champagne colors on the Formula Deluxe and Grand Touring models. This isn't really a fair appraisal though, since these machines may be aimed at a different audience. I imagine there are many family buyers looking for machines that have a more unobtrusive look. Of course if that were the case, then why would Ski Doo add bright yellow trailing arms and bogie wheels to some of these machines? Graphics and accents are subjective, but Ski Doo is nowhere near as shocking as Arctic Cat's neon green machines; although they seem to be trying. The graphics on the Mach Z and Mach 1 simulate chunks of sheet metal riveted to the hood. Strange, but not really ugly. Look at the pictures and judge for yourself. 

Ski Doo was handing out brochures detailing their Yellow Fever '99 promotion. Bombardier is offering up to $1200 in incentives on select machines. This includes up to an $800 manufacturer's rebate on options included on special edition models, and $400 cash off of liquid-cooled machines. (Fan cooled models receive a $200 discount.) Other promotions included a "No Payments 'Til February '99", which allows a buyer to take delivery of a brand new snowmobile next fall and ride for months before the first payment is due. This promotion was around last season, and can be a boon to those waiting until the snow flies to sell their old machines for top dollar. 

As a teaser, Bombardier had on display their new, soon to be introduced Traxter 4x4 ATV. Being the innovative company they are, there are some distinctive differences separating them from the competition. The 500cc liquid cooled engine wouldn't be unique, until you see it is positioned longitudinally under the seat. Looking at the machine from the side, there is a walk-through area between the front of the seat and the handlebars, similar to a Vespa Scooter. The transmission is labeled as an automatic, and has a gear shift lever similar to an automobile's with "Park" and separate gear positions. On the left handlebar is a thumb operated rocker switch that lets you shift up and down through the gears while underway. Another nifty feature is a large enclosed storage compartment built into the front end. A nice weather-tight, out-of-the-way place to store tools, lunch, or whatever. The machine appeared to be a prototype, and judging from the questions I was asked by an independent surveyor, there may be changes made before it hits the showroom floor. 

Overall the show was a success, but I do have a couple of nits to pick with Ski Doo. The trend the last couple of years has been for them to only display touring, trail, and high performance sleds at this show. There have been no mountain or utility sleds on display. I realize that mountain sleds are not big sellers in the Northeast, but when one of your all-new models is a 600 Summit, why wouldn't you want to show it off? Instead they had a pitiful cardboard cutout of it on display. As for not having any utility machines on hand, I see no logic in this. Since they are hauling around a truckload of sleds anyway, what would it hurt to toss on a couple of utility sleds, possibly helping a local dealer make the sale on one? 

Be sure and check back soon for all the vital stats on the '99 Ski Doo line-up. 

(Editors note: Be sure and click on the pictures for a larger image.)