It’s the most wonderful time of the year
More and more videos of early-season snow continue to pop up, and Snowmobile Forum chatter grows on a daily basis. For new riders and veterans alike, the excitement is very much the same. The off-season dreams of the wonders of another white Winterland to come defy words. While we wait, we plan and fantasize about both the known and unknown pleasures to be discovered and experienced. Do you have any special traditions or exciting adventures that will make this winter the best yet? Well, I do! For me, the best of friends, some of the most premium destinations, and the best of conditions are all, once again, high on my list. I’ve been excited for the coming of each snowmobile season for the 56 years I’ve had the pleasures of being a snowmobiler.
Snowmobiler!
The term “snowmobiler” is an interesting noun. In my newest summer hobby of vintage automobile racing, I’ve learned that you can drive a racecar without being a “racecar driver”. However, if you have snowmobiled and can’t wait to do it again, you instantly attain “snowmobiler” status in the truest sense of the word. The only thing that can make you more of a snowmobiler is to volunteer to help a snowmobile club or organization. The people, places, sensations and beauty that awaits are within our sights.
Anticipations for My New 2025 Snowmobile
For many, the anticipation of new equipment adds to the excitement. Will a new snowmobile be all that we hope for? All that we imagined? Or more than we could have ever dreamed of?
For the 2024–2025 season, my snowmobile trial experience will certainly be very different. My new snowmobile is 70 pounds lighter than the one I rode last season, with virtually double the horsepower. It will certainly be an interesting long-term trial, and I can’t wait to grab on!
In the long history of SledMagazine.com, I’m not sure if that dynamic of a change has ever happened. Personally, the closest situation I can recall would be when I went from riding Mom’s 12 hp Ski-Doo 12/3 Olympic to Dad’s new, sleek, and modern 24 hp 371 Ski-Doo Nordic in the late 1960’s.
2025 Polaris Long-Term Trial Announcement
For the 2025 season, it will be my pleasure and task to pilot Polaris’ 2025 Patriot 9R Switchback Assault.
With Polaris’ uncoupled 146 IGX rear suspension and a Cobra 1.6″ track, it should be a wheeling riding animal. Will it be controllable or too much?
With the continued support of Polaris Snowmobiles and Laquerre’s Powersports, my long-term trials always begin with some stated goals and many questions.
Goal #1: Patriot 9R Engine-What is the “R” about?
For 2025, I want to discover and share nine adjectives, beginning with the letter “R”, which could describe the trail version of 899 cc 9R power. All indications from last year’s 9R mountain version reviews are that the trail 9R will be a rocket ship.
But what about:
- Trail manners? A gentle giant or an uncontrollable beast?
- Fuel range? We know power takes fuel, but how far can we go?
- Throttle response? What does it feel like? Mash it or treat it like an egg?
The Patriot 9R engine has 7% more power and 12% more torque than Polaris’ proven, and potent, Patriot 850. The 9R is ported and polished with special pistons and coatings, offering reliable mod power. That’s a lot! Will the power and special sauce piston coating hold up to thousands of miles of trail torque?
Those of us who are well-seasoned recall the big bore twins of the past. Definitely shake rattle and roll. How will Polaris’ ultramodern Big Bore 9R Be?
I will be paying particular attention to:
- Vibrations at idle and under power: will they be smooth or leave your vision blurry and hands tingling?
- Drive Belt life: how much heat and will it be a belt eater?
- Clutch capability and durability: will they be up to the unique added forces of trail torque?
I believe that I am considered to be a reasonably well-rounded Columnist/Test Rider. Over the years I have intentionally selected to report on a wide variety of models and motors. I’ve picked these various models because our readers come from many different categories of snowmobiling experiences, and they have many questions.
What I’m not going to do with the 2025 Patriot 9R Switchback Assault
- Launch it up over the cab of my truck when loading it.
- Climb the chalet roof with it.
- Jump over a car at a road crossing.
- Get intentionally buried up to my neck in a deep off-trail excursion.
While photos of these things might get an enormous number of clicks, they would really mean nothing.
“Clicks”
Our valued partners are continually placing more emphasis on “clicks” to measure and gauge our effectiveness as a media organization. I think that the number of “reads” should be the deeper measurement.
Clicks can often mean an insignificant, momentary view. Reads indicate a true impression from real snowmobilers who are taking the time to take in what we offer through our articles and long-term trials.
Reads are intentional, qualified encounters. Clicks are too often the result of a catchy heading or radical photo. It’s my “increasingly senior” opinion that our “reads” are much more of a meat-and-potatoes meal of enjoyment, credible information and digestion.
I have always written from a place of sincere emotion and personal sensation. You can get technical details and specifications anywhere.
As we all start a new season, I invite you to follow this snowmobile trial, just for fun, or to see if a Polaris 9 R-powered trail sled may be in your future.
I invite you to share my sensations and experiences with the most powerful naturally aspirated two-stroke on the trail.
Please Excuse this Long-Term Trial Announcement Interruption
I would like to take a quick opportunity to give a tip of my hat to the organization that I have had the privilege of writing and riding for over the past 12 years. Toot, toot!
Recently, SledMagazine.com announced a new partnership with SnowRide.TV. The following part of the press release recapped the history, credibility, continued growth and market penetration of our organization. I was very proud as I took a step back to admire our accomplishments.
“Founded over 20 years ago, Motoneiges.ca and its English counterpart, SledMagazine.com, feature a team of nearly thirty passionate writers from Canada and the United States who share their expertise with a loyal, engaged audience. With over 3.25 million page views annually, these magazines are a go-to source for snowmobile enthusiasts across North America. Each year, more than 200 high-quality articles written in both French and English by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, fill the pages. At peak season, Motoneiges.ca and SledMagazine.com attract tens of thousands of readers every week.”
– Denis Lavoie
I share it with you because you, our loyal readers, are the ones who have made and continue to make us what we have become. Thank you for your “reads” and riding right. Have a fantastic season!
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