MORE QUICK FOR LESS SILVER - SCORPTION

September - 1979 - AD
The 1980 Scorpion Sting.  Surprisingly quick - suprisingly affordable.  Built on a short track,the sting has acceleration 440 power, and something else to make it go fast, at unbelievable price.
It's a clean-handling, responsive snowmobile.  The Sting is that rare balance between a trail machine and a performance sled, a snowmobile that brings its own brand of excitement to the trail.  Short track snap, 440 power. At an unbelievable price.  Get down to your Scorpion Dealer's and grab a handful of 1980 Sting.  But hurry.  Our quick sled is going fast.  SCORPION - MORE RUN FOR YOUR MONEY.

THE SUPER BUDWEISER-POLARIS

Press Release - September 1983
It's faster than an Indy 600, able to set world speed records in a single burst. It's not a plane, not a bird - it's the new Budweiser Polaris Super Speed Sled.
That's right. The Budweiser Polaris that broke the world speed record two years ago, then broke its own record twice last season, is being replaced by an all-new super speed sled that has the potential, according to the builders, to log speeds of ten percent higher than any snowmobile has ever gone before.
The current world speed record, set by last year's Budweiser Polaris version is 154.5 MPH. The brand new Budweiser-Polaris theoretically will have the ability to top 170 MPH.
The new Budweiser-Polaris uses a Mercury Liquid Cooled V6 Outboard power plant with around 350 Horsepower from the 142 cubic inch Mercury motor.  Mercury's high efficiency electronic fuel gets much of the credit for the power output.

CHAPARRAL TO BE DISCONTINUED

Snowmobile Dealer Magazine - Press Release - March 1974
Armco Will Discontinue Chaparral Product Line - Denver, Armco Steel Corporation has announced that it will discontinue its Chaparral recreational vehicle lines, either through sale of the product lines, or by liquidation. The products affected by the decision of the giant steel company, which owns Chaparral through its subsidiary, Armco Recreational Products, Inc., Denver, includes snowmobiles, sport cyc;es, bicycles, clothing and accessories.
In announcing its decision to get out of the recreational vehicle industry, Armco cited general conditions within the snowmobile industry and losses from the snowmobile and supporting operations.
James E. Kunkler, president of the Armco Recreational Products and also a senior vice president for Armco Steel, said, "although Chaparral has made outstanding progress in recreational products during recent years, our remaining products could not continue to absorb losses from snowmobiles and supporting operations. We will either sell or liquidate these unprofitable product lines this year.
The company further stressed that complete warranty service will be maintained in all discontinued products and the Denver-based parts distributor center for Chaparral products will continue to operate.  Parts will be available for a period of at least five years after the model year of each snowmobile, sport cycle and bicycle.
It was estimated that Chaparral produced about 11,000 snowmobiles for the 1974 season, down 40% from the year before, in spite of the well accepted new liquid cooled machines.

THE WHO'S WHO OF DEEP DEEP POWDER

Snowmobile Magazine Ad - November 1987
If your into deep powder thrills, you better get out to your Yamaha Dealer. And see the all new '88 Yamaha Exciter, the fastest accelerating sled Yamaha ever made. With a liquid cooled 569cc two-stroke engine, new slide-valve carburetion, Yamaha Telescopic Strut Suspension and an unbelievable power-to-weight ratio, it's as powder hungry as you can are.
From the Exciter,to the Inviter or the all-new Snoscoot, your Yamaha Dealer has the right sled for you.

THE 1980 JOHN DEERE SNOWMOBILE LINE

 1980 Snowmobile Magazine Ad
The LIQUIFIRE - The Liquifire is all new for 1980 with both a radiator (beneath the cowl) and a heat exchanger (beneath the chassis) to keep the engine's cooling liquid temperature under control at any speed.  The liquifire has race styled seats for super one person comfort on the trails..
The drivers view of the Liquifire. All the instruments are standard and the handle bars are adjustable.
SPORTFIRE - The Sportfire is the fan cooled version of the Liquifire with new silver cowl and chassis.
An electric start is optional on The Sportfire.  The Sportfire features the same seat as The Liquifire.
TRAILFIRE - The Trailfire 340 and 440 are the two person sleds from John Deere for 1980.  An electric start is optional.
SPITFIRE - Has a new air cooled engine for 1980.  The ultr light sled features a direct drive to save the weight of a chaincase

RUPP OFFERS DEALER ORIENTATION PROGRAM

Snowmobile Magazine - Press Release - October 1974
Mansfield, Ohio - Rupp Industries has introduced a new "V.I.P." program this season designed to give its dealers and prospective dealers the opportunity to get a personal  view of Rupp Industries headquarters.  One day a week has been designated for dealers to tour the plant, preview some of the new products, take demonstration rides on Rupp's new Centaur three-wheelers, and meet with management to discuss the 1974/75 season.

SOUTH DAKOTA'S GOVERNOR JANKLOW

Snowmobile Magazine - State of South Dakota Ad - December 1984
Out Here, Our Governor Doesn't Snow You; He Shows You!
It's a fact ! Our Governor, Bill Janklow is an avid snowmobiler.  And in South Dakota he enjoys one of the best snowmobiling experience in the world.
He can ride all day in The Black Hills highest mountains between the Rockies and The Alps.  Cruise hundreds of miles of trails so well-marked and groomed you can't get lost in the pines on your way to the open powder meadows.  Or, he can go for full throttle excitement on the trails or our prairie snowmobiling area, dotted through out the state.
But, don't let our Governor have all the fun.  Tens of thousands of enthusiastic snowmobilers join him every winter, and you can too.  It's easy - just ask for free information. SOUTH DAKOTA-Feel Free Again.  Call 1-800-843-1930 Outside SD, 1-800-952-2217 within SD
South Dakota Tourism, Box 6000, Room 575, Pierre, South Dakota  57501

SNOJET ADDS TO 1974 MODEL LINE-UP

Snowmobile Magazine Press Release - November 1973
SnoJet today announced the addition of a 650cc high performance  Sabre Jet to its 1974 model line.  The company stated that the machine would be built in limited quantities to satisfy a growing demand from its dealers and consumers.
The 650 Sabre Jet is powered by a Hirth Twin Cylinder engine, producing 50 horsepower.  It is fitted with a Keihin carburetor and Comet clutch.  Like the 440cc model, it is equipped with a 15 1/2 inch track and Multiflex 11 inch slide suspension as standard equipment. Tachometer, speedometer and ski shocks are standard equipment

RETURN OF THE TIGER SNOWMOBILE

This article is about the return of Arctic Cat snowmobiles after it went out of business a couple years earlier.

Snowmobile Magazine - September 1983 - The Legend of The Cat Lives On.  Arctic Cat snowmobiles, one of the most popular brands of all time, are back in production and the meanest cat of all-the El Tigre 6000-will be leading the comback.
The return of The Tiger is good news to those legions of Arctic Cat loyalists who don't consider a snowmobile a snowmobile unless it has a cat logo on the side.
Joining the El Tigre in the 1984 Arctic Cat stable is the Panther, one of the most popular snowmobiles of all time.
When they were last produced, for the 1981 model year, the Tiger 6000 laid claim to the title of "Worlds Fastest Snowmobile."
The 1984 Arctic Cat snowmobiles are essentially identical to the 1981 models with updated graphics and paint job.

CAN THE YAMAHA SRV'S BEATTHE INDYS ?

Snowmobile Magazine Headlines - December 1982
In Kitted Form, Is This The Year Yamaha's SRV Can Beat The Indy's ?
Without a doubt, the Polaris Indy has been all but unbeatable against sleds in its own class ever since its introduction in the 1980 model year.  Yamaha's SRV has been chasing the Indy for the past three seasons.  A new kit that spreads the front end four inches and the sway bar is heavier and stiffer this year which has Yamaha believing this is the year it can run with the Indy's.

AMAZON

AMAZON AND ITS DEALS !!
If you have a need for something, "whatever it is" consider looking at Amazon for some real deals. They have some snowmobile parts and accessories that have been marked down for quick sales. Just type in snowmobile or snowmobile parts or snowmobile accessories or whatever you are looking for and the results will come up.   To get into Amazons site, click on the advertisement on the upper right of this page.

THE 1984 MANTA

Snowmobile Magazine Ad - August/September 1983
Snowmobiling has come of age and with that maturity comes the need for a new class of snowmobile to see you thru the 1980's and beyond.
Born of years of experience and testing, the new 1984 Manta's are now ready for your sophisticated customer that prefers comfort along with performance.
The 1984 Manta is now available in two new models, the 500LC with a liquid cooled 500cc engine and the 440FC fan cooled, 440cc electric start, oil injected engine.  Both the 500LC and the 440FC feature such standard items as cockpit heating, foot operated throttle and brake controls, an off-road bar with driving light and much more

MORE ABOUT MYSELF

I would like to tell you a little more about myself.  As I've illustrated in my profile within this blog, my life has been centered around snowmobiles which includes the present time.  I was a Rupp dealer from 1969 thru it's death in 1978.  In 1980, I, along with some help made an attempt to bring Rupp Industries back into existence.  "GO HERE", To read all about this attempt.  In 1984, I moved to South Dakota and went on to expand my snowmobile parts and accessories operation by the name of SnoCat Shack and later was renamed Sport Shack, because of a legal matter.  I sold Sport Shack in 1996 and started a company by the name of Battery Shack and sold over 14,000 batteries in 10 years. "CLICK HERE", To learn more about this business.

KITTY CATS AVAILABLE TO STATE GROUPS

Snowmobile Magazine Press Release - December 1987
Thief River Falls, Minn. - Arctco Inc. is again offering a special "Kitty Cat" program to26 state snowmobile associations across the snowbelt. The program is designed to assist the associations in raising money for a variety of projects.
"Every snowmobiler likes The Kitty Cat," explained Joe Klosterman, U,S. Sales Coordinator for Arctco.  "The machine is a natural for fund raising activities, raffles and as prizes at special events."
Klosterman also noted that Arctco is working on a special Kitty Cat program with Miller Brewing Company, in the Minneapolis-St Paul metro area.  Kitty Cats are on display at 16 liquor stores supplied by East Side Beverage, while another 600 liquor outlets have Kitty Cat counter cards.  Customers can enter a drawing through early January, with the winner receiving a new 1988 Kitty Cat.

YAMAHA SRV's WIN AGAIN

Snowmobile Magazine -January 1983
In CCC and Pro Stock Ovals, SRV's Win Again - Yamaha's new wide stance SRV's continued their impressive showings this season with victories at the Minnesota Governor's Cup and the pro stock oval race at Owen Sound in Canada.  At Forest Lake, Minn., it was Steve Houle taking the checkered in the featured pro stock class. At Owen Sound, Tim Bender's SRV was victorious.

TRAPPS WILL RACE "Z's"

Snowmobile Magazine Press Release - October 1975
WOODRUFF, WI, Trapps Will Race On Arctic Cats El Tigre Z's - Lynn and Wayne Trapp, former Yamaha racers, will race on the circuit this winter on Arctic Cat El Tigre Z's.  Present plans call for the brothers to run in the 250 and 440 stock and super mod classes.
Negotiations are underway with three Wisconsin companies for sponsorship.

THE 1981 SCORPION WHIP

Snowmobile Magazine Ad - Winter 1980/81
Whip The Family Sled With The Checkered Past.  One of the least expensive 440 snowmobiles on the market is also one of the best.  The Scorpion Whip is a 2-up family snowmobile that has won more than its share of races.  When you ride one, you'll see why.  You'll also see how dependable a solidly built Scorpion snowmobile can be - SCORPION

THE LIFE OF THE SKI-DOO INVENTOR

Snowmobile Magazine - September 1988
New Biography Traces Life of Ski-Doo Inventor - From an inquisitive lad who made his own toys with parts bought from a jeweler,to a successful inventor who created The Ski-Doo snowmobile.  That's the story told in "Joseph-Armand Bombardier, An inventor's Dream Come True," the new biography written by Quebec Journalist Roger Lacasse.
The book follows Bombardier through his development as a great inventor.  The book has dozens of his technical drawngs and photos of old snowmobiles and large transport vehicles using tracks and skis. Readers can see how the Ski-Doo - originally the Ski-Dog - evolved from its earliest prototypes, which even included sleds powered by rear-mounted propellers.
Andre Bombardier,the youngest son of J. Armand Bombardier, said his father was a successful businessman, but was motivated by his creative urge, not by profits.  He always wanted to improve the quality of life.  His approach was, "What are your needs? What can I do to help you out?" Andre said.
Bombardier the inventor was always thinking of ways to improve his machines. "If he would get an idea at 2:00AM, he would go to the shop, " said his son. "When he had an idea, he couldn't sleep, so he went to the shop."
Even the unique toys he built for his children were practical in nature because they could test his theories.  When Andre was thirteen, he was riding on a two-person snowmobile his father built.  "I was riding on the road and having fun, but I was testing for him at the same time.  He considered it a prototype.  My father was very practical."
Still, J. Armand was not consumed by his work.  "He was a family man.  He was not a workaholic because he liked what he was doing.  He did not like to be idle," Andre said.
His busy, creative mind let him achieve his goal of inventing a vehicle which could provide mobility in Quebec's harsh winters. Ski-Doo snowmobiles stand as his legacy, and his story is now documented in a new book.  Plans are being made for U.S Distribution of the book.

tHE 1985 SKI-DOO FORMULA SS

Snowmobile Magazine Ad - December 1984
The Ski-Doo Formula SS, If you think you can't afford Formula Performance, think again! More bang for the buck is what the formula SS is all aboutq.
The uncanny snow ability and trail stability of this little rocket come courtesy of a 15" by 114" V-Patterned track, 32 1/4" ski stance, exceptionally low weight and cg.  And the moxy is pure track-bred Rotax, with a 462.8 cm3 rotary valve liquid cooled powerplant. So if you're thinking fast, you'll have to move fast, to see you're Ski-Doo Dealer.

THE 1975 RUPP NITRO F/A

Canadian Snowmobile Magazine Ad - Fall, 1974
THE HOT RUPPS, The F/A stands for "Free Air", that should tell you a thing or two.  Like maybe this sled isn't designed for casually cruisin' the back patch come the Seventh Day.  Which it isn't. The all-new Nitro F/A features crankcase air duct.  A 340or 440cc Kohler engine with Mikuni Carbs.  Light, 16 inch Grauser bar track, Friction-Free torque converter, Adjusting handle bars (like cycles).  Two tuned pipes that snake into a single removable muffler and Extruded aluminum racing skis.  Add 'em all up, and you've got one movin' machine, but a word of warning:  The Rupp Nitro F/A is a limited edition sled, So it's first come, first serve.  We hope it's you.
RUPP, Only The Best !

THE NEW 1982 YAMAHA SS440

Snowmobile Magazine Ad - November 1981
WHY YOU SHOULD TAKE A SLED THAT LOOKS THIS GOOD WHERE NO ONE ELSE WILL SEE IT - Once your friends and neighbors have stopped oogling at your neww SS440, take it out to show Mother Nature. Because the farther you get from humanity, the more you'll appreciate the 440's real beauty: getting all the way home again. And Again and Again.
The 440cc, fan cooled engine is flat out the fastest in its class.  And it's uniquely positioned to give the SS more positive steering, easy handling and uncanny maneuverability, Not to ,mention a lower center of gravity for added stability.
Still, the most comforting feature we built into the SS440 remains the same as always, It's unrivaled round-trip reliability and that you don't get from the pretty paint job.

THE 1976 SKIDOO T'NT R/V

Snowmobile Magazine Ad - December 1975
T'NT R/V for 1976 - What It Looks Like, It Goes Like !
Our new T'NT R/V is excitement at first sight.  And if you don't believe what that first look tells you, just look a little closer.  The message will come thru a little stronger.
We did'nt design our new R/V snowmobile just for show, we designed it to go.  You see that sleek sloping cab?  What's hiding under there is a new front-mounted Rotary Valve Twin.  In both its 250 and 340 versions it sports a precisely tuned induction system (using twin Mikuni carbs and a new calibrated intake chamber) that turns every drop of fuel into maximum horsepower.
You notice those mean side bulges?  They're there to enclose a super-stable 34 inch ski stance and allow an incredible 40 degree steering angle that really bites on the hi-speed turns.  Look at that track ! It's a new inertia design for better acceleration response that's mounted 6 3/4 inches closer to the rear of the sled to deliver excellent high-speed straight line stability.
Handling is what this new R/V snowmobile is all about.  And before you ever get it out on the snow, you'll see one good reason why.  Just sit on the seat and move the steering from lock to lock.  No matter where you're riding, you can put your R?V sled right where you want it. Precisely

SNOWMOBILE MAGAZINES/PUBLICATIONS HEADERS

I will no longer list the name of the magazine where these stories come from, because of possible infringements of publisher rights that may result in a lawsuit.
Larry

THE 1974 CHAPARRAL SSX

Invitation To Snow Mobiling Magazine - November 1973-AD
You Told Us to Cool It, AND THAT'S WHAT WE DID. The Chaparral SSX,  we gave it a new liquid cooled engine, and what it gives you is improved engine performance. Because the SSX is liquid-cooled, it runs cool all day.  That virtually eliminates the possibility of vapor-lock and reduces the chance of piston seizure. The cooler engine means smoother, more consistent power output.  The 340cc SSX cranks out 40hp, the 440cc SSX comes in at 50hp.  The SSX means a quieter ride and longer engine life.
The liquid cooled engine is'nt all that is new on the SSX.  It's fitted out with dual carburetors, reed valve induction and CD ignition.  We've added five more inches of seat, a snappy new color and a sensational new track.
The liquid cooled Chaparral SSX, The coolest snowmobile you'll ever own.

THE NEW 1980 POLARIS CENTURION

Snowmobile West Magazine Ad - November 1979
CENTURION - Pull The Trigger and Hang On !
If You've always wanted to pull the trigger on one of the fastest production sleds ever built, we wont mince words.  Simply Put, the 1980 Centurion is 500cc's of full bore hot iron that puts you ahead of the pack in no time flat !! and keeps you up front 'til you decide the others have had enough'  This liquid cooled three banger is as big on handling, comfort, stability and all around performance as it is on the blur-the-eyeballs speed.  Think you're up to it? Then move up to it.  Pull the trigger, Hang on, and enjoy, Because you're ridin' herd on 500cc's of sheer power and performance'

1974 SKIDOO TNT EVEREST

1974 Snowmobile Handbook by Popular Science
Everest 440 SM; that's what Bombardier calls its newest entrant in the hot TNT line.  The snowmobiles 437cc Rotax engine pushing it to a healthy 52-mph top speed in the soft snow at our test site.  As you might expect, handling is excellent and the ride is comfortable.
Making quick, tight turns, charging up a steep slope covered with deep virgin powder, or winding on an open stretch-they're all a piece of cake with this sled.  One big reason is the Everest's track, a new width-16 1/2 inches.
There's more to the 440SM than a good ride.  The sturdy lightweight aluminum frame is reinforced with steel cross members. Slide suspension adjustment is extremely easy.  The disk brake is self adjusting and good.

"SABRE" SNOWMOBILE LINE INTRODUCED

SnowSports Dealer News - November 1971
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - Recreatives, Inc., A Buffalo, NY manufacturer of recreational vehicles including all terrain vehicles and mini bikes has introduced a new line of snowmobiles, The"Sabre" which features a full two year warranty.
The new Sabre line includes three models, the 340T with a 26HP engine, the 400T with a 30HP engine, and the 440T which has a 36HP engine.  Each of the models is powered by a twin cylinder JLO engine.
The chassis on the Sabre is lighweight riveted aluminum, and the track is nylon reinforced rubber, 18 inches wide with twin sprockets.