Snowmobile News, Tips & Advice                                                 January, 2010

Don't use more fuel than you have to - Some customers complain of fuel mileage not being as good as expected or poor when compared to a similar unit. The most common reasons for these discrepancies are maintenance related: track tension being too tight; clutches in need of cleaning or calibration; and / or carburators in need of cleaning, adjustment or repair.  On top of this, be aware of your right thumb - you might be surprised how excessive track spin will kill your fuel mileage.

Updated QRS Clutch adjusters - 2010 Ski-doo models are now using a 3rd generation adjuster that will not fit on 2008 or 2009 models, due to a longer countershaft that is now being used.  Customers with the previous models should use updated second generation adjuster (call our Parts Dept.) instead of the original plastic part.

E-TEC Break-In Procedure -  Ski-doo has now incorporated a break-in period in the 2010 models software that is based on fuel flow, engine load and RPM. Actual time will depend on riding style and will vary from 5-11 hours.  B.U.D.S. (Bombardier Utility Diagnostic Software) can now be used to verify that the break-in period is complete, at which time fuel consumption and power output will be in the optimum range.  This does not mean that the riders do not have to be conscious of their riding over this period though - the same recommendations of using varied throttle and load still applies, and never add oil to your fuel tank on fuel injected models.

D.E.S.S. Post Issues - It is no longer necessary for customers to suffer from intermittent D.E.S.S. post communication on their Ski-doo snowmobiles.  New procedures are now in place to rectify this nagging problem. The service department here at Two Wheel Motorsport will be including this step in our regular service packages to resolve this common complaint.

Visit again for more tips and news and, until then, get out and enjoy the snow.

Rich Kenworthy
Service Manager

Motorcycle Hibernation                                                                     October, 2009

It is said that when it comes to your health, an ounce of prevention saves a pound of cure. The same can be said of the care of your motorcycle. Your bike is in storage for up to half of its life and does not stop deteriorating just because it's on ice. Here are some things to consider when storing your motorcycle:
1.  Refresh your fluids - it is common knowledge to top up and stabilize your fuel and change your oil for storage, but now is a good time to change hydraulic fluids, coolant, and differential fluids as well. Fuel breaks down over time; used motor oil is acidic and will pit parts over time; hydraulic fluid (used in brakes, clutch slaves and suspension) is hygroscopic and the water it absorbs oxidizes metal parts, leading to damaged components;  coolant is similar to engine oil in that it increases in acidity with age, causing restrictions and leaks, leading to overheating problems.
2.  Bath before bedtime - A thorough wash of your bike is always important, but it is crucial at the storage period.  Road grime and bug guts damage all surfaces of your motorcycle. This is true of exposed metal and painted components. In addition, washing your bike gets you up close so you notice issues you might otherwise overlook (tires cracking, loose spokes, kinks in the chain, leaks, etc). Once the bike is clean, you might consider waxing or oiling metal parts, depending on the environment in which you are storing it.
3.  Avoid assault on battery - standard batteries need to be topped up with fresh distilled water and all batteries should have connections cleaned and lubricated. A cool storage location will slow down molecular discharge, but freezing must be avoided. Regular charging will maintain the batteries capacity and prevent sulfation and freezing.  We strongly recommend the use of a powersport trickle charger with storage feature. Automotive chargers are generally not appropriate for your motorcycle (talk to our Parts department for choices and more details).
All of these services and more are availible from the Service department at Two Wheel Motorsport and remember, our friendly, knowledgeable staff are always happy to assist you with your needs or inquiries. Add us to your favourites for tech tip updates and check out our latest specials.

Until next time,

Rich Kenworthy
Service Manager