Just like many other vehicles, snowmobiles are also characterized by a lot of different numbers. From the track dimension to engine specs, the variety of numbers can be confusing, especially for beginners. If you are new to riding and would like to know what the numbers mean in a snowmobile’s name, this post is for you.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all the basics under one roof!
What do the Numbers on Snowmobiles Mean?
As a rule of thumb, you can typically see 1-3+ numbers in the model names of snowmobile, which have the following meanings:
- Engine displacement: This is usually the first (sometimes the second) number that falls in the 500-1000 range.
- Track length: The second number, which typically falls in the 121-174 range.
- Lug height: The figure at the end of the name typically ranges from 1 to 3.
- Other numbers: Many sleds may have additional acronyms or numbers in their name, which is often part of the model name or it may refer to a special feature/package.
Let’s see a quick example!
Polaris RMK KHAOS 165 850 QD2 2.75-inch
- Polaris: Manufacturer
- RMK KHAOS: Model name
- 165: The sled utilizes a 165” track
- 850: It’s powered by an 850cc engine
- QD2: This model comes with QuickDrive2, which is considered the lightest drive system (Available only on Polaris snowmobiles)
- 2.75: The lugs on the track are 2.75 inches high
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about these numbers in detail!
What is CC on a Snowmobile?
The cc number on a snowmobile refers to its engine displacement in cc (cubic centimeters). This means that a “500 snowmobile” features a 500cc engine, while an “850 snowmobile” has an 850cc power source. The newest snowmobiles are typically powered by 400, 550, 600, 650, 750, 850, 900, 1000, and 1050cc engines.
What is the Track Length on a Snowmobile?
Snowmobiles are propelled by rubber tracks, which are measured in inches. The total length of the track is often mentioned in the model name of the sled. Full-size snowmobile tracks are typically 121-174 inches long, depending on the purpose of the sled. Trail sleds usually have shorter tracks, crossover models have medium-sized units, while mountain sleds always come with long tracks for better floatation.
What is the Lug Height on a Snowmobile?
Besides its length, the lug height of a snowmobile is no less important. If you take a closer look at a snowmobile track, you can see that it features many little paddles often referred to as “lugs.” The height of these paddles is known as “lug height,” and often indicated at the end of the model name. The majority of snowmobile tracks came with 1”, 1.25”, 1.75”, 2”, and 2.25” long lugs.
Additional Numbers/Acronyms
In addition to the above, snowmobile names may contain various acronyms, abbreviations, and numbers that are typically part of the model name or refer to a unique feature. Each snowmobile manufacturer has a set of codes and acronyms that distinguish their sleds from each other. If you want to find out more about these codes, don’t miss our posts with the most common abbreviations and acronyms of the major manufacturers:
Conclusion
Snowmobile names typically contain three different numbers.
The largest figure ranges from 500-1000 and refers to the size of the engine (displacement in cc).
The second number characterizes the length of the track, which typically ranges from 121-174 inches.
The last figure at the end of the model name usually is the lug height, which falls in the range of 1-3.
