WARROAD, Minn. -- Earlier this week, Raptor Performance Shocks (a leading Minnesota-based supplier of performance suspension products for such noted snow sled brands as Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha) announced the introduction of the X2 Dual Ski Snow Bike Front Suspension kit, and the new product is turning some heads.
“When I started at Polaris Industries in 1997, one of the first projects that I ever worked on was a snow bike,” says Jake Anderson, owner of Raptor Performance Shocks. “At that time, we used one wide ski and several different configurations, none of which really met expectations.”
The patent-pending X2 system features billet aluminum spindle components for strength and durability. The independent suspension was designed to eliminate roll stiffness, which creates better maneuverability when transitioning from side to side. The custom-designed ski technology enhances the performance characteristics of the system both on and off trail.
“When Jake showed me the X2 last season, I was blown away just looking at it," said Mark Hoffman, owner of Crazy Mountain Motorsports. "I had ridden the single ski and put up with the ill handling characteristics on the trail because I knew it would be better when I got to the backcountry powder. When I rode the X2, I went from second- and third-gear trail speeds to top gear, and [found myself] clicking the shifter looking for more. The backcountry powder riding is also greatly improved over the single ski. There is way less drag in all conditions, so it not only makes the handling way better, it also increases performance.”
The X2 suspension kits also will soon be available for a wide variety of dirt bike models, including KTM, Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki bikes. The company plans to expand available fitment kits for other popular bikes at a rapid pace.
Here's a short teaser video of the X2 suspension system:
(Please visit the site to view this video)
More info:www.raptorshocks.com.