Tag Archives: winter

News

BRP Shows Sales Growth Despite Warmest Winter On Record In US, Canada

If you reside in someplace within the US or Canada that usually experiences harsh winter climate, you in all probability do not want me to inform you that issues have been simply bizarre final winter.

From the top of 2023 and stretching into the start of 2024, most locations the place winter is often chilly and harsh skilled a big reprieve. For those that’ve been round quite a lot of winters, we all know that the severity of winter can (and does) differ from yr to yr. One yr, it could possibly be Blizzard Central, and the following yr, you would possibly simply see grey skies on a regular basis however subsequent to no snow. It’s cyclical, and that tendency is not out of the unusual.

However, winter from 2023 to 2024 wasn’t simply any yr, quantifiably talking. Both the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Canada’s Weather Network agree: The US and Canada have each simply skilled their single warmest winter on file. Period. Full cease.

How a lot hotter was it? In Canada, it was a full 1.3 levels Celsius hotter than its earlier warmest winter file. In the US, the 48 continental states skilled a collective winter that was 5.4 levels Fahrenheit above common. Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Vermont, and Wisconsin all recorded their warmest winters on file, whereas 26 different states every noticed the 2023-2024 winter season crack their high 10 warmest winters of all time.

That’s Why Ski-Doo’s Parent Company Says Snowmobile Sales Were Significantly Down This Winter

At the top of March 2024, Ski-Doo’s father or mother firm Bombardier Recreational Products launched its FY2024 This autumn quarterly monetary report. What have been the outcomes? Overall gross sales have been down by 10 p.c for the quarter. However, excluding snowmobile gross sales, BRP additionally famous that its quarterly gross sales would solely have been down two p.c quite than 10.

Since it was the fourth quarter of BRP’s reporting yr, it additionally launched its yearly gross sales figures on the similar time. Overall, BRP recorded gross sales development of eight p.c year-on-year throughout all powersports classes. Excluding snowmobiles, that quantity rose to 12 p.c development YoY. 

Throughout the report, BRP explicitly calls out what it phrases “unfavourable winter conditions” throughout North America (effectively, the US and Canada, anyway) at least ten occasions as a motive why snowmobile gross sales have been so comparatively sluggish. As we have seen from each the US and Canada, it is not an invalid excuse. The climate was, certainly, measurably fairly a bit hotter than regular. Less and even no snow means fewer individuals snowmobiling. The math is not obscure, even in case you’re not a finance skilled.

By Contrast, Year-Round Product Sales Were Up Nine Percent

BRP breaks its merchandise into two classes on this report: Year-round merchandise and Seasonal merchandise. Year-round merchandise embrace side-by-sides, ATVs, and all the three-wheelers that Can-Am sells. Seasonal Products embrace snowmobiles, private watercraft (Sea-Doo), and pontoons. 

For FY24 This autumn, BRP reported a side-by-side gross sales rise within the low 20 p.c vary, an ATV gross sales lower within the low single digits, and a three-wheeler lower within the excessive 20 p.c vary (definitive figures not listed). 

By distinction, the Seasonal Products class noticed revenues down by 28 p.c. Snowmobiles have been down within the excessive teenagers percentage-wise, whereas private watercraft have been down about 60 p.c and pontoons have been down within the mid-70 p.c vary. 

Powersports Parts and Accessories revenues have been down 23 p.c, and Marine revenues have been down 32 p.c as effectively. As a direct end result, BRP laid off 129 workers at an meeting plant that makes Manitou pontoon boats in Lansing, Michigan on the finish of March 2024, in line with Crain’s Detroit Business. 

Earlier within the yr, in September 2023, BRP-owned boat producer Alumacraft introduced that it might lay off 68 employees at its St. Peter, Minnesota plant, wiping out one whole shift (and going from two shifts to only one). Prior steerage in 2023 from BRP famous that the corporate was concurrently constructing a brand new boat manufacturing plant in Chihuahua City, Mexico. 

News

Maine’s Snowmobile Registration Hit an 8-Year Low

We’re getting into uncharted territory right here, or at the very least Maine is. After a 2023-2024 winter season that is seen unpredictable snowfall, rain and windstorms, and better than regular temperatures, the state has seen its snowmobile registration fall to an 8-year low. 

In truth, resident registration fell by almost 10,000 from the prior 12 months to only 46,000, although non-resident registration stayed the identical at about 20,000. That’s not good for snowmobile fans and lovers of the outside, as local weather change comes for all. 

According to Bangor Daily News, “The numbers were not surprising to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The total was understandable due to the late start to the snowmobile season and early end in some areas due to the warmer than normal temperatures and the lack of snow, said Mark Latti, MDIF&W director of communications.”

The outlet when on to cite that “Snowmobiling has a more than $600 million impact on the state’s economy each year, according to a University of Maine study in 2020 commissioned by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.” So the lackluster registration is definitely hurting the state’s economic system, in addition to the enterprise’ of snowmobile producers. 

Maine’s registration fall comes on the heals of what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has said is the warmest winter on file for the United States. The company said, “The average temperature across the contiguous U.S. last month was 41.1 degrees F, 7.2 degrees F above the 20th-century average and ranking as the third-warmest February in NOAA’s 130-year climate record.” Slightly terrifying given snowmobiles require…, snow, to function.

There is a few hope, nonetheless, as late-season snow storms have kicked up all through the US that will deliver glimmers of winter normality to elements of the nation. But the lateness and sporadic nature of those storms aren’t saviors, however may very effectively be our new regular going ahead. 

Here’s hoping we will determine one thing out so we do not lose snowmobiling altogether. 

Cars

5 Must-Know Truck Maintenance Tips For Every Season

Winter climate can do a quantity on even the hardiest truck, in order spring approaches, many people look ahead to abandoning the ice, snow, and chilly that outline the coldest season in lots of elements of the nation. You might even suppose milder temperatures imply you flip your consideration to issues apart from sustaining your truck. While that could be true to a sure extent, spring might convey its personal set of points in your automobile, relying on the place you reside. Spring marks the start of the wet season in lots of elements of the U.S., making it an excellent time to organize your truck for the wet climate that’s so widespread right now of the yr. One of the simplest however usually ignored duties throughout this time is inspecting and changing windshield wiper blades. 

Even in case your blades appear in good situation, it is essential to keep in mind that the ice and snow from the winter months might have broken them, making spring an excellent time to think about getting replacements. We’ve all skilled windshield wipers that are not working correctly. It can get so unhealthy that they appear to be doing extra hurt than good as you attempt navigating the streets with minimal visibility in a downpour. Consider replacing your truck’s windshield wipers if the blades are cracked or peeling, making scratching noises, leaving streaks, not making contact with the windshield, or skipping. Installing contemporary blades may also help you keep away from these issues and keep protected on the roads.

Motorsport

Ohio Has A Problem With People Crashing Into Snow Plows

This winter has been tough for some of us. In this case, we aren’t speaking about large quantities of snow or frigid temperatures. We’re speaking about Ohio drivers, who, going by stats revealed by the Ohio Department of Transportation, are drawn to snow plows like Mustang drivers are drawn to burnouts at automotive reveals.

ODOT Press Secretary Matt Bruning confirmed to Motor1 there have been 16 crashes between motorists and snow plows thus far this season. Speaking to us in regards to the scenario, Bruning revealed the latest crash did not result in severe accidents. That’s the case for all the collisions thus far within the Buckeye state, however the frequency of crashes is alarming. There had been 26 for the complete season final 12 months; the climate’s been comparatively delicate this 12 months and there are nonetheless a few months to go.

“We got to 16 quicker this year than last,” he stated. “The first was on January 7 in Cleveland, a plow was sitting in the gore of the highway waiting for snow to start. A driver drifted off the side of the road and hit the plow.”

Crash quantity 15 was the incident that caught our consideration. Shared on Facebook, ODOT says it was a case of distracted driving; nobody suffered life-threatening accidents. The identical can’t be stated for the mangled Audi, identifiable to us solely by the wheels. It’s a stark reminder that, in terms of absolutely anything on 4 wheels versus a snow plow, the plow all the time wins.

 

“None of these plow strikes have resulted in very significant damage to our trucks,” stated Bunting. “But it still takes time because we have to stop and call in law enforcement to complete a report. If there is enough damage, that plow has to go back to the shop and the driver jumps in a backup plow, or other drivers in the area adjust their route to cover. That means it’s going to take longer to clear the routes.”

And there’s lots to cowl. The state has roughly 43,000 lane miles to clear. ODOT maintains a fleet of 1,500 snow plows to handle all state and US routes outdoors native municipalities. The Ohio Turnpike has its personal staff, however there are nonetheless roughly 8,000 lane miles on interstates alone.

Of course, plow crashes definitely aren’t an Ohio-specific downside. A Subaru WRX was literally split in half by a plow after trying a ridiculous cross in New York in January. But Bruning has spoken with transportation departments in different states and located they are not having fairly the identical subject with vehicles crashing into plows.

“The common factors we see are distraction, or unfortunately impairment; overnight it’s usually an impaired driver that hits us, and we’ve had a couple of those this year,” defined Bruning. “Or it’s just people driving too fast for conditions. They are paying attention. They see the plow, they want to go around the plow, and they think ‘I’ve got a 4WD vehicle, no problem.’ They get in that left lane or go to pass on a two-lane road, and they realize they’ve bitten off more than they can chew and lose control.”

With no less than two months of potential winter exercise nonetheless to come back, Bruning hopes drivers in Ohio get the message that plows want house.

“The plow is 12 feet wide. The lane is 12 feet. A lot of the crashes are people either getting too close and hitting the plow, or rear-ending us. And it happens just as much on two lanes as on the interstate. When that plow is pushing snow, it’s going to create a snow cloud around the plow and visibility will be reduced the closer you get. They’re also dumping salt or brine out the back. I don’t understand why you’d want to get that close.”

Just give them some room,” he says. “Back off, keep a number of automotive lengths away.”

News

Someone Is Selling A Pack Of 5 Chrysler Sno-Runners Together Right Now

Picture this: It’s winter, and the air is crisp sufficient that you could see your breath (however not fairly so chilly that your eyes water and the tears ice up). You’re bundled up in a heat jacket, hat, gloves, and scarf. Your winter boots are solidly in your toes, with nary a leak (or tremendous annoying moist sock) in sight.

All round you, there’s fluffy white snow on the bottom. None of the slushy stuff; simply excellent drifts that convey you proper again to childhood enjoyable with your mates. You do not must shovel it or fear about different snow-related chores; all it’s a must to do is exit and have enjoyable in it.

That’s the type of winter that Chrysler Sno-Runners are made for, and possibly it even exists once in a while. Regardless, yearly, with out fail, no less than a number of Sno-Runners change palms shortly after winter climate spreads its icy fingers throughout the northern hemisphere. It’s not obscure why, both. Riders (and drivers too, we suppose) love enjoyable, and if there is a method to benefit from the snow on a totally impractical machine, we shall be more than pleased to offer it a go.

Lot of 5 Chrysler Sno-Runners 3

Here on the finish of 2023, although, it isn’t only a single 1980 Chrysler Sno-Runner that is on the market. No, no, associates. Because we have all apparently been further one thing this yr (well-behaved/naughty/your selection), somebody is promoting a variety of 5 1980 Chrysler Sno-Runners proper now. They’re all situated in Lake Cable, Ohio, which Google Maps informs me is simply south of Akron. 

Each one is powered by a 134cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine, has an automated centrifugal clutch, a 1.3-gallon gas tank, and a comfortable black vinyl seat. Brakes are operated by hand, and the throttle is a twist-grip unit that is easy and intuitive to function. 

Since there are 5 of those guys collectively on this sale, the vendor even helpfully put collectively a service chart indicating all of the pre-sale service objects that had been tended to on every unit.

Lot of 5 Chrysler Sno-Runners - Service Sheet

They’re being supplied on payments of sale, for off-road use solely. The public sale ends on December 20, 2023 at 3:37 p.m. Eastern time. At the time of writing, the bid is as much as $8,000 for the lot of them.

Just suppose, should you gathered 5 Sno-Runners in a single go, you’d solely be seven away from having a full deck of reindeer for subsequent winter. Then, all you’d really want to finish the scene could be a Polaris Sno-Traveler, and also you’d win the decorations sport yearly after that.

Even higher, you might doubtlessly be your loved ones’s vacation hero. Do the parents in your loved ones begin to get a bit of antsy after an excessive amount of household togetherness in a single go? Get your coats on and go have some races within the snow! With 12 (or OK, no less than these 5) Sno-Runners at your disposal, there are an entire lot of household reminiscences to be made outside.

Chrysler Sno-Runner Dreams

Chrysler Sno-Runner and Polaris Sno-Traveler Dreams

Anyway, should you’re keen on getting a soar in your newfound Sno-Runner relay ardour, you’d higher transfer quick on this public sale. We’ll embrace a hyperlink in our Sources so you’ll be able to test it out for more information, or to position a bid.

Also, this is a Sno-Runner promotional video from the early Eighties, simply because. Happy holidays to all.

Exclusives, News, Technology

5 Harbor Freight Finds That’ll Come In Handy During An Emergency

In the chilly months of winter, the very last thing you need is for a storm to return by means of and your electrical energy to exit. At that time, making an attempt to maintain your own home heat, even only a small part of it, is a high precedence. Harbor Freight sells Bauer tools, together with the Bauer Forced Air Propane Portable Heater, an reasonably priced heater excellent for any dire scenario. It prices $100 and is straightforward for anybody to make use of. Keep in thoughts that this heater is nice for quickly heating a constructing throughout an emergency or whereas beneath building. This heater shouldn’t be meant to be your major supply of warmth to your residence.

This Bauer heater emits 30,000-60,000 BTU and might warmth as much as 1,350 sq. ft. That is loads of house to maintain you and your loved ones heat throughout a freezing night time. How it really works is you hook it as much as a normal 20-pound propane tank, and based mostly on the temperature you set it to, it may possibly go as much as 10 hours on that tank. However, bear in mind that many corporations, like Blue Rhino, solely refill their tanks to fifteen kilos to assist cut back the prices. If you need to fully refill your propane tank, try your native Tractor Supply or fuel stations to see in the event that they carry out the service.

News

These Festive Kawasaki Christmas Decorations Are Seriously Adorable

Here within the northern hemisphere, the winter months are effectively upon us when Christmas lastly rolls round. While there are pine bushes aplenty, nearly every thing else on our facet of the equator is unfortunately nowhere close to the colourful inexperienced it normally is the remainder of the 12 months. Combined with the dreary winter climate, it will possibly all be a bit miserable, to say the least.

We’re by no means positive whether or not that has something to do with why Kawasaki opted to place out a line of Christmas goodies within the UK in 2023. Still, it is arduous to disclaim that Kawasaki’s signature electrical lime inexperienced coloration is a little bit of welcome brightness in an in any other case uninteresting winter season.

Sure, there are Christmas bushes (each actual and synthetic), however these are a darkish, severe inexperienced. The Kawasaki inexperienced is shiny and playful, which is simply the type of temper you wish to assist elevate your spirits into a greater temper for celebrating.


Kawasaki Baubles

8 Photos

What sorts of decorations are there? For those that just like the softer facet of vacation traditions, you may discover each a Kawasaki stocking to hold by your chimney with care, and in addition an opulent inexperienced Santa-esque hat to stay in your head. Both these plush objects even have the usual Kawasaki title brand on them.

If you need one thing slightly extra enjoyable, there’s all the time the black, white, and inexperienced vacation tinsel pack. It comes with all the colours intact, in lengths of 4 meters (slightly over 13 toes) apiece. 

There are additionally your commonplace ball ornaments, solely accomplished in Kawasaki colours and fabricated from plastic. If you are after particular person ornaments to hold in your tree as an alternative, you may discover three totally different hand-blown glass variations obtainable. There’s a bike, a jet ski, and an ATV, every offered individually.

I’ve saved my private favourite for final, as a result of it is so good, chances are you’ll simply wish to hold it up for year-round ornament and never depart it till the subsequent vacation. It’s a string of inexperienced Kawasaki motorcycle-shaped twinkly lights. Instead of the same old bulbs, these lights have been shaped into the form of bikes, all in that particular Kawasaki inexperienced. 

Sadly for US followers, none of these things seems to be obtainable within the Kawasaki US on-line retailer. However, in case you’re within the UK, now could be your likelihood to seize it. We do not know what number of there are, nor what the longer term holds. So, if you would like any of those, you’d in all probability be effectively suggested to maneuver shortly.

Motorsport

Wide Versus Narrow Winter Tires: It Doesn’t Really Matter Which You Choose

There’s an age-old theory that suggests using narrower tires in the winter for more grip due to increased pressure on a smaller contact patch. The alternative argument is in favor of wider tires, as they offer more surface area for increased grip. However, according to Jonathan Benson at Tyre Reviews, whether you opt for wider or narrower tires for your winter setup doesn’t make much of a difference.

Benson wanted to put the wider versus narrower winter tires theory to the test, so he obtained four sets of Hankook tires to test on a BMW 3 Series on a snow-covered closed course, with each set of tires being wider than the previous. The tires ranged from 205 section-width up to 275s, with the 205s fitted on 16-inch wheels, the 225s on 18s, and the 255s and 275s on 19-inch rims.

Although there were subjective differences in feel and feedback between the sizes, the data revealed that the narrowest tire performed the best in acceleration testing but the worst in braking. For lap times, the middle 225 section-width tire performed the best. However, the results were so close that any difference would likely not be noticeable.

The primary conclusion from Tyre Reviews is that the objective performance of a good winter tire versus a bad winter tire of the same size shows more variation. Therefore, when shopping for winter tires, it’s better to focus on brands with good reviews rather than stress about the tire size.