Rotax 1200 4-TEC engine for Ski-Doo snowmobiles

BACKGROUNDER
Rotax 1200 4-TEC engine for
Ski-Doo snowmobiles
BRP is no stranger to four-stroke technology. In fact, the BRP-Rotax subsidiary is known all
over the world for exceptional four-strokes. In addition to the four-stroke engines powering
Sea-Doo watercraft and Can-Am ATVs, BRP-Rotax has developed powerplants for BMW*,
Aprilia*, and Buell* – everything from scooters to world champion superbikes.
And now, they’ve worked their magic to produce the first snowmobile performance four-stroke
engine, the Rotax 1200 4-TEC , for 2009 Ski-Doo snowmobiles.
BRP introduced its first snowmobile four-stroke, the V-1000 engine in 2003, followed by the
V-800 in 2006. Both engines are great touring engines with outstanding fuel economy – the
V-800 delivers power in the 500cc class and at 23.3 mpg / 28 mpg CDN, gets the best fuel
mileage in the industry (.
The 1200 4-TEC engine is a different animal – it is a performance four-stroke, aimed squarely at
the popular 600cc/130 hp class. In fact, it is the best engine in its class:
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Best torque;
Widest powerband;
Peak power and most torque at lower rpm;
Refined performance sound like nothing else; and
When combined with the REV-X platform, best handling and lightest snowmobile.
2009 Ski-Doo Press Kit: 4-TEC Backgrounder
Page 2 of 5
KEY BENEFITS
Best-in-class torque, at lower rpm, for exhilarating acceleration
Source: Valcourt BRP dynamometer test results, Nov. 2007
Widest power band, and more power at lower rpm – for fun performance, better fuel
economy and lower sound where most riding is done
Source: Valcourt BRP dynamometer test results, Nov. 2007
2009 Ski-Doo Press Kit: 4-TEC Backgrounder
Page 3 of 5
Rotax 1200 4-TEC powered snowmobiles have a distinctive performance sound unlike
any other snowmobiles
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Mid-range frequencies modeled after European sport cars
Somewhere between the high frequencies of super bikes and the low rumble of V-twin
bikes and musclecars
The 1200 4-TEC engine has very low emissions – much less than Yamaha engines
Source: EPA Web Site, Certification Information Center
2009 Ski-Doo Press Kit: 4-TEC Backgrounder
Page 4 of 5
KEY FEATURES
Key specifications
 130 hp at 7,750 rpm
 18.3 mpg / 22 mpg CDN
 3 cylinder, inline
 1170 cc
 91 mm bore, 60 mm stroke
 Electronic fuel injection
 Dual overhead cam (DOHC) / four valves per
cylinder
 Dry sump lubrication
 Single counterbalancer
 Clutch engagement at 3,000 rpm
Single plenum, single 52 mm throttle body
 Progressive throttle for precise control
Airbox
 Ribbed interior reduces noise
 Snaps right onto frame
 Multi-function part that holds:
o lights
o gauge
o centre console
Valvetrain
 Chain-driven cams
 Finger-followers
o Similar to the BMW 804 engine
o First in the industry
o Less mass in valvetrain
o Reduces engine noise
Exhaust
 BRP worked with Austrian consultants to develop an exhaust note communicating
refined performance – European sports cars were used as the benchmark
 Significant efforts to reduce sound levels
Rare earth magneto
 more electrical power at low rpm
2009 Ski-Doo Press Kit: 4-TEC Backgrounder
Page 5 of 5
New motor mounts
 Magnesium for lighter weight
 328g magnesium vs. 662g aluminum
Cooling
 Same cooling system as the 2008 REV-XP-based sleds
Reverse
The ingenious Rotax electronic reverse (RER) only works on two-stroke engines, so its use on
the 1200 4-TEC engine was out of the question. Instead BRP engineers developed a new
mechanical reverse with the same philosophy of REV-X platform development – shave every
gram possible for lightweight.
 Built into the top of the chaincase cover
o More room for driver’s feet
 Lighter, simpler
o 8 parts vs. 27 on the V-800 engine
o 4 pounds / 1.8 kg vs. 7.9 pounds / 3.6 kg on the V-800
 Push-button electronic activation feature
o Push-button operation on luxury touring sleds (just like the RER)
o Button triggers small stepper motor that activates reverse
Maintenance
 Change oil, filter once 1,865 miles/3,000 km or once per season
o Easy to do
o Drain oil, but also equipped to extract with compressor
 Valve adjustment every 12,500 miles/20,000 km
®
, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its subsidiaries.
*Trademarks are respectively owned by Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, H-D MICHIGAN INC., and PIAGGIO & C.
S.P.A.
∞All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners
-30For product information:
Canada & U.S.:
Steve Cowing
Competition and Media Relations Manager
Ski-Doo
651-982-6223
steve.cowing@brp.com
www.brp.com
www.ski-doo.com
International:
Philippe Normand
Product Manager, BRP
Quad, PWC, Sport Boat, Roadster,
Snowmobile
450-532-6410
philippe.normand@brp.com