Abstract: An electrically variable transmission for an off-road vehicle including an internal combustion engine with a crankshaft. The electrically variable transmission includes a compound planetary gear assembly having a first planetary gear set with a first ring gear, a first sun gear and a first planet carrier and a second planetary gear set with a second ring gear, a second sun gear and a second planet carrier. The planet carriers are coupled together for common rotation and are coupled to an output gear for common rotation therewith. The first ring gear is in torque transferring communication with the crankshaft. The first sun gear is in torque transferring communication with a first motor generator. The second sun gear is in torque transferring communication with a second motor generator. The rotational axes of the compound planetary gear assembly and each of the motor generators are parallel rotational axes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an off-road vehicle having different features such as an engine assembly, a frame having a frame structure, and a rear mount assembly facilitating easy installation of the engine assembly, and a method of installing the engine assembly. Embodiments of the present disclosure also describe a removable frame member facilitating the installation of the engine assembly from a seating area into a rearward portion of the vehicle. The removable frame member is positioned at least partially forward of the installed engine assembly and in a lateral direction of the vehicle. The frame structure and the rear mount assembly provide more efficient assembly of the engine and transmission assembly into a tight space envelope.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a snowmobile includes a muffler housing, the bottom end of the muffler housing including a muffler exhaust outlet configured to emit exhaust. The exhaust system includes a muffler housing cover spaced from the muffler housing to define an airflow channel therebetween, the muffler housing cover forming a bottom opening. The exhaust system also includes a gas combiner at least partially surrounding the muffler exhaust outlet on the bottom end of the muffler housing and extending through the bottom opening of the muffler housing cover. The gas combiner receives air from the airflow channel and the exhaust from the muffler exhaust outlet to emit a combined air-exhaust stream.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a forward frame assembly defining an engine bay. The forward frame assembly includes a nose frame assembly having a nose frame cross member positioned forward of the engine bay. An engine is positioned within the engine bay. A tunnel is coupled to the forward frame assembly and is positioned aft of the engine bay. A heat exchanger is coupled to a forward end of the tunnel. At least one aftward engine mount is configured to couple the engine to the heat exchanger. At least one forward engine mount is configured to couple the engine to the nose frame cross member. The at least one aftward engine mount has a mount axis that is oriented in a substantially radial direction relative to an axis of rotation of a track driveshaft.

Abstract: A snowmobile includes a forward frame assembly defining an engine bay. An engine is positioned within the engine bay. The engine has a plurality of intake ports positioned on an aft side of the engine and a plurality of exhaust ports positioned on a forward side of the engine. An air intake system has at least one air inlet and a plurality of air outlets. The air intake system is coupled to the aft side of the engine such that each of the air outlets is configured to provide air to one of the intake ports. An exhaust system has a plurality of exhaust inlets and at least one exhaust outlet. The exhaust system is coupled to the forward side of the engine such that each of the exhaust inlets is configured to receive exhaust from one of the exhaust ports.

Abstract: An off-highway recreational includes a frame, a prime mover, a transmission, an intermediate shaft and a main shaft. The transmission is mechanically coupled to receive power from the prime mover and to provide mechanical power at a transaxle output shaft. The intermediate drive shaft is mechanically coupled to the transaxle output shaft, wherein the intermediate drive shaft has a first diameter. The main drive shaft is mechanically coupled to the intermediate drive shaft, wherein the main drive shaft has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter.

Abstract: An engine includes an engine body assembly and an air intake system including an air plenum. The air plenum is positioned above the engine body assembly. The engine includes an air plenum support bracket having an upper arm coupled to the air plenum and a lower arm coupled to the engine body assembly. The engine also includes a vibration isolator coupled to the air plenum support bracket and interposed between the air plenum and the engine body assembly, thereby inhibiting engine vibrations from transferring to the air plenum.

Abstract: A fuel system for a snowmobile having a chassis defining an engine bay and an engine positioned within the engine bay. The fuel system includes a fuel tank that is coupled to the chassis and is positioned aft of the engine. The fuel tank has a forward face that includes a lower contour and an upper contour. A fuel rail is in fluid communication with the fuel tank and the engine. The fuel rail is positioned between the engine and the lower contour of the forward face of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A method of assembling two snowmobiles with a common frame includes providing a common forward frame. A first common component is provided and positioned at a first orientation or at a second orientation with respect to the common forward frame. The first common component is secured at the first orientation or at the second orientation. The method includes selecting between a first set of first model components and a second set of second model components and securing the first set of first model components or the second set of second model components.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snow vehicle including an engine mounted on a frame, a drive track in contact with the frame, a drive train operatively interconnecting the engine with the drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drive track, a fork connected to the frame, one or more skis connected to the fork, a drop fork component positioned between a fork and handlebars, and an exhaust system. The drive train includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) positioned within a CVT housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe a recreational vehicle spindle, including a spindle body having one or more sockets in the spindle body, and an upper attachment mechanism in contact with the spindle body and adapted to attach to a steering component. The spindle also includes a lower attachment mechanism in contact with the spindle body and adapted to attach to a ski or wheel. The one or more sockets are adapted to each receive a ball and stud forming one or more ball joints.

Abstract: A steering system for a snowmobile includes a handlebar assembly and a steering column that has upper and lower ends. The upper end of the steering column is coupled to the handlebar assembly. The lower end of the steering column is coupled to an input shaft of an electronic steering assist unit. An output shaft of the electronic steering assist unit is coupled directly to a steering arm assembly. First and second tie rods respectively couple the steering arm assembly to first and second ski assemblies such that turning the handlebar assembly, together with the assistance of the electronic steering assist unit, causes the ski assemblies to pivot. The steering column and the electronic steering assist unit share a common axis of rotation that is positioned along a centerline of the snowmobile.

Abstract: An engine cooling system for a snowmobile that includes a forward frame assembly, an engine, a tunnel and a track driveshaft having an axis of rotation. The cooling system includes a heat exchanger that is coupled to the forward frame assembly and to the tunnel. The heat exchanger is positioned aft of the engine and is configured to transfer heat from a coolant fluid circulated through the engine and the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger includes a body having an arcuate section with a substantially constant radius of curvature and with a center of curvature proximate the axis of rotation of the track driveshaft.

Abstract: A bearing hub is positioned within a drivetrain assembly of a snowmobile. The bearing hub includes a body and a bearing sleeve that is coupled to the body. The body has an upper connection rigidly coupled to the chassis of the snowmobile, an aft connection rigidly coupled to the chassis of the snowmobile, a lower connection rigidly coupled to a heat exchanger and an engine mount connection resiliently coupled to an engine mount to reduce vibration transfer from the engine to the bearing hub. The bearing sleeve has a bearing aperture that is configured to receive a bearing assembly therein. The the upper connection, the aft connection and the lower connection form a triangular support arrangement for the driven shaft. The driven shaft is rotatably coupled to the bearing sleeve by the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A forward frame is provided that includes a first side that includes an inner perimeter that defines a first side opening, and a second side that includes an inner perimeter that defines a second side opening. The first side and the second side define a rear opening therebetween at the rear of the forward frame assembly for receiving at least a portion of a heat exchanger assembly, a tunnel, or both therein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snowmobile including an engine mounted on the chassis, a drive track in contact with the chassis, and a drive train, operatively interconnecting the engine with the drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drive track. The drive train includes a driveshaft, comprising a tubular driveshaft including two or more interior channels, the channels positioned in a substantially longitudinal orientation, two or more sprocket driving features on an exterior surface of the tubular driveshaft, and one or more fitting components, positioned at one or more distal ends of the driveshaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a recreational vehicle spindle for use with a snowmobile, a snow bike, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or a side by side vehicle (S×S or UTV). The spindle includes a body with one or more mounts for securing a suspension component and a ground engaging member thereto. The body of the spindle may include one or more of a window, a recess, a leading edge, a triangular cross-sectional shape, an integrated steering stop, and an outboard side that includes a flat surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a spindle for a recreational vehicle, such as a snowmobile, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or a side-by-side vehicle. The spindle includes a spine, optionally a front fin that extends from a front surface of the spine, and optionally a rear fin that extends from a back surface of the spine.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a snow vehicle, comprising an engine mounted on a frame, a drive track, a drive train operatively interconnecting the engine with the drive track for delivering propulsive power to the drive track, and exhaust system. The exhaust system is positioned within an interior of the frame of the vehicle.