Abstract: A snowmobile (100) has a frame (106) comprising a tunnel (108) and an engine cradle (110) containing an engine (114). A drive track (126) is operatively connected to the tunnel. A front drive axle (127) connected to the engine engages the drive track. A front (102) of the snowmobile comprises a hull connected to the frame and to front telescopic suspension struts (112). The snowmobile also comprises front skis (116) connected at attachment points (150) to the front telescopic suspension struts. The drive track has a front portion (125) defining a track angle (B) between 20 and 40 degrees from horizontal. A horizontal distance (C) between the attachment points and the front drive axle is between 600 mm and 900 mm. The hull has a bottom surface (160) wherein at least a portion has an average hull angle (A) between 10 and 30 degrees from horizontal.

Abstract: A snowmobile (100) has a frame (106) comprising a tunnel (108) and an engine cradle (110) containing an engine (114). A drive track (126) is operatively connected to the tunnel. A front drive axle (127) connected to the engine engages the drive track. A front (102) of the snowmobile comprises a hull connected to the frame and to front telescopic suspension struts (112). The snowmobile also comprises front skis (116) connected at attachment points (150) to the front telescopic suspension struts. The drive track has a front portion (125) defining a track angle (B) between 20 and 40 degrees from horizontal. A horizontal distance (C) between the attachment points and the front drive axle is between 600 mm and 900 mm. The hull has a bottom surface (160) wherein at least a portion has an average hull angle (A) between 10 and 30 degrees from horizontal.

Abstract: A family of snowmobiles having different tunnel widths is disclosed. A snowmobile having spacers between the tunnel and the sides of the engine compartment and a method of manufacturing such a snowmobile are also disclosed. A snowmobile having a countershaft which is disposed rearwardly of the engine, vertically higher than the air intake opening, and forwardly of the air intake controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: A family of snowmobiles having different tunnel widths is disclosed. A snowmobile having spacers between the tunnel and the sides of the engine compartment and a method of manufacturing such a snowmobile are also disclosed. A snowmobile having a countershaft which is disposed rearwardly of the engine, vertically higher than the air intake opening, and forwardly of the air intake controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: A family of snowmobiles having different tunnel widths is disclosed. A snowmobile having spacers between the tunnel and the sides of the engine compartment and a method of manufacturing such a snowmobile are also disclosed. A snowmobile having a countershaft which is disposed rearwardly of the engine, vertically higher than the air intake opening, and forwardly of the air intake controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: A family of snowmobiles having different tunnel widths is disclosed. A snowmobile having spacers between the tunnel and the sides of the engine compartment and a method of manufacturing such a snowmobile are also disclosed. A snowmobile having a countershaft which is disposed rearwardly of the engine, vertically higher than the air intake opening, and forwardly of the air intake controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle comprising a rear platform between the rear wheels providing standing room and access to the straddle seat of the all-terrain vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may also featuring a rear passageway and a side passageway for the rider of the all-terrain vehicle to access to the straddle seat. The all-terrain vehicle also features rear wheel track which is smaller than the front wheel track.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle comprising a rear platform between the rear wheels providing standing room and access to the straddle seat of the all-terrain vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may also featuring a rear passageway and a side passageway for the rider of the all-terrain vehicle to access to the straddle seat. The all-terrain vehicle also features rear wheel track which is smaller than the front wheel track.

Abstract: A family of snowmobiles having different tunnel widths is disclosed. A snowmobile having spacers between the tunnel and the sides of the engine compartment and a method of manufacturing such a snowmobile are also disclosed. A snowmobile having a countershaft which is disposed rearwardly of the engine, vertically higher than the air intake opening, and forwardly of the air intake controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission, which comprises a drive race for receiving power input, a driven race for transmitting power output and a set of rollers between the races. Each roller in the set is capable of rotating to transfer motion from the drive race to the driven race, is capable of tilting about a first tilt axis to vary a ratio of the continuously variable transmission, and is capable of tilting about a second tilt axis different from the first tilt axis. The transmission further comprises a ratio change actuator acting on each roller of the set for tilting the roller about its second tilt axis, a tilt of the roller about its second tilt axis inducing a reaction force on the roller tending to tilt the roller about its first tilt axis and thus provoke a ratio change.

Abstract: A vehicle track has a belt, a plurality of terrain lugs distributed circumferentially about an outer side of the belt, and a plurality of drive lugs distributed circumferentially about an inner side of the belt. A first and a second strip are disposed on the inner side of the belt. The first strip extends along an entire circumference of the inner side of the belt. The first strip is configured for engaging at least one wheel of a track system when the track is in use with the track system. The second strip is laterally spaced from the first strip and extends along an entire circumference of the inner side of the belt. The second strip is configured for engaging at least one other wheel of the track system when the track is in use with the track system. A vehicle track system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle comprising a rear platform between the rear wheels providing standing room and access to the straddle seat of the all-terrain vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may also featuring a rear passageway and a side passageway for the rider of the all-terrain vehicle to access to the straddle seat. The all-terrain vehicle also features rear wheel track which is smaller than the front wheel track.

Abstract: A family of snowmobiles having different tunnel widths is disclosed. A snowmobile having spacers between the tunnel and the sides of the engine compartment and a method of manufacturing such a snowmobile are also disclosed. A snowmobile having a countershaft which is disposed rearwardly of the engine, vertically higher than the air intake opening, and forwardly of the air intake controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle comprising a rear platform between the rear wheels providing standing room and access to the straddle seat of the all-terrain vehicle. The all-terrain vehicle may also featuring a rear passageway and a side passageway for the rider of the all-terrain vehicle to access to the straddle seat. The all-terrain vehicle also features rear wheel track which is smaller than the front wheel track.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission, which comprises a drive race for receiving power input, a driven race for transmitting power output and a set of rollers between the races. Each roller in the set is capable of rotating to transfer motion from the drive race to the driven race, is capable of tilting about a first tilt axis to vary a ratio of the continuously variable transmission, and is capable of tilting about a second tilt axis different from the first tilt axis. The transmission further comprises a ratio change actuator acting on each roller of the set for tilting the roller about its second tilt axis, a tilt of the roller about its second tilt axis inducing a reaction force on the roller tending to tilt the roller about its first tilt axis and thus provoke a ratio change.

Abstract: A toric-drive transmission comprising a drive disk for receiving a power input. A driven disk transmits a power output. A roller device has a roller displaceably mounted between the drive disk and the driven disk. The roller has three rotational degrees of freedom. A first degree of freedom transmits motion from the drive disk to the driven disk to convert the power input to the power output. A second degree of freedom varies a ratio of the power output to the power input as a function of an orientation of the roller along the second degree of freedom. A third degree of freedom initiates a rotation of the roller about the second degree of freedom. A controller system is operatively connected to the roller device for changing the orientation of the roller in the second degree of freedom by actuating a displacement of the roller in the third degree of freedom.

Abstract: A generally tubular vehicle frame assembly includes a tunnel, an engine support, a forward support assembly, a suspension arm pivot base assembly, and a rear brace assembly. The forward support assembly, suspension arm pivot base assembly, and engine support generally form a triangular shape as viewed from the side. The tubular construction of the frame assembly enables the same forward support assembly, suspension arm pivot base assembly, suspension system, and steering system to be used with variously sized tunnels by switching just several tubular components of the frame assembly. Left and right lower suspension arms are pivotally connected to the suspension arm pivot base assembly for independent pivotal movement relative to the frame assembly about a common pivotal axis. The left and right lower suspension arms being constructed such that the same suspension arm can be used on either the right side or the left side of the vehicle without modifying the pivot point of the ski.

Abstract: A toric-drive transmission comprising a drive disk for receiving a power input. A driven disk transmits a power output. A roller device has a roller displaceably mounted between the drive disk and the driven disk. The roller has three rotational degrees of freedom. A first degree of freedom transmits motion from the drive disk to the driven disk to convert the power input to the power output. A second degree of freedom varies a ratio of the power output to the power input as a function of an orientation of the roller along the second degree of freedom. A third degree of freedom initiates a rotation of the roller about the second degree of freedom. A controller system is operatively connected to the roller device for changing the orientation of the roller in the second degree of freedom by actuating a displacement of the roller in the third degree of freedom.