#SNOWMOBILE PARTS# # JETSKI PARTS#

There's lots more to a snowmobile than just an engine, some skis, and a track. Here are a few of the more obvious bits and pieces:

1.?Skis: These curve upward to stop the machine diving into the snow as it plows forward. They also provide effective steering.

2.?Ski handles: These are extra loops of metal on the front of the skis, used for towing or pulling the machine free of snow.

3.?Front bumper: A bit of crash protection!

4.?Shock absorbers: Often made from lightweight but tough aluminum, they absorb?energy?as the skis hit bumps.

5.?Hood:Fiberglass or tough polycarbonate?plastic?front cover. Conceals energy absorbing foam to soften impacts.

6.?Engine air vent: Remember there's a?gasoline engine inside a snowmobile that needs air to burn fuel. There are usually air vents on the front and sides of the hood.

7.?Dashboard instruments: The latest snowmobiles have?LCD?display panels including a?speedometer?(showing current?speed?and average speed), rev counter, mileometer, engine?themometer, and compass.

8.?Windshield: It measures ~12–60cm (~5–25 inches) from top to bottom. High windshields like this one are good for exploring tricky terrain and provide a certain amount of anti-roll protection; lower windshields are better for racing.

9.?Side reflector: A bit of added visibility!

10.?Foot rest: Somewhere to rest your feet, of course, but also protection from the icy wind.

11.?Throttle (accelerator): Expect a top speed of about 110km/h (70mph).

12.?Brake lever: operates?hydraulic?disk?brakes?that stop the rear tracks. Obviously the front skis have no brakes on them!

13.?Seat: There's room for one or two people on most snowmobiles. Some models have heated seat covers.

14.?Idler wheels: These don't provide power: they allow the track to spread over a larger area of the ground, effectively giving a longer track and providing better traction. They also provide suspension. Idler wheels are about 14cm (5.5 inches) in diameter. The idler wheels are the ones colored orange in our simplified cutaway drawing up above.

15.?Track: Sometimes known as the "endless tread." Typically 34–40cm (13.5–16 inches) wide and made from tough materials such as carbon fiber or Kevlar.

16.?Sprocket wheel: The back wheel is typically about 18cm (7 inches) across.

17.?Snow flap: Like the mudflap on a?bicycle, this stops snow shooting up from the spinning track at people following on behind!

18.?Luggage rack: Most snowmobiles carry a fuel can here or somewhere on the body.

Tail/brake light.

19.?Seat back rest.

20.?Front headlight: Fitted with one or two powerful 60-watt bulbs with lenses?to concentrate the beam.

21.?Rear bumper.

22.?Skid plate: For bumping through snowdrifts.

23.?Wing?mirror.

Fuel tank: Holds ~40liters (10.5 gallons) and gives a range of ~300km (~200 miles). Typical fuel consumption for snowmobiles is about 10-20 liters/100 km (10-20 mpg).

Handlebar wind deflectors: Help protect your hands from freezing up in the blast of a chill wind. Snowmobile handlebars generally have heated grips for the same reason.

Engine: Usually a 2-stroke 600cc or 4-stroke 1200cc engine (similar to a medium-to-large motorcycle). Power is transmitted from the engine to the rear track system by a simple drive belt, as shown in our little artwork up above.

Rear shock absorber and suspension.