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My First Sled: 1980 Ski-Doo Citation 4500

In our latest edition of “My First Sled”, we profile Kelly’s 1980 Ski-Doo Citation 4500. As the snowmobile industry entered the 1980s, sled designs improved by a significant degree. The tight financial times of the mid-70s were out of the way and sled makers (what few that were left) could devote R&D resources to chassis refinement. Snowmobiles took on a sleeker look and ride quality was dramatically improved.

Ski-Doo launched a completely revamped line for the 1980 model year and a big part of that roll-out was an all-new mid-range series called Citation. Positioned between the Elan and Everest models, the Citation was replacing the venerable Olympique and the previous version of the Citation. The earlier Citation was a small chassis model with a 300cc engine marketed in 1978 and 1979. The Olympique had been a fixture in the Ski-Doo line-up since 1965.

The Citation received an all new chassis with an aluminum tunnel and steel front section, along with an all rubber track.

Citation was available in three different versions:

  • 3500- Equipped with a 268cc engine with a single carb and a 106” track.
  • 4500- Featured a 368cc engine with a single carb and a 114” track.
  • SS- Also used the 368cc engine, but with twin carbs and 106” track.

The Citation models were designed as affordable sleds with great fuel economy that still provided snappy performance. Bombardier hit every mark in this undertaking. The fuel economy of the Citations was in the early to mid-20s per US gallon. We could not find 1980 pricing for the Citations, but we estimate that it was in the $1725 (US)/$2050 (Canada) range.

Qualities of the Citation Series included:

  • Decent power to weight ratio
  • Low centre of gravity, wider stance
  • Excellent fuel economy
  • Sleek new good looks
  • Decent suspension for its time
  • Solid reliability and workmanship

As was the practice at the time, Bombardier also produced a Moto-Ski counterpart for every Ski-Doo model. The Moto-Ski version of the Citation was called Mirage. Here were Moto-Ski versions:

  • Mirage Special = Citation SS
  • Mirage I= Citation 3500
  • Mirage II= Citation 4500

The Citation remained relatively unchanged through the mid-80s. The Citation model was phased out after the 1989 season.

Specifications For The 1980 Ski-Doo Citation 4500

  • Engine- Rotax two-stroke, piston-port, two-cylinder 368.3cc
  • Cooling: Fan-cooled
  • Bore/Stroke: 62mm X 61mm
  • Carburetor: Single Mikuni VM 43-229
  • Ignition: Breaker point
  • Spark plug: Bosch W275 T2 (W3C)
  • Lubrication: Oil injection
  • Horsepower: 34
  • Top speed: 58 mph
  • Fuel mileage: 23.5 US mpg
  • Overall length: 103.5”
  • Overall width: 36.5”
  • Overall height: 38.75”
  • Ski stance (centre to centre): 32.25”
  • Track: 15” width, 114” length
  • Front Suspension: Leaf springs with shocks
  • Rear Suspension: Torque Reaction slide rail
  • Dry Weight: 353 lbs (manual start), 380 lbs (electric start)
  • Brake type: Disc
  • Fuel capacity: 6.25 Imp. Gallons/7.8 US gallons/28.4 litres
  • Injector oil capacity: 48 Imp. oz/26 US oz/1.36L
  • Oil Type: Bombardier 50:1
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My First Sled: 1979 Polaris Apollo 340

In our latest installment of “My First Sled”, we take a look our first snowmobile: the 1979 Polaris Apollo 340. The 1979 model year was Polaris’s 25th anniversary and it was the debut season for the Apollo (which replaced the SS 340). It was situated in the ’79 line-up between the entry-level Gemini and the two-up Cobra. The Apollo was a no-frills machine marketed an economy sled. It was lightweight, moderately powered and nothing short of bullet-proof.

We took delivery of our brand new Apollo in late August of 1978. We did not receive adequate snow cover until November 22nd (yes we remember the date) and that wait was likely the longest 3 months of our life. Once we were given sole access to this poor machine, it spent its existence at full throttle for every ride thereafter. As an aspiring motocross rider in the summer, we used the Apollo as a winter means of getting our jollies. So the Apollo saw service that would be more akin to sno-cross than to the family trail riding for which it was designed. How we didn’t break this machine clean in half is a testament to the durability that Polaris built into their sleds at that time.

The heart of the Apollo was the fan-cooled 333cc, twin-cylinder engine built by Fuji Heavy Industries of Japan. Fuji made snowmobile engines for Polaris from 1968 to 1998. This little engine wasn’t going to win many drag races on the lake, but it got up to speed very briskly and was a very competent “corner to corner” performer on the trails. This engine was fed whatever pre-mix oil was handy and was never prepared for storage, yet it started like a champ every time. It withstood a dozen seasons of persistent abuse and the only wrench it ever saw was for the occasional spark plug change.

The relatively short length of the Apollo chassis made for lighting-fast handling on tight trails, but the rider paid the price on choppy terrain. The tight chassis and low-travel suspension meant that the Apollo was skimming along the tops of bumps, rather than absorbing them. We didn’t care much about finesse or comfort those days, so it didn’t much matter.

Pros and Cons of the Polaris Apollo 340

Pros
Durability- By all rights, our Apollo should have been on the scrap heap by 1981. The only issues we ever had with it were a worn chaincase bearing, a broken rear suspension bolt and worn brake pads. It went strong through a dozen years of relentless thrashing and came back for more.

Reasonable Engine Torque- The 333cc Fuji engine wasn’t a rocket, but it offered very serviceable power that made riders on bigger sleds have to sweat to keep us in sight on the trails.

Brakes- The hydraulic disc brakes on Polaris sleds from that era was among the best in the industry and hauled the little Apollo down from speed in a heartbeat.

Cons
Choppy ride- Long travel suspension wasn’t a consideration on family sleds in those days. On hard pack surfaces the ride was rough and unstable.

Poor traction- The 1979 season was the first year that Polaris equipped their sleds with all rubber tracks. This was definitely a step forward, but the shallow lugs were not effective in deep powder or on icy surfaces.

Looks- As much as we loved that Apollo, it had a face only a mother could love. Polaris gave the Gemini, Apollo and Cobra a decidedly homely form. Contrast the Apollo with the racy Arctic Cat Jag from that era.

Specifications for 1979 Polaris Apollo 340

  • Engine: 333cc Two-Stroke, Twin Cylinder by Fuji Heavy Industries- EC34PM-03 – 3
  • Cooling: Fan-Cooled
  • Bore/Stroke: 61.78mm X 55.66mm
  • Carburetor: twin Mikuni VM-26
  • Recommended Gas/Oil Mix Ratio: 40:1
  • Ignition Type: Magneto
  • Horsepower: 32
  • Top Speed: Approximately 60 mph
  • Trail Fuel Range: Approximately 180 miles
  • Clutch: Polaris
  • Brakes: Hydraulic disc
  • Track Type: 15” width, all rubber
  • Track Length: 142” pitch length, track length on ground 42”
  • Rear Suspension: Steel slide rail
  • Front Suspension: 3 leaf spring with shocks
  • Fuel Capacity: 7 US gallons/5.8 Imperial gallons/26.5 litres
  • Height Without Windshield: 31”
  • Length With Skis: 101.75”
  • Width: 31.5”
  • Dry Weight: 364 pounds
  • Wet Weight: 410 pounds
  • Suggested Retail: $1549US/$1849 in Canada
  • Options: Speedometer, tachometer, gas gauge, electric start, saddle bags, trailer hitch, cover

We have fond memories of the time we spent on this vintage Polaris. Its longevity and plucky performance leaves us with a strong respect for Polaris products to this day.

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My First Sled: 1979 Arctic Cat Jag

In this installment of “My First Sled”, we take a look at Richard’s first machine, the 1979 Arctic Cat Jag 3000. First introduced in 1976, the Jag was inexpensive, peppy, lightweight, fuel-efficient and rock-solid reliable. In other words, the Arctic Cat Jag was the ideal first sled. Situated between the entry-level Lynx and the Trail Cat in Cat’s 1979 line-up, the Jag resonated with families as it struck a great balance between practicality and performance. Unlike many family snowmobiles from that era, the Jag had racy good looks handed down from its big brother, the El Tigre. As your dad or big brother weren’t embarrassed to be seen on a Jag, you may have seen less of this sled than you would have liked.

For the 1979 season, Arctic Cat upgraded the ride performance of the Jag by changing the rear suspension slide rails from steel to extruded aluminum. In the process, they also boosted the rear travel from 2.75” to 4”. Cat also changed the Mikuni carburetor from a slide-type to a butterfly-type that was less prone to freeze-up. That year was also the first time that Cat offered three engine options in the Jag. Available options included an air-cooled 275cc model (known as the “Jag 2000”), as well as an air-cooled 340 and a fan-cooled 340. The fan-cooled 340cc model also offered the convenience of oil-injection. These Suzuki-made engines were renowned for their reliability and capacity to withstand tremendous abuse. For this reason, Arctic Cat has been using Suzuki engines for almost 40 years and still do to this day.

The 3000 model was truly a snappy all-round performer. The 340cc engine laid down 30 horsepower and could reach a top-speed of about 60 miles-per-hour. The upgraded suspension, light weight, track cleats and forgiving chassis geometry would allow a skilled rider to humble much more powerful sleds on tight trails.

To keep the price tag low, the 1979 Jag came as a very basic package. Arctic Cat did offer an assortment of options including a speedometer, tachometer, temperature gauge, electric start, tow hitch and a safari rack.

This generation of the Jag came to an end when Arctic Cat declared bankruptcy in 1982. Arctic Cat made a comeback in the mid-80s and the Jag name was also revived as a 440cc model. But the Jag of the late-1970’s will always be remembered as a classic economy sled that delivered fun well-beyond its price tag.

Specifications for 1979 Arctic Cat Jag 3000

  • Engine: Suzuki two-stroke, two-cylinder
  • Cooling: Free-air-cooled or fan-cooled
  • Displacement: 340cc
  • Bore: 60 mm
  • Stroke: 60 mm
  • Spark Plug: NGK BR8ES
  • Compression Ratio: 6.8:1
  • Carburetor: Mikuni VM-30 (single)
  • Drive Clutch: Arctic Hexagon
  • Horsepower: 30hp
  • Top Speed: Approximately 60mph
  • Ignition: CDI
  • Length Without Skis: 86”
  • Total Length: 101.5”
  • Height at Handlebar: 32”
  • Ski Stance: 28”
  • Track: “15” X 32” with 2/3” lugs with cleats
  • Suspension Travel: 4”
  • Brakes: Cam-action disc
  • Rear Suspension: Torsion-spring slide rail
  • Fuel Capacity: 6.5 US gallons/5.4 imperial gallons/24.6 litres
  • Dry Weight: 363 lbs.
  • 1979 Retail Price: $1679 (fan-cooled 340) $1575 (free-air-cooled 340)

Here are some vintage Arctic Cat TV commercials from the late 70s.

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My First Sled: 1972 Ski-Doo Olympique 335

In our latest installment of “My First Sled”, we hear from Bertrand. His first snowmobile was a 1972 Ski-Doo Olympique 335. Bertrand recalls, “It’s a good thing I didn’t have fillings!” We think Bertrand is referring to the choppy ride delivered by the bogie-wheel rear suspension and leaf-spring front skis. Many of us are an inch shorter today thanks to the archaic suspension systems found on the sleds of yesteryear.

The Olympique line was Ski-Doo’s most popular family snowmobile series in the late ’60s and early ’70s. It helped solidify Bombardier’s position as an industry leader at a time when there were over two hundred snowmobile brands on the market. The Olympique machines were more peppy and stable than the pedestrian Elan and cheaper and mellower than the T’NT series. The Olympique series was introduced in 1965 and phased out in 1979. During that period, over a quarter of a million Olympiques were sold.

In 1972, the 335 Olympique retailed for $850 at Ski-Doo dealerships. The 335 model was equipped with a single-cylinder Rotax engine that generated about 20 horsepower. The top speed was right around 40 miles per hour.

Here are some pertinent specifications for the 1972 Ski-Doo Olympique 335.

  • Engine: Rotax single cylinder, two-stroke
  • Displacement: 335cc
  • Bore: 78mm
  • Stroke: 70mm
  • Compression Ratio: 9:1
  • Carburetor: Tillotson HR-75A
  • Horsepower: 20
  • Top Speed: 40 mph
  • Overall Length: 100”
  • Overall Width: 30 5/8”
  • Height: 34 3/4” (without windshield)
  • Weight: 333lbs.
  • Track Width: 15”
  • Fuel Capacity: 5 Imperial Gallons
  • Gasoline/Oil Mix Ratio: 20:1
  • Brake Type: Drum

Here is a video “walk-around” of a 1972 Ski-Doo Olympique 335e. The “e” signified that this model was equipped with electric start.

We would love to hear about your first snowmobile. Tell us the year, make and model and feel free to offer stories or special memories about the experience. Contact us at info “at” oildepot.ca and tell us about your first sled.

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My First Sled: 1969 Boa-Ski

In the first of our series on “My First Sled”, we received a submission from Andre who had a 1969 Boa-Ski. When we put together our Slideshow of the Lost Snowmobile Brands of the 1970s, we were remiss in omitting Boa-Ski. Let’s take this opportunity to look explore this old snowmobile brand.

Boa-Ski was started in1967 by a group lead by Joseph-Aime Morin in the small town of La Guadeloupe, Quebec. Mr. Morin operated a machine shop that manufactured components for Sno-Jet which was located in nearby Thetford Mines. Other companies in La Guadeloupe were making parts for Sno-Jet and Mr-Morin brought this group together to start their own snowmobile company and thus Boa-Ski was born. As much of the tooling was used for previous Sno-Jet parts, the first Boa-Ski models were all but identical to Sno-Jets, save for the colors and decals.

Boa-Ski closed their doors in late 1977. It must have been a very viable operation in the mid-70s as they survived the snowmobile industry purge of 1973-1974 when the OPEC oil crisis and poor snow conditions were the death of dozens upon dozens of sled brands.

In 1969, Boa-Ski offered 7 models. All models used Hirth 2-stroke engines which were equipped with Tillotson carburetors. For that year, Boa-Ski recommended a gasoline/oil mix ratio of 20:1 in all of their snowmobiles. Here are horsepower numbers for 1969 Boa-Ski models:

  • Standard 15– Engine: Hirth 300cc, Horsepower: 15
  • Standard 19– Engine: Hirth 300cc, Horsepower: 19
  • Deluxe 15– Engine: Hirth 300cc, Horsepower: 15
  • Deluxe 19– Engine: Hirth 300cc, Horsepower: 19
  • Standard 23– Engine: Hirth 372cc, Horsepower: 23
  • Standard 28– Engine: Hirth 493cc, Horsepower: 28
  • Standard 36– Engine: Hirth 634cc, Horsepower: 35

We would love to hear about your first snowmobile. Tell us the year, make and model and feel free to offer stories or special memories about the experience. Contact us at info “at” oildepot.ca and tell us about your first sled.

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Tell Us About Your First Snowmobile

Old Ski-Doo Picture

This young fellow enjoys an afternoon on a vintage Ski-Doo (photo credit: crexmeadows.com)

Most everyone has fond memories of their first solo snowmobile rides. Even if those rides were confined to the yard or the field behind the house, the feeling of freedom that those rides brought was possibly some of the most exciting moments of your life. Whether you moved away from snowmobiling or owned dozens of machines afterwards, that first machine likely has a very special place in your heart.

Let’s share these stories! Tell us about your first sled and we’ll highlight it here and bring back those warm fuzzies for others that owned the same machine. Tell us about the year, make and model and we’ll do a brief profile. Also feel free to share your likes (or dislikes) about the machine, along with any special memories. If you happen to have a photograph, that’s even better!

Feel free to contact us at “info (at) oildepot.ca” or on Facebook. We look forward to featuring your first sled!

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