Snowmachine Chassis
The
chassis is basically the skeleton of a snowmachine. All the
different parts of the sled are connected to and held
together by the chassis. It is one of the biggest factors in
durability and weight and also determines how easy the
machine is to handle by the rider. The suspension and skis
are often considered part of the chassis for this reason.
The design of the chassis can be fine-tuned to different
purposes and conditions, and so may differ between
snowmachines. For example, a snowmachine designed for riding
in the deep powder and steep slopes of the mountains will
have a lighter chassis
with wider skis and a longer track for better flotation and
climbing performance, whereas a snowmachine designed for
racing along trails will have a sturdier chassis and stiffer
suspension to endure the many bumps and impacts associated
with the trails, along with skinnier skis and a shorter
track for better handling and control. In regards to
control, the chassis is without a doubt the single most
important aspect of how well a snowmachine handles. It
determines how the rider positions his/her body on the sled.
I will expound on this under the Riding Technique section.