Snowmobile Weight Analysis: Scrutinizing Over 200 Models

man on a snowmobile through the winter forest covered with snow

Understanding the weight of your snowmobile is paramount before committing to a purchase. Touring snowmobiles tend to be the heaviest, reaching up to 767 lbs, while Polaris mountain snowmobiles are the lightest, starting at 414 lbs. Youth snowmobiles average around 167 lbs, ranging from 145 lbs to 231.5 lbs.

My curated database features over 200 snowmobile models from top brands like Ski-Doo, Polaris, and Arctic Cat, providing comprehensive weight information. While Yamaha’s weights are often undisclosed, the database remains a valuable resource for your specific model inquiries.

Is Weight Really Relevant?

Snowmobile weight directly influences your safe handling and control. Mountain riders prioritize lightweight models for agile obstacle navigation and quick turns. Alternatively, towing capacity necessitates a heavier snowmobile.

Personal physique matters; a smaller person might find maneuvering a 767 lbs Arctic Cat Pantera 7000 XT Limited challenging. Optimal weight compatibility ensures an enjoyable snow experience.

Lightest Snowmobiles in Focus

Mountain snowmobiles, with an average weight of 448 lbs, reign as the market’s lightest. This lightweight nature empowers riders to master challenging mountain terrains with enhanced control.

The Weightier End of the Spectrum

Touring snowmobiles take the heavyweight title, averaging 587 lbs. This class’s weightiness often results from robust four-stroke engines and added comfort features tailored for long-distance journeys.

The Middle Ground: Average Snowmobile Weight

In general, snowmobiles tip the scales at around 512 lbs. This encompasses a diverse array of models, from touring and performance to utility, trail, and mountain variations.

Enter Taiga Snowmobiles

Taiga, an emerging electric snowmobile brand, showcases three distinct models, each with its own weight.

The Taiga ekko, the lightest offering, weighs 586 lbs. Slightly weightier, the Taiga atlas registers at 597 lbs. Lastly, the Taiga nomad, the heftiest in their electric lineup, commands 607 lbs.

Comparing Engine Weights: 2-Stroke vs. 4-Stroke Snowmobiles

While advancements have lightened 4-stroke snowmobile engines in recent years, they still tend to weigh 75-100 lbs more than their 2-stroke counterparts. This weight disparity arises from the streamlined construction of 2-stroke engines, demanding fewer components and materials for their operation.

The visual comparison provided below illustrates the contrasting complexities in crafting a basic 2-stroke snowmobile engine versus a basic 4-stroke snowmobile engine.

Components2-Stroke Snowmobile Engine4-Stroke Snowmobile Engine
Crank case
Crank/Rods
Pistons
Cylinders
Cylinder Head
Camshaft
Valves
Valvetrain
Valve Cover
Oil Pan

Evidently, 4-stroke snowmobile engines necessitate a greater number of components during their assembly, contributing to their heftier presence on the scales.

Snowmobile Weight Classifications

Based on dry weights from a compilation of 200 diverse snowmobile models featured in this article, the following rankings emerge:

  • Touring Snowmobiles: On average, these snowmobiles weigh around 587 lbs;
  • Utility Snowmobiles: With an average weight of approximately 570 lbs, these models follow;
  • Trail Snowmobiles: Averaging at 499 lbs, these snowmobiles secure the mid-range spot;
  • Performance Snowmobiles: Following closely, these snowmobiles average around 490 lbs;
  • Mountain Snowmobiles: Showcasing their lightweight nature, these models boast an average of 448 lbs.

Charts Illustrating Snowmobile Weights

The presented snowmobile weights in the charts below pertain to the dry weight of each machine. This denotes the standard weight without the inclusion of fluids such as fuel, coolant, oil, and the like.

The majority of the provided weights are derived from the 2021 models.

Mountain Snowmobiles

Mountain snowmobiles, tailored for mountainous terrains, exhibit an average weight of 448 lbs.

Catering to the demands of mountain riding, these snowmobiles prioritize control above all else. Consequently, their design leans towards remarkable lightness to grant riders the agility required in such challenging conditions.

Weights of Mountain Snowmobiles from Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, and Polaris: 

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
Arctic CatM 8000 Mountain Cat Alpha One 154 3.0446
Arctic CatM 8000 Mountain Cat Alpha One 154 3.0 ES451
Arctic CatM 8000 Hardcore Alpha One 154 2.6455
Arctic CatM 8000 Hardcore Alpha One 154 2.6 ES455
Arctic CatM 8000 Hardcore Alpha One 154 3.0455
Arctic CatM 8000 Hardcore Alpha One 165 3.0460
Arctic CatM 8000 Mountain Cat Alpha One 165 3.0466
Arctic CatM 8000 Mountain Cat Alpha One 165 3.0 ES471
Arctic CatM 8000 Mountain Cat Alpha One 165 3.0480
Arctic CatM 8000 Hardcore Alpha One 165 3.0 ES480

The typical weight of an Arctic Cat mountain snowmobile averages 461.9 lbs.

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
Ski-DooSummit X with Expert Package 850 E-TEC437
Ski-DooSummit X 850 E-TEC441
Ski-DooFreeride 154 850 E-TEC447
Ski-DooSummit SP 600R E-TEC449
Ski-DooFreeride 146 850 E-TEC450
Ski-DooFreeride 165 850 E-TEC453
Ski-DooSummit X 850 E-TEC Turbo456
Ski-DooSummit X with Expert Package 850 E-TEC Turbo458
Ski-DooSummit SP 850 E-TEC459
Ski-DooFreeride 154 850 E-TEC Turbo468
Ski-DooFreeride 165 850 E-TEC Turbo475

The typical weight of a Ski-Doo mountain snowmobile amounts to 453.9 pounds.

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
PolarisPRO-RMK 155 850415
PolarisPRO-RMK 155 850 QD2 2.75415
PolarisPRO-RMK 155 850 QD2 3-Inch415
PolarisPRO-RMK 165 850 QD2 2.75-Inch415
PolarisRMK KHAOS155 850 QD2 2.75-Inch415
PolarisPRO-RMK 163 850420
PolarisRMK KHAOS 165 850 QD2 2.75-Inch420
PolarisPRO-RMK 163 850 QD2 3-Inch420
PolarisRMK KHAOS 155 850420
PolarisRMK KHAOS 155 850 QD2 3-Inch424
PolarisRMK KHAOS 163 850 2.6-Inch425
PolarisPRO-RMK 155 850 3-Inch428
PolarisPRO-RMK 163 850 3-Inch428
PolarisRMK KHAOS 163 850 QD2 3-Inch429
PolarisRMK KHAOS155 850 3-Inch433

An average Polaris mountain snowmobile weighs approximately 429.25 pounds.

Performance snowmobiles

The mean weight of a performance snowmobile stands at 490 lbs.

Designed for top-tier performance, these snowmobiles excel whether you’re a competitive racer or a speed enthusiast seeking a durable machine. Crafted to endure high speeds and rough terrain, performance snowmobiles perfectly align with your objectives.

Given their emphasis on speed, performance snowmobiles tend to be among the lighter options available. They are only marginally heavier than mountain snowmobiles, reflecting their commitment to agility and swiftness.

Weights of Performance Snowmobiles from Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, and Polaris

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
Arctic CatRiot X 8000 146 2.6 AMS482
Arctic CatRiot X 8000 146 2.6 AMS w/QS3482
Arctic CatXF 8000 High Country 141487
Arctic CatXF 6000 High Country ES 141491
Arctic CatXF 8000 High Country Limited ES 141502
Arctic CatXF 8000 High Country Limited ES 153509
Arctic CatXF 6000 Cross Country Limited ES 137516
Arctic CatRiot 8000 146 1.35 ARS II w/QS3518
Arctic CatRiot 6000 146 1.6 ARS II521
Arctic CatRiot 8000 146 1.6 ARS II521
Arctic CatXF 8000 Cross Country Limited ES 137530
Arctic CatXF 9000 High Country Limited 153573
Arctic CatXF 9000 Cross Country Limited 137605

The mean weight of a performance snowmobile manufactured by Arctic Cat is 518.2 lbs.

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
Ski-DooMXZ X 600R E-TEC457
Ski-DooMXZ X-RS 800R E-TEC461
Ski-DooMXZ X 600 H.O. E-TEC465
Ski-DooMXZ X 850 E-TEC471
Ski-DooMXZ X-RS Iron Dog 600 H.O. E-TEC475
Ski-DooMXZ X-RS 600R E-TEC476
Ski-DooMXZ Iron Dog 800R E-TEC479
Ski-DooMXZ X-RS 850 E-TEC490
Ski-DooMXZ X 1200 4-TEC515

The mean weight of a performance snowmobile manufactured by Ski-Doo is 476.6 lbs.

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
PolarisINDY EVO 121432
PolarisRMK EVO 144444
PolarisINDY 550 121445
PolarisINDY 550 144452
PolarisINDY XC 129 600454
PolarisINDY XC 129 850460
PolarisINDY XC 137 600462
PolarisINDY XC Launch Edition 129 650465
PolarisINDY XC Launch Edition 129 850465
PolarisINDY XC Launch Edition 137 650465
PolarisINDY XC Launch Edition 137 850465
PolarisINDY VR1 129 650467
PolarisINDY VR1 129 850467
PolarisINDY XCR 600 129468
PolarisINDY XC 137 850469

The mean weight of a performance snowmobile manufactured by Polaris is 475.7 lbs.

Touring Snowmobiles

man riding a snowmobile in a large snowy field

The mean weight of a touring snowmobile stands at 587 lbs.

Tailored for individuals who relish extended journeys along established snowmobiling trails, touring snowmobiles prioritize comfort. These models boast additional amenities that contribute to their weight, a feature not commonly found in performance or mountain snowmobiles. Consequently, touring snowmobiles typically rank as the heaviest options available in the market.

Weights of Touring Snowmobiles from Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, and Polaris:

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
Arctic CatLynx 2000 ES494
Arctic CatLynx 2000 LT567
Arctic CatLynx 2000 LT ES567
Arctic CatPantera 6000 ES580
Arctic CatPantera 3000608
Arctic CatPantera 7000 XT Limited767

The mean weight of a touring snowmobile manufactured by Arctic Cat is 597 lbs.

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
Ski-DooExpedition Sport 600 EFI502
Ski-DooGrand Touring Sport 600 ACE509
Ski-DooGrand Touring Sport 900 ACE530
Ski-DooExpedition Sport 600 ACE531
Ski-DooGrand Touring Limited 600R E-TEC547
Ski-DooExpedition Sport 900 ACE552
Ski-DooGrand Touring Limited 900 ACE572
Ski-DooGrand Touring Limited 900 ACE Turbo602
Ski-DooExpedition LE 600R E-TEC616
Ski-DooExpedition SWT 600R E-TEC638
Ski-DooExpedition LE 900 ACE639
Ski-DooExpedition SE 600R E-TEC639
Ski-DooExpedition SWT 900 ACE662
Ski-DooExpedition SE 900 ACE663
Ski-DooExpedition LE 900 ACE Turbo669
Ski-DooExpedition SWT 900 ACE Turbo693
Ski-DooExpedition SE 900 ACE Turbo694

The mean weight of a touring snowmobile manufactured by Ski-Doo is 603.4 lbs.

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
PolarisINDY LXT 550467
PolarisINDY LXT 550 Northstar Edition467
PolarisINDY Adventure 550 144498
PolarisINDY Adventure 550 155524
PolarisLXT 550 IQ544
PolarisIQ LXT 600574
PolarisTouring 600 IQ574
PolarisTouring FST IQ645
PolarisIQ LXT Turbo645
PolarisTITAN Adventure 155658

The mean weight of a touring snowmobile manufactured by Polaris is 559.6 lbs.

Trail Snowmobiles

The mean weight of a trail snowmobile stands at 499 lbs.

Trail snowmobiles epitomize a hybrid between performance and touring models. Thanks to their distinct suspensions, they enable tackling more demanding trails compared to touring counterparts. While some comfort amenities are absent on trail snowmobiles, they bridge the gap between performance and touring attributes.

Positioned between performance and touring snowmobiles, trail models are slightly heavier than performance variants yet lighter than their touring counterparts.

Weights of Trail Snowmobiles from Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, and Polaris:

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
Arctic CatZR 6000 R XC 137487
Arctic CatLynx 2000494
Arctic CatZR 6000 ES 129497
Arctic CatZR 6000 Sno Pro 137505
Arctic CatCat ZR 3000 129512
Arctic CatZR 6000 Limited 137 ARS II512
Arctic CatZR 6000 Limited 137 ARS II w/ ATAC512
Arctic CatZR 8000 Sno Pro 137513
Arctic CatZR 8000 RR 137521
Arctic CatZR 8000 Limited 137 ARS II527
Arctic CatZR 8000 Limited 137 ARS II w/ ATAC527
Arctic CatCat ZR 7000 137541
Arctic CatZR 7000 Limited 137547
Arctic CatZR 9000 Sno Pro 129583
Arctic CatZR 9000 Sno Pro 137593

The mean weight of a trail snowmobile produced by Arctic Cat is 544 lbs.

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
Ski-DooMXZ Sport 600 EFI437
Ski-DooRenegade Sport 600 EFI442
Ski-DooBackcountry Sport 600 EFI446
Ski-DooBackcountry X 850 E-TEC462
Ski-DooMXZ TNT 600R E-TEC462
Ski-DooBackcountry 600R E-TEC466
Ski-DooRenegade X 600R E-TEC468
Ski-DooRenegade Sport 600 ACE469
Ski-DooBackcountry X-RS 146 850 E-TEC472
Ski-DooMXZ TNT 850 E-TEC477
Ski-DooRenegade Adrenaline 600R E-TEC478
Ski-DooRenegade X 850 E-TEC481
Ski-DooBackcountry X-RS 154 850 E-TEC485
Ski-DooRenegade Adrenaline 850 E-TEC486
Ski-DooRenegade X-RS 850 E-TEC495

The mean weight of a trail snowmobile produced by Ski-Doo is 486.3 lbs.

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
PolarisSwitchback PRO-S 600447
PolarisSwitchback PRO-X 800450
PolarisSwitchback PRO-S 850452
PolarisSwitchback SP 600 144454
PolarisSwitchback Assault 600 144456
PolarisSwitchback XCR 600460
PolarisSwitchback XCR 800460
PolarisSwitchback Assault 850 144468
PolarisSwitchback XCR 850472
PolarisSwitchback Assault 650 146476
PolarisSwitchback Assault 850 146476
PolarisSwitchback Adventure 600492
PolarisSwitchback Adventure 800491

The mean weight of a trail snowmobile manufactured by Polaris is 465.7 lbs.

Utility Snowmobiles

The mean weight of a utility snowmobile stands at 570 lbs.

In contrast to other snowmobile models mentioned in this piece, utility snowmobiles prioritize functionality over recreational riding (although they can still be enjoyable). Their main purpose is work – transporting cargo to locations inaccessible by regular vehicles or towing other snowmobiles. Utility snowmobiles fall under the second-heaviest category among snowmobile types.

Weights of Utility Snowmobiles from Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, and Polaris:

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
Arctic CatNorseman 6000 ES547
Arctic CatNorseman X 6000552
Arctic CatNorseman X 8000558
Arctic CatNorseman 3000 ES570
Arctic CatBearcat 2000 XT636
Arctic CatBearcat XT645
Arctic CatBearcat 7000 XT690

The mean weight of a utility snowmobile manufactured by Arctic Cat is 599.7 lbs.

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
Ski-DooTundra Sport 550F463
Ski-DooTundra LT 550F483
Ski-DooTundra Sport 600 EFI484
Ski-DooTundra LT 600 EFI491
Ski-DooTundra Sport 600 ACE513
Ski-DooTundra LT 600 ACE515
Ski-DooSkandic WT 600 EFI583
Ski-DooExpedition Xtreme 850 E-TEC596
Ski-DooSkandic WT 600 ACE607
Ski-DooExpedition Xtreme 800R E-TEC625
Ski-DooSkandic WT 900 ACE629
Ski-DooSkandic WT 600R E-TEC633
Ski-DooSkandic SWT 600R E-TEC633
Ski-DooSkandic SWT 900 ACE657
Ski-DooSkandic SWT 600 H.O. E-TEC669

The mean weight of a utility snowmobile manufactured by Ski-Doo is 572 lbs.

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
PolarisVoyageur 550 144465
PolarisVoyageur 550 155478.5
PolarisVoyageur 600 144486
PolarisWideTrak 550 LX613
PolarisWideTrak 600 IQ671
PolarisIndy LXT 550 144 Blue Fire Metallic467
PolarisIndy LXT 550 144 Turbo Silver467
PolarisIndy LXT 550 144 White Lightning467
PolarisWideTrak FS IQ730

The mean weight of a utility snowmobile manufactured by Polaris is 538.2 lbs.

Youth snowmobiles

ManufacturerModelWeight (lbs)
Polaris120 Assault145
Polaris120 PRO-R147
Polaris120 Dragon145
PolarisINDY 120147
Ski-DooMini Z 120154
Ski-DooMini Z154
YamahaSRX 120R165
Arctic CatZR 120167
Arctic CatZR 200214
YamahaSnoScoot ES231.5

The mean weight of a performance snowmobile stands at 167 lbs.

Weight of Polaris 120 Snowmobile: A Comprehensive Overview

man in black and yellow suit and helmet on snowmobile in snowy forest

The weight of the Polaris 120 snowmobile has significant implications for its suitability among young riders. Engineered as an ideal choice for kids, the Polaris 120 boasts a lightweight design, rendering it easily maneuverable for most youngsters. Within the Polaris 120 range, various models exist to cater to different preferences.

Among these, the Polaris 120 Assault and Polaris 120 Dragon both exhibit a weight of 145 lbs, while the Polaris 120 PRO-R and Polaris INDY 120 possess a slightly higher weight of 147 lbs. Despite this subtle 2 lbs discrepancy, the choice of model can greatly influence the snowmobiling experience for young enthusiasts.

Yamaha Snoscoot Weight: Unveiling the Numbers

In the realm of youth snowmobiles, the Yamaha Snoscoot garners considerable popularity. However, unearthing its precise weight online can prove to be a daunting task. Fret not, for I have delved into the depths of information to provide you with the answer.

The Yamaha Snoscoot comes in at a weight of 231.5 lbs. This places it among the weightier options within the spectrum of youth snowmobile models currently accessible in the market.

Conclusion

The weight of a snowmobile holds significant importance in the pre-purchase evaluation. While lighter snowmobiles offer enhanced maneuverability, they might compromise on certain comfort amenities found in their heavier counterparts. Your preferences should dictate your choice.

For those seeking the utmost lightweight option, Polaris mountain snowmobiles usually fit the bill. In contrast, Ski-Doo touring snowmobiles tend to lean towards the heavier end of the spectrum. Your priorities will serve as your compass in making the right selection.