2022 Youth Snowmobiles. Who hasn’t dreamed of riding a snowmobile at a young age like many adults? For some of us, we have witnessed the evolution of this vehicle and for others who are reading these lines, you have been privileged spectators of its birth.
Arctic Cat has been a forerunner for many years in the mass production of a small child-friendly snowmobile. From 1972 to 2000, with the exception of 1982 to 1984, they produced the now famous Kitty Kat model.
For a small snowmobile, the Kitty Cat looked like the big cats and made younger snowmobile enthusiasts feel like part of the family. The purple, salmon and black colors made it look like mom or dad’s snowmobile.
The Kitty Cat provided children with endless hours of safe outdoor fun, while teaching them valuable lessons in snowmobile safety, handling and control.
If you have a chance to check out the specialized sales sites, you will find that the Kitty Cat also has an unmatched resale value. This has always been true since the inception of the snowmobile in the early 1970s.
Towards the end of the 90’s, Ski-Doo also went into marketing its children’s snowmobile with the introduction of the Mini-Z. The snowmobile was available in classic Ski-Doo yellow. The windshield was discreet for a sporty look and the seat was designed for little riders. A 120 cc engine powered this little snowmobile weighing just over 150 lbs.
This little Ski-Doo snowmobile has only been available for a few years and its rarity at the moment is increasing its value and collectors are snapping it up.
Fortunately, for the 2022 vintage, there are some manufacturers that offer us once again, snowmobiles for children so that we can pass on our passion to future generations.
2022 Polaris 120 INDY
This vehicle is the perfect snowmobile to educate and teach the basics of driving. It is powered by a 120cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine that will provide years of trouble-free riding with only the recommended maintenance.
Safety is not overlooked, as throttle response can be limited by an adult to determine the power available to the small rider. Also, like full-size snowmobiles, a safety cord cuts off power if the occupant and the snowmobile are separated. For added peace of mind, the engine automatically shuts off when the hood is lifted.
Polaris thought of the smallest details by creating a storage space under the seat to hold gloves, mittens, snacks, etc. Thanks to its minimalist dimensions, it fits very well under the Christmas tree. In the same vein, if it gets stuck in the snow, it will be easy to get it out of its situation.
Aside from its eye-catching look, it’s stripped of artifice. It doesn’t have an electric starter or heated thumbs or grips, but it has the essentials to provide hours of fun.
There is no doubt that Polaris enthusiasts will want to pass on their frenzy with this snowmobile that will make the next generation dream.
2022 Youth Snowmobiles – Arctic Cat ZR 120 and Yamaha SRX 120R
The close collaboration between Arctic Cat and Yamaha means that they offer similar vehicles in all but different colors.
Get your child off on the right foot by riding a ZR 120 or SRX 120R. These downsized snowmobiles are powered by a Yamaha engine limited to 8 mph. It has an LED taillight and Team Arctic green color to match the Sno Pro racing snowmobiles that “big kids” ride, as well as the significant blue of the Japanese manufacturer. Front and rear bumpers, a tether switch, padded handlebars and an orange flag help keep juniors safe as they buzz around the yard. A keyed ignition makes it easy for parents to stay in control of the fun.
For 2022, these models return virtually unchanged from the previous year except for a new suspension rail design, as well as the replacement of the torsion springs to improve comfort.
2022 Youth Snowmobiles – Arctic Cat ZR 200 ES and Yamaha Snoscoot ES
These snowmobiles seem to be just a supercharged 120, but think again, this is a completely different and much more capable vehicle. To put it bluntly, the 200 is a “real” snowmobile. Power comes from a 200cc, 4-stroke, single-cylinder engine from Yamaha’s lineup and delivers just over 9 horsepower at 5400 rpm. The engine has all the extras to ensure durability and ease of use, including built-in compression relief, electronic ignition, and a high-output magneto. This extra load ensures that the snowmobile can run a bright halogen headlamp, LED taillight and standard heated grips.
Of course, what the 200 really represents is a vehicle for young people… a missing link between the 120 and the full-size snowmobiles. Perhaps more importantly, the 200 has the potential to go beyond the backyard fence, an adjacent park or open field. It’s a winter fun machine for suburban families looking to embrace winter. Remember those winter days of riding the family snowmobile in the backyard for hours? The ZR 200 ES and SnoScoot ES bring back that opportunity with a safer, more capable, more reliable and frankly more fun snowmobile.
Its raised handlebars also allow adults to have fun for a while. Its complete equipment makes it a choice snowmobile for an eventual transition to a more intermediate snowmobile of the Blast or Venom series.
Importantly, the Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee (SSCC) has certified the ZR 200 ES and Snoscoot ES with full trail certification that allows your young rider to follow you virtually anywhere (as long as they follow all applicable regulations).
2022 Youth Snowmobiles Conclusion
If you already own one of the above mentioned snowmobiles or are thinking of purchasing one, you are investing in the future of our youth by teaching them healthy driving habits. Furthermore, these snowmobiles can be passed on to future generations if you take jealous care of them. These vehicles can successfully introduce snowmobiling to new riders and reintroduce the value of family time. But these snowmobiles alone can’t do it… it’s up to all of us to help make it happen.
