News and stories from the world of Powersports business.
AMA Mourns Passing of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer George Barber
The American Motorcyclist Association is saddened to learn of the passing of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer George Barber, who passed away at 85 years old.
Founder of the prestigious Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, Ala., home to the world’s largest collection of historic motorcycles, Barber had a unique impact on the motorcycling community.
Son of George H. Barber, founder of Barber Dairy and pioneer for dairy pasteurization in the United States, the younger Barber’s love for motor vehicles started early in his life. In the 1960s, Barber raced and wrenched on his own Porsche racers with great success, claiming a large collection of wins behind the wheel.
Barber’s interest in motorcycles began soon after, leading him to open his own museum and hire skilled workers to restore vintage motorcycles to help build his collection. At the same time, Barber operated a vintage motorcycle racing team, which raced across the United States and Europe.
In 1994, Barber’s museum gained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and was officially named the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
In 2002, Barber opted to close the original location of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, moving his collection to its current location in September 2003, an 830-acre complex that also includes a 2.38-mile road circuit.
For his longtime preservation of motorcycle history, Barber was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2014.
International Female Ride Day® 2026 Celebrates 20th Edition
International Female Ride Day® (IFRD) returns on Saturday, 2 May 2026, marking a powerful milestone: the 20th edition of the world’s only globally synchronised ride day dedicated to women riders. With participation expected across six continents, 120 countries, IFRD 2026 will see women riding publicly — together and solo — across road, track, trail, and every terrain in between.
To honour two decades of global impact, IFRD introduces a special 20th-edition milestone icon logo, created to mark the significance of the moment and spotlight the movement women riders have built worldwide — ride by ride, year after year.
“IFRD’s impact was built ride by ride,” states Vicki Gray, IFRD Founder. “Women joined because they saw women riding. Over two decades, that visibility became momentum — women riding publicly, taking their place, and being seen worldwide. This 20th edition celebrates how far women riders have moved motorcycling, motorsport, and powersports— and we’re only accelerating from here.”
Mega Celebrations – Local And Global
IFRD is not one centralized event — it’s a synchronized worldwide happening fuelled by local creativity and community. For 2026, organisers and participants are planning mega events and ride meet-ups across cities, small towns, and remote regions alike, including:
- Group rides and community meet-ups
- Dealership and retailer gatherings
- Skills clinics, training days, and track sessions
- Adventure rides, off-road meet-ups, and trail days
- Women-led rallies and region-wide ride outs
2026 Theme: Women Accelerate. The message is clear: women riders are present, progressing, and shaping the future of motorcycling, motorsports, and powersports worldwide.
How To Take Part
Participation is intentionally simple — so every woman rider can join in, anywhere in the world:
- “Just Ride!” on May 2, 2026 — solo or with others.
- Make it visible — ride publicly and proudly.
- Share your ride using official hashtags, including #InternationalFemaleRideDay, #IFRDWomenAccelerate , #IFRD
- Follow the official pages for updates, event spotlights, and global coverage.
20th-Edition Merchandise & Commemoratives
To celebrate the 20th edition milestone, special commemorative IFRD 2026 T-shirts are available — along with matching merchandise. A limited-edition 20th-edition commemorative patch is also in the works (limited run).
For details on how to participate or get involved, visit International Female Ride Day. online and follow the official IFRD Facebook page.
Polaris Unveils 2027 Snowmobile Lineup Built for Confidence, Capability, and Rider-First Performance
Today, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII), the global leader in powersports, announced its 2027 snowmobile lineup, delivering a new level of performance and innovation across mountain, trail, and utility riding. From race-proven mountain machines to premium trail performers and rugged Nordic-tested utility sleds, the 2027 lineup reflects Polaris’ commitment to building top-performing sleds for every rider.
“At Polaris, we set a high bar for performance and reliability—because our riders expect it, and so do we. With the 2027 lineup, we advanced power, response, and capability in ways that reflect the strength and focus of our team,” said Jenny Nack, vice president and general manager of Polaris Snow. “Reliability is engineered into these machines from the first design sketch to the last validation mile. Each model has been pushed, proven, and refined to perform in the toughest conditions.”
RMK Factory Edition and RMK SPS: Maximum Performance for Mountain Riders
Polaris continues to advance capability for mountain riders with the 2027 RMK Factory Edition and RMK SPS, each engineered for two distinct types of riders.
The RMK Factory Edition was born on the Hill Climb racecourse, carrying that competition-proven performance and toughness into the backcountry. Built on the proven Matryx RMK platform, it features Walker Evans Racing Factory Edition shocks designed for aggressive riding and superior bottom-out control. Heavy-duty rails and a reinforced rear bumper, both 40 percent stronger, deliver the strength riders need when navigating steep, technical terrain. Designed for those who push their sled hard, the RMK Factory Edition is available exclusively during SnowCheck.
The RMK SPS offers riders an approachable entry point into deep-snow performance, pairing the short-tunnel Matryx SPS platform with responsive, confidence-building handling. Its Polaris IFP suspension delivers consistent, predictable performance across changing conditions, while the available Patriot 850 and Patriot 9R engines provide quick throttle response and accessible power.
INDY VR1: Trail Performance Elevated
For more than four decades, INDY has defined trail performance. Polaris elevates the INDY VR1 once again in 2027 by pairing its precise handling and ride comfort with the ultra-responsive Patriot 9R engine. This highly requested combination – uniting 9R power with DYNAMIX Active Suspension’s real-time shock adjustments – sharpens handling and enhances ride quality by continuously adapting to terrain inputs and rider movement. The result is a sled that feels coordinated with the rider, reacts instantly, and builds confidence on every mile. The 2027 Patriot 9R INDY VR1 is offered exclusively through SnowCheck.
New INDY 200: Expanding the Future of Snowmobiling
The new INDY 200 reflects Polaris’ commitment to growing the sport by creating meaningful entry points for young riders. Built on the proven 200 platform and trail-certified for confidence, it offers the next generation of riders a capable, approachable way to experience snowmobiling and build foundational skills; all with easy, youth-friendly features that help them feel comfortable, in control, and excited to keep exploring.
Voyageur Nordic Pro & TITAN Nordic Pro: Nordic-Proven Utility and Crossover Capability
The bestselling Polaris Nordic models are now available in North America with the 2027 Voyageur Nordic Pro and TITAN Nordic Pro, delivering proven capability for riders who need strength, agility, and all-terrain confidence. These Nordic-inspired machines are engineered for real-world utility and adventure, whether towing, hauling, or pushing deeper into remote terrain. Standard FOX® QS3® shocks provide a new level of suspension control along with premium standard features such as the 7S Display with RIDE COMMAND, integrated storage solutions, and deep-snow-focused track designs. The Voyageur Nordic Pro is available with both the smooth, predictable, and quick-accelerating power of the 650 Patriot and the proven reliability of ProStar S4 engine. The TITAN Nordic Pro pairs the proven ProStar S4 engine with the added option of the 850 Patriot for riders seeking big power performance.
Together, these Nordic Pro models give riders sleds built to tow, haul, explore, and manage tough winter conditions, while still delivering the spirited, playful performance Polaris riders expect.
SnowCheck: Exclusive Access to Top-Tier Performance Models
SnowCheck, the once-a-year opportunity for riders to claim exclusive models and features along with our best warranty, is available now through March 13, 2026. Models only available during SnowCheck 2027 include: RMK Factory Edition, PRO RMK, RMK Khaos, Switchback Assault, INDY VR1, and the INDY XCR. For more information or to place an order, visit www.polaris.com/snowcheck.
For more information on Polaris snowmobiles visit www.polaris.com/snowmobiles or by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Fox® and QS3® are registered trademarks of Fox Factory Inc.
Ski-Doo Unveils New, Improved Features and Technologies to Make the Most Out of Winter
Ski-Doo, iconic brand of BRP Inc. (TSX: DOO) (NASDAQ: DOO), proudly introduces its Model Year 2027 snowmobiles, designed to elevate every winter adventure. The new lineup features completely redesigned Skandic and Tundra models, a new Rotax 600RR E-TEC engine with class-leading power, a wilder Freeride with the mullet attitude of business in front and party out back, and deep snow sleds that continue to get lighter and more precise. Topping it off are X-RS 20th anniversary models that celebrate Ski-Doo’s race track to production snowmobile heritage and the Expedition line that offers a huge value proposition.
Skandic and Tundra Models: Next-Level Comfort and Versatility
Already the clear leader in the Utility segment with strong, reliable performance day in and day out, the 2027 Ski-Doo Skandic and Tundra raise the bar further:
- Built on the REV Gen5 platform in 2027 for cutting-edge technology and modern styling, now standard on all models.
- Equipped with the uMotion rear suspension that incorporates the latest design concepts to deliver exceptional on- and off-trail performance and comfort.
- Enhanced versatility with the Multi LinQ Plate for full accessory integration and a redesigned Cargo Box (SE package only) for quick adaptability.
- Modern look and feel combined with unmatched capability make Skandic and Tundra the ultimate utility snowmobiles for work and play.
Expedition LE: Best Value with Premium Features
For 2027, Ski-Doo brings the Expedition model to new places with the combination of the 16-inch platform and the premium features of the LE package – and delivers it at a price that makes it more accessible than ever. That’s value anyone can appreciate.
- New 16-inch-wide track Expedition LE version comes with heated and shielded handholds with visor plug for the passenger, driver visor plug, mirrors, HD front bumper, rear rack, upgraded shocks and more.
- Special rich LE color scheme lets it stand out amongst its peers.
Rotax 600RR E-TEC Engine: Class-leading Power with Smart Technology
A new engine that provides the middle horsepower 2-stroke buyer exactly what they want: more power and faster response with less operating costs – plus some extra benefits.
- Most powerful engine in its class with 130 horsepower.
- Same booster injectors from 600RS E-TEC and 850 E-TEC engines for 20% faster throttle response and instantaneous acceleration.
- Oil consumption is reduced by 20%. Riders can be confident of long engine life when using the new XPS E-TEC MAX formula oil.
- Industry-first Sport and Eco modes on a 2-stroke engine.
- Eco Mode reduces fuel consumption by 5%.
- Riders will also appreciate the Eco Mode performance as it reacts to throttle demands seamlessly for more power, then returns to Eco automatically.
- Industry-first Silent-Stop technology allows easy conversation or listening when engaged, and can be switched on and off as desired.
Deep Snow Models: Lighter, Stronger, More Agile
Inspired by the most extreme Ski-Doo deep snow riders, mountain fanatics will find 2027 Freeride and Summit models pushing innovation further:
- Up to 14 lbs (6.3 kg) weight reduction on the Freeride with the first lightweight OEM 147 x 15 x 3-inch track with a 3.5 -inch pitch in 2027 – which makes the 147-inch version 18 lbs (8.2 kg) lighter over the past two years – and up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg) less on the 154 and 146 length versions in that time frame1.
- Freeride with the adjustable limiter strap and bright Ultraviolet II color embraces a mullet attitude – business in front and party out back – that reflects the rider’s boldness.
- Summit Expert loses another 4 lbs (1.8 kg) for a total of 12 lbs (5.4 kg) in two years as it adds the tMotion L/O with coil over rear suspension, forged aluminum a-arms and lighter frame components1.
- Summit Edge, only available in North America, aligns with Expert characteristics and features while Summit Adrenaline aligns with X characteristics and features while dropping 4 (1.8 kg) and 8 lbs (3.6 kg) respectively1.
Exclusive 20th Anniversary X-RS Packages
- MXZ, Renegade and Backcountry X-RS packages that celebrate racing heritage and the first X-RS that formed the most direct link of race track technology to production snowmobiles.
- Special coloration and details make these stand out – including Evo Bee emblems that are a throwback to one of the most intense racing times in snowmobile history.
For complete details on the 2027 Ski-Doo lineup, visit www.ski-doo.com.
