Raider Snowmobile

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Raider snowmobiles were developed by Leisure Vehicles, Inc. from 1970-1975. Leisure Vehicles, Inc. was founded by Bob Bracey, who had assisted in developing the legendary Ford GT40 a few years earlier.

Raider snowmobiles are unique for their use of a rear mounted engine, twin track design, and cockpit seating, all of which were revolutionary ideas for the snowmobile industry in the 1970s.

[edit] Models

From 1970-1972, there were two models, the Bandit and the Roamer. Only a few hundred of these snowmobiles were manufactured.

For the 1972 model year, there were four levels of Raider snowmobiles that could be purchased, the 290, 340, 400, and 440. The 1972 Raider was significantly redesigned from the 1971 model year.

In 1973, the Raider snowmobile was drastically redesigned. The snowmobile was given more of a futuristic design, and the sales drastically increased as a result. There were two models available in 1973, the 340TT and the 440TT.

The 1974 Raider Snowmobiles experienced a few revisions from the 1973 model. The biggest changes were revised graphics on the snowmobile. The 1974 model year also marked the addition of a new model to the Raider lineup, the Double Eagle. The Double Eagle was larger and more powerful than the smaller Hawk and Eagle models.

The 1975 model year would mark the last time that a Raider snowmobile would be manufactured. Very few 1975 Raider snowmobiles were manufactured, and they included a revised Double Eagle that was now red opposed to yellow, and an Eagle that was now light blue. Leisure Vehicles had intended to create a two-person, side-by-side Raider designated as the Twin Eagle for 1975, but it was not manufactured.

1975 was a tumultous year for snowmobiles, due to a poor snow season, increasing emission restricitions, and higher gas prices. As a result many snowmobile manufacturers were forced into bankruptcy, including Leisure Vehicles.