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Is ABS the future of sled brakes?We happened to catch a video of Hayes' testing an anti-lock braking system for the Honda Goldwing motorcycles on our tour. We know this technology is already in use in the motorcyle industry, but will we see ABS in a snowmobile soon?
While the engineers would not confirm that they are working on an ABS system for sleds, they would not deny it either. Reps also relayed to us that future braking systems will use even more electronics, sensing, and software technology.
In addition, you will continue to see a proliferation of composite materials and new designs in brake systems aimed at shedding weight. The engineers told us that this is a top priority for every sled OEM they supply. You also will most likely see companies like Hayes move into the aftermarket industry and begin supplying brake levers, cylinders, pads, and possibly even LED lighting systems, mirrors, billet pieces and more to consumers. This is a very high profit margin area especially for a large manufacturer like Hayes, due to high volume possibilities and its in-house expertise.
Hayes Brake also scouts new talent and technology at the collegiate SAE Challenge up in Houghton, Mich., every year. Hayes reps are intimately involved with judging, recruiting, and learning along with the college students involved in this cutting edge clean snowmobile building contest each March. So don't be surprised if something that is unveiled on a sled up there makes its way into production at Hayes.
Finally, increased use by the military of braking systems from high-performance manufacturers like Hayes may also increase, which means more lucrative contracts and more units and more opportunity for Hayes to expand.