AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com
Is there a Honda snowmobile on the horizon? The existence of patent applications make it seem likely.
With rumors swirling on the Web forums, AmSnow decided check the rumors at their source - the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and then ask Honda, "What's up?"
The patent applications - filed between February and April 2005 - contain detailed information on plans for a Honda snowmobile. We'd been leery of the rumor, but after a hard look we think these applications could be a solid precurser to a new player in the market.
Yet these are only applications, so don't think of this as a definite deal. Many applications like these don't ever end up being built.Certainly that's Honda's take ... for now.
Gary Christopher, Honda's senior manager for motorcycle press & sports, says Honda has no "imminent" plans to enter the snowmobile market because it's "too volatile." He also isn't aware of a working prototype of the sled shown in the patent filing.
However, Christopher said he does know the company has followed the snowmobile market since the 1970s, frequently building prototypes. "Over the years we have a pretty hefty investment in it," he said.
In addition, he said Honda "has in the last seven years looked at it more seriously." He noted that in that time the company has studied newer suspension and drive system designs and has had a new working prototype in the last two years. He couldn't say if the drawings are of that sled though.
Peter Visscher, a mechanical engineer, suspension inventor and friend of the magazine has studied the patents in detail and talked to AmSnow about his thoughts on this possible machine.
"The sled is described in the patents as a big-bore, 4-cylinder, 4-stroke that could take aim at Yamaha's Apex," said Visscher. "The engine is normally aspirated and fuel- injected with exhaust pipes exiting forward, contrary to Yamahas."
Christopher notes that all of Honda's watercraft use 4-stroke engines and its products are aimed at the top-end of the market.
Looking at the drawings, we also noticed the air box sits where you'd normally find the fuel tank, much like a sport bike. The fuel tank is situated underneath the rider and the handlebars and steering post look to stand over the engine. It's similar to Yamaha's more rider-forward machines, but don't look to be as far forward as Ski-Doo's REV. The diagram shows an outside form similar to many Ski-Doo sleds though.
Visscher points out that the Honda application also has a claim for an adjustable steering post that could be similar to Polaris' Rider Select system. From patent diagrams you can see the engine sits farther back than in many of today's sleds. By situating the fuel tank over the tunnel, it looks like Honda is trying a new attempt at balancing the sled.
"Honda looks to be improving the moment of inertia of the rider and machine," said Visscher. "The engine diagram looks to show a primary clutch mounted directly to the crank and there is no counter-balancer visible."
He believes the sled to be a 130- to 150-horse low-revving machine with big ccs. Honda has a 137-hp 1253cc watercraft engine, and with a turbo it can push 160+ horses.
What are our concerns? Weight and handling. Diagrams show a double A-arm front suspension, but its rear suspension is less detailed.
What will it take for Honda to make a decision and enter the sled market?
Christopher said there are many parallels with the watercraft industry, which he says Honda studied for years before entering with an all 4-stroke lineup. That market leveled out in the 70,000-80,000 unit range before Honda jumped in, with expectations it would grow to more than 100,000 units.
Worldwide Sled unit sales dipped in the 2004-'05 season to 173,733 from 181,336 a year earlier, according to the International Snowmobile Manufacturer's Association. Some industry sources say a firm likely would need to sell about 20,000 units to break even.
Christopher said its powersports dealers find the idea of selling snowmobiles "attractive" and "they need more than ATVs and watercraft," he said.
There seem to be a lot of what ifs for Honda, but a strong industry sales year with good snow could tip the scales. For now, it looks like a 2007 model is unlikely. After that, we'll have to wait and see.
We'll keep you informed!