With as successful of run with the XP as Ski Doo has had... I think they will NOT be "Throwing out the baby with the bathwater".
This is my SPECULATION for the new sled.
The chassis itself will remain the same... same tunnel, drive train, pyramid, a-arms/spindles... There will be some refinements...like some braces here and there, stronger drop brackets, a bit smaller coolant loop to save some weight and a bit different running board layout for better snow evacuation. I like to see some creative use of non-stick coatings so that the sled does not gain weight from ice and snow build up as much.
The Big changes will be in the bodywork, rear suspension and steering.
The AC lawsuit smells of Doo wanting to bargain for something... that something, IMO, is to ditch the ole torsion spring skid and go with a coil over or air shock rear to shed some serious pounds... and a rail redesign.
The Bodywork will be narrowed up for better sidehilling and less "panneling-out" in deep snow... especially with that narrow front end... this will take a bit of work... but will be able to be pulled off... maybe a less bulky primary clutch and a redesigned exhaust. The tank and seat will be changed to give it a "new look'
The steering, on the mountain sled will be changed to a more pivoting like design... rather that the current swing design that seems to lend itself to ISOC and trail action.... try out a new AC with the different steering options and you will see what I mean.... This new steering will produce a sled that is easier for less experienced riders to enjoy and attack more technical situations with less fatigue and less mistakes in the backcountry.
The E-Tec engine is pretty awesome... no need to change that.
The secondary, I predict, will go the way of the SkiDoo accessories floating secondary.
I think you might just see a 15" track as an early order option on the Mtn sleds as well.
Will this 2013 or 2014... that is the question...
Refine what you have Ski Doo!!... no need for HUGE investments in re-design when a body change and taking a great machine to a higher level will give the riders out there just what they are looking for!!!
PRAY FOR SNOW
This is my SPECULATION for the new sled.
The chassis itself will remain the same... same tunnel, drive train, pyramid, a-arms/spindles... There will be some refinements...like some braces here and there, stronger drop brackets, a bit smaller coolant loop to save some weight and a bit different running board layout for better snow evacuation. I like to see some creative use of non-stick coatings so that the sled does not gain weight from ice and snow build up as much.
The Big changes will be in the bodywork, rear suspension and steering.
The AC lawsuit smells of Doo wanting to bargain for something... that something, IMO, is to ditch the ole torsion spring skid and go with a coil over or air shock rear to shed some serious pounds... and a rail redesign.
The Bodywork will be narrowed up for better sidehilling and less "panneling-out" in deep snow... especially with that narrow front end... this will take a bit of work... but will be able to be pulled off... maybe a less bulky primary clutch and a redesigned exhaust. The tank and seat will be changed to give it a "new look'
The steering, on the mountain sled will be changed to a more pivoting like design... rather that the current swing design that seems to lend itself to ISOC and trail action.... try out a new AC with the different steering options and you will see what I mean.... This new steering will produce a sled that is easier for less experienced riders to enjoy and attack more technical situations with less fatigue and less mistakes in the backcountry.
The E-Tec engine is pretty awesome... no need to change that.
The secondary, I predict, will go the way of the SkiDoo accessories floating secondary.
I think you might just see a 15" track as an early order option on the Mtn sleds as well.
Will this 2013 or 2014... that is the question...
Refine what you have Ski Doo!!... no need for HUGE investments in re-design when a body change and taking a great machine to a higher level will give the riders out there just what they are looking for!!!
PRAY FOR SNOW
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