Some of the other big downfalls IMO of the SBA are the deep tunnel, wide running boards, wide footwells/overstructure, wider belly pan, and different seat and tank. I am fully with you though- as I've mentioned in numberous places. There is a need for 144/146x2.6 RMK/SKS that is identical to the 155 versions only shorter. Belt drive AND front cooler please
As said I think they really missed the mark by doing a 174 and not a purpose built mountain 144. There is a big market for the 140 something mountain sled in AK, the midwest, the east, europe, and even in the west. There will be a few flatlanders who buy 174s just to have the biggest sled and the remaining few will likely be sold to those who ride BC (which is a mostly dominated by doo anyway).