So Who's it Gonna Be?

[Jaynelson]

We had talked about this a few years back - and basically the same coconut is still hanging out there. The 2017 models aren't all out yet, but I doubt this question will be answered in the 2017 model year.

Who is going to be the first to build a machine that establishes middle ground between the current sleds and the snow bike? Will this eventually be a way manufacturers go - or will we just slightly nicer/brighter/lighter/more powerful model updates on the ~5 year schedule? Ala the Axys or new Doo...huge upgrades, but still the same basic shape.

It seems like the tools are out there to build something that just KILLS even the newest stuff for mountain technical riding...say...13-14" wide 3-3.2" lug convex cut track. Narrow up panels further with lower profile clutches, exhaust and more airflow underhood. 32" ish stance. Or maybe even more extreme with some of those numbers...thoughts? Retain the power and traction of a sled, (nearly) the maneuverability of a bike. Less power loss from lighter track, less weight from less materials, etc, etc.

Completely not for the non-agressive or non-mountain rider - don't need a bunch of track lengths...just 1 or 2. Doesn't seem massively expensive to engineer.

Would it sell? Or are more people interested in factory turbo or something along those lines? Doo just commited to years with the new chassis. Arctic Cat...I just can't see it, but you never know. The snowbike they were showing is just that. Yamaha....yaaa. So I would *think* Pol would be the first to push this to the next level...but do you think it will happen and is there the market?

 

[meathooker]

Polaris almost has to have this or a single ski in the works - but I doubt it'll be this year. Too close to the timber buyout for r&d

 

[Jaynelson]

That's another option...a single ski with something more powerful than a dirtbike motor, but not like a snowhawk

 

[89sandman]

Not everyone is interested in a snowbike. There are a few area's where it has it's advantages but many others where it sucks. I like it to riding a motorcycle at the dunes vs. a quad, sucks up the whoops and is a smoother ride but you have to "ride" it all the time. Can't ever just relax and cruise along, stop paying attention and soon you'll be laying in the sand. In the pow the bike gives you no protection from the snow. Stopping and starting in deep pow is a pain, ever rode one on a groomed or hardpacked trail? Picking the thing up in the pow is a pita after you dump it. Once you start adding more hp then your adding weight which will require more fuel which will again add more weight. There is a place for a snowbike and some people who love them but they will never replace sleds.

 

[wellfed777]

never say never ha ha ha ha ha

i actually agree i have both they're different animals

 

[TimG]

Here's what Mountainhorse posted a couple years ago- a concept he called the "Xtreme Terrain Dominator":

http://www.snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=375882

He's awfully knowledgeable and connected in the industry, and his concept in that thread is very detailed, right down to patent drawings. Was this more than just a guess? Did he know way back then what was in the works for '17?

Adding to the case is that '16 Axys buyers received another golden ticket. Did Polaris do this because the Axys was really only the first part of a double whammy? I never understood why else they would offer it. They gave it to buyers of '15s because everyone strongly suspected there was something new for '16, but why give it to buyers of the '16?

The only reason I can see is that they knew they'd be releasing another new machine in '17 and some '16 buyers would be kicking themselves for not waiting. The golden ticket would give them the incentive to switch to the new "Xtreme Terrain Dominator." Guys who bought the Axys and didn't want the new one wouldn't need to use their golden ticket. Win-win for Polaris.

 

[goridedoo]

I think we will slowly get to that point. Sleds are only gonna get smaller and narrower IMO. Im betting Polaris 2021 will be a similar sled to what you described. And I think we will see a snowbike sometime between now and then from both Poo and Cat. I would bet that the mountain machines are really going to separate into 3 classes over the next 5 or so years #1.The wide HCR/Freeride/Assualt style sleds at around 40-44" for hillclimbing, jumpers, and sit down mountain riders #2.Technical backcountry sleds that will become narrower and eventually in the 28-32" ski stance range #3. Single ski machines AKA snowbikes... But much more capable then the current offerings- snow specific, built for the cold, higher horse, cvt.... The real "gamechanger".

I bet we will see more changes in snowmobiling in the next 5 or so years than we have in the last 10. Cant wait to see how things evolve.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

I sure hope so.
A deep snow capable bike with decent power.
A new sport.
The bike kit guys might see a hit in sales......


Skidoo aims for the "big mountain / meadow muncher" crowd for sure.
Poo seems most likely to do a bike or near bike.

Definitely a smaller amount of guys wanting the always active/ aggressive riding style.

I think a bike would sell well.

 

[apex 9420t]

Iam pretty sure it's gonna be yamaha that puts out the next machine that really pushes the envelope and changes the game. Maybe not this year but within the next 5

 

[Sage Crusher]

A little birdie told me yesterday that rides with Polaris test crew- that the 13 wide has been on the snow for a few years developing and is still under wraps--narrower ski stance than what we have today.. I kinda called BS on our chat but he said hide and watch..... it's just around the corner.
I dunno but sure was made sense from what they are currently doing.

S/C

 

[bailer]

So narrow seems to be a popular topic.
I predict Polaris will go to a 36" stance for 2017.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

Iam pretty sure it's gonna be yamaha that puts out the next machine that really pushes the envelope and changes the game. Maybe not this year but within the next 5

You're loyalty is commendable.
But....

I've heard the same thing every year for the last 15 years.......

 

[sledheader]

So narrow seems to be a popular topic.
I predict Polaris will go to a 36" stance for 2017.

Possibly a snowcheck option but I doubt it will be standard. I have a 36" on my axys and it is awesome...but it definitely wants you to ride it. I know a couple people (older) who already don't like the axys in stock form because it takes too active of riding style. I think making it standard would hurt overall sales of the RMK

 

[Pro-8250]

I don't know what the answer is but I do know people are getting out of snowmobiling because of the costs. Low snow years don't help either. And if you look at side by side and ATV sales compared to sled sales, it's not even close.

 

[geo]

Iam pretty sure it's gonna be yamaha that puts out the next machine that really pushes the envelope and changes the game. Maybe not this year but within the next 5

I think it will be Honda lol.


With motorized toys on land there are sledder's, quader's, snowbiker's, dirt biker's and street rider's. If someone could make a new segment market by appealing to a few of each economic group it could be the "next thing" for winter.
Decisions (expensive ones) of which way to lean (one ski and open design or two close together ski's and enclosed) could make or break the first intro.

Looking back, maybe the Hawk was ahead of it's time. Imagine a decade or two of modern development in chassis, material and components with an 850 Etec and cvt stuffed in there.

I am sure everyone has had or ridden a CR500 at one point in their life and remembers it vividly lol.

 

[tuneman]

Yep, looks like Honda will be first...

If you haven't seen this yet, search for the CVT snowbike thread on here. It's got a 600 Etec and so far a big success. Polaris will probably be the first to come out with a full production bike. Lots of issues to overcome though: cold engines, cold ride, loud exhaust, extremely high seat, small fuel tank, clutching, etc...

 

[89sandman]

Sure hope they are planning on some kind of guard for the clutch

 

[Sage Crusher]

I don't know what the answer is but I do know people are getting out of snowmobiling because of the costs. Low snow years don't help either. And if you look at side by side and ATV sales compared to sled sales, it's not even close.

And us older gents sure like the cab heater option- but the UTV are $20K + +++++++

S/C

 

[geo]

Ya I did see that Tuneman. Exciting but open.

I have an acquaintance who's been renting sleds for 25yrs. Lot's of seasonal rental to government, Hydro, pipeline guys. Few want a sled anymore. Too open.
Most ask for and safety policy now requires lol, enclosed UTV with 4 tracks. ATV's with tracks go to the apprentice.
That's work for sure but you have to know they like to have fun at work too.

 

[Sheetmetalfab]

Ya I did see that Tuneman. Exciting but open.

I have an acquaintance who's been renting sleds for 25yrs. Lot's of seasonal rental to government, Hydro, pipeline guys. Few want a sled anymore. Too open.
Most ask for and safety policy now requires lol, enclosed UTV with 4 tracks. ATV's with tracks go to the apprentice.
That's work for sure but you have to know they like to have fun at work too.

I hope snowbikes wouldn't target govt or working types.........

I want something that's a riot to ride.
Twist the throttle and scare yourself power.


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