What does 2011 have in store for us brand loyals?

[XC700116]

If I could say 5 things to Polaris about general product lines it would be

1. wider running boards
2. more tunnel clearance
3. Better track (just put camo extremes on and be done with it.) Camoplast has done the research so quit trying to reinvent something and doing it half assed.
4. Motor reliability and bigger bore Cat needs some competition for the M1K, Think outside the box and hire qualified engine designers that know how to build a motor that won't destroy itself (think IndyDan for Cranks etc)
5. Ship them without gearing, clutching, torsion springs and bar risers and leave those things to the dealers to set up for thier customers based on thier riding style and body type. Then maybe we would start to see a decent development effort from the dealers by and large, instead of having to go to a few dealers spread out across the country to get a decent clutching setup. Yes some will still be better than others but at least you wouldn't always have to pay a bunch extra only to end up with stock parts laying around that aren't worth half what it cost for the new stuff you just put on to make it right for you.

I know this is a pipe dream but it doesn't require a major retooling at the factory and the dealers that provide the best setup and service will further separate themselves from those that just sell sleds and parts. While turning the buying experience into something more along the lines of buying a suit and getting it taylored for you vs buying off the shelf.

As for the more specific stuff I'm pretty much in agreement with MH on that stuff

 

[fitler]

5. Ship them without gearing, clutching, torsion springs and bar risers and leave those things to the dealers to set up for thier customers based on thier riding style and body type. Then maybe we would start to see a decent development effort from the dealers by and large, instead of having to go to a few dealers spread out across the country to get a decent clutching setup. Yes some will still be better than others but at least you wouldn't always have to pay a bunch extra only to end up with stock parts laying around that aren't worth half what it cost for the new stuff you just put on to make it right for you.

Good idea, and it would require very little change in business model of polaris. I might even buy a new sled someday if i had these types of options. I just can't ever justify a new sled if i know i'm going to spend another 3-4 grand setting it up to my liking.

 

[turbo RMK]

I strongly agree with XC700116 on the first 4 listed..

I just picked up my snow check 2010 dragon 163 and already pulled it apart to change gearing and clutching but # 5 is way to confuzing beacuse it would take way to long to set up a sled from pdi it would be nice for people who know what they want but most people don't have a clue. it would be better if polaris made it a option to have a different set of gears that would be cheep or to swap out with stock at no charge but the ONE thing that polaris needs to do is run a full set of extroverts not just the one in the middle that does nothing every other brand has them so what is polaris thinking i had a set from avids on my 08 dragon and wow the difference it made.. looser tracks spin alot easier

 

[CATKILLER]

i think #5 is a good idea but would never happen
what would be good also is make it like a car manufacture and be able to go to your dealer and order with the options that you want like gearing and what not

i can tell a dealer if i want leather or not and what size rims why cant polaris do the little things we want?

 

[mountainhorse]

They could... but your sled would cost even more...

Just the basics of running a mfg business.

I'm sure that Polaris would like to do it too... but the sleds would be so expensive they would go out of business.

 

[Trenchmaster]

They could... but your sled would cost even more...

Just the basics of running a mfg business.

I'm sure that Polaris would like to do it too... but the sleds would be so expensive they would go out of business.

Not dissagreeing with this but Polaris does do it with the Victory bikes. Maybe there is more profit margin with them.

 

[94fordguy]

Id like to see them move us forward another inch or so. I have a lot of rides on the trail with the family to that dinner spot in the evenings and being able to get another inch forward would really help out in keeping the front on the ground on the corners and still let it float when Im riding in the deep stuff.

I would agree with this.

I don't have a lot of time on the newer chassis, but the one thing I personally notice about the RAW sleds over the original IQ is that it seems like you are unable to get your feet far enough forward in relation to the bars just to stand up straight, it seems as though you are constantly leaning forward over the bars with the newer foot-well changes.

A good analogy to this would be while carving, especially coming down a hill, If your leaning forward as opposed to standing straight up relative to the chassis, its not going to be too easy to pull your weight back and kick the rear end out to turn.

I may be totally off base here as I said my time on the newer chassis is very limited, but those are my initial reactions..

My $.02 For what it's worth

 

[ne1cadrgn]

Lets not forget the heavy duty springs.... were not all 150lbs and stock dragon springs BLOW after one year.

 

[XC700116]

They could... but your sled would cost even more...

Just the basics of running a mfg business.

I'm sure that Polaris would like to do it too... but the sleds would be so expensive they would go out of business.

This is why I say ship without and leave it to the dealers, that's part of the job of a good dealer and it would cut costs at the factory.

The buyer comes in and the dealer askes a few basic questions about riding style, weight, height, where they ride, ect. and then goes from there. wouldn't be that tough. there's a pile of guys on here that basicly do it for others all the time.