barkingdog
New member
I just have not been able to get into the new body styles of today's sleds...the short noses that slant downward and the long rear ends. Is it just me or do others miss the sleds of the early 2000's and before?
Do you like or dislike the body styles of new sleds?
- Thread starter barkingdog
- Start date
dfattack
Well-known member
I agree to some extent. I don't like the newer Yamaha Nytro type look where the hood is almost nonexistent. I really like the current Apex style myself. I didn't care for the RX-1 looks, but thought the SXViper was an awesome looking sled. I preferred the older Doos as well. I don't care for the newer skidoo rider forward sleds compared to the previous generation. I'm talking about looks here, not technology. Can't compare the ride to the older machines.
Overall I prefer the traditional styles with the newer technology. It seems the newer "kid" style machines are also seriously lacking wind and cold protection.
I have four sleds and I'm usually buying one per year. Each purchase prompts a survey and on the last one I said "enough already with the windshields that don't do anything for protection. Stop making me buy a mid-height windshield before I even put one mile on the machine. If the kids want the lower windshield, let them buy it." This year the new Apex's have the mid-height windshields stock. I'd like to think that me and everyone else that probably said the same thing finally woke them up. Especially when it's the "seasoned" customers who are paying the big bucks for these newer machines.
The newer machines that look like they have a harelip don't do much for me.
Overall I prefer the traditional styles with the newer technology. It seems the newer "kid" style machines are also seriously lacking wind and cold protection.
I have four sleds and I'm usually buying one per year. Each purchase prompts a survey and on the last one I said "enough already with the windshields that don't do anything for protection. Stop making me buy a mid-height windshield before I even put one mile on the machine. If the kids want the lower windshield, let them buy it." This year the new Apex's have the mid-height windshields stock. I'd like to think that me and everyone else that probably said the same thing finally woke them up. Especially when it's the "seasoned" customers who are paying the big bucks for these newer machines.
The newer machines that look like they have a harelip don't do much for me.
favoritos
Well-known member
I have to agree on the windshield thing. Seems like most of the small hood styles look pretty dorky when you do add the taller windshield. I would rather ride and stay warm, so I put the tall shields on the sled. It is kinda funny, I have a brand new stock windshield every time I trade in a sled.
I like the radical look on some of the newer sleds but they just are not practical. The weight loss has made the back of the tunnels crumple with just about any type of a hit. Some of these same weak tunnels have the heat exchanger incorporated right into the tunnel. Now you have more parts to replace.
I have to admit that the multi piece hoods seem to hold up better though. The old days of replacing that expensive hood after a slight roll are gone. But it is harder to work on the machines. Some of these sleds need tools out before you even remove the hood.
Overall, the new sleds are more appealing to look at, but less practical for riding in cold temps. Thank God they ride smoother.
I like the radical look on some of the newer sleds but they just are not practical. The weight loss has made the back of the tunnels crumple with just about any type of a hit. Some of these same weak tunnels have the heat exchanger incorporated right into the tunnel. Now you have more parts to replace.
I have to admit that the multi piece hoods seem to hold up better though. The old days of replacing that expensive hood after a slight roll are gone. But it is harder to work on the machines. Some of these sleds need tools out before you even remove the hood.
Overall, the new sleds are more appealing to look at, but less practical for riding in cold temps. Thank God they ride smoother.
Just talking looks here, and just my opinion. Cat and Doo make a good looking sled. The front of the Rush is not to bad, either. A profile of a Rush is just ugly, I just don't like the way that rear suspension looks. Yamaha makes a good sled, just not an attractive one.
Now don't bash me here, it's just my opinion. Worth about 2 cents.
Now don't bash me here, it's just my opinion. Worth about 2 cents.
it's not the newstyle's that i don't like it's the total lack of wind protection on most that i think is joke.. they seem to forget that we ride in -30 to 30 deg weather , are 40 year's old(AVERAGE) and still like to rip it up at 60,70,80,90 mph..i could hinestly give a crap if my sled does 97 or even 88 , so i loose 2/3 mph... give me back warmth and protection of the older sled's ..
indy_500
Well-known member
x2 times are changing, they ain't gonna go back...
booondocker
New member
Actually the makers are VERY sensitive to perception and functionality. They know that if you aren't happy, then you won't be back. Unfortunately, the rags all rave over out west riding where temps are often balmy compared to the refrigerator weather the Midwest gets and most must ride in.
So go ahead and let them know in the show room and the ride shows. Sometimes practical leads the day and just because it is new doesn't make it better. If enough give them the message, they will modify things to get back into the fold.
While the newer sleds do ride nice, and go like rockets, there really isn't THAT much difference between the 5 year old sleds and cost half as much as the new "high tech" sleds. Minor improvements for sure, but not quantum leaps like 10 years and older. Jump on one of the deluxe sleds made around 2000-2004, and they still do a darn good job.
When I see the new "low profile" windshields, I just shake my head and laugh....and when you see the young pups who buy them walk in because of cold hands, or complain about poor performing hand warmers, it simply supports the premise that wind protection is just as important today as it was years ago....the "kids" just don't know any better.
So go ahead and let them know in the show room and the ride shows. Sometimes practical leads the day and just because it is new doesn't make it better. If enough give them the message, they will modify things to get back into the fold.
While the newer sleds do ride nice, and go like rockets, there really isn't THAT much difference between the 5 year old sleds and cost half as much as the new "high tech" sleds. Minor improvements for sure, but not quantum leaps like 10 years and older. Jump on one of the deluxe sleds made around 2000-2004, and they still do a darn good job.
When I see the new "low profile" windshields, I just shake my head and laugh....and when you see the young pups who buy them walk in because of cold hands, or complain about poor performing hand warmers, it simply supports the premise that wind protection is just as important today as it was years ago....the "kids" just don't know any better.
eagle1
Well-known member
Like most of newer looking sleds and being really cold on my Nytro has never been a problem with taller shield and decent gear.
Just can't believe with all these long open tunnels they can't put decent storage on them but then I guess they wouldn't sell many bags and accessories.
Just can't believe with all these long open tunnels they can't put decent storage on them but then I guess they wouldn't sell many bags and accessories.
D
Deleted member 10829
Guest
I like to stay warm, so windshield height is important to me too. Polaris does not ship a windshield with the new Rush models, at the dealer you get to chose between 3 different heights. Good idea.
polarisrider1
New member
X2. Love a short windshield. Wear warmer clothes and a good full face helmet. Short windshilds are not new, my 85 SRV had a shorty stock. I like some of the new and old both. The phazer and the rush look like they are missing parts, to me.
I agree, shorter windshields and good clothing are what I like. I can see the appeal of a huge windshield for huge cruises/touring though. I'm always above the shield when standing either way.
arcticgeorge
New member
No.....too futuristic
i love Arctic Cat but i hate the way the new headlight looks, Yamaha's look ok but offer no wind protection on your legs! Small shield ok but your legs? I do not like the look of Polaris with the snub nose. .............This was a question in a snow mag recently and the guy replied that the makers of sled are more worried about having the next new radical look than wind protection.
i love Arctic Cat but i hate the way the new headlight looks, Yamaha's look ok but offer no wind protection on your legs! Small shield ok but your legs? I do not like the look of Polaris with the snub nose. .............This was a question in a snow mag recently and the guy replied that the makers of sled are more worried about having the next new radical look than wind protection.
polarisrider1
New member
It is nice they make all the different sleds, that way you have choices. Big windshields? may just as well ride around in your car with the heated seats. I can't stand the distortion of the view thru a bent pc. of plastic. Everyone likes different I guess. There is much more to style than just a windshield. My question is where is the back half to the Rush. We all learned that a sled should have the back half. Skidoo got rid of the "Beaver tail" fast enough. Yamaha has looked strange since the first Phazers came out yet we bought them. Dang I miss the first Vmax's with the Rad. in the hood. Same with the bikes, crotch rockets vs. traditional bikes. Personal preference prevails. I like "Old School" yet I like new reliable technology too.
700classic
New member
Short or tall Windshield??Love the heated seats in my wife's 300M.
polarisrider1
New member
Short or tall Windshield??
To Skylar a short is a tall, kinda like Starbucks. (sorry, Skylar but you was wide open for that).
dfattack
Well-known member
To Skylar a short is a tall, kinda like Starbucks. (sorry, Skylar but you was wide open for that).
It seems to me shorter guys appear to fit on sleds a lot better than some of the taller guys. no knees up in their face...just watching your back Skylar....what's considered short on this site?