Sled sales

[Hoosier]

Got a snowest in the mail today. Article about sled sales. Surprised how much they have dropped off over the past 15 years, even in the West. Maybe I shouldn't be. Last time 100K units were sold in the US was 2005, and I wouldn't be surprised with this past winter if it's under 50K this year.k

It doesn't seem like there are fewer people out on the trails - are people just keeping them longer, now that the prices are so high? Only buying them in the snowbelt?

 

[ezra]

not exactly ez for a guy to get in to sledding now with the family .
back in the day a guy could get 2 600s and a trailer for the cost of a modern sled .

 

[lofsfire]

Got a snowest in the mail today. Article about sled sales. Surprised how much they have dropped off over the past 15 years, even in the West. Maybe I shouldn't be. Last time 100K units were sold in the US was 2005, and I wouldn't be surprised with this past winter if it's under 50K this year.k

It doesn't seem like there are fewer people out on the trails - are people just keeping them longer, now that the prices are so high? Only buying them in the snowbelt?

That is funny, in Snow Gower's issue it is saying how sales are increasing.... Numbers show around 58K for 2015, but they are only going back to 2008. I do think price and longevity of the sleds plays a factor.

 

[snobuilder]

Yamaha 4 strokes last so long that it has put them in last place in new sled sales although,.... they lead the industry in reliable used sled sales....LOL

AmSnow has all models listed for the 4 mannies....Cat won with a whopping 54 models!

 

[Hoosier]

That is funny, in Snow Gower's issue it is saying how sales are increasing.... Numbers show around 58K for 2015, but they are only going back to 2008. I do think price and longevity of the sleds plays a factor.

They are up slightly the past couple years, but nowhere near early 2000's. It's not all doom and gloom - Canada keeps growing and overseas has really taken off.

Sleds have gotten better but Early 2000's were pre-EPA, pre-$4 gas, pre-great recession.

 

[G]

Arctic Cat weeding out smaller dealers again. My dealer for many years 45 miles away is done. AC forcing sleds down his throat for the last 5 years. Interest killing him so he told them to come and pick everything up. Soon only the mega volume dealers will be left. Mailed parts will be the norm. And if a person bought new and had problems it means a long road trip to the dealer. I remember when there was an AC and a Pol dealer in just about every small town. At least here in MN. Those days are gone. Have noticed many many loads of AC sleds heading to Canada. They drive right by my store. 3 or 4 semis everyday and I'm sure I don't see them all.

 

[mezz]

Arctic Cat weeding out smaller dealers again. My dealer for many years 45 miles away is done. AC forcing sleds down his throat for the last 5 years. Interest killing him so he told them to come and pick everything up. Soon only the mega volume dealers will be left. Mailed parts will be the norm. And if a person bought new and had problems it means a long road trip to the dealer. I remember when there was an AC and a Pol dealer in just about every small town. At least here in MN. Those days are gone. Have noticed many many loads of AC sleds heading to Canada. They drive right by my store. 3 or 4 semis everyday and I'm sure I don't see them all.

This is really sad & also too true. We lost a Cat dealer here who has been in the business for over 50 years. Not to take away from the service offered by the 2 remaining larger dealers, but, the personal service that the "small" shops offer is really what retains the customer, not only for the business itself, but the products they sell & service. The manufacturers expectation of the new sled sales are entirely too high. To me, there is nothing better than the local Mom & Pop business where service after the sale counts more. -Mezz

 

[jebjk1]

It seems like the overall trend has been declining since the early 1970's Hard to believe in one year over 600,000 sleds were sold.

 

[G]

Cool chart jebjk1. Just looking back to the early 2000s. Before 2003 the big 4 were producing the same basic sled. Only the colors were different. The ZRs and XCs and Yami's SRXs were more the same than they were different. And they were all cheap by today's standards. Then came the EPA. All the mfgs had to step up and start producing all new cleaner motors with advanced electronics which were a lot more expensive. Pile the whole REV thing on top of that and the cost of sleds spiraled up. 15 thou for a killer sled now. Half that 13 years ago. So the price of snowtoys has risen disproportionately to most other toys. Not to say other toys haven't gone up - they have. I think a lot of folks prioritized their toys and boats and bikes and now side by sides won out over sleds. Uncertain snowfall also contributes. On my most recent trips I can't help but notice all the old tin still running around. Still a lot of XCs and ZRs out there. There are also folks out there that prefer sit down old position riding. That is not an option with a new purchase. I have to believe that US new sled sales will continue to slip. The heyday is over.

 

[mrbb]

I agree the HAY days have passed
too many questionable elements to a sled
snow is IFFY< riding places are NOT every where, fuel to TOW a sled to a place to ride, and prices of sleds have made owning one out of reach for many, and hard to justify for many more

I think new sleds are nice and all, BUT the difference in handling and performance, hasn't IMO< equaled the price increase
Like many sports today, its making MORE money off fewer sales, rather than having MORE sales and more folks enjoying them!
SAD
as it means to me, the sport looses more this way
,
trails and such, need funding, and more pockets to chip in, ther better for all IMO
have less folks enjoying the trails, and MORE will close to lack of funding!

I know in MY area, I have seen SO many places that were once open to ride, NOW closed up, and NEVER see any NEW places open

I also think ATV'' stole a LOT of sales, sleds once had, due to being able to use all yr
came as with MX bikes
ATv's just are easier to use, and can be used all yr

 

[Hoosier]

Be interesting to see sled registrations over time. Probably a better idea of how many people are out riding.

 

[snobuilder]

It seems like the overall trend has been declining since the early 1970's Hard to believe in one year over 600,000 sleds were sold.
View attachment 51883

Yes,...interesting chart....shows Yamaha doubling prduction in each of the 3 yrs. while other mannies were stagnant or on the decline.
Wasn't even close with Doo leading the way back then as today....just much closer nowadays.

- - - Updated - - -

Be interesting to see sled registrations over time. Probably a better idea of how many people are out riding.

Good point.....Watch WI new trail permit numbers this year for a good indication of whos riding also.