Sneak Peak Tour

[caged_beagle]

A few notes that weren’t included in my previous, mostly non-informational post:

Yeah, I know it’s only graphics, but I thought Polaris stepped it up a little extra this year. I think they added a lot of pop to their appearance and like mspease stated, the Switchback Assault (snowcheck) had a great look.

If I could have my pick of the litter, these would be my choices (not necessarily in order of preference):

Polaris Assault Switchback (snowcheck)
Ski-Doo Renegade FreeRide (still liking the white)
Artic Cat XF (white/silver/black – nice!)
Yamaha Viper (Loved the red/black version)

Some interesting new engine stuff but also a lot of retention of previous year options. Personally, I don’t have a big problem with having nothing new in some areas. The Edsel proved that new isn’t always better.

The MSRPs always seem high but I don’t put a lot of stock in the MSRP. My local Polaris/Yamaha/Arctic Cat dealer has always been able to offer some decent discounts off MSRP. He knocked 2K off MSRP on my RMK snowcheck last year. Speaking of which, I ran into one of dealership owners at the show. He said the dealership brought up a busload of 60 people to the show. I saw the sign-up sheet when I was down there last week but every time I sign something there it costs me a lot of money so I passed.

If you get a chance to catch one of these shows, by all means go. It’s surprising how often you can walk in with some preconceived notions and walk out with a completely different opinion. I was there late in the day and the crowd was lighter so there was lots of opportunity to get up-close with the sleds. Even with the lighter crowd you could tell there was a lot of interest. It seems the sport is alive and doing pretty well.

↑ FREERIDE is not a Renegade. Renegade is not a Freeride. The Freeride is available in a 146" and has t-motion (-the 137") Either way the Freeride and the Renegade are two different models. Not too mention the Freeride comes in the REV-XM RS chassis as the renegade comes in the REV-XM or XS chassis.

Just an FYI.

_____________________________

 

[whitedust]

Some interesting new engine stuff but also a lot of retention of previous year options. Personally, I don’t have a big problem with having nothing new in some areas. The Edsel proved that new isn’t always better.

Just to be clear I remember the Edsel was ahead of its' time due to styling if engine & drive train was crap then Ford produced crap engines for that moment in time nothing new about that technology in the Edsel. It was the shape & design that bombed in the market at the time. If I'm wrong please correct me but the what I remember about the Edsel.

 

[skiroule]

↑ FREERIDE is not a Renegade. Renegade is not a Freeride. The Freeride is available in a 146" and has t-motion (-the 137") Either way the Freeride and the Renegade are two different models. Not too mention the Freeride comes in the REV-XM RS chassis as the renegade comes in the REV-XM or XS chassis.

Just an FYI.

My bad. The model I was thinking of was the BackCountry. If I recall now, the FREERIDE had the neon stuff. Guess my career as a product reviewer was short-lived.

 

[Deleted member 10829]

Did Polaris offer any hope for a new 4s platform next year?

You can bet I asked, but you know how they are, they never tell you anything. It was the standard line "I'm sure they are working on something."

 

[whitedust]

You can bet I asked, but you know how they are, they never tell you anything. It was the standard line "I'm sure they are working on something."

Sure! What I figured too since public statement sales of 4s sleds dropping in units. Poo bet the farm on the 2s Indy & probably no use holding our breath on a Rush 4s. Same as me asking what pure Yamaha models will we see in next 5 years? Don't know but working on it! lol

 

[polarisman_98]

It'll be interesting to see if Rush is still around 5 years from now. Seemed like Polaris is really pushing the Indy with pro ride front and IQ rear for 2014. I would not be surprised if the pro ride rear is gone in 5 years.

 

[Deleted member 10829]

It'll be interesting to see if Rush is still around 5 years from now. Seemed like Polaris is really pushing the Indy with pro ride front and IQ rear for 2014. I would not be surprised if the pro ride rear is gone in 5 years.

LOL Every OEM now has at least 2 platforms, why wouldn't Polaris? They only had one Indy at the show and several Rush's. I can't imagine Polaris having the Rush front end and IQ rear as their only chassis option.

 

[rp7x]

4 stroker

a small bird told a friend of my brother that poo trying to get in bed with honda

 

[whitedust]

a small bird told a friend of my brother that poo trying to get in bed with honda

Well the rumor I heard is Honda is buying Polaris much more believable when you consider company size dollarwise.lol Poo has everything they need 2s or 4s to move forward it is a matter of... WHAT?? ...they want to do in near future productwise. No clues from 2014 productline but could turn things around next year with something new. Poo not talking others throwing out a few future crumbs regarding direction.

 

[Deleted member 10829]

I would absolutely love it if they hooked up together somehow. 2 of my favorite companies. That would be a combination that would sell tons of sleds!! I will keep dreaming.

 

[ezra]

if Honda engineers started designing Polaris motors and building them at a Honda plant in japan I would deff buy one.
I also love me a Honda the older the better.

 

[xcsp]

Honda + Polaris? I don't really see it happening, believe it when I see it.

 

[ezra]

I deff dont see it.

 

[Deleted member 10829]

I don't either, but you have to admit, that would be a game changer. Even someone that bleeds green like ezra would buy one. If that ever happened we would end up with 2, maybe 3, OEM's left. I can't imagine the market share they would have with a Honda engine, but it's a pipe dream I'm afraid.

 

[scott_l]

IF THIS would ever happen.....motors built in Japan and sleds assembled/manufactured in Mexico.....Huuuum no thanks, I'll pass!

 

[Deleted member 10829]

Who assembles/manufactures sleds in Mexico? No one that I'm aware of. Where is Yamaha's engine built or the engine in that Cat you ride? I would take a Japanese built Honda motor of any kind over most anything built here, that's for sure!

 

[bearrassler]

I went to the Fargo show last Monday, the crowd was excellent, it is part of the western tour though so it was heavy with the mountain sleds and light on the trail sleds and crossovers.

 

[scott_l]

Who assembles/manufactures sleds in Mexico? No one that I'm aware of. Where is Yamaha's engine built or the engine in that Cat you ride? I would take a Japanese built Honda motor of any kind over most anything built here, that's for sure!

Polaris moved there assembly to Mexico back in April/May time period (don't know how much)..........Cat opened a new facility in St. Cloud 2-3 years ago to build their own motors, all of them no but atleast its some. At the show on Saturday the sales rep said the new 600 (or as they are calling it the 6000) is being built in St. Cloud.

 

[Deleted member 10829]

I hadn't heard they were building any sleds in Mexico, I thought that was just ATV engines. You didn't answer my question though. Where was the engine built in your current sled? I always thought Suzuki's were built in the same Japan you bash above, but I could be wrong.

 

[ezra]

yep cat has 1100turbo and 800s ordered to 2016 from Suzuki.
Suzuki power has always been my fav part of cat.
if they don't keep pace with what they were doing with Suzuki after 2016 I will be lost.
but maybe by then poo will have a 160hp reliable 800 doubt it but a boy can dream.