2014

[journeyman]

Or they just think its and old mans sled.

Isn't it

I guess 18 is pretty old then...

I am just generalizing. I don't think your family would be too happy either if you rode a brand X machine being you guys sell Yamaha, so in your case that is a little different I guess........if you know what I mean.

But the bulk of the younger crowd, high school age and maybe just out of high school don't seem to be wearing Yamaha jackets when I look around. Go to Canterbury to a snocross and look what the young guys are wearing. Look at the races and see what's on the track. When I was younger this wasn't the case. Yamaha was well established in racing. In 1986 Yamaha won almost every major race with guys like Tim Bender, Bobby Donahue and Jimmy Wergin to name a few. The next year Yamaha pulled out, moved all of their engineers over to the superbike wars and Polaris grabbed the market. Yamaha has never had the same presence in sled racing since. They made a little effort in the late '90s with Cris Vincent and Nathan Titus but they tended to put all of their eggs into one basket. If you look at the other brands today they have alot of racers riding their machines. Not only does it help exposure but I think a little of it is the old saying.......what wins on Sunday sells on Monday.

So in Yamaha's case they know the old duffs like me know they have a good reliable product and I will probably continue to ride them. But if they want to attract future riders they need to gain their attention. We have the 120 kids sled now, snocross is just another step in that direction.

Just my thoughts on it...........

 

[yamaha1973]

Or they just think its and old mans sled.

Isn't it

I guess 18 is pretty old then...

I am just generalizing. I don't think your family would be too happy either if you rode a brand X machine being you guys sell Yamaha, so in your case that is a little different I guess.

Haha maybe if they still made Scorpion i'd still be riding them! Gotta have something the joke about when theres no snow

 

[journeyman]

Or they just think its and old mans sled.

Isn't it

I guess 18 is pretty old then...

I am just generalizing. I don't think your family would be too happy either if you rode a brand X machine being you guys sell Yamaha, so in your case that is a little different I guess.

Gotta have something the joke about when theres no snow

yeh, I'm headn to the UP in mid Feb. to get my snow fix in........as long as it doesn't melt by then the way this winter is going.

 

[OVR4D]

For all you guys that think Yamaha and Cat will collaborate - Here is your 2014 sled LOL.

Now, can we finally put this rumor to bed?

 

[sweetrides]

weve been getting pounded with snow up here last two days and its still coming down

 

[Murse]

Or they just think its and old mans sled.

Isn't it

I guess 18 is pretty old then...

I am just generalizing. I don't think your family would be too happy either if you rode a brand X machine being you guys sell Yamaha, so in your case that is a little different I guess........if you know what I mean.

But the bulk of the younger crowd, high school age and maybe just out of high school don't seem to be wearing Yamaha jackets when I look around. Go to Canterbury to a snocross and look what the young guys are wearing. Look at the races and see what's on the track. When I was younger this wasn't the case. Yamaha was well established in racing. In 1986 Yamaha won almost every major race with guys like Tim Bender, Bobby Donahue and Jimmy Wergin to name a few. The next year Yamaha pulled out, moved all of their engineers over to the superbike wars and Polaris grabbed the market. Yamaha has never had the same presence in sled racing since. They made a little effort in the late '90s with Cris Vincent and Nathan Titus but they tended to put all of their eggs into one basket. If you look at the other brands today they have alot of racers riding their machines. Not only does it help exposure but I think a little of it is the old saying.......what wins on Sunday sells on Monday.

So in Yamaha's case they know the old duffs like me know they have a good reliable product and I will probably continue to ride them. But if they want to attract future riders they need to gain their attention. We have the 120 kids sled now, snocross is just another step in that direction.

Just my thoughts on it...........

It's all about affordability I don't know too many high schoolers that can afford their own sled let alone ride it so they have what the family has if anything. Of course they wear the winners jacket to the races but as far as owning I just bought my own last year I'm 25 and It was a squeeze to get it now I see how expensive this sport really is. A new machine? Not for a couple of years foooor sure. I'm plenty happy with mine. If that puts anything into market perspective.

 

[journeyman]

Murse, my point is what many start out with and like is what they buy in the future. Sure they may not be affording new iron at that age but then there comes a time when they land a job that pays the bills that they purchase one. We said this when Yamaha had no kids sled (120). It's what you start them out with. I have die hard Polaris friends and its what they rode from their early years that stuck with them for life. I know there are many that jump brands all the time but I know less of that type and more of the type that stick with one favorite brand. I guess I am one of the latter. In fact I have so much Yamaha stuff.....parts, clothing, gear and general mechanical knowledge of the Yamahas that I choose to stick with them.

 

[pat the rat]

check the latest blog,someone asked chris if he could confirm the cat-yam partnership,he said he couldnt comment,hmmm

 

[yamajammer76]

check the latest blog,someone asked chris if he could confirm the cat-yam partnership,he said he couldnt comment,hmmm

I don't mind some engine and chassis tech sharing, but if all we get is a re-badge built in that brown Behlen building in MN I will be upset. Honestly if all we see is a blue re-badged AC with a Yamaha engine it's the end.

 

[low slung]

A few seasons back i read a thread on a mountain sled forum in which a yamaha rep told the poster at a sled show one idea they were considering.Start with a one chassis design,buyer would pick the engine size,rear skid design,track length,etc.Sort of a complete build to order sled.This would be really unique.

 

[ViperTurboPete]

Ski-doo had a build your sled concept years ago. I remember seeing it on their website. I think this concept would only work on pre-season orders

 

[Tarzan]

A few seasons back i read a thread on a mountain sled forum in which a yamaha rep told the poster at a sled show one idea they were considering.Start with a one chassis design,buyer would pick the engine size,rear skid design,track length,etc.Sort of a complete build to order sled.This would be really unique.

That would be aweysome!

 

[Blue Dave]

Come on guys, let's get this to 50 pages before the truth is announced!

 

[journeyman]

I'm doing everything I can to help!!!!!!


Hmm wonder what the new Cat/Yamaha symbol would be? A set of tuning forks with whiskers on them?

 

[OVR4D]

I dunno about you, but the lack of snow this year (and last) is really getting me down. We should all be riding instead of talking about next year.

Anybody see this? They are getting it in the Upper! I needs me a trailer and trail permit!

Grand Marais Sno-Trails Association