2015 and beyond Yamaha Snowmobiles Future Question

[DeerHuntr]

Price is my biggest concern as well. When I bought my Nytro new in 09 I thought $9200 was ridiculous for a snowmobile. After extended Warranty was purchased it was $10,000. I said at the time it would be my last new Sled. Then I test rode the Viper and fell in love with the bastard child. Did a little research on value, called the bank to see what I owed and low and behold I had enough equity in it for a good down payment. Had them push some numbers and I actually got into my Viper for less payment 5yr warranty again . That being said I am again looking at the dollar amount for a new machine thinking that this is my last new one. The only saving grace for someone looking to stay current in the sport is the value of the new ones are so high our used ones are worth more as well . That and nice low interest rates. That being said if I had kids no way would there be a new sled in the garage.

 

[timebomb]

Price is my biggest concern as well. When I bought my Nytro new in 09 I thought $9200 was ridiculous for a snowmobile. After extended Warranty was purchased it was $10,000. I said at the time it would be my last new Sled. Then I test rode the Viper and fell in love with the bastard child. Did a little research on value, called the bank to see what I owed and low and behold I had enough equity in it for a good down payment. Had them push some numbers and I actually got into my Viper for less payment 5yr warranty again . That being said I am again looking at the dollar amount for a new machine thinking that this is my last new one. The only saving grace for someone looking to stay current in the sport is the value of the new ones are so high our used ones are worth more as well . That and nice low interest rates. That being said if I had kids no way would there be a new sled in the garage.

I hear ya. I have 2 kids and no new sled in the garage and probably never will. Can never justify it for how little I ride

 

[vector06]

Price was the deciding factor in my wifes latest sled purchase. A Doo MXZ 600 Sport. $7200.00 otd. If Yamaha had a sled besides the Phazer even close to that she would have bought it. Like what was said earlier, 10k for a sled is a lot of money to pay for something that sits in the garage for nine months out of the year. I am starting to realize that myself.

 

[fxnytrortxkid]

I have a feeling yamaha has something in the wings waiting. Cat had a pile of the 1100 and 1100t motors to use up and that's the 125hp 4s from cat, once they are depleted I think the new yamaha and new cat release will be out. I have a feeling over stock of the 1100twin 4s on cats side was what held up delivery of a sled like this from both brands.

 

[ccrider]

Yamaha should consider creating an independent spin-off company for Yamaha snowmobiles where the company would be independently run, and Yamaha would own a % stake in it, and be the engine supplier.

The brand "Yamaha" has a lot of value and many of s would hate to see it go. We only have 4 choices of sled brands now which is already low. We need competition to keep innovation moving and prices under control.

 

[blueironranger]

I have a feeling yamaha has something in the wings waiting. Cat had a pile of the 1100 and 1100t motors to use up and that's the 125hp 4s from cat, once they are depleted I think the new yamaha and new cat release will be out. I have a feeling over stock of the 1100twin 4s on cats side was what held up delivery of a sled like this from both brands.

I'd have to agree, in the cat release they said they would still be using Zuki engines for years to come. And the WEAK "125hp" 1100 N/A would be in the same exact power slot as a 100-110hp "Venom/Phazer/Exciter" model. Also the snopro 500 is gone and they tossed the 85hp mill in the procross so that's why the current phazer mill didn't make the move.

 

[vector06]

If they build a 110 hp semi lite weight Exciter and price it right i'd buy one. I am turning into a recreational groomed trail rider more and more every day. Just have to wait and see what they come out with for 2016.

 

[agriffinjd]

Think color choices shows where it's heading? Made in Japan sleds: get one color. Mostly just black with some red on it. All 3 Apex, Venture, Vectors, Phazers, etc, no optional color schemes. Want optional color schemes? Get a yamacat. Maybe they really are just shutting down all snowmobile production in Japan and are using up their inventories of parts to put together these sleds until TRF can build all of their sleds, then eventually just drop off and provide the motors to cat.

 

[yamajammer76]

I'm not sure what to think... Chris Reid stated to a person that was concerned about Yamaha leaving the snowmobile market in the future with a "I hope your wrong" and "only time will tell" so draw your own conclusions with those statements. Either he knows something and doesn't want to say or that Yamaha Corporate has given the snowmobile division a lease on life for the next 5 years and will make a decision after that.

I really wonder if Yamaha Japan is still maintaining a snowmobile engineering department or if all engineering is now coming out of Pleasant Prairie WI and Thief River Falls? I'm almost certain that Yamaha Japan had nothing to do with the Viper and that the Viper was wholly engineered by Arctic Cat with input from Yamaha Snowmobiles USA.

There are three things that could happen at this point: 1) The AC deal is only a stop-gap measure and the SR chassis as Yamaha calls it will be replaced at EOL with a true Yamaha product. 2) Cat and Yamaha will continue the partnership and the next generation of Cats and Yamahas will share a chassis, but will be more differentiated with more shared engineering resources. 3) Yamaha will call it quits and simply supply 4 stoke engines to Cat, hoping that most of us Yamaha faithful will trade our blue jackets for green ones.

What happens? Who knows. I personally believe Yamaha will try and maintain a snowmobile line for as long as they can since it helps support their Northern dealers. It also helps drive sales of other Yamaha products not to mention clothing, accessories, parts. etc... Now what that product line looks like in the future? Your guess is as good as mine.

 

[mrc3]

Variation on the old saw:

Pick any 2
- Low Price
- Light Weight
- Reliable
- high performance.

Unfortunately, the tech required to have a performance competitive sled in todays market has reached a minimum cost level which is higher than many can afford.

How would yamaha do with with a heavy, low cost, low performance sled (see Phazer).

Mike

 

[Sevey]

Interesting thought Yammajammer.........Its still hard to believe they would give their dealers zero product to peddle for the winter season. With the competitors rounding out their product lines, I think they would be foolish to let any customers slip by and start grazing at a compeitior - for any reason.

I was thinking today after test riding some Vipers.... what if they consolidate their snowmobile line into one chasis (Viper) similar to what ski doo has done and just offer variable components and differnt engines. Imagine a Viper with the 80hp Phazer engine or an Apex power plant.

I am neither pro or con for this but from a business stand point it does make sense. Yamaha Japan focuses on engines and let all production and r&d be handled in north america......

Food for thought.

MS

 

[MadMax]

If they build a 110 hp semi lite weight Exciter and price it right i'd buy one. I am turning into a recreational groomed trail rider more and more every day. Just have to wait and see what they come out with for 2016.

X2 for me also................ That's why I've noticed that 900 Ace. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.. Come on yammie daddy needs a new sled in a few years.. MM.

 

[SSX600]

AMEN

Why worry? What will be will be... could make huge comeback ...could end it... just sell engines to whoever. Right now have Apex, Phaser & Vector for pure Yamaha & Vipers selling well. Why be concerned?... buy what you want plenty of good 4s out there Yamaha or non Yamaha. I don't know why you guys put yourself thru all this future BSing darn boring & total waste of time to me! What will be will be.... none of the guessing is constructive Yamaha not going to tip their hand until done deal whatever that might be. Crazy to worry about stuff out of your control.IMO

AMEN!!!!!!!!

 

[Bigblue1]

The cost of building pure Yamaha products in Japan then shipping them to the U.S. and the currency valuation issues might have an effect on what they may be attempting to do. Didn't they expand or build a facility in North America? I wouldn't be surprised if they are manufacturing their own product here in several years which could effect cost dramatically making Yamaha more competitive on price. Maybe utilizing Cat facilities with proprietary input. Just sayin....

 

[pok'r good]

I'll bet you the viper F.O.B. Price is real close to the Nytro. I'd bet my left nut on it.