2016 snow sneek peek-did anybody actually go?

[InRBigness]

I went to the one here in Winnipeg and as per other shows Arctic Cat was not part of it. The other three were there but the only "expertise" was in the form of the sales reps from the dealers. I was a bit disappointed in the Yamahas as only the Apex and the Vector were in "give to the customer" condition. The Viper's looked like they were last years sleds with the new touchy feely things bolted on and this years graphics. There were a lot of "Prototype" stickers on the inside of panels and such. I expect that they will be much different when they are actually produced. I also found the same thing at a few of the other makers booths.

This was my first show and it was free but I really think that they need to up the knowledge base at these shows as there were people like myself that would like to know what changes were made from last year etc. No manufacturer could tell me anything that was not printed in the brochure.

 

[whitedust1]

I don't know what is going on with lack of sales rep product knowledge all brands? Peeps are on the interweb absorbing what they can about new products then they go to shows to see & touch the real product. If a sales rep doesn't know the sled better than me he is useless & a waste of everyones' time. I can remember late 90s early 2000 thru about 2006 riders would go to shows to finalize the new sled they wanted to buy with the sales rep. I didn't see any of that going on any brand more of a tire kicking group taking pictures. Is it that way because the sales reps are terrible or has the buying public gone away from Spring Deals?

 

[OVR4D]

If you do go OVR4D, some more pictures of the Vector XTX would be appreciated on the forum. Wish I would've taken more at the Wausau show. Thanks!

Decided to go afterall (went Saturday instead of Friday though), but didn't see your post until after the show. Sorry, but didn't take any pics. Pretty much the same story as the other comments here ... very little factory representation (Mostly just a dealer presence for Q&A). Arctic Cat was a no show, which kind of surprised me given that this show was in their home state.

I really didn't bother talking to the Yamaha folks. I think they were mostly sales guys from Larson Cycle, who are good guys, but probably no more knowledgeable about what's in the Yammie product pipeline than any of us are. I sat on the new Vector and Apex to get a feel for the ergos. IMO, even with the taller seat and other minor changes these sleds haven't changed their rider position much and are just not as comfortable as a more current chassis. I only took a passing glance at the new skid, and didn't get down on my hands and knees to check out how it's put together or form an opinion on whether it might be an improvement over other skids Yamaha has offered.

Again, I only took a passing interest in the rest of the Yammie lineup. There just wasn't much of anything there that excites me. Don't get wrong, I do think the Viper still has some of the best rider positioning of any sled. It just fits me better than most of the other brands. By comparison trail versions of the POO Axys feels very tall in the saddle, and gives you high COG feel even sitting still. Transitioning from sitting to standing might be easier on this sled, but the high COG has me thinking it would require a lot of active rider input in the corners ... much like my Phazer does.

The RMK's were noticeably lighter than anything else at the show. I was easily able to lift the the front end with my 10-year old son sitting on the sled. However, all the cast aluminum parts, especially the A-arms seem like potential weak links to me. Just not sure how durable these parts will be. I much prefer the chromoly arms on other models for this reason.

To me, Doo was the standout presenter at the show, with knowledgeable people available to answers questions about rolling product, options and accessories. For example, I was able to confirm the rumor that the Enduro will also be available in black (due to customer request) in season ... not exclusively as a spring order option as some have said. With a couple of accessories like the adjustable bar riser, the linq system bags and jerry can, the learning key, etc., the Enduro really is a nice package.

Still, I'm not likely to spend any money this year. Will probably just make a few improvements to my current ride and (I can't believe I'm saying this) wait to see what Yamaha brings to the table for 2017.

 

[Apex1958]

I went to the Old Forge New York show and couldn't believe they didn't have a single shot Apex to ride no Apex of any kind to ride.