Are The New Sleds Really That Much Better?

[ALBINO CHAINSAW]

In 1982 you could buy a new three cylinder Polaris 600 for under $4000.00 U.S. funds. Top end on radar was right around 106. It weighed less than an Apex. Gas mileage was about 10 mpg. The speedo's were not accurate. I don't remember any chaincase troubles but it would stick a ring from time to time. Roll ahead to upcoming model year 2007. On radar we will be going maybe 10mph faster than the old fossil 1982. The Apexes gained weight over last year's models. Gas mileage is better but not as much as one would expect with 25 years of technological advancement. We have more suspension travel. It doesn't work that well but we have it. We will be spending more than twice the price for a sled whose engine is so complex the average person can do little to modify it. The '07's are more dependable but far from bulletproof. Think about it.

 

[Apex_GT]

Ok I've thought about it...umm YES they really are that much better...

 

[ski-bum]

So, if I can dig up a 1982 Polaris will you trade me for your RTX?

 

[welterracer]

DUH....ya.. they are VERY VERY VERY much better!

try taking that old sled down a bumpy trail!

 

[RoyT]

OK, you money experts – just outta' curiosity, what would $4000 be worth in today's dollars, adjusting for... well, what ever they adjust for when figuring out this kind of stuff??? – Roy

 

[ALBINO CHAINSAW]

You are missing the point. There is no question the Apexes in all its variations are superior to anything manufactured up to now. My point was that there should be more advancement than there has been. How many of you wouldn't like 200 hp.,25mpg and 425 wet weight with a GPS and reliable enough so Yammi could warranty it for 5 years?

 

[cameljockey]

i am so missing the point i will just shut up.

 

[Riceburner]

Roy,

$8,236.27

http://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl

Dave

 

[ski-bum]

I think this guy either had a bad childhood, or is cranky because he can't ride today and joined this site to vent his frustrations by complaining about Yamaha's lack of reliable hyperdrive technology. You see a lot of this unproductive complaining on other sites.

(sorry to be harsh, but I'm cranky today too)

 

[RoyT]

Thanks Dave! – Roy

 

[Lee F]

Those 1982 sleds rode like crap compared to what we have today, and if you adjust for inflation, todays prices are pretty much the same as they were then.

 

[Throttle Jockey]

In 1982 you could buy a new three cylinder Polaris 600 for under $4000.00 U.S. funds. Top end on radar was right around 106. It weighed less than an Apex. Gas mileage was about 10 mpg. The speedo's were not accurate. I don't remember any chaincase troubles but it would stick a ring from time to time. Roll ahead to upcoming model year 2007. On radar we will be going maybe 10mph faster than the old fossil 1982. The Apexes gained weight over last year's models. Gas mileage is better but not as much as one would expect with 25 years of technological advancement. We have more suspension travel. It doesn't work that well but we have it. We will be spending more than twice the price for a sled whose engine is so complex the average person can do little to modify it. The '07's are more dependable but far from bulletproof. Think about it.

Ok, I thought about here is why the sled cost more this is tricky so follow me. you say in 82 a sled was $4000.00. ok so now add $200 for every year (due to technology and all that little stuff, right, ok) that equals $5000 (going to the 07 year) now add on suspension upgrades compaired to then, i figure $1300 ( that is fair, but still cheap) so now we are at $10,300. Seems right to me.........., I have a question for ya, Why can't I get a new pickup for the price they were going for in 1982?.....

 

[n2oiroc]

i doubt the old 600's would hit 86 on radar!

 

[fatchance]

It's all relevant. Back in 1984 I bought a brand new trans am for $12,300. In 2002 (last year produced) they sold for over $30,000. Was the 2002 a better car? Bet your @$$!

 

[Chasx7]

In 1982 there were no where near as many people in the sport and the trails would not get beat for a few days. Now they get beat in a matter of hours. I personally would not want to ride a 1982 sled down the typical beat to crap trails we get today.