Does Yamaha Really Need a 2 Stroke??

[WillowAce]

Lower is better, physics doesn't change. If you guys don't think there is a market for a "slightly" lower powered turbo, I would ask you to look at the success of a sled called 900T that skidoo makes. They sold something like 3 times as many as they thought they would and I bet the numbers keep going upward as its competitive with their 850 2stroke.
I love my Yamahas and like the addition of the Cat chassis but more changes are needed.

Yes, physics is physics. I also like the fact that he addressed attack angle. Yamaha is committed to the tuner skis, they aren't going away. They also seem to understand that how weight transfers to the carbide still isn't right.

 

[SaskAttack]

I wonder if they need to go 1 L, guys who want more will tune for it and brp doesn't need to worry about big power warranty. Winder class is such a small part of the market share and Doo is all about market share.

 

[WillowAce]

I wonder if they need to go 1 L, guys who want more will tune for it and brp doesn't need to worry about big power warranty. Winder class is such a small part of the market share and Doo is all about market share.

Totally agree with this. The tweeter sled is where I think market share will come from.

 

[biffdotorg]

But its their only four stroke offering above 100hp. They would convert more Winder and T-cat riders if it was a one liter and 200 plus hp.

The OEM's have figured out that big displacement 2-stroke pushing 200hp is not reliable enough to sell. They will leave that to the aftermarket, as they have proven they can do it. There is no reason for the OEM to take on that liability.

On a similar note, why would any manufacturer try to lure their own market share away from their flagship sled? Only if they are losing those customer to a competitor. That's not good business.

I do agree with the comment on a lower displacement turbo like the phazer motor, or a similar 700cc engine from the latest crop of bikes from Yamaha. That would compete nicely with the 600cc 2-strokes and push up against the 900T at a lower price point.

I smell a Yamaha Exciter!!

 

[74Nitro]

The OEM's have figured out that big displacement 2-stroke pushing 200hp is not reliable enough to sell. They will leave that to the aftermarket, as they have proven they can do it. There is no reason for the OEM to take on that liability.

On a similar note, why would any manufacturer try to lure their own market share away from their flagship sled? Only if they are losing those customer to a competitor. That's not good business.

I do agree with the comment on a lower displacement turbo like the phazer motor, or a similar 700cc engine from the latest crop of bikes from Yamaha. That would compete nicely with the 600cc 2-strokes and push up against the 900T at a lower price point.

I smell a Yamaha Exciter!!

Biff, imagine the sweet howl of a turbo phazer engine spinning 11000 plus rpm!!
I also would love to see the Exciter badge come back.

 

[74Nitro]

The OEM's have figured out that big displacement 2-stroke pushing 200hp is not reliable enough to sell. They will leave that to the aftermarket, as they have proven they can do it. There is no reason for the OEM to take on that liability.

On a similar note, why would any manufacturer try to lure their own market share away from their flagship sled? Only if they are losing those customer to a competitor. That's not good business.

I do agree with the comment on a lower displacement turbo like the phazer motor, or a similar 700cc engine from the latest crop of bikes from Yamaha. That would compete nicely with the 600cc 2-strokes and push up against the 900T at a lower price point.

I smell a Yamaha Exciter!!

The 700 engine wouldn't have enough jam unless it was boosted. These are rated less than the Phazer.

 

[biffdotorg]

The 700 engine wouldn't have enough jam unless it was boosted. These are rated less than the Phazer.

Exactly what I was thinking. Although, I think many of us phazer owners were pleasantly surprised by the phazer when it came out. But yes, boosted 700 for sure may be a sweet spot.

 

[Mototown]

Answer to the question is yes , if Arctic Cat & Yamaha want to sell more sleds .
The 850cc range is where they would do the most damage to the competition. Sales don't lie . There is a whole herd of brain washed 2 stroke people . Would I buy a 2 stroke again... no unless trail & lake racing included getting off the sled and manually lifting the back of the sled every 50 miles . The only drawback of a sled that weighs 80-100lbs more loading the sled . Handling can be corrected ( if u know what u are doing) and I would take the R1 or turbo motors every time.
So the question is back in 2017 when they finished the sidewinder , did they decide they want to sell more sleds or did they stick with another 140-160hp 4stroke ?