New video on 2018's

[VX1R]

I just came across this video that has some info on the new 2018 SnoScoot along with some info on the new YRSS Reactive Suspension system that's on the 2018 Apex:

 

[superfan75]

That is some really cool technology. I would like to hear how much difference that makes. If it really helps as much as Yamaha says it could be a game changer. Especially if they use it in a more modern chassis.

 

[journeyman]

Looks like the Cat alliance is long term. Might not ever be an all new made in Japan model anymore.

 

[journeyman]

I would love to try one of those new Apex models on the trails.

 

[fatchance]

So when is the release for the snowbike?

 

[yz250]

That sounds really encouraging! I hope it leads to Yamaha building their own sleds again.

I wonder what the deal was with the blue Snoscoot that wouldn't quit spinning the track? It was creeping forward as the guy turned it around by hand. Not exactly a good sign to see for a new product demo.

 

[clarkman]

I still don't think yami is done building there own sleds. I think (hope) they're building a chassis that is going to be a jump ahead of everyone else. Im hopeful the cat deal may have been a bridge in between chassis's because they were falling too far behind.
The fact they are not sharing tech with cat is why I believe that. They do have a history of bringing out new tech the year before a chassis change. Here's to hoping.

 

[darv]

I think that we will never see a japan based sled anymore they will alway's be co branded with cat from now on if they had something why not bring it out for the 50th yamaha has not build a sled since the nitro and if they would of put the race front end on that sled it would not of been a bad sled. i for one was hoping but i think the writing is on the wall we will be driving artic cat sleds with yamaha motors so that why i going purchase too a hold over apex to have the last japan built yamaha sled.

 

[superfan75]

You may be right darv, but I hope not. It does make good business to share the development cost between the two companies and what their good at. Although Yamaha could easily build a kick #*$&@ sled on their own that would sell. If they want to sell more they may have to also change their direction and make what more people want and that is 2 strokes. There's far more two strokes being sold than 4 strokes. There's no reason Yamaha can't have the best 2 and 4 stroke engines and regain there market. I personally wont go back to a 2 stroke but you have to sell to the majority not the minority.

 

[darv]

I agree with you but i would bet that yamaha will never go back an build a 2 stroke hp sled for us. i talk to a dealer that was invited to test the new sled and came back that Yamaha is very happy to sell the small number of sleds that they are selling and have no hunger to become top dog that what he came back with. so feeling is that they will become and engine company.sorry to say.

 

[journeyman]

I am friends with someone real close to the inside of Arctic Cat. We were talking last night about the fact that the AC/Yam partnership is obviously a success and must be going beyond the original 5 year deal, he said yep. I also brought up them putting the 500 4s Phazer motor in a Cat chassis. He said it was tossed around for a 2 brand version of that but Yamaha wants too much money for it. They also felt it was maybe a bit underpowered at 80 HP. I said it would kind of fit in where the Ski Doo Ace models are. He agreed but said there is nothing in the works for now.

Just some recent info I picked up.

PS: he told me the last cross country race was yesterday in NW Minnesota and for the first time ever the class was won on a 4s machine. It was the ZR7000 with the Viper type motor.

 

[yz250]

That was a USXC race on a lake. Temps were in the 50's with standing water and slush. Pretty messy conditions but super cool a 4-stroke won!

 

[journeyman]

That was a USXC race on a lake. Temps were in the 50's with standing water and slush. Pretty messy conditions but super cool a 4-stroke won!

Must have been the 4 stroke torque that muscled through all that water.......