For the past few years the atv manufacturers have released many new models and made improvements to current models. Since the atv limit is 800cc and the big bores are approaching this, where do you think utility models are going in the future? It is obvious with the sport scene since we have these lightweight, highly advanced 450's on the market. I know atv technology is a long ways off compared to dirtbikes, snowmobiles, jet-skiis,etc. What are your initial thoughts on the atv scene as a whole?

 

Who said 800cc is the limit? I keep hearing rumors of 900 and 1000cc machines. As for atvs not being as technologically advanced as the other toys, I guess you haven't seen the guts of my 05 700 EFI. You need an engineering degree to give the thing a tune-up for god's sake. I'm sure the industry will continue to build bigger and better and more complex quads as long as they believe suckers like us will continue to buy them.

 

800CC is the cap for ATV's
Above that is an ORV

I think things are going to level off now for a while
We'll see all utilities going over to EFI. Sport quads are kind of at the top of there game as far as power goes so i think from here we'll see them get lighter and handle better.

Utilities i can't see changing much other then adding more eletronics to them

 

the market should start to level off...the only thing that might change with the ute's is the EFI, maybe different tranny upgrades...things to give it more flare, but not any more horsepower...such as different exhausts and things like that...

The sport market will only get lighter, more acceleration/power, and better handling...I am sure that the current model will get tweaks here and there, and maybe new models MAY be introduced....a big bore scrammy for example MAY be introduced...but the current laws are keeping the quads under limits

 

I would expect to see the entire ATV industry (single seat under 800cc) move to EFI, but with that said I believe that there will return to two-stokes machines with these new direct inject two-stokes that can run cleaner than the current 4-stokes. As for the utility market, I think reliability will be what most manufactures strives for. They too will start to improve their 4WD are AWD systems to make them more automatic like Polaris … IMO (based on the Honda and Polaris SEC filings) automatic, easy, and reliability are what the market is pushing for like it or not. As for the sport market … I see them going quieter, below 90db. You can see that ATV racing in the PRO division this year has started a 94db limit … this will help to push these 100+db machines down to sub 90db. The sport market will also see more composites used in construct to reduce weight and gain performance without investing in new larger engine designs. I think the next market many will push toward will be the sport 4x4 (Scrambler / Wolverine) … they (Honda and Polaris) both see this as the next cross over market … sport riders that are getting to old for a pure sport machine … but don’t want to be seen on a utility or need a utility around their land … but want a sport for the weekend.

Just my option…

 

800's the limit in minnesota at least, like he said it becomes an off road vehical and it then comes with a new set of laws and regulations. So i have the feeling there not gonna get much bigger, at least around here

 

i would like to see Polaris's PRICES level off!

what can you buy for $5300- $6300 in a Polaris utility? a Magnum330, Sportsman400 with no EBS, and what else?

compare that to the price structure of the Honda utility. there is A LOT to pick from in that price range in a Honda.

Polaris Utility ATV prices have gone WAY out of wack in the last few years. the Honda dealer in my area is really cashing-in on it to! Polaris scares them off with a $500 discount off list, then Honda signs them up!

i think the only thing needing leveling (and lowering to be competitive) is Polaris pricing.

-MT

 

I agree with the above statement in that the new models that have come out in the last two years meaning the 04/05's have alot of advanced technology with the EFI and whatnot and it's just getting better every year. as for the 800cc limit I am not sure but have heard both that bigger machines are in the works and that the limit is 800 so I guess we will all see what pans out.

 

ACKKKKKK!!!! What a mood wrecker! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] What, are you hoping they slow down?! This tornado is just getting re-started. Heck, what does Polaris' site say 15 or so new sleds for 2006? Maybe the CC's will level, but I think the technological advancements can only increase. They're gonna be searching engines, suspensions, etc, to continue "one up-manship" I hope. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

800CC's is the US FEDERAL limit on ATV sized vehicals, anything over 800CC's is deamed a ORV