Geez, everything I read on these boards is always, why are people paying so much money for a quad and having so many probelms with it. Considering the fact that the Cannondale isn't as "buildable" as most other quads, had some reliabilty issues, isn't one of the "big 4", and is highly bad mouthed by people, how long are they going to last? I really think that with all the BS from all of the other riders who are brand loyal, people are going to "steer clear" of the Cannondale, unless they really know what it's all about. Even if they do start selling more quads, how long is the Moto going to last? I don't think it will for very long because of guys buying Cannibals and modding them for the same price as a Moto but having what they want on their quad, but who knows. Anyone else ever think about this?

 

How is the motorcycle line doing? it has been out longer. I here not well. But the quads will do better because the big 3 will not provide what the consumer really wants. Cannondale does better in that regard. They need to expand out of there 440 line up. The moto should not be built off the same set-up as the rest. Corvette zr1 sales flopped because it looked no different to the average consumer than a 20,000 cheaper base vette. I would be surprised if they have sold more than 1500 machines so far, do not know how many they projected. They need a big bore for us non mx types. That is a healthy market know.

 

Well, I think they'll do well with this line-up, it seems they are going to be doing a lot more than this in the future. So far I hear their customer care is great! The problem starts when honda makes their new sport ATV, then the shat flies!

 

How long will Cannondale last in this market? Well first you must compare what it's offering as opposed to the competition. But first, let's compare their motorcycle. Big problem here, look at all the competition they have to go up against. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kaw, KTM, etc., all very well made bikes, very tough competition.

Now look at the competition on the quad side, there is none!!
Honda - 400EX - underpowered, aircooled, old technology, nothing has changed.

Yamaha - Banshee, it's gone in 2003, Raptor, overweight, and you have to spend some $ to get to the power, header pipe, silencer, jetkit, air box mods. To make it handle better, a-arms, shocks, axle, but it's still over 400lbs.

DS650 - weight, weight, weight, say no more.

Suzuki - well we will see, not enough info and it's not even out yet.

So will Cannondale make it in this market, definitely with the quads, tougher call on the motorcycles but keep in mind, KTM was in the same boat a few years ago and they are doing pretty well now.

 

You guys make some very good points. I was just wondering if anyone else thought about this. Another reason why I thought they might not make it, is that they lost $65 million dollars last year(I think) and thats alot of money to spend and not sell alot of bikes/quads.

 

Well you have to realize they probably would loose money after the investment they made into a new manufacturing facility. That takes alot of capital and it's going to take a while to recoup that investment. Besides, I think Cannondale makes all their $ on their mountain bikes and such.

 

Well if the C-dales completely catch on or not is one thing. A couple of things you have to keep in mind though.

1. Cannondale has developed an awesome reputation for taking care of customers.

2. Contrary to popular demand you can't turn a speed or Cannibal or Blaze into a Moto cheaper than you can buy a moto.

3. Cannondale is the only company offering race ready quads. You have to sink some major cash into the competition's quads to make them race ready.

4. Cannondales are starting to place high in the races if they start to win a lot people will start to buy them.

5. Your only other choice is to buy a used quad that's already set up buy you don't know what your getting until it's to late.

Honestly if C-Dale had easier mantainance in a lesser quantity I would buy one now but I'm going to wait 2 or 3 years to see what they do and how they change. I'm no mechanic and I'm not crazy about paying one either. Oil changes and air filter cleaning are one thing but when you start getting into valve adjustments and such I'm pretty useless.

 

Another thing is, alot of people are waiting on Honda to put the CRF motor in a quad chassis. These people are going to be waiting for along time for something thats already out, but they won't buy it(cannondale) because it isn't Honda or Yamaha. Whats going to happen if Honda ever did decide to do this(not that they will, and if they do Cannondale should have a good rep by then, but you never know.) You can read my post in the Honda forum about this titled "to people who are waiting for a 450f quad, please read)

 

i dont think cannondale came in thinking there going to take over honda and yamaha market sales.
but i am willing to bet they start chipping away at there market and make honda and yamaha answer.

 

A big stepping stone will be when the new suzuki comes out, at 5499 if it can run with the c-dales then I think c-dale will be in trouble because their is already a big market of aftermarket parts for the suzuki engine along with it being easier to work on and maintain.