Why are Polaris Quads so heavy ??
Dec 7, 1999 | 04:46 PM
#1
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Range Rover
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I was looking at a ATV magazine article on several different quads and was wondering why Polaris has to build their ATV's so darn heavy.Over 700lbs for the Sportsman,their two wheel drives weigh as much as others 4x4's do.If they ever want to venture into the Sport ATV segment,their machines will have to go on a serious diet.
Dec 7, 1999 | 07:46 PM
#6
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Square-tubing is not the reason that Polaris ATVs are so heavy. (The TRX250R has square tubing, yet it weighs 345lb dry.)
My hypothesis consists of three possibilities. The first, is that Polaris does not take the time to engineer the quads to the standards of the Japanese manufacturers; therefore the excessive weight comes from the lack of time spent designing each component. I'm sure there is plenty of redundant material in components such as the swing-arms, axle-carriers, gearboxes (SP500 and SP335), frame, etc... The second, is that Polaris uses some of manufacturing techniques that contribute to machine weight gains. The use of different castings vs forgings, the way the frame is bent and welded to save money as opposed to better performance. Who knows where else Polaris cuts corners.
Personally, I think that it is a combination of the two. Polaris doesn't do the R&D that competitors (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, to name a few) do, and they use cheaper manufacturing techniques.
Put a Polaris machine next to a Honda machine and not only is the difference in the level of engineering evident, but the contrast in manufacturing practice is even more obvious.
That's just from a mechanical engineering standpoint...
My hypothesis consists of three possibilities. The first, is that Polaris does not take the time to engineer the quads to the standards of the Japanese manufacturers; therefore the excessive weight comes from the lack of time spent designing each component. I'm sure there is plenty of redundant material in components such as the swing-arms, axle-carriers, gearboxes (SP500 and SP335), frame, etc... The second, is that Polaris uses some of manufacturing techniques that contribute to machine weight gains. The use of different castings vs forgings, the way the frame is bent and welded to save money as opposed to better performance. Who knows where else Polaris cuts corners.
Personally, I think that it is a combination of the two. Polaris doesn't do the R&D that competitors (Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, to name a few) do, and they use cheaper manufacturing techniques.
Put a Polaris machine next to a Honda machine and not only is the difference in the level of engineering evident, but the contrast in manufacturing practice is even more obvious.
That's just from a mechanical engineering standpoint...
Dec 7, 1999 | 07:53 PM
#7
Pro Rider
Joined: Aug 1999
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I can see why the post was in the Honda section. If it were in the Polaris section, then everyone would say "they don't FEEL heavy" or "what does it matter?". Not exactly unbiased opinions.
A better way to ask the question is - "How do the Japanese manufacturers make their quads so light compared to Polaris?"
I would answer that by saying -
a) Japanese quads are only as heavy as they need to be.
b) They have had much more experience in building motorcycles and have learned how to shave weight over the years.
c) They use more expensive, lighter components (aluminum wheels for example)and are able to build them for less money.
Can American manufacturers do the same thing? Yes, but it costs more, and when attempting to enter any market, price is a huge factor in gaining market share. Many people buy on price alone. What better way to get into a market and become a "player" than by making things less expensive? Whether they're heavy or not may be less of an issue.
Why do you think that really expensive quads like Husaberg and the race quads from Last Rebel Racing aren't more common? Price. They might be the best quads out there (maybe not), and they're made with top quality components, but they're so expensive that they've priced themselves out of the market for the average buyer.
Why are Polaris quads heavy? Because they originally wanted to make them more affordable to the average buyer. And the average buyer thinks of price first and performance second. Weight is of lesser importance. Things are changing though. Polaris pricing is creeping up, and issues like weight are getting important. They'll probably address it slowly and end up where all the other quads are someday. Personally, I'd like to see them do it. I'd much rather have my money stay in the US. Now if they could just build what I want... High hp, manual trans, light weight, reliable... Polaris, are you listening???
A better way to ask the question is - "How do the Japanese manufacturers make their quads so light compared to Polaris?"
I would answer that by saying -
a) Japanese quads are only as heavy as they need to be.
b) They have had much more experience in building motorcycles and have learned how to shave weight over the years.
c) They use more expensive, lighter components (aluminum wheels for example)and are able to build them for less money.
Can American manufacturers do the same thing? Yes, but it costs more, and when attempting to enter any market, price is a huge factor in gaining market share. Many people buy on price alone. What better way to get into a market and become a "player" than by making things less expensive? Whether they're heavy or not may be less of an issue.
Why do you think that really expensive quads like Husaberg and the race quads from Last Rebel Racing aren't more common? Price. They might be the best quads out there (maybe not), and they're made with top quality components, but they're so expensive that they've priced themselves out of the market for the average buyer.
Why are Polaris quads heavy? Because they originally wanted to make them more affordable to the average buyer. And the average buyer thinks of price first and performance second. Weight is of lesser importance. Things are changing though. Polaris pricing is creeping up, and issues like weight are getting important. They'll probably address it slowly and end up where all the other quads are someday. Personally, I'd like to see them do it. I'd much rather have my money stay in the US. Now if they could just build what I want... High hp, manual trans, light weight, reliable... Polaris, are you listening???
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Dec 7, 1999 | 08:18 PM
#9
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Range Rover
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Good answers,I also would consider buying a Polaris if they would lighten them up and make them more reliable.One guy could buy one and it will fall apart while another may never have any problems.Which machine will i end up with ???
