Consumers aren't buying big-ticket items right now.

Polaris is feeling the heat, as in its recent earnings report, the brand stated it saw its profits drop a whopping 82% compared to last year. That's, uh...bad. 

During the call, Polaris' CEO Mike Speetzen stated that one factor, high interest rates, was very much an issue causing distress within the company. Higher interest rates mean it's harder not to be underwater on a purchase, as well as making payments affordable. And that while the Federal Reserve marginally lowering interest rates helped, more would need to be done in order to get people financing these machines again. 

Another big issue that Polaris is facing, though not something that was brought up during the call, was that the entire snowmobile industry felt more pain than usual as last year's snowfall on the East Coast of the United States wasn't something to write home about. Indeed, the lack of snow for the vast majority of the East Coast caused many to not only push off buying a new machine, but even registrations of old machines were down. That's just another blow to the company's profits.

Speetzen did state that one issue Polaris is looking to address is outdated inventory that's now stockpiling on dealership lots. "A healthy dealer network is one of the critical components to our long-term success, which is why we have anchored our current production and shipment plans to our goal of lowering dealer inventory by 15 to 20 percent by the end of the year, and I am encouraged by the progress being made," said Speetzen in a press release ahead of the call. 

Polaris now expects to see about a 20% fall in profits compared to last year. As you'd expect, the company's stock price has tumbled slightly on that news. Likewise, Polaris stated that in order to have a better outlook going forward, the company will be doing certain restructuring plans, stating, "The Company is executing certain corporate restructuring activities across the organization to increase efficiency and focus its business, including the divestitures of the GEM, Taylor-Dunn and Transamerican Auto Parts businesses."

We'll have to wait to see where the chips fall with Polaris, as it figures out how to move forward in this new world. That said, the company does make excellent powersport equipment. But you can't bank just on good engineering. 

https://www.rideapart.com/news/738495/polaris-sales-plunge-snowmobile-utv-atv-third-quarter/

 

16 hours ago, racinfarmer said:

Their entire dirt line needs a refresh and they should be working on either a Gen 2 Catalyst or a Catalyst replacement, and probably a refreshed motor or two for the snow product.

 

I think jimwit forgets  how old the 600 sled engine is

16 hours ago, ZR6000RR said:

Brand new sled. Lighter than anything. Two new motors in the snow side. 600 ATV is the best motor I have EVER ran on the dirt side. You are not only a FUCKING IDIOT, but have no clue on valedidity testing. 858 is faster than the 9 R. 

valedidity??

600 atv engine isn't bad, but the oil filter location, air filter access, and head studs aren't good.  You would think with as many engineers as you claim they have, it would have been better though, considering its the only ATV they've released in 10 years.  They build 1 atv, 1 N/A sport SXS, and 1 utility SXS. 

which 2 new engines?

Is the guy who told you its faster than the 9R the same guy who told you yamaha wasn't going anywhere, and their relationship was solid? 

Or is it the guy who told you the 858 was going to be an 870?

Can everyone please go out and buy a new Polaris out of dealer inventory?  The share price of my Polaris stock is slipping......

7 minutes ago, p51mstg said:

Can everyone please go out and buy a new Polaris out of dealer inventory?  The share price of my Polaris stock is slipping......

Make sure to refuse any discounts or markdowns and pay over MSRP. @mnstang says it’s not right to take advantage of any sale prices as he liked getting fucked in the ass with COVID mark ups and supply chain dealer pricing adjustments. 

10 minutes ago, p51mstg said:

Can everyone please go out and buy a new Polaris out of dealer inventory?  The share price of my Polaris stock is slipping......

Dad just picked up his carry over assault he got a deal on. Gonna go pair my phone with it now so I can track it. 

Edited November 1, 2024Nov 1 by Not greg b

10 hours ago, Tripleflipper said:

With the average age of sledders increasing every year, most kids growing up have very little interest in this sport, the cost of ownership increasing every year, low snow seasons for many regions, there is more of a chance AC goes the way of the dodo bird. In today's environment 3 players is to many. I recall when Poo dumped the PWC line their share value went up, could even happen for Textron. Just my opinion

I'll give an example.

Lets say you want to get your kid a semi-modern sled to see if they are interested, learn on, etc.

You decide a Sno Pro 500 or a ZR4000 would be a good option for them.  You can find them for $3k fairly easy in decent shape.

Both machines are 1 part away from being mechanically totaled because important parts are NLA.

How many here want to drop $8-9-10k on a Blast or Evo 550 or Neo to find out if your kid is actually interested in riding?

It can make it challenging to get the next gen into riding.

Edited November 1, 2024Nov 1 by racinfarmer

19 minutes ago, racinfarmer said:

I'll give an example.

Lets say you want to get your kid a semi-modern sled to see if they are interested, learn on, etc.

You decide a Sno Pro 500 or a ZR4000 would be a good option for them.  You can find them for $3k fairly easy in decent shape.

Both machines are 1 part away from being mechanically totaled because important parts are NLA.

How many here want to drop $8-9-10k on a Blast or Evo 550 or Neo to find out if your kid is actually interested in riding?

It can make it challenging to get the next gen into riding.

I'm seeing more of old wedges getting ridden, with groomed trails and the fact they're pretty reliable with an abundance of parts available it kinda makes sense.

16 minutes ago, airflite1 said:

I'm seeing more of old wedges getting ridden, with groomed trails and the fact they're pretty reliable with an abundance of parts available it kinda makes sense.

It really kinda does at this point.

Can get into pro ride chassis for 2-5k.

tons of parts out there for them!!

1 hour ago, airflite1 said:

I'm seeing more of old wedges getting ridden, with groomed trails and the fact they're pretty reliable with an abundance of parts available it kinda makes sense.

All the old ass draggers are just as capable and more fun.  Handle much better.  With the way the trails are.  And they get more attention.  

21 minutes ago, mnstang said:

All the old ass draggers are just as capable and more fun.  Handle much better.  With the way the trails are.  And they get more attention.  

Do you have a JagZ for me?  

Phazer > Jag

10 minutes ago, racinfarmer said:

Phazer > Jag

JagZ - XCF  > Phazer  

18 minutes ago, airflite1 said:

Do you have a JagZ for me?  

For a day I do!  Any time 

11 minutes ago, racinfarmer said:

Phazer > Jag

Super jag 

12 minutes ago, airflite1 said:

JagZ - XCF  > Phazer  

No, just no.

7 minutes ago, mnstang said:

For a day I do!  Any time 

#PhazerLyfe

6 minutes ago, Not greg b said:

Super jag 

I'll let that one slide.  One can pick up the whores like Charlie Sheen on one of those!

Edited November 2, 2024Nov 2 by racinfarmer

1 hour ago, racinfarmer said:

No, just no.

#PhazerLyfe

I'll let that one slide.  One can pick up the whores like Charlie Sheen on one of those!

You can pick up multiple ones with the long ass seat on it. 

Also checked out the new vr1 dad brought home. Build quality/fit is better than the catalyst, seat is wider and the rider positions are similar. I think the catalyst will have better wind protection. The storage compartments under the seat and behind gauge are nice. The 7s is pretty cool, plays a quick movie when you start the sled up. 

33 minutes ago, Not greg b said:

You can pick up multiple ones with the long ass seat on it. 

And throw one in the basket.

2 minutes ago, Sled_Hed said:

And throw one in the basket.

The basket on ours folds down so I could have a stripper pole with a stage ready to go. 

2 minutes ago, Not greg b said:

The basket on ours folds down so I could have a stripper pole with a stage ready to go. 

I have the monster box just in case 🤣. 

3 minutes ago, Sled_Hed said:

I have the monster box just in case 🤣. 

I see you have the tunnel flares for keeping the engine cooler.  NICE 

9 minutes ago, Sled_Hed said:

I have the monster box just in case 🤣. 

That is a Minnesota ice fishing special there 

7 hours ago, mnstang said:

I see you have the tunnel flares for keeping the engine cooler.  NICE 

7 hours ago, Not greg b said:

That is a Minnesota ice fishing special there 

It does the job.

14 hours ago, racinfarmer said:

I'll give an example.

Lets say you want to get your kid a semi-modern sled to see if they are interested, learn on, etc.

You decide a Sno Pro 500 or a ZR4000 would be a good option for them.  You can find them for $3k fairly easy in decent shape.

Both machines are 1 part away from being mechanically totaled because important parts are NLA.

How many here want to drop $8-9-10k on a Blast or Evo 550 or Neo to find out if your kid is actually interested in riding?

It can make it challenging to get the next gen into riding.

SP5 needs a $15 jackshaft bearing here and there... what else really goes wrong with them because I've yet to find out?

The crazy $ market imo the past five years has been the 120/200 kids sleds.   

Blast or Neo in concept isn't a horrible idea for starter sleds, but for the price of one... I'd pick up another SP5 and a ZR4k   

would be great if the manus could bring back a lightweight simple 440 fanner... but emissions.  Doo sells an 85hp non power valve 600 for $9900 that runs on 87 octane.  A SP5 in 2010 had an $8300 MSRP.  Adjusted for inflation the Doo 600 is a fair price... until you put any accessories on it.

https://ski-doo.brp.com/us/en/models/trail/mxz.html#sport?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm5e5BhCWARIsANwm06jgHpq8scrz1gDFsVqZXTltlhCLxtfMGQm7QDT34XpVMwEAERBqpVEaAhSYEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#sport

here's 27 brand new 2024's for around $8K

 https://www.snowmobiletrader.com/New-2024-Ski-Doo-Mx-Z-Sport/snowmobiles-for-sale?type=Snowmobile|301857&make=Ski-Doo|326747&model=MX Z SPORT|764860527&condition=N&year=2024&zip=54403&radius=10000

 

Edited November 2, 2024Nov 2 by Crnr2Crnr

22 minutes ago, Crnr2Crnr said:

SP5 needs a $15 jackshaft bearing here and there... what else really goes wrong with them because I've yet to find out?

The crazy $ market imo the past five years has been the 120/200 kids sleds.   

Blast or Neo in concept isn't a horrible idea for starter sleds, but for the price of one... I'd pick up another SP5 and a ZR4k   

would be great if the manus could bring back a lightweight simple 440 fanner... but emissions.  Doo sells an 85hp non power valve 600 for $9900 that runs on 87 octane.  A SP5 in 2010 had an $8300 MSRP.  Adjusted for inflation the Doo 600 is a fair price... until you put any accessories on it.

https://ski-doo.brp.com/us/en/models/trail/mxz.html#sport?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwm5e5BhCWARIsANwm06jgHpq8scrz1gDFsVqZXTltlhCLxtfMGQm7QDT34XpVMwEAERBqpVEaAhSYEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds#sport

 

 

Came across this on marketplace the other day. Not a bad deal imo.

https://www.facebook.com/share/QMZeoMLKvYKa7b8W/