forget all the haters. this is a sick concept and a very well done video. i would love to be a test pilot for this thing. light weight and huge suspension travel. if you could make it able to accelerate to 70mph in a hurry and have the batteries last a few hours, this thing could do very well in a snowcross type race. well done
This is awesome design! Great thinking! Although I don't believe that our current electric vehicle technology would support the sport of snowmobiling, it doesn't mean that designing for the future is wrong! Do what you do!
considering how light it is compared to other sleds and the fact of how much torque electric motors have at a stand still (unlike gas with clutches) , this thing would accelerate insanely fast :D
You and me both Nick, It's a idea worth looking at non the less, but there are some things gas cannot replace. The technology that can do that is still in it's infancy.
Battery power doesn't sound as fun as a traditional combustion engine, but lets be honest... the visual side of this thing is awesome. It's so innovative in my opinion. The rear suspension set up is very clever. It wouldn't need a ton of power if it's going to be so light either. Pretty unique, I like it!
1. Awesome video 2. That is a sick sled! Being it is a Honda i'd buy it in a heartbeat! That thing looks radical! 3. You'd have $500 everytime you'd have to redo the shocks lol!
Love the look and suspension that concept has to offer. Looks like it could be a upcoming sled. As far as electric... well not many people would go for that. We are all aware it is environmentally friendly and has great emissions but most sled heads like to hear and feel the pony's between their legs. BRAAAAAAAAP BRAAAAAAAAAP !
Beside the electric thought, my first concern is that open track on the back, you are just asking to get your legs wrapped up in there and torn to shreds. 2nd, there is not long enough running boards to stand on the back of the sled to lift the front end up. Unless you want this to be a strictly sit down ride trail design, the entire frame design is not going to work for anyone that wants to be able to throw their weight around and carve through deep powder or perform freestyle tricks in the air
This is....PERFECT! I love the sound of racingsleds, but for everydayriding this would be so much beter for both you and people around you. Imagine riding this to it's limit, while listening to the silentness of nature. It's the perfect combination of MX, ATV and sled in construction and design. But it shouldn't have an electrical steering, and I think the frame would collapse if you land very hard on the tail of the track... I'd easily sell my 440iq to get this one! Even Greenpeace likes this!
Looks really cool, could very well be the next gen of sleds. Only doubt I have is the 100kg, the batteries only provide the power, you still need a motor to drive the components.
This could be rediculous!!!!!! If the batteries could last for a full day of mountain riding. No belts/clutches, light weight, Instant power and lots of it. Plus a sled that's reliable. my suggestions: Get the rider position over top of the skis a little more, could be done by swinging skis back. Get rid of the silly wings on the skis, that will kill any sidehill capabilities. A longer track with 3" paddles and this thing will be a boondockers dream
I like the idea of the quiet snowmobile but before i could make a desion on gas i would want more details like how long dose it last and how long dose it take to charge but so far i like the idea of it
snowmobiles will be the last to convert over to electric because of weight. you cant make a light enough battery powered sled that doesn't sacrifice run time that also makes 160 hp like todays sleds..... your so right man. also nothing beats the sound of a piped and canned 800 pullin up a big climb!
I like the concept. I was thinking of a jet ski for snow. It needs to be something in between the brute power of a snowmobile and the safety of plain old skis. Is there anything out here yet that can be more or a city park type of snow action machine?? I'd hate to see all this snow here go to waste this year..
you guys are so shortsighted, electric offers instant torque, and simplicity, if the motors could be bigger, I would love to ride one, but my only issue is pertinent to the actual drive time, when I sled, I go for hours on end, an issue that needs to be looked at in electric, once electric gets cheaper, and more efficient, then I would be happy to see this on the market...
you guys really have somthing going here as a snowmobiler myseld its all about weight weight weight!!!!!!! and if this weighs 100kg which i assume is around 100lbs i dont know the conversions but it sounds really light if the batteries can produce a sugnificant amount of power this thing is the future of this sport or but i would put in a light weight 2-stroke motor
snowmobiles on the open prairie are good though right? We have at least 6 foot snow pack everywhere so there is no chance of touching anything below. It might in fact be the only mode of transport if it keeps snowing like this.
the rear suspension could get changed if you dont do the reverse part, you could hook up suspesion tubes from the rear of the seat to the mid section of the skiplate and this thing would be awesome! also make a version that has an actual gas powered engine so your able to tune it for more power and different types of riding and i think this thing would do good on the market!
Interesting balance. It looks really upright like a Yamaha. Weight is mostly battery up under the seat, but it does have a heavy complicated suspension. Wide stance. Probably doesn't handle soft mountain snow well. But, I'm still relatively novice, so I certainly am not the best judge. I can say for certain, this wouldn't have a chance keeping up with my 135hp sleds. Also, my 10 gallons of gas is all that stand between me and a long cold night in the frozen wilderness. Electric? not a chance.
Pretty cool and innovative concept. I don't understand the split track... why? Also, the shrouds over the front suspension are just going to collect snow and add unnecessary unsprung weight.
@BowHunt1229 Thats true, but there are many good engineers out there. It should be possible to make a good engine sealing. They make electric waterpumps....
@cobick1 ya i hear ya dude 220 lbs is light and if it put out a sugnificant amount of hoarse power and the battery lasted a while then it would be somthing to consider
Great concept!! To make the sled more efficient, you could generate more electricity from the suspension. The suspension is always moving, why not capitalize on that free energy?
that is awsome looking, best sled layout i ve seen in along time,dont know about the batteries tho?,with a gas engine would be way better,ive got two 2010 electric start honda engines running wood mizer saw mills,they never break down always start even in -20 weather..hope to see one of those on the show room floor soon..
Holy crap that seat would hurt! U need a seat that is soft or your not going to be able to drive that thing for long. BTW does the batteries really work in the cold? cars up here in northern sweden sometimes dont start due to the battery.
Good work guys/girls!! Just let me know when I can test drive it! :) That could be something different, compare to my Polaris RMK.. I tested a electric dirt-bike, and that throttle response was awesome! Might beat my 2-stroker!
okay idea i guess, good effort making the video, and I appreciate your work, but electric would be completely impractical for trail riding. Needs to be able to refuel in a short time. As ultracapacitors and charging stations get better, this could be a real feasible trail snowmobile.
+Krankie V of course this is true we are all waiting for the improvement in battery technology that is what's been holding it back for many years but they're working on it is the future, into the other, just below who yes we realize the shortcomings of batteries, the fact is it is the future and is going to be better than the internal combustion engine put your two brain cells together and figure it out
Okay this post was 2 years ago (BUT, BUT NOW) With the Greatness of "HONDA" , Honda has never fit it in it STANDS OUT , and Second Place is the 1st Loser and Honda's NO "Loser" once you've ridden a "Honda" your hooked for life. And with this Li-Lon Battery Honda is Proving itself because it is NOT BURNING GAS but BATTERIES that can be RECHARGED NO EXHAUST TO BE EMITTED INTO THE ATMOSPHERE as "POLLUTION" Their is much much more to be emitted but anyone who has owned or ridden a "Honda" knows the Ease of owning one
this seems like a great concept for a racing type sled but i could never see it for the mountains, the balance would be perfect for a race scenario and the weight is so little. It would never be able to put out the kind of power to weight ratio over long periods of time a normal snowmobile can run though
tha is true with the torque and hp on electric motors but when it all boils doen to it, it only takes me five minutes to fill up with gas and the performance is the same until it does run out. Lithium batteries or not, when it gets low, you gonna "lug" to a power station? And after you get to one, you feel like sitting for a couple hours just to go out riding again?
looks like a high center of gravity with the batteries and the rider up so high. motor may compensate but getting the majority of the weight lower would improve handling drastically
looks cool, but skis would never work. the tall wing portion would prevent you from being able to carve, Boondock, or hold a side hill. you'd end up elevatoring down any hill you tried to pull the sled over on.
I think that song should be our National Anthem. For a power source, they should use what a phaser pistol uses. Now take a hit of some fine bud in a vaporizer, go ride silen in the shnow. :~
Two Perm 132s 88.8 volts Li ion cells kevlar reinforced track self centering track and drive , Mini self cleaning cog drive for high efficiency half sphere bogey wheels for track guidance and support , Boysen unused swing arm design from the early 90s LED lights,Verticle ski panel for increased steering in powder , Chassis sport bike frame tail ,450type A arm mounting like YZF450, tri keel ski after market bars and riser , inverted operation rear shocks on swing arm, constant tension rear shock.
Neat concept, but is it really saving natural resources? By the time you use all the amperage to charge the batteries, you have burned how much coal in the power plants to make the electricity? What would happen if everyone had an electric car or a sled at their house? How many natural resources would that take to power a residential neighborhood?
WOW hats off to you students who did this! Awesome work and GREAT design. GET THIS THING BUILT!!!!!!!!
Honda should make an 800 2 stroke for Polaris...maybe the top end will last for more than a season!
forget all the haters. this is a sick concept and a very well done video. i would love to be a test pilot for this thing. light weight and huge suspension travel. if you could make it able to accelerate to 70mph in a hurry and have the batteries last a few hours, this thing could do very well in a snowcross type race. well done
This is awesome design! Great thinking! Although I don't believe that our current electric vehicle technology would support the sport of snowmobiling, it doesn't mean that designing for the future is wrong! Do what you do!
considering how light it is compared to other sleds and the fact of how much torque electric motors have at a stand still (unlike gas with clutches) , this thing would accelerate insanely fast :D
Wow, That is just crazy cool, I really do have a sudden urge to want to buy that snowmobile
You and me both Nick, It's a idea worth looking at non the less, but there are some things gas cannot replace. The technology that can do that is still in it's infancy.
Lets Git er Done ! Only been waiting 35 years Honda !
Battery power doesn't sound as fun as a traditional combustion engine, but lets be honest... the visual side of this thing is awesome. It's so innovative in my opinion. The rear suspension set up is very clever. It wouldn't need a ton of power if it's going to be so light either. Pretty unique, I like it!
If it can be done Honda would be the ones to make it happen....I love 2-strokes, but you cant argue with electric.....
Try running batteries in the cold let me know what happens
Plus if you fun out of gas in the mountains, u can just get a Jerry can of fuel, electric however, you have to have a charger for, lol
Whoever designed this has never ridden a snowmobile
Nice little 120 ripper for the kids slaying POW fields in suburbia
This video well beyond a concept. Just waiting for the right opportunity I guess
1. Awesome video
2. That is a sick sled! Being it is a Honda i'd buy it in a heartbeat! That thing looks radical!
3. You'd have $500 everytime you'd have to redo the shocks lol!
I would like to see this as a 2-stroke
Love the look and suspension that concept has to offer. Looks like it could be a upcoming sled. As far as electric... well not many people would go for that. We are all aware it is environmentally friendly and has great emissions but most sled heads like to hear and feel the pony's between their legs.
BRAAAAAAAAP BRAAAAAAAAAP !
Beside the electric thought, my first concern is that open track on the back, you are just asking to get your legs wrapped up in there and torn to shreds. 2nd, there is not long enough running boards to stand on the back of the sled to lift the front end up. Unless you want this to be a strictly sit down ride trail design, the entire frame design is not going to work for anyone that wants to be able to throw their weight around and carve through deep powder or perform freestyle tricks in the air
This is....PERFECT! I love the sound of racingsleds, but for everydayriding this would be so much beter for both you and people around you. Imagine riding this to it's limit, while listening to the silentness of nature. It's the perfect combination of MX, ATV and sled in construction and design. But it shouldn't have an electrical steering, and I think the frame would collapse if you land very hard on the tail of the track... I'd easily sell my 440iq to get this one! Even Greenpeace likes this!
Batteries and cold don't mix... yes, but let's see in the future. The design aswesome!!
Cool! I would love to go on the trail with a quiet snowmobile. It would be nice.
this is a sick sled, now granted the electric engine isn't my cup of tea but it if had a raging engine and turbo, than id like it even more.
Honda dosen't have the balls to join the market but the rendering's are kool keep them coming it is good entertainment!!
nice track! good ol passion pit
I love it! looks like something the "Trick" Riders will go mad over, I would love to take it for a rip & really know it's worth
i would love a honda snowmobile
Looks really cool, could very well be the next gen of sleds. Only doubt I have is the 100kg, the batteries only provide the power, you still need a motor to drive the components.
This could be rediculous!!!!!! If the batteries could last for a full day of mountain riding. No belts/clutches, light weight, Instant power and lots of it. Plus a sled that's reliable. my suggestions: Get the rider position over top of the skis a little more, could be done by swinging skis back. Get rid of the silly wings on the skis, that will kill any sidehill capabilities. A longer track with 3" paddles and this thing will be a boondockers dream
I like the idea of the quiet snowmobile but before i could make a desion on gas i would want more details like how long dose it last and how long dose it take to charge but so far i like the idea of it
Looks like a great groomed trail machine. Cheers. Patrick
That's sick put a 2stroke 500cc engine in it and I'll buy 2!!!
They need to make this !
I agree with ya,and where i live where it gets down to -50 those batterys will never hold a charge for long !
batteries hold their charge longer in cold weather. They just have less juice
I like the suspension idea. Could work in different apps, but pia to configure.
Why pick the most annoying music known to mankind to put in this vid?
asians
AGREED! The music chased me outta here!
Ya like wow mute!
The future looks dim.
snowmobiles will be the last to convert over to electric because of weight. you cant make a light enough battery powered sled that doesn't sacrifice run time that also makes 160 hp like todays sleds..... your so right man. also nothing beats the sound of a piped and canned 800 pullin up a big climb!
I like the concept. I was thinking of a jet ski for snow. It needs to be something in between the brute power of a snowmobile and the safety of plain old skis. Is there anything out here yet that can be more or a city park type of snow action machine?? I'd hate to see all this snow here go to waste this year..
humm
nice design
would love to see how these batteries react at 35 below, under normal condition here in Canada
you guys are so shortsighted, electric offers instant torque, and simplicity, if the motors could be bigger, I would love to ride one, but my only issue is pertinent to the actual drive time, when I sled, I go for hours on end, an issue that needs to be looked at in electric, once electric gets cheaper, and more efficient, then I would be happy to see this on the market...
some ideas that would make this more appealing, snap together version would be awesome and option for gas or electric instead of just electric
you guys really have somthing going here as a snowmobiler myseld its all about weight weight weight!!!!!!! and if this weighs 100kg which i assume is around 100lbs i dont know the conversions but it sounds really light if the batteries can produce a sugnificant amount of power this thing is the future of this sport or but i would put in a light weight 2-stroke motor
this is a very nice sled!!!
snowmobiles on the open prairie are good though right? We have at least 6 foot snow pack everywhere so there is no chance of touching anything below. It might in fact be the only mode of transport if it keeps snowing like this.
As for now anyways, someday, 4 strokes may be better but as of now the 2 stroke snowmobile is king IMHO.
it looks like a combo of the yamaha Phazer and the polaris rush
More like the Yamaha SnoScoot
I don't care what you people all say. I think it looks pretty sweet!
the rear suspension could get changed if you dont do the reverse part, you could hook up suspesion tubes from the rear of the seat to the mid section of the skiplate and this thing would be awesome! also make a version that has an actual gas powered engine so your able to tune it for more power and different types of riding and i think this thing would do good on the market!
Interesting balance. It looks really upright like a Yamaha. Weight is mostly battery up under the seat, but it does have a heavy complicated suspension. Wide stance. Probably doesn't handle soft mountain snow well. But, I'm still relatively novice, so I certainly am not the best judge. I can say for certain, this wouldn't have a chance keeping up with my 135hp sleds. Also, my 10 gallons of gas is all that stand between me and a long cold night in the frozen wilderness. Electric? not a chance.
I agree. Not to mention a battery or batteries that have enough power to run a sled would likely way well over 100 pounds.
I came too see the snowmobile but I stayed for the music.
Pretty cool and innovative concept.
I don't understand the split track... why?
Also, the shrouds over the front suspension are just going to collect snow and add unnecessary unsprung weight.
As they say Follow The Leader , He's On A Honda . !
Honda, ruler of the worlds best toys
Bring back 3 wheelers!!
I love how it has Fox shox... needs to be gas and it would be rad
@BowHunt1229 Thats true, but there are many good engineers out there. It should be possible to make a good engine sealing. They make electric waterpumps....
very cool, looks like the handle bars are a little low.....
@cobick1 ya i hear ya dude 220 lbs is light and if it put out a sugnificant amount of hoarse power and the battery lasted a while then it would be somthing to consider
that would be a cool sled to see out on the trails but whats the distance the of the batteries?
Great concept!! To make the sled more efficient, you could generate more electricity from the suspension. The suspension is always moving, why not capitalize on that free energy?
that is awsome looking, best sled layout i ve seen in along time,dont know about the batteries tho?,with a gas engine would be way better,ive got two 2010 electric start honda engines running wood mizer saw mills,they never break down always start even in -20 weather..hope to see one of those on the show room floor soon..
@2stroker125 FUCK YES. This is something honda should listen to..
that is a sweet looking concept :D no solar panels to help extend it's range and recharge the machine though?
Holy crap that seat would hurt! U need a seat that is soft or your not going to be able to drive that thing for long.
BTW does the batteries really work in the cold? cars up here in northern sweden sometimes dont start due to the battery.
Good work guys/girls!!
Just let me know when I can test drive it! :)
That could be something different, compare to my Polaris RMK..
I tested a electric dirt-bike, and that throttle response was awesome!
Might beat my 2-stroker!
okay idea i guess, good effort making the video, and I appreciate your work, but electric would be completely impractical for trail riding. Needs to be able to refuel in a short time. As ultracapacitors and charging stations get better, this could be a real feasible trail snowmobile.
+Krankie V of course this is true we are all waiting for the improvement in battery technology that is what's been holding it back for many years but they're working on it is the future, into the other, just below who yes we realize the shortcomings of batteries, the fact is it is the future and is going to be better than the internal combustion engine put your two brain cells together and figure it out
+noblsht no shit it's going to get better but right now it's completely impractical
Okay this post was 2 years ago (BUT, BUT NOW) With the Greatness of "HONDA" , Honda has never fit it in it STANDS OUT , and Second Place is the 1st Loser and Honda's NO "Loser" once you've ridden a "Honda" your hooked for life. And with this Li-Lon Battery Honda is Proving itself because it is NOT BURNING GAS but BATTERIES that can be RECHARGED NO EXHAUST TO BE EMITTED INTO THE ATMOSPHERE as "POLLUTION" Their is much much more to be emitted but anyone who has owned or ridden a "Honda" knows the Ease of owning one
Haha I like the Honda Auto logo, probably should have gone with the Honda Powersports logo though ;)
It would work if you had drones flying in and out to replace the batteries as you go.
If this thing was 2 stroke it would kick ass!
this seems like a great concept for a racing type sled but i could never see it for the mountains, the balance would be perfect for a race scenario and the weight is so little. It would never be able to put out the kind of power to weight ratio over long periods of time a normal snowmobile can run though
need to open up those running boards and put a smaller turbo'd 4stroke in it.
Cool Fantasy Buddy
the wings make you fly to the moon. the thing has 6000$ worth of shocks lol
Why does the rear axle slide in and out constantly loosening and tightening the track. That makes no sense at all.
BUILD IT - THEY WILL COME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
tha is true with the torque and hp on electric motors but when it all boils doen to it, it only takes me five minutes to fill up with gas and the performance is the same until it does run out. Lithium batteries or not, when it gets low, you gonna "lug" to a power station? And after you get to one, you feel like sitting for a couple hours just to go out riding again?
it's beautiful! I like it! It's 100% symmetrical, awesome! The power output?
you sir I do not like.......... IT LOOKS STUPID AND UGLY
@istater14 I agree that the electric steering is not a good constuction, but in what way is an electrical motor impractical?
Rear shocks are on backwards
They need to compress to work properly
looks like a high center of gravity with the batteries and the rider up so high. motor may compensate but getting the majority of the weight lower would improve handling drastically
I want one of these so bad. Leave it to Honda to groom a new line of sleds.
@timmins15 Lithium Ion batteries work extremely well in the cold, incidentally..
Still hard to charge a battery in the woods
Did they make one of these?
Polaris &honda getting together would be a great idea
an electric snowmobile will never work until somebody invents a battery that performs at 100% in the cold
i love this music to much
I wouldn't say ling track they should work on sleds for tracks jumping and more motocross inspired ride.
if they were LiFe batt packs theyed charge in an hour and last hours and lite enough to store a couple extra 4emergency and alot higher discharge rate
wonder how those batteries would work in -10 f
where the suspension is connected in the front does it have a swing arm or does that suspension just rock back and fourth?
a snowmobile must skidoo!!!
when can we see this on the market?
Do you have any idea how tiny the amount of energy a solar panel puts out. It would take a week of charging just to ride for an hour.
looks cool, but skis would never work. the tall wing portion would prevent you from being able to carve, Boondock, or hold a side hill. you'd end up elevatoring down any hill you tried to pull the sled over on.
@Basshole51 agreed!
Very cool.
I think that song should be our National Anthem.
For a power source, they should use what a phaser pistol uses.
Now take a hit of some fine bud in a vaporizer, go ride silen in the shnow. :~
Two Perm 132s 88.8 volts Li ion cells kevlar reinforced track self centering track and drive , Mini self cleaning cog drive for high efficiency half sphere bogey wheels for track guidance and support , Boysen unused swing arm design from the early 90s LED lights,Verticle ski panel for increased steering in powder , Chassis sport bike frame tail ,450type A arm mounting like YZF450, tri keel ski after market bars and riser , inverted operation rear shocks on swing arm, constant tension rear shock.
Neat concept, but is it really saving natural resources? By the time you use all the amperage to charge the batteries, you have burned how much coal in the power plants to make the electricity? What would happen if everyone had an electric car or a sled at their house? How many natural resources would that take to power a residential neighborhood?
I want one electric is the way to go it has insane amount of torque and power and a insane takeoff or burst of power but it needs a backup battery