Snow Hawk - is this the future of snowmobiling?

[dirtdame]

Being in the market for a sled next year I came across the Snow Hawk while doing research.  I have to say I was intrigued (except for the price )!  Has anybody ridden one?

How are they on the trails with other riders?  Are they a nuisance?  They seemed to be more for extreme riding than groomed trails, but how many people have enough of their own land to be able to not ride the trails? 

The snowmobile/snow hawk comparison is somewhat similar to skiing/snowboarding.  Many ski areas now have separate ski and snowboard parks but we have enough trouble keeping the snowmobile trails open  It'd be a big fight if they wanted to have Snow Hawk only trails.  Just thinking. 

[PJ]

Its hard to get a ride on one, you never see any.
In the many years of riding I have done I haven't seen one "on the trail", I have seen them at shows and demo events though.
They look like fun, not so sure about "touring" type riding though....
Check out this site, you could come up to Tug Hill and rent one for a day before putting out hard earned cash and buying one...

http://877snowhawk.com/Home_Page.php

[GreatWhiteHunter]

I've been watching all the videos I can find of those on YouTube lately of the SnowHawk. I was trying to figure out if it could be a fun thing to try out. There are several vids of different models running on "normal" groomed rails and it seems to do just fine. I'm not sure how it could be considered a nuisance in any way as it's just a narrow snowmobile. There isn't anything you can do on one of these things (except fall over) that you can't already do on a regular sled, that I can see anyway.

I think I'll check out the rentals for sure, just to get a chance to throw a leg over one.

[PJ]

I'm not sure how it could be considered a nuisance in any way as it's just a narrow snowmobile. There isn't anything you can do on one of these things (except fall over) that you can't already do on a regular sled, that I can see anyway.

I dont see how either.

[PJ]

Video time !!!

[PJ]

2008 model video

[PJ]

Great on trail video..

[dirtdame]

There isn't anything you can do on one of these things (except fall over) that you can't already do on a regular sled, that I can see anyway.

  Why would someone want one then?  They're fairly expensive, have limited size options - 60,120 then jumps up to 800 HO (for '07 & '08 anyway) and the dealer support is not widespread.  What am I missing?   


ps- are they 2 or 4 stroke?

[PJ]

  Why would someone want one then?  They're fairly expensive, have limited size options - 60,120 then jumps up to 800 HO (for '07 & '08 anyway) and the dealer support is not widespread.  What am I missing?   


ps- are they 2 or 4 stroke?

Maneuverability, jumping, freestyle powder type riding, just a lighter style different type of ride.
I believe they are all 2 strokes, in fact the 120 at one time was a Stihl chainsaw power head.... now thats quality power !!! not sure they are using it anymore....
The 800 is a Rotax (Ski-Doo) engine

[GreatWhiteHunter]

  Why would someone want one then?  They're fairly expensive, have limited size options - 60,120 then jumps up to 800 HO (for '07 & '08 anyway) and the dealer support is not widespread.  What am I missing?   


ps- are they 2 or 4 stroke?

I can only speak to how they appeal to me and hazard a guess as to the only "adult" sized machine.

The appeal to me is the motorcycle style ride. I've found myself more and more interested in getting back to my roots in the warmer months and moving from 4 wheels off-road to 2. This may play out sooner than later but only time will tell but that same interest is bleeding over to winter sports with the continued development of the SnowHawk platform.

Which is a nice segway to my opinion about the size of the engine...

I've seen a few writings here and there about the original 'Hawks that started with a 500 single I believe and moved to a 600. They were routinely referred to as underpowered. This 800 doesn't look like it will suffer from that reputation. Again, this is just a guess on my part.

[jasonmxz]

I rode one last year, They are VERY fun.  Kinds scary at higher speeds and not the best in the moguls. Advantages are you can fit 2 in the back of a pick-up truck. Probally 4-5 on a 2 place trailer.  Deff. better fuel mileage. Super easy to work on.

I tryed to get this thing stuck and I couldnt . Kinda cool on a packed, groomed trail.  If you are into moto-X or better yet Super Moto racing this is for you.  They are very well balanced considering what they are.
Cons- If you want to do any kind of touring you will be sore. If you dont like to explain what the hell you rode in on you will be sick of riding it anywhere. Everyone wants to know what it is, How fast is it and Can I ride it?

For the right price I would prob. buy one just to tool around on. Deff. not to replace my sled though

[PJ]

The appeal to me is the motorcycle style ride. I've found myself more and more interested in getting back to my roots in the warmer months and moving from 4 wheels off-road to 2.

We really need to test ride one, I dont think you will come away with the same feeling, no shifting and of course this is in snow not pavement where you can really hookup traction wise and such.
A demo ride will tell all though.....
I think you would really like a nice big bore twin on a modern sled chassis..... 

[PJ]

I rode one last year, They are VERY fun.  Kinds scary at higher speeds and not the best in the moguls.

I need higher speeds and some type of bump performance also, if not I don't think I would take it out other to play here and there, because the trails change from mile to mile and different areas and clubs grooming.
Fun is fun though, I cant wait to throw a leg over one...

[GreatWhiteHunter]

Jason,

Thanks for the review, it's really good to hear from someone that has ridden one and knows sleds. That's the best perspective I could ask for, personally.

PJ,

I think you're right of course. A test ride is in the cards for sure.

[PJ]

A test ride is in the cards for sure.

I think we can have a small group ready for a demo ride once we are sure there is enough snow to test it out in all conditions.
Mid January? February?
Lets see how winter is playing out in a few weeks...

Pj