For me it would be the 146 Khaos.

 

My guess is it took a 1-year hiatus to help dealers get their inventory right. Same as eliminating the XC for 2025. No way this is a long-term strategy. They just have dealers swimming in inventory right now.

 

Well if we get our wish the Switchback Assault will have the 39" front end next year. There has been a few conversations with product development on what the Switchback Assault really is. My current assault is basically an SKS. I'm running a 39" T rex front end, RMK spindles and gripper skis. Out back is the 2" crossover track and limiter strap is full out.

I rode this in the current configuration in the Snowy Range for a week recently. Sled was an absolute blast to ride and I was overly impressed with how capable it was. On all but the steepest slopes it has no trouble getting around and was much more playful and fun to ride compared to the 165s that were with us. Yes, they can climb, but for everything else the assault holds it's own.

I do have some shock to upper arm clearance issues, but I plan to sort that out over the summer.

 

Well if we get our wish the Switchback Assault will have the 39" front end next year. There has been a few conversations with product development on what the Switchback Assault really is. My current assault is basically an SKS. I'm running a 39" T rex front end, RMK spindles and gripper skis. Out back is the 2" crossover track and limiter strap is full out.

I rode this in the current configuration in the Snowy Range for a week recently. Sled was an absolute blast to ride and I was overly impressed with how capable it was. On all but the steepest slopes it has no trouble getting around and was much more playful and fun to ride compared to the 165s that were with us. Yes, they can climb, but for everything else the assault holds it's own.

I do have some shock to upper arm clearance issues, but I plan to sort that out over the summer. View attachment 2156553

Thats the machine! Thanks for the feedback and keep pushing for this.

For what it's worth the term crossover is a confusing segment. To some it means Trail/Off Trail Flat Deep Snow but for others it means Trail/Mountain. Both are separate and distinct markets with different machine requirements as you well know. Giving the option to have the 39-40-41 adjustable front for the SB line would be an easy solution technically and give riders the optionality they want.

Pretty sure my two sons would be buy one in a heartbeat as maybe even I. They both have 24 650 SKS's but would like to have the option to get an 850 some day down the road with some more features. And needless to say they were disappointed to see that the SKS is gone for 2025 and have really nothing in the lineup to do what they want to do which is Trail/Mountain.

Also keep in mind affordability....not everyone can afford an assault, so keep this narrow adjustable front end idea in mind for the XC and SP Switchback versions too. To me it could just be an option for the entire SB lineup where you just choose if you want a narrow adjustable or wide front end.....and maybe a retrofit kit for guys who have a SB today and want to put a narrow adjustable front end on it.

 

Or just make the SKS available with the 7S display and better shocks and 2" track

 

Although I will say I have spent a decent amount of time on a 146 Khaos and I know others personally as well and they are quite capable on trail at 38". The 146 Khaos cooling system works well on trail also.

 

Feels like the whole RMK lineup cools well enough to have kept a lot of midwestern riders on RMKs vs SKSs. With scratchers down, I’ve never felt I needed more cooling on the 155 and 163 RMKs I have had and I ride a lot of flat land in MN/ND.

Definitely love the SKS and would love to have one personally. The shorter lug options would be awesome! But I get why Polaris pulled the plug

 

I like your idea to just bring back the SKS the best with some different engine options/packages/price points. Position it as the ultimate Trail/Mountain crossover as in the past.

 

I think we will eventually see this. I have an Assault with a 1.6' and its good off trail. However, Grippers, 2" track, narrow stance, mountain bars, etc. make a difference. Lots of people migrating to off trail as snow is usually never a problem. The Assault is probably 60/40 trail/off as it's delivered, and the SKS is 40/60. As I ride more and more in the UP, the SKS makes more sense for me right now.

 

All the RMK model sleds have adjustable stance. I think the narrower the better. Even on trail I've gotten very used to it and it is very fun.

 

add these with usi epic skis and you have a little bit of both. Have the adjustability of 42” down to 38.25”

 

I don’t think putting offset spindles are a true solution. The shock and a arm angles would be awful for mountain riding. Also I don’t believe that a 146 Khaos slash is an acceptable option for any distance of trails. Maybe if they had a 146 Khaos with a full tunnel and a trail snow flap. Overall it’s disappointing to see the lack of mountain/Trail sleds. That will be an ever expanding market especially after this years snow. Skidoo has mastered the art of easy to use factory options, seems ridiculous that you need to go to the aftermarket to configure a snowmobile that a good size customer base is interested in. A gas can would be a good start too! 😂😂

 

Then just purchase narrower a-arms and taller spindles for the switchback. Plus, in 2024 the SKS was only in a stripped down 650 version, I assume the majority would want something with a little more snort and a few bells and whistles.

 

Backcountry 146 Turbo with the 39 front could be the best mashup of true mountain/trail crossover. Would love to ride one, but then would likely have to buy it. Khaos 146 Boost would be next if they offered one. Then there's the Freeride 146 Turbo. Can't beat an OEM turbo for pull and go riding if you ride both low and high elevation.

 

Snow Check mountain sled offerings are limited to:
ProRMK Slash
OR
Khaos Slash
OR
650/850 RMK SP Standard tunnel, long cooler, snow flap, 155 Series 8 2.75" track

 

I would order the slash anyways. It is amazing how much better the shorter tunnel is in deeper snow. I never realized how much drag in the snow there was and how much faster I got stuck until I cut mine. Almost feels like the engine has more power.

 

And they just look cool!