just wondering why polaris quit these 600 triples?

I think the general snowmobiling public bought in to the marketing strategy that twins were superior to the triple. I don't agree that is necessarily true. Lighter weight and more power were the key elements. Also throw in the crank problems they had on these engines for a couple of years and people were leary of buying them. They introduced the bulletproof domestic twin that was such a hit right at the time of the crank problems so it was pretty much game over for the 600 triple right there.

That Xlt motor was a dog, nice comfy sled, but I assume technology passed their *Xtra Lite Triple. If you got a tripple that doesnt shreik and make big power go to a comparable size twin, at least the twin will weigh less and will have more grunt down low.

I have always loved triples and the way they sounded... I have driven twins and dont like them... sure they have lots of bottem end torque... but if OEM's spent as much time looking into triples as they twins, they would be untouchable like the SRX...

If I were being forced to shift a transmission manually on a trail I would be concerned with "low end grunt", but my sled uses a torque converter that keeps my engine on it's power band, no matter what speed that is.

If I were bragging up a twin, I'd be talking about less maintenance (2 plugs, 2 carbs, etc.), less weight, or fewer moving parts, trying to down play all the advantages of a triple. If I were *arguing the triple, we could start with their sound, and go on to trading a case of handlebar vibes or buzz with the large twin for awesome smoothness, better inherent volumetric efficiency (ability to fill the cylinders with a fuel charge) for more horsepower per cc, the insignificant difference in weight, and on and on. But I don't think that's the point

The point is everyone wants to think they are one of the crazies that run out on the MX tracks, or own a machine like those guys are running. They buy a twin because that's what won a race last weekend or last year, not taking the time or caring to consider how many times a day they fly off a 12' jump in everyday life. It's called marketing. Polaris will build whatever sells. Especially when they are cheaper to build. There is nothing wrong with the triples. Yup, there were some problems with some of the triples, but we won't have to go far to discuss problems with twins either.

AL

Good post AL! *I agree 100%. *If triples were winning at the races and were as cheap as twins to produce it would be a whole new ballgame. * It funny how powerful marketing can be!