13 XM Prototype

I just got back from Lifestyles Honda tonight watching them put together the new XM. Let me tell you this sled looks better in person then it does on the screen! The fit and finish is top notch how everything just fits right into place.I am going to tell you some of the things I notice that Doo to me has improved on over the 12's. The top of the body does really come off and on with 4 bolts and just unplug the gauge cluster, cool! The rounded side panels are made of a more plyable plastic the should take away the white line problem of the earlyer years, and this go' for all the body panels. When sitting on the sled I did notice was how low the cowling was that goes up to the head lights, and the gauge cluster laid flat also. It seems to me that snow will have a hard time packing onto that! When standing, the gauge cluster is in great view just looking down. The bars are a little taller then the 12, but the block riser is shorter, about the same height. The boards on the XM are beefy and good luck bending these! They are wider and the holes are much bigger no more snow build up. I do really lke how they cut away the side panel to allow a farther foward footing for sidehill or just getting yourself out of a pinch. Looks like to me the can is the same as the 12, put on aftermarket and 10 to 15 lbs lighter. Lets get to the skid and track, this is where everybody want to see and ride. This did make a big differance to me when pulling the sled over. I am 165lbs and standing next to the sled on the ground I was able to pull the sled over on it side very easy. When standind on one side of the boards it came over with very litte effort, when standing like I was riding it I can shift my wieght and lay it over also WOW! Very smooth! This is going to bring alot of smlies to the riders, less effort more ride time! I think this is all do to the new skid and track. The front part of the skid is fixed like all skids but the back of the skid is the part that moves, and with the track the way it is made allows for the sled to roll over very easy. The best part of this is it looks like it can bolt on to the XP, and work! I don't know yet, but I mite get to try XM soon, and If I doo I will let you know what I think about the ride. Just to let you know I did doo a demo ride on the 12 / 163 last week in 3 plus feet of fresh pow and that ETECH is one strong motor and the 12 XP, well lets just say this, its hard to get it stuck, and it does sidehill with great ease and if the 13XM is better That why I snow checked mine today

Couple of more things, I did notice on the air intake you can see right thru to the other side, and the filters being vertical, this should be very good in the deep powder days with no snow build up. The seat does sit a little lower and it does get narrow towards the tank, should work good as you lean into the corners sitting down. Please Doo just make the seat all black including the back storage area, and yes the seats can fit on the older XP's. The back flap is made out of pliable rubber the will seem to bend when needed but stay in place to keep the snow dust down for the riders in back of you. I did notice this same type of rubber on the 12 Cat when I rode this last weekend the bowed in and stuck strait up and out, did not look like this will do this. The XM does pull over very easy, and it mite give the bigger guys a little learning curve on not pulling or leaning into to much or they will be on thier side, but the not so big and heavy riders are going to really like it. Sorry about the long postings, just trying to put out some info on the XM from just a weekend rider who like many others are looking to pick up a new sled this next season. If you get a chance to see the XM, Doo it! It is impressive

snowhunter1

I think your going to like it:beer;

Brew did you ride the XM today?