Interesting thread. The clutch question also intrigues me but for different reasons. I have had several 2 and 4 stroke KTMs with juice clutches. I liked them a lot. I have a 2015 KTM 450 now and it has the high end Rekluse clutch whigh allows use of the clutch normally if you so choose. I would not want a snowbike without the Rekluse. I am not sure if they are an option for a CR500 or not.
My other observation about the Panthera motor is it looks very nice. A big powerful 2 stroke for a snowbike would be very cool. My desire is to see someone do an EFI engine though. The snowmobile industry has used them for years. I don't know why the 2 stroke bikes are still running carbs. I didn't like changing jets, etc. back when I was running sleds with carbs. A modern EFI 2 stroke with 80+ horsepower would be great on a snowbike. 6 speed close ratio transmission, electric start, Rekluse clutch and so on. Too much to ask I suppose but why can't a reliable EFI system be built for the Panthera?