Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/561797
FOCUS PSB Snow 22 • September 17, 2015 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com Snow Goer survey reveals riders' current habits, future plans BY LIZ KEENER MANAGING EDITOR Nearly one-third of the snowmobilers recently surveyed by Snow Goer magazine plan to buy a snowmobile within the next 12 months. Snow Goer, a sister consumer publication to Power- sports Business, surveys its readers annually to gauge their sentiment going into the upcoming riding season. The 2015 survey found 31 percent of rid- ers plan to buy a new sled in the next year, while another 12.5 percent say there's a 50/50 chance that they'll buy in the next 12 months. Three-quarters of those who are buying soon plan to buy a new unit from a dealership, while another 9.8 percent will buy a used snowmobile from a dealer. The remaining 15.2 percent plan to buy a used snowmobile from a private party. Snow Goer also asked which parts or com- ponents riders will be purchasing within the next 12 months. Not surprisingly, oil stood out as the top contender, with 67.9 percent of consumers planning oil purchases. Drive belts were second on the list, with 51.5 percent. They were followed by fuel additives at 32.3 percent, trailer accessories at 25.1 percent, trac- tion products (studs and/or carbide runners) at 24.8 percent, clutch parts and components at 19.1 percent and on-board storage (i.e. tunnel or handlebar bag) at 17.8 percent. When it comes to gear, new gloves are on Survey: Snowmobile buyers turn to dealers 27.7% 27.7% 37.6% 15.4% 28.8% 18.4% 26.4% 23.9% 1.9% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% Boots Bibs or pants Gloves Goggles Helmet Jacket Underlayers None of the above Other WHAT SNOWMOBILE-RELATED APPAREL DO YOU OR OTHER MEMBERS OF YOUR HOUSEHOLD PLAN TO PURCHASE IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? DO YOU PLAN TO BUY A SNOWMOBILE WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS? Yes, I plan to buy a new snowmobile from a dealer Yes, I plan to buy a used snowmobile from a dealer Yes, I plan to buy a used snowmobile from a private party I may buy a used snowmobile − it's a 50/50 chance No, I probably won't buy a snowmobile in the next 12 months 23.3% 3.0% 4.7% 12.5% 56.5% 39.3% 6.5% 27.4% 14.6% 2.2% 10.0% At a snowmobile dealership From a snowmobile dealership's website At a show or event (from a dealership or other) From an online or mail-order snowmobile parts retailer (i.e., Dennis Kirk, First Place Parts, Shade Tree, etc.) From a discount retailer (i.e., Target, Walmart, etc.) or sporting goods store Other FROM WHERE DID YOU PURCHASE YOUR MOST RECENT SNOWMOBILE JACKET? See Survey, Page 25 Source: Snow Goer Reader Survey Source: Snow Goer Reader Survey Source: Snow Goer Reader Survey More than one-quarter of the readers who participated in the Snow Goer magazine survey plan to buy a helmet this season.