Alpha Ride Report?

[LennyR]

I make my living and always have in the drilling industry, there is no way in hell that I would support any BRP product at this time. I see people posting on here about how great everyone is doing with the rally's going on in various places in Alberta yet they keep supporting companies back east that do not support our "dirty oil" and continue to steal Alberta money. BRP cares alright Fack them.

It certainly does make a person think I agree. I presently do have one Doo and also a Maverick and have always had a tough time basing my toy purchase relative to the brand and more just what I like. But lately gotta say I'm thinking more and more like your comment. It certainly does seem , as we continue to get raped and beat up and we just keep on allowing Quebec to take while we give more , that supporting a company like BRP really flies in the face of logic for western Canadians. And yeah I know , BRP Rec and Doo and BRP are not the same company !!! Baloney, My wife and I have separate bank accounts also, but the compatibility is similar. Gotta make you think, go to a O & G rally with 2000 other trucks and 4 or 5000 people , to solve a problem mainly caused by eastern Canada , but primarily Quebec , then support BRP , while bitching and boycotting Whistler ???

 

[LennyR]

I understand your hate for the east. Me too. I hate the equalization formula more than anyone. But do you really think a Motorsports company like BRP is anti oil? Think about it? What do they run on? Can you provide a link where BRP has stated they are anti Alberta or anti oil? Back in the mid 90's when Quebec was spouting separation and people were actually thinking it was going to happen in the referendum the CEO of Bombardier at the time Pierre Beaudoin held a meeting in the Valcourt arena about this issue. He stated to all the employees that had gathered for the meeting that Bombardier was a Canadian company first and a Quebec company second and that any employee that felt different could pick up a severance cheque at the plant after the meeting. I highly doubt that
the current CEO, Jose Boisjoli of what is now called BRP represents any different position than what they held back in the mid 90's. Why would you chit in your own cornflakes?

I get what you mean but kinda similar question and logic I suppose to why so many in that province would speak against oil and gas , but yet continue to be users, why they would protest Albertas O & G production and sales , but yet demand the same Alberta contribution to equalization , why they would protest pipelines thru Quebec , but encourage tankers of oil up the St Lawrence ?? And there is obviously a very tight relationship between the Quebec governance and BRP , based on the amount of loans/grants/bailouts they've received over the years. So they aren't likely gonna be chatting in that bowl of cornflakes either !!!

 

[tmo1620]

ARCTIC CAT In TROUBLE? Textron, owner of Arctic Cat snowmobiles, filed this report this week with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission and reading between the lines of corporate gobble-de-gook, it appears that things aren’t going well for Arctic Cat...


On December 4, 2018, our Board of Directors approved a plan to restructure the Textron Specialized Vehicles businesses within our Industrial segment. We expect to incur pre-tax charges in the range of $60 million to $85 million under this plan, which will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Textron Specialized Vehicles has undergone significant changes since the acquisition of Arctic Cat as we have expanded the product portfolio and integrated manufacturing operations and retail distribution. As disclosed in our Form 10-Q filed for the third quarter of 2018, the operating results for these businesses were significantly below our expectations as dealer sell-through lagged despite the introduction of new products into our dealer network. Management conducted a strategic review of the Textron Specialized Vehicles businesses, which included an assessment of the acquired dealer network and go-to-market strategy for the Textron Off Road and Arctic Cat brands, as well as cost reduction initiatives throughout the Textron Specialized Vehicles businesses. The restructuring plan will result in the impairment of intangible assets, primarily related to product rationalization, the elimination of approximately 400 positions, representing approximately 10% of Textron Specialized Vehicles’ workforce, and closure of several factory-direct turf-care branch locations and a manufacturing facility. The restructuring actions under this plan are expected to result in improved operating results for these businesses.
Severance and related costs for this plan are estimated to be in the range of $10 million to $15 million. Contract termination and other facility closure charges are estimated to be in the range of $5 million to $15 million. Impairment charges are estimated to be in the range of $45 million to $55 million and largely relate to acquired intangible assets. Expected cash outlays in connection with this plan are estimated to be in the range of $15 million to $30 million, with up to $10 million in the fourth quarter of 2018 and the remainder in 2019. We anticipate that this plan will be substantially completed by the end of 2018.

This re structure was brought up over a year ago and is just being put into effect now, most of the people being eliminated were offered positions in other cities where facilities will still exist, if unable to re locate they were severanced out. The move is to centralize a work force and trim the fat, pretty simple economics for a billion dollar company. Could be worse they could take a huge bailout from their country and continue terrible spending habits and never learn...... no company in their right kind would ever do that though?........ oh wait......

 

[52weekbreak]

It certainly does make a person think I agree. I presently do have one Doo and also a Maverick and have always had a tough time basing my toy purchase relative to the brand and more just what I like. But lately gotta say I'm thinking more and more like your comment. It certainly does seem , as we continue to get raped and beat up and we just keep on allowing Quebec to take while we give more , that supporting a company like BRP really flies in the face of logic for western Canadians. And yeah I know , BRP Rec and Doo and BRP are not the same company !!! Baloney, My wife and I have separate bank accounts also, but the compatibility is similar. Gotta make you think, go to a O & G rally with 2000 other trucks and 4 or 5000 people , to solve a problem mainly caused by eastern Canada , but primarily Quebec , then support BRP , while bitching and boycotting Whistler ???

I get where you are going with this. It is a bitter pill to swallow when you wind up supporting someone who does not reciprocate and may in fact actively be working against you. In that line of thought, has the USA done anything for us lately? Seems western Canadian oil has the same issues down there so arguably you shouldn't buy Polaris or Cat either. About the only manufacturer I could find is Yamaha who has their business office in Toronto but it looks like their sleds are actually out of a Textron plant in the US somewhere. There really aren't any "good" options so you might as well buy what you like.

Personally I am intrigued by the Alpha and would certainly take a look at that if I ever wear out or get tired of my doo. Doesn't seem too likely though unless I get out more than I doo now

 

[LennyR]

I get where you are going with this. It is a bitter pill to swallow when you wind up supporting someone who does not reciprocate and may in fact actively be working against you. In that line of thought, has the USA done anything for us lately? Seems western Canadian oil has the same issues down there so arguably you shouldn't buy Polaris or Cat either. About the only manufacturer I could find is Yamaha who has their business office in Toronto but it looks like their sleds are actually out of a Textron plant in the US somewhere. There really aren't any "good" options so you might as well buy what you like.

Personally I am intrigued by the Alpha and would certainly take a look at that if I ever wear out or get tired of my doo. Doesn't seem too likely though unless I get out more than I doo now

well i for one wouldn't expect the same cooperation from another country than i do from a so called sister province in the same country, especially one who constantly has her hand out looking for financial help from their "partners" in confederation . thats just me though .

 

[snochuk]

Hmmmmm

How about some actual ride reports.

 

[FastFarmer]

I’ll let you know how the Alpha does with a Redline on it...

 

[Cat401]

I understand your hate for the east. Me too. I hate the equalization formula more than anyone. But do you really think a Motorsports company like BRP is anti oil? Think about it? What do they run on? Can you provide a link where BRP has stated they are anti Alberta or anti oil? Back in the mid 90's when Quebec was spouting separation and people were actually thinking it was going to happen in the referendum the CEO of Bombardier at the time Pierre Beaudoin held a meeting in the Valcourt arena about this issue. He stated to all the employees that had gathered for the meeting that Bombardier was a Canadian company first and a Quebec company second and that any employee that felt different could pick up a severance cheque at the plant after the meeting. I highly doubt that
the current CEO, Jose Boisjoli of what is now called BRP represents any different position than what they held back in the mid 90's. Why would you chit in your own cornflakes?

SnoPro, I understand you standing up for BRP...that's been part of your personal bread & butter for a number of years.....I get that.... but I believe BRP along with sister company Bombardier hold a fair amount of "clout" with the Quebec government.

So with that, maybe, the BRP CEO, knowing that a big part of their business is western Canada could publicly speak up for the west and getting a pipeline built to the east. This also goes for many, many companies in Quebec who do NOT want to lose business from western Canada.

Their silence just just wreaks of approval of what their premier is saying......they DO NOT WANT WESTERN OIL.

so.....I think a boycott of Quebec made products is kind of a last ditch effort to change attitudes....what else do you suggest we can do?

Then, when the BRP CEO (and others) publicly shows some support for the west....support that company...until then we need to hold their feet to the fire.

 

[pfi572]

https://globalnews.ca/news/4778368/quebec-oil-western-canada-leger-poll/amp/

I agree Cat but I think the media props up the lessor % due to being bought off .
Could be wrong but I would like to think most people are opening up the eyes to what’s going on??
We can always hope anyway.

 

[Lunch_Box]

I understand your hate for the east. Me too. I hate the equalization formula more than anyone. But do you really think a Motorsports company like BRP is anti oil? Think about it? What do they run on? Can you provide a link where BRP has stated they are anti Alberta or anti oil? Back in the mid 90's when Quebec was spouting separation and people were actually thinking it was going to happen in the referendum the CEO of Bombardier at the time Pierre Beaudoin held a meeting in the Valcourt arena about this issue. He stated to all the employees that had gathered for the meeting that Bombardier was a Canadian company first and a Quebec company second and that any employee that felt different could pick up a severance cheque at the plant after the meeting. I highly doubt that
the current CEO, Jose Boisjoli of what is now called BRP represents any different position than what they held back in the mid 90's. Why would you chit in your own cornflakes?

End of the day it is still supporting a province that doesn't support ours. Why should people who stand behind oil and what Alberta brings to the table support anything that Quebec brings to the table? I am sure BRP loves oil, but I am also sure Quebec loves the tax they get from BRP and all the sales of the sleds, quads, SxS and everything else. So if you are wanting to boycott and send a message to a province then you need to boycott everything that Quebec benefits from as exports to the rest of the country.

 

[doorfx]

Ride Reports? Lol

 

[snopro]

SnoPro, I understand you standing up for BRP...that's been part of your personal bread & butter for a number of years.....I get that.... but I believe BRP along with sister company Bombardier hold a fair amount of "clout" with the Quebec government.

So with that, maybe, the BRP CEO, knowing that a big part of their business is western Canada could publicly speak up for the west and getting a pipeline built to the east. This also goes for many, many companies in Quebec who do NOT want to lose business from western Canada.

Their silence just just wreaks of approval of what their premier is saying......they DO NOT WANT WESTERN OIL.

so.....I think a boycott of Quebec made products is kind of a last ditch effort to change attitudes....what else do you suggest we can do?

Then, when the BRP CEO (and others) publicly shows some support for the west....support that company...until then we need to hold their feet to the fire.

I know a lot of people in that company and they are good people. I really don't care if they are boycotted. Do it if you feel it will make a difference? I know you are doing your best already. Lol. Quebec needs to take notice that we aren't happy. I find it funny that a recent poll in Quebec showed 66% of respondents are in favor of Alberta oil. That tells me that maybe its not the people we should be whining about but the government? Trudeau and Legault are basically representing a very vocal minority. That right there is whats wrong with politics down there in my opinion. I guess we will see in Oct 2019 if the majority shows their displeasure with wonder boy and pitch him to the sidelines? Legault is basically here for another 4 yrs so nothing will change there I'm afraid.

 

[skegpro]

I know a lot of people in that company and they are good people. I really don't care if they are boycotted. Do it if you feel it will make a difference? I know you are doing your best already. Lol. Quebec needs to take notice that we aren't happy. I find it funny that a recent poll in Quebec showed 66% of respondents are in favor of Alberta oil. That tells me that maybe its not the people we should be whining about but the government? Trudeau and Legault are basically representing a very vocal minority. That right there is whats wrong with politics down there in my opinion. I guess we will see in Oct 2019 if the majority shows their displeasure with wonder boy and pitch him to the sidelines? Legault is basically here for another 4 yrs so nothing will change there I'm afraid.

Can you atleast get Narona to wear and "I Love Alberta Oil" t-shirt?

 

[snopro]

Can you atleast get Narona to wear and "I Love Alberta Oil t-shirt"?

HaHa that would be awesome! He should!

 

[arff]

Yes. Need Alpha ride reports.

 

[skegpro]

Yes. Need Alpha ride reports.

Got a solid hour in on one last trip.

More track speed than my 18.
Consistent traction.
Easy to manipulate.
Definitely less snow in the track.

All around good time.

 

[arff]

Got a solid hour in on one last trip.

More track speed than my 18.
Consistent traction.
Easy to manipulate.
Definitely less snow in the track.

All around good time.

Probably be end of January or February before I go.

Thanks for the ride report

 

[JMCX]

We were in some really good powder the last two days. This sled continues to impress me more and more. The way it gets up on plane in the deep stuff and really digs when you do get slowed down is awesome. I traded back and forth with some Doo buddies and they were in 'like' lol. One guy had a 19 G4 and the Alpha was clearly faster in the waist deep pow. To be fair, he did have some breakin mode left.

 

[FastFarmer]

I don’t think that break in completion is going to give you any real noticeable improvements on the G4. So the lift that the alpha gives is noticeable then? Has anyone switched out rear suspension parts yet or is there anything aftermarket that anyone is running?

Im curious how this Alpha does with a big backcountry tunnel bag strapped to it and a big old red five gallon gas jug on the tunnel, so if anyone has some actual miles out there with that then please share.

 

[snochuk]

I don’t think that break in completion is going to give you any real noticeable improvements on the G4. So the lift that the alpha gives is noticeable then? Has anyone switched out rear suspension parts yet or is there anything aftermarket that anyone is running?

Im curious how this Alpha does with a big backcountry tunnel bag strapped to it and a big old red five gallon gas jug on the tunnel, so if anyone has some actual miles out there with that then please share.

:

Had the 3 gallon red gas can on mine and the Cat tunnel bag on at Chappel in the deep and I think it went even faster!

JK....you can tell the improved floatation when you take the gas can off.
My tunnel bag almost always empty so it stays on.
Brother said big difference when he pulled his 3 gallon can off of the G4. Seemed more affected by the tunnel weight.
My fat ars is the biggest weight penalty on my Alpha.
You get those Norona/Maxwell special boots yet for kicking the ice off of your inside of tunnel.
Hahaha haha yuk yuk yuk