2020 Release

[Big_Phil]

Ski-Doo, Cat and Polaris 2 strokes outsell Yamaha year after year, plus in every shoot out since the introduction of the 4 strokes the 2 strokes win every year.........that tells the story for me.
But the best part of this is you can buy whatever you want and so can I

Exactly! Lots of options for everyone. But the shootout is pretty irrelevant. Who races a stock sled. 290horse on a sidewinder vs 160 on an 800 really isn’t a competition any way you slice it.

 

[mikextx]

290 hp in a sidewinder sounds like alot of spinning, chasis flex, blown belts, chaincase issues, and rattling clutches. About 100 more hp than is even useable in all but a long, top end lake pull. Stock form a SW spins like a mutha. I bet that 290hp is a bitch to hook up.

 

[Vmax]

The shoot out is a lot more than just holding the fun level to the handlebar. Categories include front/rear suspension, handling, ergonomics, power to weight and a few others.
Let me be clear that I am in no way bashing the 4 strokes, they have there place in the sled industry no question, but unlike the rest of the big 4, Yamaha does not have many options to chose from especially in the motor department. I am a big Yamaha fan but not sure if I will stay one if they don't improve on there motor options like the others.

Keep the lake racers for bragging rights but make a few models of a quick, light, snappy 2 stroke for trial riding..........just sayin

 

[mikextx]

I too am not bashing 4 strokes. I think they are great. Just would like Yamaha to build and sell both versions to put them back on top.

 

[Vmax]

Agree 100%
I also believe a big mistake all of the sled makers made is not making low entry level sleds anymore. They need to focus on getting back to snowmobiling being a "family recreation" instead of "I am faster than you"
There is a huge market that is not being taken advantage of (400cc-500cc) due to shear arrogance and puffing of the chest. What young sledder is going to be able to afford todays high end sleds or be able to ride it for fear of his/her life . Sled and ATV manufactures have lost the direction that made them so valuable back in the 70's, 80's and 90's.........lots of options for everyone. Sure hope Yamaha has some good news in 2020

 

[Big_Phil]

Polaris will be a winner next year with that Indy 500 I think. Skidoo sells a ton of those renegade 600 and the 600 sport sleds. I think there are like 8 grand brand new, they still use the carb 600 engine.

Most people don’t want or need a 20k sled.

 

[mikextx]

No doubt about that. 20k is #*$&@ ton to spend on a sled. I bet we ALL agree on that one.

 

[greatwhite89]

Very refreshing to hear common sense agreement on this site! We are all here for the love of snowmobiles! Ride on brothers!!!

 

[Vmax]

No doubt about that. 20k is #*$&@ ton to spend on a sled. I bet we ALL agree on that one.

I agree with you but probably not ALL will...........lol

 

[Stormbringer]

I have owned a lot of 2 stroke Yamaha sleds in the past, but none of them compare to my 15 viper or my 18 winder! It is great running wide open and not having to worry about melting a piston! My guess is Yamaha is trying to wind down unsold inventory even if it means giving up market share for a while to do it. You are right the cost of sleds is crazy high, that's is why I believe they teamed up with Arctic Cat to help control cost. With the economy improving let's hope they can invest in all yamaha products! Go Blue!!

 

[74Nitro]

I have owned a lot of 2 stroke Yamaha sleds in the past, but none of them compare to my 15 viper or my 18 winder! It is great running wide open and not having to worry about melting a piston! My guess is Yamaha is trying to wind down unsold inventory even if it means giving up market share for a while to do it. You are right the cost of sleds is crazy high, that's is why I believe they teamed up with Arctic Cat to help control cost. With the economy improving let's hope they can invest in all yamaha products! Go Blue!!

Absolutely, Winders are by far the most bad-#*$&@ machine you can buy.
However, if you are a speed junkie and concerned that a Winder addiction could ruin you - then don't buy one!

 

[SumpBuster]

I have owned a lot of 2 stroke Yamaha sleds in the past, but none of them compare to my 15 viper or my 18 winder! It is great running wide open and not having to worry about melting a piston! My guess is Yamaha is trying to wind down unsold inventory even if it means giving up market share for a while to do it. You are right the cost of sleds is crazy high, that's is why I believe they teamed up with Arctic Cat to help control cost. With the economy improving let's hope they can invest in all yamaha products! Go Blue!!

I agree....no one..NO ONE did not love the sidewinder, and most were 2 stroke guys that I let ride it. But it would be nice to have more Yamaha influence in the chassis design. Not so much as function, as when set up, it's a blast, but things like the chaincase...I mean, the thing is heavy....let's have proven chaincase designs and top quality bearings...I don't get the two piece with oil tank and seal idea. Not on a sled that you know can never approach 2 stroke weights...do make it utterly bulletproof, and only supply the best shocks and ski's so they all ride and handle great out of the crate. And maybe a chain case/final drive with selectable gear ratios! Since the engine can putter along all day, have trail gear rstio, lake ratio, etc...a few more pounds won't matter to many. Power adjustable front arm limiter too!
In fact, for the price, offer the best aftermarket skis as a no cost option. Cost? Yeah, pricey, but so are mercedes, lexus', porches, and corvettes!
Make it irresistible, except for those that really need a lighter, CHEAPASS 2 stroke....LOL!

 

[whitedust1]

You all have to know 2s engine engineers are long gone at Yamaha. 4s is their specialty that they can leverage from other lines. Yamaha is a capable engine builder but doubtful they would invest in 2s R&D for just snowmobiles really tuff ROI. I’ll be happy with a new platform Apex 4s replacement which is very low hanging fruit for Yamaha.

 

[marc001]

My 2014 Apex is much easier to do maintenance on than my 2017 Sidewider. The slides on the Apex lasted 5200 miles vs the Sidewinders 1200 miles, and the hand warmers are better on the Apex.

 

[whitedust1]

My 2014 Apex is much easier to do maintenance on than my 2017 Sidewider. The slides on the Apex lasted 5200 miles vs the Sidewinders 1200 miles, and the hand warmers are better on the Apex.

Yep same wear I got on my 2012 Apex xtx with DuPonts. I hear this handwarmer objection all the time me and my buds all have stock hand warmers no one has cold hands often run just half way or off but we do all have high windshields for UP grades that we only use for connectors to Twistys. Must have been a bad batch since I have both 2007 Attak and a 2012 Apex xtx zero handwarmer problems.