2020 Release

[Snorunner]

Chrysler Sno-Runner!!!! My friend has one in his attic. Keeps threatening to bring it down to get running!![/QUOTE

That's why my handle is Snorunner!
They were a lot of fun but took balance because they did not have the gyroscopic effect like motorcycles. The first Snowbikes though.

 

[Handy]

I think Yamaha and Textron will be working together for a long time to come. I base this on the fact that Arctic Cat is now selling rebranded Yamaha sleds as a Bearcat model. I was on Kijiji and saw ads from local AC dealers for a bearcat that looked similar to a VK540. I went to AC website and looked at the ads and sure enough it is the VK540 with rebadging including Yamaha clutching. So if AC is now selling a pure Yamaha sled through their dealer network with Yamaha 2 stroke engine at about $1200.00 cheaper than Yamaha I can only conclude that the relationship is only getting stronger. What it means for the future we can only guess at.

 

[VX1R]

My trusty sleuth's Frick and Frack (pictured below) just sent me a picture of the new MP338 (MultiPurpose) sled that they spotted at Yamaha's top secret test site:

Keep up the good work boys!

 

[Snorunner]

Looks like they went back to a Leaf Spring Suspension!

 

[74Nitro]

That's one of those wheel kits on the ski to save the carbides!

 

[DVW]

I think Yamaha and Textron will be working together for a long time to come. I base this on the fact that Arctic Cat is now selling rebranded Yamaha sleds as a Bearcat model. I was on Kijiji and saw ads from local AC dealers for a bearcat that looked similar to a VK540. I went to AC website and looked at the ads and sure enough it is the VK540 with rebadging including Yamaha clutching. So if AC is now selling a pure Yamaha sled through their dealer network with Yamaha 2 stroke engine at about $1200.00 cheaper than Yamaha I can only conclude that the relationship is only getting stronger. What it means for the future we can only guess at.

With its stout construction and air cooled 2-stroke engine the VK540 is perfect for the Russian and Northern Europe market. Arctic Cat does not have anything to fit the bill. Now with this new Bearcat (VK540) they have everything to fit the world market. But over there why would they even try to go up against Yamaha with a identical machine? With Yamaha present I doubt they can sell a single one. Now if Yamaha pulled out they would have a machine to fill the void. Same could be said about the machines sold over here... I will stop here because I do not like were this is going.

 

[74Nitro]

With its stout construction and air cooled 2-stroke engine the VK540 is perfect for the Russian and Northern Europe market. Arctic Cat does not have anything to fit the bill. Now with this new Bearcat (VK540) they have everything to fit the world market. But over there why would they even try to go up against Yamaha with a identical machine? With Yamaha present I doubt they can sell a single one. Now if Yamaha pulled out they would have a machine to fill the void. Same could be said about the machines sold over here... I will stop here because I do not like were this is going.

DVW, there could be situations where there is not a Yamaha dealer within a reasonable distance, but there may be a Cat dealer.(and vice-versa)

 

[Handy]

I'm now wondering who's factory this is coming out of. The VK540 was a Japan built sled. I do like the Bearcat color better though.

 

[DVW]

I'm now wondering who's factory this is coming out of. The VK540 was a Japan built sled. I do like the Bearcat color better though.

I also wonder where they are making the VK540. Many companies are starting to manufacture product in the region they are sold. Do a internet search for Russian snowmobile manufactures. It is a exciting time over there with a lot of creativity. It reminds me of what was happening over here 50 years ago.

 

[gytr done]

Lol.

 

[Handy]

Will we be seeing 2stroke Vipers with AC engines next at Yamaha dealerships?

 

[VX1R]

Will we be seeing 2stroke Vipers with AC engines next at Yamaha dealerships?

 

[Handy]

With the right visual words are not needed.

 

[03RX1-ER-LE]

2 stroke 2 stroke 2 stroke it is like a broken record. LOL
I have been snowmobiling since the late 60s. I have owned Johnson, Evinrude, MotoSkis, Chapparrals, Johndeer, Yamaha and yes even a Arctic Cat (worse sled I owned) over the years.
My first Yamaha was a real nice used 1969 SL351, my first oil injected sled.
Then my second Yamahas were new 1993 and 1995 Phazers, awesome sleds, wife and I loved them.
Then new 1998 Vmax Deluxe and 1998 Venture, then my best 2 stroke Yamaha yet was a 2003 Viper ER.
I never had a concern with 2 strokes, the Arctic Cats were the only ones that melted down on me, but I will say when I went 4 stroke in 2005 (03RX1ERLE) with no smell, expensive oil to buy and the power and reliability I will never go back.
Yamaha will be here in 2020 and beyond IMHO and believe 4 stroke is here to stay.

 

[20/80]

2 stroke 2 stroke 2 stroke it is like a broken record. LOL
I have been snowmobiling since the late 60s. I have owned Johnson, Evinrude, MotoSkis, Chapparrals, Johndeer, Yamaha and yes even a Arctic Cat (worse sled I owned) over the years.
My first Yamaha was a real nice used 1969 SL351, my first oil injected sled.
Then my second Yamahas were new 1993 and 1995 Phazers, awesome sleds, wife and I loved them.
Then new 1998 Vmax Deluxe and 1998 Venture, then my best 2 stroke Yamaha yet was a 2003 Viper ER.
I never had a concern with 2 strokes, the Arctic Cats were the only ones that melted down on me, but I will say when I went 4 stroke in 2005 (03RX1ERLE) with no smell, expensive oil to buy and the power and reliability I will never go back.
Yamaha will be here in 2020 and beyond IMHO and believe 4 stroke is here to stay.

Those Yamaha's were great sleds, Cat back in the day sure were finicky, to buy a new Yamaha today they just paint a Cat blue and buyers actually think they are on a Yamaha, that seems to be working for Yamaha, just wondering if Cat painted their sleds yellow and put Doo stickers on it, what would buyers might think they are trail riding??? Cat should do this and gain some market share. worked for Yamaha.