Glock30
Extreme
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2004
- Messages
- 83
I have been a long time fan of Yamaha products and quality.
Last year I bought an '05 RS Venture on preorder.
I thought that this sled would be a no-problem 4-stroke wonder.
I am sure I speak for many of us on this board when I state that this is the reality of the situation:
1) T.O.R.S. problem
2) Clutch Rattle
3) Jackshaft failure potential
4) Hyfax gone after 800 miles
5) Massive track howl
6) Torsion spring too weak-excessive bottoming on highest settings
7) Bought oversize rubberized wheels to reduce hyfax wear out of pocket.
8) Replaced Hyfax out of pocket
9) Blown relay to passenger hand warmers.
10) Installed recommended and much needed fuel shutoffs out of pocket.
All this after $9000.00 for the machine.
Although many of these issues were covered under warranties, the facts are that the customer still has to deal with multiple trips to dealers and the headaches, time and money wasted that can accompany them. Also, the aggravation of tracking down these elusive bulletins that we should be informed of without having to ask for them. I realize that this is a first year model and there may be some small items that would need correction, but the above list is simply unacceptable.
I would like to say that my future holds a Yamaha Attak in it, but I am not sure that I could justify supporting another sled with these issues.
Lastly, as of this writing, the track howl issue has still not even been admitted by Yamaha never mind addressed.
-Very Disappointed
Last year I bought an '05 RS Venture on preorder.
I thought that this sled would be a no-problem 4-stroke wonder.
I am sure I speak for many of us on this board when I state that this is the reality of the situation:
1) T.O.R.S. problem
2) Clutch Rattle
3) Jackshaft failure potential
4) Hyfax gone after 800 miles
5) Massive track howl
6) Torsion spring too weak-excessive bottoming on highest settings
7) Bought oversize rubberized wheels to reduce hyfax wear out of pocket.
8) Replaced Hyfax out of pocket
9) Blown relay to passenger hand warmers.
10) Installed recommended and much needed fuel shutoffs out of pocket.
All this after $9000.00 for the machine.
Although many of these issues were covered under warranties, the facts are that the customer still has to deal with multiple trips to dealers and the headaches, time and money wasted that can accompany them. Also, the aggravation of tracking down these elusive bulletins that we should be informed of without having to ask for them. I realize that this is a first year model and there may be some small items that would need correction, but the above list is simply unacceptable.
I would like to say that my future holds a Yamaha Attak in it, but I am not sure that I could justify supporting another sled with these issues.
Lastly, as of this writing, the track howl issue has still not even been admitted by Yamaha never mind addressed.
-Very Disappointed
Mainerider
Newbie
- Joined
- Jan 7, 2006
- Messages
- 12
Here's my letter that I sent.....
Dear Customer Relations Representative;
I am writing to voice my dissatisfaction in a 2005 Yamaha RS Venture that I purchased from XXXXXXXXX. Since I have owned this snowmobile, I have had to bring it in to a dealer three times in order to have work done on the rear skid. The idler wheels on the machine have had to be replaced three times; the rails have been replaced once; the hyfax have worn out twice; and the pins for the two-up rider adjustment have fallen out twice. I recently found through on-line research that problems with the rear skid on the snowmobile are a rampant problem and that the factory is well aware of the issue. I have been fortunate enough that the repairs to date have been made under warranty but upon my last visit to the dealer, I was told that this will be that last covered repair. What this means to me is that the snowmobile that I purchased for $8999 dollars is obviously of a defective design yet the factory has decided that they will not fully stand behind the product - this despite that fact that previous repairs have been warrantied, indicating that the factory accepts responsibility for the design flaws. I understand that the same problem applies to the 2006 RS Venture and that the factory will pay for the installation of an accessory wheel kit which is supposed to help with the hyfax wear issues. I am told however that this will not be offered under warranty to the 2005 model - this despite the fact that there are no design changes whatsoever between the two years. After my last repair and replacement of parts, I was able to ride the snowmobile for 415 miles (in near perfect snow conditions) before it needed to be brought back in to have the wheels replaced again. Also after only 415 miles, the hyfax are worn nearly half through. This means that after one more weekend of riding, it will be back in the shop again to have the hyfax replaced.
I have been snowmobiling for over 20 years. I have always owned Polaris snowmobiles but I decided to switch to Yamaha in 2005 because your company offered what I believed to be a superior product with the 4-stroke models. I have a family of 4 and I buy 1 or 2 new snowmobiles every few years. At this point, I am inclined to return my patronage to Polaris or Ski-Doo unless there is some extension of warranty benefits and some supported design improvements for the Yamaha that I currently own. I also ride with large groups of riders who are anxiously waiting to see how Yamaha stands behind this very expensive product.
I am extremely impressed with the dealership and specifically the service department where I purchased the snowmobile. I would like nothing more than to continue to do business with them however, that will not be possible without further support from Yamaha.
My request at this point is simply that the factory install the extra wheel kit (using accessory wheels, not OEM) as well as an additional replacement of the hyfax under warranty. In addition, I feel that the 2005 models should be subject to any updates and service bulletins that are issued for the 2006 models.
Alternatively, I request that I am given a trade-in allowance that is well above the established trade-in value for this snowmobile so that I can purchase another model that does not have these problems. Not only did I pay nearly $9000 for this snowmobile, I also purchased accessories (tank bag, trunk bag, saddle bags, cover, coat, pants, gloves) that bring my total investment to well over $10,000. If I trade in this machine, none of the accessories that I purchased will be usable. This makes trade-in for another Yamaha not even a consideration for me unless there is a reasonable allowance made.
Snowmobile season is very short in the northeast and I am disappointed to miss out on riding time because of the constant repairs that need to be performed. Please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Dear Customer Relations Representative;
I am writing to voice my dissatisfaction in a 2005 Yamaha RS Venture that I purchased from XXXXXXXXX. Since I have owned this snowmobile, I have had to bring it in to a dealer three times in order to have work done on the rear skid. The idler wheels on the machine have had to be replaced three times; the rails have been replaced once; the hyfax have worn out twice; and the pins for the two-up rider adjustment have fallen out twice. I recently found through on-line research that problems with the rear skid on the snowmobile are a rampant problem and that the factory is well aware of the issue. I have been fortunate enough that the repairs to date have been made under warranty but upon my last visit to the dealer, I was told that this will be that last covered repair. What this means to me is that the snowmobile that I purchased for $8999 dollars is obviously of a defective design yet the factory has decided that they will not fully stand behind the product - this despite that fact that previous repairs have been warrantied, indicating that the factory accepts responsibility for the design flaws. I understand that the same problem applies to the 2006 RS Venture and that the factory will pay for the installation of an accessory wheel kit which is supposed to help with the hyfax wear issues. I am told however that this will not be offered under warranty to the 2005 model - this despite the fact that there are no design changes whatsoever between the two years. After my last repair and replacement of parts, I was able to ride the snowmobile for 415 miles (in near perfect snow conditions) before it needed to be brought back in to have the wheels replaced again. Also after only 415 miles, the hyfax are worn nearly half through. This means that after one more weekend of riding, it will be back in the shop again to have the hyfax replaced.
I have been snowmobiling for over 20 years. I have always owned Polaris snowmobiles but I decided to switch to Yamaha in 2005 because your company offered what I believed to be a superior product with the 4-stroke models. I have a family of 4 and I buy 1 or 2 new snowmobiles every few years. At this point, I am inclined to return my patronage to Polaris or Ski-Doo unless there is some extension of warranty benefits and some supported design improvements for the Yamaha that I currently own. I also ride with large groups of riders who are anxiously waiting to see how Yamaha stands behind this very expensive product.
I am extremely impressed with the dealership and specifically the service department where I purchased the snowmobile. I would like nothing more than to continue to do business with them however, that will not be possible without further support from Yamaha.
My request at this point is simply that the factory install the extra wheel kit (using accessory wheels, not OEM) as well as an additional replacement of the hyfax under warranty. In addition, I feel that the 2005 models should be subject to any updates and service bulletins that are issued for the 2006 models.
Alternatively, I request that I am given a trade-in allowance that is well above the established trade-in value for this snowmobile so that I can purchase another model that does not have these problems. Not only did I pay nearly $9000 for this snowmobile, I also purchased accessories (tank bag, trunk bag, saddle bags, cover, coat, pants, gloves) that bring my total investment to well over $10,000. If I trade in this machine, none of the accessories that I purchased will be usable. This makes trade-in for another Yamaha not even a consideration for me unless there is a reasonable allowance made.
Snowmobile season is very short in the northeast and I am disappointed to miss out on riding time because of the constant repairs that need to be performed. Please contact me at your earliest convenience.
Groomerdriver
TY 4 Stroke Master
Both of the above were very well stated IMO. I would follow-up with them via the telephone. Yamaha Customer Service tel = 1-800-962-7926. THey are on the West Coast and one can call them up until 8 PM EST. Do not wait for a reply either via letter or phone.
My dealings with them this week on the phone have left me EXTREMELY satisfied related to my issue with my 05 Vector ER. I never imagined that they would do what they did, but they did! Their goal is to have happy 4S owners who'll spread the word about thier great products and service. As long as they continue to offer products that meet my needs, they have a CUSTOMER FOR LIFE!
My dealings with them this week on the phone have left me EXTREMELY satisfied related to my issue with my 05 Vector ER. I never imagined that they would do what they did, but they did! Their goal is to have happy 4S owners who'll spread the word about thier great products and service. As long as they continue to offer products that meet my needs, they have a CUSTOMER FOR LIFE!
az99
Pro
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2004
- Messages
- 186
Good Luck to you guys. My certified letter to Yamaha got me no where with the track howl issue.In fact they never even responded. Just lip service and no results after I called at least 5 more times. They insisted it go to the dealer again (at least the 4th time) so they could talk to Yamaha Tech services while looking at the sled again. Since there is no snow and the dealer can't ride it, their answer was easy , it needs to be ridden. I am sure the answer they give to dealers that can ride them is that howl is normal. Sometime very shortly I expect their answer to change to- It is out of Warranty now.
Mine also totally grooved both clutches in 3,000 miles requiring replacement. No reason given.
This was my first Yamaha since my new 1980 Exciter. I am not very impressed either.
I bought the Yamaha for the reasons you guys mentioned and all the good stuff that was said on this forum. Unfortuneately I have since found out that there are way too many guys on here that would pay Yamaha $10,000 for a polished turd with blue stripes and brag how it is the best sled ever.
I do love the 3 cyl. engine.
I got an Ipod for X-Mas to solve the track howl.
Mine also totally grooved both clutches in 3,000 miles requiring replacement. No reason given.
This was my first Yamaha since my new 1980 Exciter. I am not very impressed either.
I bought the Yamaha for the reasons you guys mentioned and all the good stuff that was said on this forum. Unfortuneately I have since found out that there are way too many guys on here that would pay Yamaha $10,000 for a polished turd with blue stripes and brag how it is the best sled ever.
I do love the 3 cyl. engine.
I got an Ipod for X-Mas to solve the track howl.
This has been one of my themes all along. We should not have to spend any additional $$$ to make these sleds the way they should have come from the factory.
Kahlua
Newbie
All Maine residents need to be aware of the following law that covers their snowmobile for a term of 4 YEARS!!!
CONSUMER GOODS AND MAINE EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTY LAWS:
http://www.maine.gov/ag/?r=clg&s=chap4#top
This law is only in Maine...
Don't let Yamaha or any dealer tell you otherwise...
I've already spoken to one dealer that had to eat the cost of a stator that was 13 month out of factory warranty.
Read the law... it only covers for PERSONAL use and normal expected use of the equipment!
CONSUMER GOODS AND MAINE EXPRESS AND IMPLIED WARRANTY LAWS:
http://www.maine.gov/ag/?r=clg&s=chap4#top
This law is only in Maine...
Don't let Yamaha or any dealer tell you otherwise...
I've already spoken to one dealer that had to eat the cost of a stator that was 13 month out of factory warranty.
Read the law... it only covers for PERSONAL use and normal expected use of the equipment!
Kahlua,
Thanks for providing the link.
Personal experience, I have sent letters to both dealer and manufacturer.
The results have been satisfactory, despite the dealer eluding that what he is doing for me is more of a "good will" gesture.
This is good information for all Maine residents.
I bet if those from other states do some research they may find a similar state warranty protection statute.
Thanks for providing the link.
Personal experience, I have sent letters to both dealer and manufacturer.
The results have been satisfactory, despite the dealer eluding that what he is doing for me is more of a "good will" gesture.
This is good information for all Maine residents.
I bet if those from other states do some research they may find a similar state warranty protection statute.
Kahlua
Newbie
As far as I know... this law applies to anything you can purchase in the State of Maine with the exception of used automobiles which are specifically excluded... "the only exception to this law is that used car dealers can disclaim your implied warranties when they sell you a used car "as is", without any express warranty."
everything from microwaves to snowmobiles...
You don't need an extended warranty on your sled... the law provides one for you.
The dealer who passed this info to me ended up swallowing the cost of a stator for a unit that had gone out of factory warranty... Yamaha refused to honor the law, and legally, they probobly don't have to... but the dealer WILL have to.
The dealer received a letter from an organization that helps consumers use this law...
Supposedly this little known law is posted in some corner of the Bangor Daily at least once per week... and has been since at least 1992, either on a Monday or Thursday... one of these days I'm going to start looking for it and post it... I'm sure that if it is there, then it must be in the other major papers in the state also.
everything from microwaves to snowmobiles...
You don't need an extended warranty on your sled... the law provides one for you.
The dealer who passed this info to me ended up swallowing the cost of a stator for a unit that had gone out of factory warranty... Yamaha refused to honor the law, and legally, they probobly don't have to... but the dealer WILL have to.
The dealer received a letter from an organization that helps consumers use this law...
Supposedly this little known law is posted in some corner of the Bangor Daily at least once per week... and has been since at least 1992, either on a Monday or Thursday... one of these days I'm going to start looking for it and post it... I'm sure that if it is there, then it must be in the other major papers in the state also.
ysiride
Veteran
Seems to me that most of the problems that have occurrred with the sleds are being taken care of IF YOU HAVE A GOOD DEALER. The dealer that I bought my sled from is doing work for many people who bought their sled elsewhere. His attitude is that I want happy Yamaha owners, and maybe next time they will buy from me. Yamaha is paying dealers to do the warranty work, so why not do all the updates. He has kept his mechanics busy, and made a lot of good customer relations. The key is to buy not strictly by price, but from a reputable dealer. A couple of my buddies asked their dealer about service bulletins on their 2005 Vectors and the dealer flatlly denied about hearing of any. I sent them to my dealer and he gladly took care of the updated. One needed a jackshaft, clutch rattle, cdi replacement. This was done on both sleds under warranty and done quickly. He now has two new customers. And a lot of satisfied yamaha owners...............Check out your dealers with a little more questions before buying.. Ask other buyers about the service. I rode skidoo for years, and my 2001 mxz700 was the last one I will own now that I have ridden Yamaha for the last 3 years....... 
I rode skidoo for years, and my 2001 mxz700 was the last one I will own now that I have ridden Yamaha for the last 3 years....... 
MadMax
TY 4 Stroke Master
I had my dealer call me about my updates.. Set-up a time took it in.. They found a very SMALL" worn " area on the outside sheave face.. They replaced it and did the clutch rattle update. Plus the CDI unit. The shaft was not on his list.. Has anyone else notice that after the cdi update the lights won't come on without the motor running............ 
I miss that little trick..MM.
I miss that little trick..MM.
STORM-CHASER
TY 4 Stroke Guru
[/quote]Has anyone else notice that after the cdi update the lights won't come on without the motor running............
I miss that little trick..MM.
I had my cdi done and mine will still come on if you hold the warmer down and turn the key and wait about 10 seconds
MadMax
TY 4 Stroke Master
I tried every trick I know.................. They just won't come on any longer.Bummer dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MM.
Snakebit
Expert
I just bookmarked that little piece of information....
Valuable info... thanks K........
Valuable info... thanks K........
twomorestrokes
TY 4 Stroke God
MadMax said:
Mine never have, before or after the update. I've tried several times, but no display unless the engine's running.
Undecided, great news that you've gotten some satisfaction from your factory contact. What did they do for you?
I just got off the phone with them myself and they contacted my dealer about the idler wheels. They are going to be replaced at no charge with a different style (to be determined at later date). She also indicated that they were aware of the issue and I'd probably have to take it in again when a permanent idler wheel fix has been implemented.
Groomerdriver
TY 4 Stroke Master
twomorestrokes said:
Not just "some" satisfaction....COMPLETE satisfaction!!
