Yesterday afforded the opportunity for me to get the first 20 miles on what has the potential of being labled "The best sled I have ever owned." Now that the hard break in is completed its oil change time and point it towards the UP for some serious smiles!!!
My idea of "Best" is different than some but identical to many. I wanted from this sled to have the best of all worlds... within reason. I do not need the fasted sled around. I do not need the absolute best suspension available. I do not care if I am the fastest through the woods. I don't care if I can jump it the highest or farthest .... however I did desire a sled that, out of the box, provided the best blend of all these things. I am pretty sure this sled is it for me. OMG !!!
Here comes the disclaimer.... I admit to have made a couple modifications prior to taking the first lap around the yard. Nothing done to the clutch, track or suspension but I ditched the stock skiis right away and opted for powder hounds, Installed the colder NGK plugs...(Forgot the # off the top of my head..10ek??) added an Isovibe to the bar riser with power madd guards and went to a stiffer 13mm sway bar.
I am still giggling today from the all around excellent machine Yamaha has built for me. I am confident after 200 miles / day my 46 year old back and knees will feel great the next day. I had to spend a lot of $$ to make my 05 Mach Z close to this nice. My wife even commented on how nice it was to ride compared to my Mach. (Perhaps next year she will let me pry her REV 800 HO out of her hands for one of these beautiful 4 stroke sleds.)
The time spent in the saddle yesterday was mainly ripping back and forth accross a farm field but also included running through 2' drifts along the west edge of the field that quickly developed into moguls. all I can say is that I think Yamaha has this suspension set up right. I am 200# dripping wet and with the electric ohlins shock set at 1/2 way and the rebound 5 clicks in I found it difficult to imagine it could improve through the type of bumps I hit yesterday. I ran through them at all different speeds and the front and rear suspension ate it up without a hint of bottoming. I am addicted to the throttle response and torque of this monster. I'll reserve comment on cornering until I spend time on the trails, but handling feels awesome so far.
Excellent job Yamaha.
