Does Rider Forward Seating HAVE To Equal No Wind Protection?

[kenlacy]

I don't understand why you people are complaining about lack of wind protection WHEN YOU HAVEN'T EVEN RIDDEN THE SLED YET. Just because the windshield looks low does not mean that it won't work.

This is the exact same thing the Doo faithful said when pics of the new Rev's were released years ago.

In this case - I am sure looks are not deceiving.

 

[nhrxrider]

I admit there needs to be an offering from Yamaha that works for "ditch banging" and rough trails. But as many have said, they never should have given up making a sled the RX was great for...high speeds on groomed trails, and long distance cruising. Our particular trails are very smooth 90% of the time. I'm not going to go with a less comfortable, poorer cornering sled that only works on our trails for the last few hours of the weekend before the groomers come back out.

Sure, some of you are saying that we can tailor these sleds to fit us, but then we have to ride them a whole season in their present state until the warranty comes off before we can set them up the way we want. I was thrilled when my warranty finally ran out so that I could install my Cat rear skid. Not that I wanted to give up the warranty, I was just happy that I was able to start doing mods. I know soem dealers will let you get away with all kinds of things, but around here they don't. Hell, at the beginning of last season I was given a hard time by the dealer doing my warranty work because I had a heated visor hookup and an accessory plug for my GPS! If I had aftermarket shocks, windshield, etc., I'm sure they would have just written off the warranty. So, we pay $10,000+ for a new sled, have to ride it for a year in a state we aren't happy with, THEN spend money and time modding it to where it should have been stock.

Jim

 

[nhrxrider]

Oops..forgot to attach the pic. This is what I see all week and at the start of the weekend, and usually Sat. & Sun. evenings after the groomer has been by. I really couldn't care less about absorbing 2' moguls, give me a nice, tall windshield, comfortable seat, and the ability to do 300+ mile days day after day.

Jim

 

[hahler2]

I'm not saying that they won't have poor wind protection. Anything is possible. My point is, lets be happy with Yamaha for the amount of progress they have made and wait to reserve judgement til we have gotten a chance to ride them. If the wind protection does turn out to be poor on them I'll probably complain just as much as the rest of you, I'm just waiting to see is all.

 

[Yamahnator]

QCrider

I'll see if I can respond without attacking you personally, something you seem unable to do.

1.) I have no problem with Yamaha jumping on the rider forward bandwagon. (let's be honest, that is what they are doing)

2.) I am perfectly willing to buy a rider forward type of sled.

3.) My beef is that they have abandoned the market that they were just beginning to dominate. The high speed trail cruiser market. If you look where this type of riding is done, you will find a lot of it in Quebec. Look at the location of the people who are complaining about the lack of wind protection, or the high center of gravity. We do NOT ride on snocross tracks, so the improved suspension and rider forward position means little or nothing to us as far as benefits. However, sitting up higher and raising the center of gravity will both affect the high speed cornering ability as well and the amount of wind protection available. I can appreciate that you guys who ride beaten trails see this as a major step forward, however, those of us who pack on the miles at high speeds do not. I have been saying all winter that there is not a REV made that can get away from my RX-1 on Quebec trails, and I could probably lose more than my fair share trying to keep up with me. They can't corner as well at speed.

A. The design isn't THAT rider forward. It's not as much as the rev. Stop making assumptions when you haven't even seen them yet. People who HAVE seen them are saying this. Pay attention.

B. When *I* posted up here last year (among others during the 04 and 05 model years) about wanting a more rider forward position I got plenty of beef by members here. "If you want to be a blair morgan wannabe just switch brands already." Those are the types of comments we got. Or when we said we wanted a snowcross sled and half the old timers here had to chime in how all they "need" is a trail cruiser. I pointed out what's so bad about diversity and got told actually to switch brands if we didn't like it. Name another manufacturer where their fans do that! As cool as my yamaha bike fans are this comes as a shock (which I've riden high performance bikes a lot longer). Yamaha sled owners win the award for having the most pretentious asses hands down. I truly hope that this design and the way that yamaha is going brings in more people outside of their former demographic, cause we need people who are excited about the sport in GENERAL not critical of everything their manufacturer throws at em.

C. Now that we've actually got some of what we've wanted (yamaha has listened to us, I know I fill out every survey for sleds that I get my hands on), its good to see the shoe on the other foot. Now that many of you are eating crow I can only laugh. Forgive me for making the occassional snide comment in the face of some of your bitching. Trust me it is well deserved. Perhaps you should give them a try first. I have an 04 and an 05 and I enjoy trail cruising (though I have my 05 set up with a taller seat/4 inch risers ect) however I'm excited about yamaha's new lineup. Maybe YOU should be too.

Ps I'm 28 =)

 

[QCRider]

A. The design isn't THAT rider forward. It's not as much as the rev. Stop making assumptions when you haven't even seen them yet. People who HAVE seen them are saying this. Pay attention.

B. When *I* posted up here last year (among others during the 04 and 05 model years) about wanting a more rider forward position I got plenty of beef by members here. "If you want to be a blair morgan wannabe just switch brands already." Those are the types of comments we got. Or when we said we wanted a snowcross sled and half the old timers here had to chime in how all they "need" is a trail cruiser. I pointed out what's so bad about diversity and got told actually to switch brands if we didn't like it. Name another manufacturer where their fans do that! As cool as my yamaha bike fans are this comes as a shock (which I've riden high performance bikes a lot longer). Yamaha sled owners win the award for having the most pretentious asses hands down. I truly hope that this design and the way that yamaha is going brings in more people outside of their former demographic, cause we need people who are excited about the sport in GENERAL not critical of everything their manufacturer throws at em.

C. Now that we've actually got some of what we've wanted (yamaha has listened to us, I know I fill out every survey for sleds that I get my hands on), its good to see the shoe on the other foot. Now that many of you are eating crow I can only laugh. Forgive me for making the occassional snide comment in the face of some of your bitching. Trust me it is well deserved. Perhaps you should give them a try first. I have an 04 and an 05 and I enjoy trail cruising (though I have my 05 set up with a taller seat/4 inch risers ect) however I'm excited about yamaha's new lineup. Maybe YOU should be too.

Ps I'm 28 =)

Well, all I can say is when you are asking 10 plus for a sled, you had better be making it the way that people who HAVE that amount of money like it. For the most part, 20-30 year olds do NOT have that kind of money floating around. It's good that you do, and it's good that you like the sleds. What else is good is that I bought my '05 just in time, and by the time I am looking for another one this whole rider forward thing will have passed just the way that Ski Doo is moving closer and closer to the standard riding position with the Mach Z.

The is nothing wrong with having a mogul masher that you ride sitting high or standing up where 50 mph is fast, and wind protection is not required. But to forget that there are an awful lot of people out there that don't ride that way and need the wind protection and low center of gravity.

It's all good. I hope you enjoy your sled and I look forward to hearing what you guys think of them.

 

[Sasquatch]

My coments on poor wind protection are to stimulate thought on Yamis part to make wind protection a priority. Too many years now manufactures have gone for the cool shield instead of the usefull shield. I'm hopeing to single handedly change this in a few years. LOL

Go back and sit by the fire old man.

Ya I'm old! I earned the right to be old. I got this way by respecting my elders. With some practice you might make it as well. LOL

 

[cgwiz]

Sasquatch: Touché!

 

[Silverbullet]

Were are the moderators when you need them Yamaha curently offers 27 differant windsheilds in their 2005 catalog And I'll bet my new sled that they have a bunch more next year for the Apex/Attack sleds All the sled makers want to market their SPORT sleds as sleek, fast and sexy and this requires a short windsheild. And the windshield is like a womans skirt THE SHORTER THE BETTER (in the pictures anyway) Look for a Apex powered Venture next year (complete with a 20 inch tall windshield) for all you touring types and once the hype dies down some look for a taller windsheild on the 2007 Apex and Attack sleds

 

[Sasquatch]

Look you people gave us the same bs when we were asking for more rider forward position / better suspension / hot graphics.

You lost me on this one son! I just asked for a better windshield said nothing about not liking the new sleds. I think they look mean.

Yamaha came through and the old timers are all bitchin. It's your turn deal with it.

I'm doing my best dealing with a young pup who has no manners. Is that what you meant?

Most of us are happy with the new changes. For many of us they showed that they are listening. A friend who rides polaris is actually lookinging into a yamaha next year because of it. Another friend who would NEVER admit to a yamaha being good, says that he likes them. Demographics are changing and it's a GOOD thing. Deal with it. There's your intelligent post =P

I don't get it son! You asked for a useless windshield? This is what Polaris guys want?

So instead of nitpicking on everything like YOU have done pull your head out of you know where and realize that this is going to give yamaha more market share. More market share means more business which means a greater ability to give us ALL what we want in the future.

Then I get the better windshield? Great because I love my 05 and I can wait a few years. Looks like my plan is working just fine.

P.S. Son loosen up a bit cause your wound way to tight. Someone asking for some protection from the cold should get the same attention as someone asking for rider forward. Unless of course your one of those that think only your voice should be heard. In that case I guess all I can say is sorry I offended you.

 

[Sasquatch]

Were are the moderators when you need them Yamaha curently offers 27 differant windsheilds in their 2005 catalog And I'll bet my new sled that they have a bunch more next year for the Apex/Attack sleds All the sled makers want to market their SPORT sleds as sleek, fast and sexy and this requires a short windsheild. And the windshield is like a womans skirt THE SHORTER THE BETTER (in the pictures anyway) Look for a Apex powered Venture next year (complete with a 20 inch tall windshield) for all you touring types and once the hype dies down some look for a taller windsheild on the 2007 Apex and Attack sleds

Yes I agree the market on the sleek and have done a good job with the new sleds. Look at the Machs windshield for 06 it is sleek and gives great hand protection. 20" tall windshield is useless if it still is designed for a handlebar before they added the risers was my point. This is how its been so far.

And yes I hope they has listened and have provided that windshield. Even if it comes without the nice graffics. Time will tell! Maybe we are jumping the gun.

If they come out with a 150 hp Venture. I'll be in heaven.

 

[Frostbite]

I mainly posted this question because all I did was add an 05 seat to my 03 RX-1 Mountain and I was shocked at how much wind was hitting me. There was way more of me above the windshield than before and I could feel it the first time I rode the sled.
Then is saw the 06 machines and the moutain sleds handlebars are much higher than the windshield.
If you are the type of rider that does more than one dimensional riding you are frankly going to freeze you tail off on the wat to and from the hills.
I'm sure the aftermarket and accessory catalog will take careof this deficency.

Frosty

 

[Yamahnator]

It has nothing to do with "respecting elders." Not when those "elders" whine about every little detail. You completely missed the point of the post (perhaps you need adjust your bifocals), which was addressed to QCrider. Certain members on the boards here don't like the new changes and have openly bashed them. MY point was that these changes are a good thing. It will create more customers. My "sit by the fire" post was in jest and more good natured ribbing than anything. I had been meaning to post a thread on the main forums here however about this new demographic that yamaha is going after. People should support it not complain about every little thing.

 

[grapeape]

At the show, I heard plenty of q's about the windshield... I heard the reps say there will be taller shields offered. I myself like the short shield, as I can't fit under a tall one anyway. It must be that short skirt thing, lol

 

[kenlacy]

Yamanator - so are you one of those Yami Sheep that believes they should not be criticized? But you just said you criticized them last year?

I have praised them for adding a new dimension - but they definitely deserve rips for dropping the ball when it comes to those of us that spend more time on good trails and lakes.

The farther forward and higher they put you - the more you lose in cornering ability - the RX-1 was already a good bit to handle in the corners, now it is gonna be more work.

Ever ride a Rev or F-cat - both require a lot more work in the corners while trail riding to get them to perform. That is fine when on a snow cross track or on moguled trails - it is not necessary otherwise.

I think it is hilarious how personal people take the criticisms - the only reasons Yami moved the the rider forward is 1) because Doo did it and they saw the increase in sales. Doo did an excellent job in selling the rider forward in conjunction with the Snocross success that was a homerun for them. And 2) Yami knows they need to get back into racing to grow their sled sales.

I have known three people now with Rev's, 3 have sold them and gone back to Pols and another to an RX-1. The ones that sold them did not like riding in that position a majority of the time. 1 of them did.

Rider forward is generally for Snocross, ditchbangin and horsecrap trails.