eps

[srx900]

I dont believe eps is the way to go I have an 06 apex with pilot skis that steers very easy. Yamaha is builing a more aggressive ski and then fixing steering effort by eps. This works but think of all the linkages in the apex steering. In 10,000 miles I have replaced plastic steering bushings with oft oilite bushings and have had to replace steering links becuase of too much play. Now if you make the sled steer harder with agressive skis and install eps to correct the steering effort then these allready suspect linkages and bushings are going to wear out even sooner. I would like to hear from guys that have a 2011 apex that have 5000pus mi. on there sled. I would like to know if the steering linkages are holding up. I think Yamaha needs to understand chassis, steering effort and rear suspension as a whole to be able to buld a lightwieght sled. If I was an engineer at yamaha I would start buy building a continuous mogel belt that prototype sleds could be lowered onto and they could take computer readings to understand where the weight distribution is in comparison to uneven terrain. That way they could understand bump steer and shock valveing ect. Maybe yamaha could borrow an F1 teem for a month to help them understand wieght, steering, suspension. I love the motors but the chassis need work.

 

[whitedust1]

I really don't think Yamaha cares much about AR&D & sleds. They build darn good sleds their way take it or leave it seems to be the mantra. Yam has heard the overall weight issue as much as they have heard the darting issue & what do we have more weight & EPS. I had a conversation with Factory rep at 2008 test ride about Apex darting & he was like yep we know what else? So here we are almost 2012 & Yam is releasing a new twin runner ski with several carbide set ups & a $15K MSRP heavy sled with EPS. Nobody on TY is saying give me more of those heavy Apex sleds that dart & ride like a log & sell for $15K + but that is what we get. I'm ready to drop to 140-150 HP sled that uses regular gas has 136 -144 track drops 100 lbs & rides smooth as silk. I could care less if exhaust exits front or rear but must have a Yam engine & sell at MSRP $10K. Make 1 or 2 colors to keep costs low & I would be at the counter tomorrow. To me a huge hole in lineup between Vector & Apex at 145HP 4s sled that uses regular gas & does not need EPS since lost 100 lbs. Who knows might whoop Apex SE in straight line at 145HP with much less weight. Yam can build it but they just don't which brings me back tp does Yam care to go clean sheet on a new lighter platform? Everyone one else has what does it take for Yam to do it???????????