Feeling Guilty

[UP Michigan rider]

You have a point. There is only 1 Japanese "real" Yamaha left being made (from Japan). If I were to buy a Yamaha R1 sport-bike, I would want the real thing, Aka "made in Japan" So I wouldn't feel too guilty because its not made in Japan and therefore not really a "Yamaha". I'm not saying there is anything wrong with the new snowmobiles I am just saying I wouldn't feel any guilt.

 

[coolio]

I was just asking as it seemed you were comparing the new Doo to the Apex, which is not apples to apples.
I like my Winder because it is the only thing on the market that can satisfy the hardcore speed junkies like myself.

I agree with you. But, the older I get I realize it's not just about speed. I saddlebag tour often for 3 to 5 days and there are shortcomings on new Yamahas that I find aggravating. It's the total package all going together and working seamlessly.

 

[coolio]

My buddy rides a winder, he carries fuel and luggage right behind his seat. The stackable gas caddy and luggage bag from doo. The reason the tunnels are bending on some is because guys are putting the gas caddy at the very back of the tunnel. You have to carry the gas in the same place on the doo as well otherwise the same thing can happen. I dont own a winder, but I’ve had 1 viper previous to the 2 i now own. The serviceability can be a bit of a pain for some things but most are not that bad. I jumped ship to an 850 skidoo last year and it was the biggest mistake I made in a while. Skidoo is junk on many levels. Between all 3 of my vipers we’ve put on about 15,000kms and the only real problem I’ve had was a primary clutch bushing failing at around 4000kms which isn’t normal. Other than that, just normal wear and tear and obviously maintenance and I’ve had nothing but smiles on these sleds! Vipers and sidewinders are the best sleds on the market right now, just my opinion though. I hope you don’t end up making the same mistake I made. Good luck!

 

[74Nitro]

I agree with you. But, the older I get I realize it's not just about speed. I saddlebag tour often for 3 to 5 days and there are shortcomings on new Yamahas that I find aggravating. It's the total package all going together and working seamlessly.

Maybe the Doo is better for you. I do like certain things about the Doo. The quality is good, a quiet clutch, stronger rear tunnel for storage, and I think the ergos are slightly better too.
There are shortcomings too. Throttle response is lacking compared to others and I'm not so big on their looks.
Sometimes it just comes down to personal preferences.

 

[coolio]

Maybe you should go on Doo Talk and tell them your gonna buy a Yamaha and see what kind of honest discussion you get over there. If the Ski Doo is what you want go on and buy it. I'm surely not going to talk you out of it.

I did not say I was definitely buying one. I said I rode it and why I really liked it. It was not easy for me to admit, believe me! The Enduro is not available in the track length I want right now so I am waiting and thinking. Also looking for input.

 

[sideshowBob]

I have been riding Yamahas for 5 decades and was very slow to warm up to the Yamaha Cats. I recently purchased a Sidewinder X-TX LE and presently I am going over the entire sled before I start riding it. I have found a few minor assembly issues but over all I am impressed with the engineering behind these sleds. Everyone I ride my Apex with is riding Ski-Doos and I can never tell who is who until we stop for a break...….
I think this Sidewinder is beautiful and can't wait to start racking up the miles on it.
JM.02c

 

[74Nitro]

View attachment 147290 I have been riding Yamahas for 5 decades and was very slow to warm up to the Yamaha Cats. I recently purchased a Sidewinder X-TX LE and presently I am going over the entire sled before I start riding it. I have found a few minor assembly issues but over all I am impressed with the engineering behind these sleds. Everyone I ride my Apex with is riding Ski-Doos and I can never tell who is who until we stop for a break...….
I think this Sidewinder is beautiful and can't wait to start racking up the miles on it.
JM.02c

Be careful. When you start pulling ahead of them whenever you feel like it, they may not want you in their group.

 

[coolio]

I definitely want a 4 stroke. I want a comfortable smooth powerful ride that I can go off trail with as we get a lot of snow in Northern Maine. My Apex XTX rode like a brick until I got that fantastic Star kit. The Enduro with air shocks rode great. All the accessories on a Yamaha are just cobbled on with straps, buckles, rivets, etc. I put mirrors on my Apex and they just barely fit in a certain spot or they hit the windshield and I had to take my gauntlets off, can't have both. The luggage is a PIA as well. I'm always worried about gas with the small fuel tank and no spare tank. I dont see the Winder accessories as any better. And, I do LOVE my power steering. Can't have that on a winder. The Enduro steered far easier than my buddy's winder and we've already adjusted the suspension on that to lighten it up.

 

[coolio]

View attachment 147290 I have been riding Yamahas for 5 decades and was very slow to warm up to the Yamaha Cats. I recently purchased a Sidewinder X-TX LE and presently I am going over the entire sled before I start riding it. I have found a few minor assembly issues but over all I am impressed with the engineering behind these sleds. Everyone I ride my Apex with is riding Ski-Doos and I can never tell who is who until we stop for a break...….
I think this Sidewinder is beautiful and can't wait to start racking up the miles on it.
JM.02c

Just wait until you go to change the oil in it, or adjust the chaincase tension, or change the chaincase oil. All ridiculously complex tasks that should be simple and easy. How long before you strip a bolt hole out on the turbo pipe or the myriad of other things that you have to take apart to simply service it?

 

[sideshowBob]

Just wait until you go to change the oil in it, or adjust the chaincase tension, or change the chaincase oil. All ridiculously complex tasks that should be simple and easy. How long before you strip a bolt hole out on the turbo pipe or the myriad of other things that you have to take apart to simply service it?

Just had all that appart...not the simplest but there is a price to pay for everything. Funny the issue I dislike the most is not being able to quickly remove the belt guard.

 

[coolio]

Just had all that appart...not the simplest but there is a price to pay for everything. Funny the issue I dislike the most is not being able to quickly remove the belt guard.

Yes, I forgot about that!

 

[20/80]

Kinda funny that some that frown on you for considering a Ski Doo for your next sled are sitting on a blue painted Thunder Cat or a Cat 7000, lol

 

[coolio]

Kinda funny that some that frown on you for considering a Ski Doo for your next sled are sitting on a blue painted Thunder Cat or a Cat 7000, lol

Great point!

 

[TPAY243]

Ya that is kinda funny, to bad that the blue painted ones will out preform an all Yamaha build Apex in many ways.

 

[coolio]

Just had all that appart...not the simplest but there is a price to pay for everything. Funny the issue I dislike the most is not being able to quickly remove the belt guard.

How about splitting the chaincase to change the oil? Yamaha has had a drain plug for 25 years, now none? I was splitting the chaincase on my 73 Polaris volt when I was a kid. Oh, and no fill plug either. Ridiculous.