Feeling Guilty

[thor452]

if you don't think anyone is bashing Yamaha on this site you need to read more it is everywhere. the OP wants to get a Doo go get one Yamaha doesn't have a sled he likes then go buy the one you do like. To say Yamaha let him down because they made a sled and he don't like it. to say the reason is because of cat quality? really? my friend has one and it was hard to work on and had some issues. well my apex was hard to work on till I learned how it went together too and I had the invest 1700 in my XTX to make it the sled I wanted. do I blame Yamaha no it is my personal preference. NO,But don't come on here and try to tell me the sidewinder is a piece of junk and not worth the time of day just because it is not your cup of tea. It took a little bit to get it dialed in for me but now I wouldn't change it for any other sled on the market. maybe he is just to used to Yamaha having the same cassis for the last 16 years that learning a new one is so foreign that they cant figure it out. I would bet they are the same people that couldn't stop saying Yamaha has not changed the apex in 16 years and now because they didn't call them personally and spec build a sled just for them they are going to bash what they did produce.

 

[Yamajon1]

It seems we get true new models about every 5 to 7 years. The 92 V max design hung around till 96. The 97 pro action design ( v max, SRX, SR Viper) lasted till around 04. Rx1, Vector, early Apex 2003 till 2010. New Apex, Vector 2011 to 2018. Spiced up with the Nytro and Phaser over lapping. The current Viper came out in 2014 and Winder in 2017. I tend to think there will be something new in the 2021 model year. I like my SR Viper it’s the best handeling and riding Yamaha I’ve had. Yamaha is all I’ve ridden since 1983. I can pick out good and bad about all of them. I do not see the Yamacats inferior in any way to the Japan built sleds. Serviceability is no better or worse it’s just different. Some things are easier and some aren’t. Let’s just be thankful Yamaha still has a line up to offer and hope the sport grows. It’s been on a decline for some time and I think if the numbers stabilize and start to improve we will see true new Yamaha sleds. Till then I will be happy on my best Yamaha to date even if it is a Cat chassis.

 

[TPAY243]

thor452 you rock totally agree

 

[TPAY243]

Not sure if all you guys that are complaining about storage on the Pro Cross have seen this. Artic Cat now offers a system much like the link stuff that Ski Doo offers. I'm sure it will be in the Yamaha acc. Book this season, check it out that's one less thing to gripe about.

 

[SqueezeER]

So what do think they should be doing different? I see this opinion a lot. I'm just curious what people expect? We all agree they make the best engines, and great warranties IMO to go with them. Yes they are $$$, but don't you expect that when you buy a reliable Yami motor?

What do you expect them to do?

Great thoughts everyone and I truly appreciate the opinions. I am just getting completely frustrated with Yamaha and ultimately I'm not sure what I will do. I just think that we are being loyal to a brand that now has started mistreating us loyal customers. We all make excuses and work arounds and are willing to put up with an inferior product. Kinda like an abused woman who still stands by her man. To me, the simple stuff counts and Yamaha doesn't care to address them. Yes, they have the fastest sled and the most powerful awesome engine. However, there is a lot more to sledding, especially touring. And for the kind of money they are asking for winder it should have the best designed latest and greatest of everything.

 

[20/80]

if you don't think anyone is bashing Yamaha on this site you need to read more it is everywhere. the OP wants to get a Doo go get one Yamaha doesn't have a sled he likes then go buy the one you do like. To say Yamaha let him down because they made a sled and he don't like it. to say the reason is because of cat quality? really? my friend has one and it was hard to work on and had some issues. well my apex was hard to work on till I learned how it went together too and I had the invest 1700 in my XTX to make it the sled I wanted. do I blame Yamaha no it is my personal preference. NO,But don't come on here and try to tell me the sidewinder is a piece of junk and not worth the time of day just because it is not your cup of tea. It took a little bit to get it dialed in for me but now I wouldn't change it for any other sled on the market. maybe he is just to used to Yamaha having the same cassis for the last 16 years that learning a new one is so foreign that they cant figure it out. I would bet they are the same people that couldn't stop saying Yamaha has not changed the apex in 16 years and now because they didn't call them personally and spec build a sled just for them they are going to bash what they did produce.

Yep.. everybody has a opinion some good and some not so good, but I really like reading all the comments because of the feedback, it lets me view members honest opinions and their feelings on the subject and I respect that, but I also keep a open mind on subjects voiced on this forum, personally I could have easily purchased a Winder or a Viper,I drove a Winder accouple of times and test rode the Viper also it just wasn't for me, was it the fact that they were 70% Cat...somewhat, I choose the Apex xtx pure Yamaha, not the best handling sled out there and they have their gremlins also but well put together and the best proven bar none reliable snowmobile engine in my mind ever built, this was my choice for me over all the other brands and what they had to offer,, some day Yamaha will build a new pure Yamaha chassis and stand on there own two feet again, in Yamaha's new line up for 2020 there is a new 600 Transporter 2 stroke which is 100% Cat, if a true blue was to purchase this machine are they betraying Yamaha??? and should the members on this forum be upset??

 

[thor452]

I think you are not understanding what I am saying here. my rant about bashing is the people that come on here just to stir the pot. they are trolls and have less than 20 posts and all of them are to bash Yamaha. as far as buying what you like that is up to each their own. the other part of the rant is to flat out lie about a sled that they don't own. allot of people come on this forum and read what is posted and it has an effect on what they buy. if people don't support Yamaha by buying the sleds they will stop making them. no market no sales and no new sleds. The sidewinder is a great sled it has a few issues like all sleds do most of the issues have been a few people and have been so overblown that anyone that came on this site would think they are all junk. So not true. for instance cant put more that 5 lbs on the tunnel? I have 35 lbs on mine always and I ride hard jump big go off trail hammer though moguls at 90 mph and min is just fine if you want to carry the skidoo luggage they make a bracket that will bolt on and you can it also adds to the rigidity.

 

[20/80]

I think you are not understanding what I am saying here. my rant about bashing is the people that come on here just to stir the pot. they are trolls and have less than 20 posts and all of them are to bash Yamaha. as far as buying what you like that is up to each their own. the other part of the rant is to flat out lie about a sled that they don't own. allot of people come on this forum and read what is posted and it has an effect on what they buy. if people don't support Yamaha by buying the sleds they will stop making them. no market no sales and no new sleds. The sidewinder is a great sled it has a few issues like all sleds do most of the issues have been a few people and have been so overblown that anyone that came on this site would think they are all junk. So not true. for instance cant put more that 5 lbs on the tunnel? I have 35 lbs on mine always and I ride hard jump big go off trail hammer though moguls at 90 mph and min is just fine if you want to carry the skidoo luggage they make a bracket that will bolt on and you can it also adds to the rigidity.

I understand now what you are getting at, sorry about that, the Winder has a few issues so does the Apex and the Viper, Phazer, Vector, Nitro, and afew more but riders also come up with fixes that make the sled that much better than share it on this forum to help the next guy, that's what its all about. hard to believe that some people come on this forum just want to bad talk a product they never even rode or even owned a Yamaha.

 

[provfisherman]

So what do think they should be doing different? I see this opinion a lot. I'm just curious what people expect? We all agree they make the best engines, and great warranties IMO to go with them. Yes they are $$$, but don't you expect that when you buy a reliable Yami motor?

What do you expect them to do?

Well me personally, I would like to see some smaller horsepower units. Not everyone wants a machine that has 180+ hp. I would really like to see something that would fill the Phazer gap and maybe something like the MP with a slightly bigger motor (100 hp???). But that's just me. Don't get me wrong, I love my Yamahas, I would just like to see some... what you might call entry level units.

You asked.

 

[coolio]

I think you are not understanding what I am saying here. my rant about bashing is the people that come on here just to stir the pot. they are trolls and have less than 20 posts and all of them are to bash Yamaha. as far as buying what you like that is up to each their own. the other part of the rant is to flat out lie about a sled that they don't own. allot of people come on this forum and read what is posted and it has an effect on what they buy. if people don't support Yamaha by buying the sleds they will stop making them. no market no sales and no new sleds. The sidewinder is a great sled it has a few issues like all sleds do most of the issues have been a few people and have been so overblown that anyone that came on this site would think they are all junk. So not true. for instance cant put more that 5 lbs on the tunnel? I have 35 lbs on mine always and I ride hard jump big go off trail hammer though moguls at 90 mph and min is just fine if you want to carry the skidoo luggage they make a bracket that will bolt on and you can it also adds to the rigidity.

Buddy, I'm no troll! I've been on this site since 2000. If you go in the pics you will see my pic on a 2000 SRX. If you disagree with my thoughts that is ok. We are all adults here. But, I still have my opinions and they are well thought out and based on facts. Yes, tunnels are bending, and yes a dealer did tell my buddy about the 5lb limit saying the tunnels are not designed to carry anything, believe it or not. Clearly if you look at the list of Yamaha sleds I've bought you will see I'm no fool. Furthermore, I've spent tons of money on Yamaha's so I've earned the right to be critical especially if its accurate.

 

[number1kyster]

I have a friend with a 900T XRS. He is totally smitten with it. He said the ride, handling, and fuel economy is just plain amazing. He has had a few issues with it. The main issue seems to be snow dust accumulating around the intercooler and steering components. Also, while on a trip, the fuel tank vent froze and the sled ran out of fuel, but only took 5 gallons to fill? BRP has an updated vent kit for next season.

As far as issues with the Sidewinder, I read all the crap on TY about these sleds. When my Dad bought his 2017 LTX, I advised him to purchase the extended warranty. He now has 6,500 miles on it and the only thing it has been back for is the flat spotted roller and turbo bolts that were issues on all 2017's. He has not even blown a belt.

I picked up a Sidewinder RTX this season and I really like it so far. I will agree, the oil change, and chaincase maintenance could be easier. I cussed a lot the first time I did it. Now that I know how to do it, it's not bad.

Personally, I think these sleds get a bad wrap because there are so many folks adding power. Many are not properly clutched. I would not be surprised if you are reading about 900T issues in a few season once folks put many miles on them with another 50hp.

The Sidewinder is a very reliable sled if it is left stock. That has been my experience so far.

 

[CooperT]

Yes there is a luggage system from cat that is similar to doos linq system. Looks decent.

 

[Northshore]

Yeah Yellowknife is his YouTube name, does very detailed and long term reviews, kind of funny as well.

There is a guy on youtube that lives in Great Slave Lake and has kind of his own show with different vids, he was a true blue, every machine he had was all Yamaha and ran them in the most extreme conditions and always did vids on his opinion of the sleds with live shots of problems, his last Yamaha was a new Viper, in his vids he showed the on going problems he encountered with the Viper, he has sense moved to Ski Doo and does a pretty good write up and vid on his travels with the doo now, I believe its a renegade 600 with a back country track, he has now 16000 km on the motor and has never been opened up, and he uses the machine hard, to me that's impressive for a 2 stroke in those abusive conditions, I guess my point is Doo does make a reliable sled also, buddy on the vids said he would never go back to Yamaha and shows a good vid on why, some good feedback I thought.

 

[Apexpat]

The oil filter on a winder is easy to get to however the drain on the oil tank is really hard to get to and you have to use a cut up soda bottle to get it to drain back through a hole in the running board. On an Apex the filter is hard to get to no question but the oil drains are very easy. I only change the filter on my Apex every other time. Yamaha says only change the filter at 10000 miles. I've serviced both sleds and overall the Apex is way easier, especially when you don't have to change the filter IMO.

When you don’t change the filter, how much oil do you add to the Apex?

 

[coolio]

When you don’t change the filter, how much oil do you add to the Apex?

The book says 3qts but I usually end up adding a little more to get it up to the top line on the dipstick.