high mile VLs?

[asrx600guy]

I am kicking around getting the wife a used VL in the next couple of years.

how are these sleds about vibrations?
MPG? can they handle e10 87 octane fine?
I've seen a few phasers for sale on CL with failed engines. Are these the exceptions?
how many miles can I expect out of one of these engines? more than 20,000?

 

[Mooseman]

Mine is at 14,000km but there have been some others with more than that. Pat the Rat sold his Phazer with more than 27,000km. The blown up ones are the exception. One thing that sometimes happens is the bottom oil hose that leaks all the oil out while you spinning at 10k RPM, which will instantly kill it. I bought a parts Phazer that had an borked engine after it was severely overheated.

Technically, it can handle 87 octane but depending on the year, it's the exception. My 2007 MP calls for 91 while my son's 2009 says it can use 87. Those that say to use 91 say that 87 can be used if 91 is not available and the KCS system will detect knock if it happens. I would use 91 just to avoid the ethanol (here, most gas stations' 91 doesn't have ethanol). Some have used 87 without any ill effects.

Properly maintained, these engines will last.

 

[asrx600guy]

hmm, a bit of a mixed message...
27000 km is impressive for a sled and more than could be expected from 2 stroke, but short of 20000 miles
I remember that at least one of the blown-up ones dropped a valve.
sounds like 87 won't hurt it, but it'll be down on power.....

 

[Mooseman]

There may have been others with more mileage but I do remember an Apex that lasted over 47k miles! I think there is a thread somewhere that documents such high milers. Yamaha are renowned for their engine reliability and and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. I think there was a recent thread about a guy who rode his Yamaha year round for charity, totalling 100k.

 

[Mooseman]

Here's a thread
http://www.ty4stroke.com/threads/who-has-the-highest-mileage-4-stroke-on-ty4.132294/

 

[asrx600guy]

I have no qualms about the longevity of the 3 and 4 cylinder engines, but reservations about these high revving twins. The engine is based on a 250cc MX engine, and those are not known for extreme longevity.

 

[YukonMP]

27000 km is impressive for a sled and more than could be expected from 2 stroke, but short of 20000 miles

Note however, the sled was sold at 27000kms, not scrapped.

I got 18.4 mpg(cdn)my first season. That is 90% on the lake, following tracks, setting tracks and paddling through slush, always pulling a skimmer with my gear. The sled also has three bags on it.

I suspect it as easy too kill one of these before 20K miles as it is to get 20K out of one. I too was wary of the rpms that the engine turns. I also looked really hard at the alternatives and made my choice. After a year and a week and 3800 kilometers I remain happy with my decision.

Not sure what to say about vibrations ... are you thinking track noise, the engine or maybe something else?

You titled your thread High Miles VLs so i offer this. If you buy a high miler the likelihood of reaching 20k miles depends more on the previous owners practices than what Yamaha put on the snow.

I run 91 most of the time, 87 if I have to. The engine has no trouble with 87, I have a friend who ran 87 only for 12000 kms. I just pay the extra to avoid the ethanol in our 87.

 

[BombaPolaYama]

I haven't used mine much in the past 4 seasons due to having the TF for trail riding but it has reached 17,000 Km with no engine issues and still runs well. Changed the plugs after 16,000.