Sucks to hear about belt issues or any issues for that matter. By the way, hello everyone. This is my first post. Been riding Yamis up in "the county" (Maine) since 1999. Fav sled I've owned is 07 attak w/ohlins shocks, Simmons skis, 08 rear skid upgrade, 1.25 ripsaw/studded, slightly taller windshield and a "power up" kit. Certainly never had any belt issues as I would run my sleds 7k miles before changing belts. Always loved Yami for their engines (two or four stroke), reliability/durability. However, It's a give n' take w/all of the big four.
Here is my beef with Yamaha: They are way too slow with implementing their existing technology into their own product line. Example; when they came out w/the apex in 06, why did it take the third model year to see the 120 (carb) in the apex? The mid fuelie appeared in the two-up in 08. Why did it take three model years to appear in the apex? Why did we never see the 150 Genesis in a two-up? We are in the second model year with the SR Viper lineup and only one engine choice and no two up? Why did it take so damn long to come out with a real ski?
The list goes on. The other three are doing things quicker. Yes. They likely have more issues but Yami has the reliability/durability thing in check (although, I'm not that up to speed on issues since cat merger), so I believe they can and should react quicker.
I'm looking forward to the next generation "all Yamaha" snowmobiles (sorry cat!). So, what would I like to see?
Next generation of Genesis four strokes in a new platform and all new suspensions that focus on ergos, fuel economy, performance and ride quality.
I also feel that they should offer a couple of two stroke engines that would be housed in the low priced sleds and possibly the ditch bangers. Would also like to see a total revamp on the VK Pro and more models in this category.
Lower priced sleds are very important to the snowmobile industry and to the big four.
Look at what polaris is doing? They (finally) not only have a good platform, but they are offering many types of nice rides for not alot of jing.
Yamaha should be paying close attention to this. Given how few sleds they've been building for the past many years, they must be losing millions of dollars each year.
Not everyone can afford 12-15K for sleds.
I'm a high miler. My sled of choice would be a ltx/dx w/the mid fuelie. Wait. They don't make such a sled. How bout a switchback w/Yamis mid performance fuelie? I'm getting silly.
Anyways, I trust lots of you who bleed blue will agree with most of what I mentioned and hope some of the reps see it as well.
Happy new year everyone and ride safe!