Japan built sleds

[rcp1018]

i read an article in Snowtech mag which said there were a couple of 2020 models built in Japan.
Not sure if they were talking about the RS Venture and the VK series.
Does anyone know for sure what models?
Maybe they’ll all go back to Japan built for 2021. Nothing like quality built, fit and finish sleds.

 

[RAMSOMAIR]

That’s the only 2.

 

[mikextx]

^^ what he said

 

[Grimm]

I think we all have to accept the fact that Yamaha is not designing and building their own sleds from now on. Even their "new" 600cc 2 stroke sled includes an Arctic Cat engine. How embarrassing.

 

[RAMSOMAIR]

Yep, Yamaha is out of the sno-mo biz as far as I see it.

 

[mikextx]

Very Grimm indeed. Sure wish it wasnt cat that they teamed up with.

 

[YukonMP]

I think we all have to accept the fact that Yamaha is not designing and building their own sleds from now on. Even their "new" 600cc 2 stroke sled includes an Arctic Cat engine. How embarrassing.

That 'new' sled was released by Yamaha in Europe last year and is a Cat Norseman. Similarily, one of the Bearcat variants is a VK540. I think the view from the other side of the pond is a little different. The VK540 was dropped for a year or two in North America before it received a significant redesign that allowed it to be reintroduced in North America.

The VK Pro got a significant update in 2016 and EPS in 2018. I'm not saying these are earth shattering developments but I will be ordering a Japan built totally Yamaha sled next week and am damn glad for it. I feel for what the rest of you are putting up with.

Regards that Transporter/Norseman. Even weirder to me is that the Norseman was available in 2019 with a 600cc four stroke ... made by Kymco. What the hell is that? Is there a partnership or not? The Kymco is 60hp and the abandoned phazer/venture 500cc was 80hp. Would have been a no brainer for me to keep building and supplying parts for that outstanding little engine.

Yamaha totally missed it when they didn't go forward with a new model of their own based on that engine. Instead they offer the Transporter, a 600cc Cat 2 stroke single seater for $15k cdn. A VK Pro ll with EPS, 1049 4stroke, hi-lo, 2 up, 20 inch articulated track, heated underseat storage, skid plate, full wrap HD bumper, big windshield, Japan built, all Yamaha sled for $1800 more. What is that? I don't know but I'm going to get mine while I can.

ps. There is a sight glass to check the chain case oil level in the 2016 to 2018 VK Pro ... anyone hear of one falling out?

 

[SaskAttack]

Now I don't need a work sled but for the rest, I will take the Cat dna along with a sled that finally rides and handles decently.

 

[greatwhite89]

Debating ordering a 2020 Yamaha VentueV TF. Anyone have input on this model? Pros? Cons?

 

[YukonMP]

Debating ordering a 2020 Yamaha VentueV TF. Anyone have input on this model? Pros? Cons?

It is all in the title of this thread "Japan Built Sleds". Before I say any more I confess to not having any personal experience with this model.

I think the pros are that it is a proven mature model, all Yamaha, built in Japan. There are never many posts regarding this model, likely because it predictably and reliably does what the people that buy it expect of it. About the only thing that comes to mind as a potential con is track howl. On that subject I'll say my Venture MP can howl awesomely in some conditions and I don't really mind. I speed up, slow down, get off the trail or get onto the trail depending on what works. But if you think you or your passenger are going to find it irritating on long days then it might be a significant con.


https://ty4stroke.com/threads/2016-yamaha-venture-tf-track-howl.146589/

 

[srx700lt]

My girlfriend has a Venture GT from 2012, and it is a great sled. Fast on trails, really good comfort and with the EPS it is really easy to ride. The TF has a longer track than the GT so it is a bit more capable of trail. She has been using hers since it was brand new in 2012 with no issues. I really like these sleds and is thinking of getting a TF myself as a compliment to my Sidewinder.

 

[greatwhite89]

How much lower do you sit on the Venture, compared to the Sidewinder? I'm coming off an Apex, so probably similar to that? Apex seemed to have a track howl at times too. Hard to move on from that pure Japanese quality.

 

[Mooseman]

Just having bought and ridden a 2010 RS GT, it's an excellent ride. It has the higher rider forward position as seen in these pics compared to my MP
https://ty4stroke.com/threads/last-season-on-my-mp.156255/page-2#post-1473521

One thing that wasn't mentioned is that accessories, like saddle bags, were no longer available during the last couple of years prior to the TF's cancellation for 2019. Someone had really ranted on this sled because of that. Make sure they have accessories that you want. Here's that rant if you want to read it:
https://ty4stroke.com/threads/rs-venture-tf-new-and-not-pleased.151464/

You might be able to find bags and racks in the used market.

 

[greatwhite89]

Thanks for the reply. How do you like the gytr shocks up front on the gt?

 

[Rich Kay]

I am beginning to feel the only thing left is the Yamaha name itself in hopes that the name along will somehow continue to sell a few more sleds. I don't feel they have delivered the promise of 5-6 yrs ago as all pumped up to be. The viper and sidewinder yes have been movement and proof they did something and they are great development but I see it being the last chapter. Sleds are getting too expensive and not high on the list for the working class and above... Like any corporation today, minimum effort in maximum profit out. I am still amazed they are making them as they don't make millions of them just very small numbers really and that is why they are soo expensive which is why it is going to catch up to killing the sport. I hope I not right ...