VKbcnorth
Extreme
Didn't I see a topic from Joner about a broken skid?
So, what happened? How did it break? How did the sled get towed out?
So, what happened? How did it break? How did the sled get towed out?
Joner
Extreme
I didn't get a feedback about beefing this thing up after a few days so I pulled the post. The control arm snapped on one side and the pivot tore off the opposite side. I was able to get them off with a pair of vise grips and reverse them so the suspension wouldn't collapse (ugly job in the bush) and crawl home even though the top shaft was broken. Even though there is an update for the 06 and 07 my dealer won't cover anything. The parts are $700. I also learned there is an updated wiring harness for the recifier I fried this year as well. How about dropping people a heads up letter about known problems. I was just about to leave on a 200 mile trip into deep bush. That's two failures this year alone and $1000 later on poorly thought out parts. All the rectifier needed was some grease and if you look at the pivot arm the part is just tacked on the side with no backing. No chance at holding up. I guy was in fixing his nytro front end which my dealer said "bend if you look at them" at Yamaha won't fix anything under warranty. Is there any brand that gives good service anymore? We seem to be left holding the bag. I'll remember this experience when I buy a new sled next year.
eric3793
Pro
The dealers up here are talking about a 4-year warranty as part of the 2010 marketing strategy. I still love my '08 VK but the rear skid combined with the excessive weight is a problem.
I put it on it's side again Saturday crossing a stream because the beast simply overpowered me. I was nearly stopped as she went over so there was no damage. But getting it back on two skis was tough. I ended up digging a trench for the track and ski to drop into and tweaked my back getting it back up...just as my friend came back to help. He has a well worn Bearcat 660 which smokes the VK on any bumpy trail and in the corners. The Bearcat excels in the deep stuff too.
I sure like the looks of the new Expedition with a 600SDI, hi-lo and over 100 lbs. lighter. I'm sure I would miss the 4-stroke torque but the 1200 model is only 40 lbs lighter than the VK. I'll stick with the Yamaha for now. The motor is so SWEET. I sure would like to see some changes in 2011.
I put it on it's side again Saturday crossing a stream because the beast simply overpowered me. I was nearly stopped as she went over so there was no damage. But getting it back on two skis was tough. I ended up digging a trench for the track and ski to drop into and tweaked my back getting it back up...just as my friend came back to help. He has a well worn Bearcat 660 which smokes the VK on any bumpy trail and in the corners. The Bearcat excels in the deep stuff too.
I sure like the looks of the new Expedition with a 600SDI, hi-lo and over 100 lbs. lighter. I'm sure I would miss the 4-stroke torque but the 1200 model is only 40 lbs lighter than the VK. I'll stick with the Yamaha for now. The motor is so SWEET. I sure would like to see some changes in 2011.
Gill_VK06
Veteran
Changes
Seems like we are all beating the same drum.
It's time or even overdue to change the vk pro.
I have an 06 and last year I put on 5000km and had the skid out for major repairs 3 times. Just when I thought I had all the week areas fixed this season on a 900k weekend at 4800kms so far one of the flat bars that go beside the spring and shock broke. I but my front end on a jack the other day and every bushing in the front end is totally gone. At 10800km or just over 6000miles you have to redo the front end, not good! I also have a A/C touring machine that has the same mileage and the front end is tight.
As this model is getting older the problems are getting worse. Get with it Yamaha your charging enough for it!
Seems like we are all beating the same drum.
It's time or even overdue to change the vk pro.
I have an 06 and last year I put on 5000km and had the skid out for major repairs 3 times. Just when I thought I had all the week areas fixed this season on a 900k weekend at 4800kms so far one of the flat bars that go beside the spring and shock broke. I but my front end on a jack the other day and every bushing in the front end is totally gone. At 10800km or just over 6000miles you have to redo the front end, not good! I also have a A/C touring machine that has the same mileage and the front end is tight.
As this model is getting older the problems are getting worse. Get with it Yamaha your charging enough for it!
Joner
Extreme
Based on how much they have updated the VK540 in the last 10 years, we would be lucky to see something new in under 5 more years.
VKbcnorth
Extreme
So what is breaking the skids? Speed over rough trails? Plain speed? Pulling heavy loads? Driving over stumps? Jumps???
Gill_VK06
Veteran
poor design
Other than jumps any suspension should be able to take a little. This skid is very week, it can't take any kind of load and forget two people and a bit of gear. Artic Cat has the answer with the fibreglass leafs. And just out, Polaris has a suspension called "Rush" it resembles a dirt bike.
Other than jumps any suspension should be able to take a little. This skid is very week, it can't take any kind of load and forget two people and a bit of gear. Artic Cat has the answer with the fibreglass leafs. And just out, Polaris has a suspension called "Rush" it resembles a dirt bike.
Joner
Extreme
Just an update on my broken skid. Yamaha came good for the front and rear swing arms and all the extra parts that I had broken. They even credited me for the rectifier that I had fried at the start of the season. They also provided me with the updated wiring harness. My dealer was very surprised as he said they rarely pay for anything. (08 Nytro front ends in paticuar) It appears that these are "known" problems with the VK Pro. They are waiting until things fail rather than doing a recall. I'm just glad I wasn't 50 miles from home or with my family at camp.
