My first ride ever on a/my 4 stroke sled!

[Berg570]

We have enough snow that I went for a ride yesterday.

I had never even sat on a 4 stroke sled before, much less ridden one. But decided to go the way of reliability this time, as my last two sleds siezed motors.
So here are my thoughts of yesterdays ride.

It starts with the turn of a key, and sounds ultra cool! I had rotated the bars slightly forward to make standing more comfortable, and it sure helped as we left the parking area, as I felt comfortable standing right away.
I was warned of the engine braking so I was prepared for it, but since I ride big bore 4 stroke dirt bikes, it wasnt a big deal to me at all.
Then the power. It seems to take a brief moment to rev up, but once it does, WOW it rips. Stab the throttle at any speed and it pulls and pulls and pulls! Just awesome.
We headed up the logging roads to higher elevations and I did notice the darting you all describe. Not a huge deal since compact snow is just down low near the parking lot as of now.
I did miss reverse, but can live without it. Maybe I'll install it next year?
Once at the higher elevations there was over 4 feet of new snow. I was terrified to get stuck. I discovered that I had to carry more momentum than my former lighter sleds to stay "afloat". Not a bad thing, just a riding adjustment.
We made it to a huge clearing in the trees and I was finally able to carve around on it. It tips over to the side easy enough, but was a bit more of a chore to get it upright than I was use to. Again, larger, faster carving and side hilling make its weight less noticable I discovered.
Also as you guys have pointed out, the grip heaters arent very good. Traveling up the roads they worked well, but once you slow down, warmer gloves were needed.
As we headed back I did get the chance to pull a few hill climbs. It rips up the hill as well as any other sled! The 162" track and all that power made the hill a piece of cake to get up. I was impressed for sure

The suspension was a little plush. But some tinkering with the adjustments will fix this. I love the entire dash and digital displays. Super easy to read and cool looking. And the fuel economy and the fact you dont need any nasty premix oil was great as well.

All in all Im very satisfied with my new (to me) sled. Its exactly what I was looking for, and will keep me riding for quite a few years!

Here are a few basic pictures. I was riding more than picture taking

 

[actionjack]

Great post

 

[TRUE BLUE SINCE 1980]

Wait/What, That sled dosn't have reverse?

 

[Dootoblue]

I think he has an Arctic Cat too.....LOL. Just kidding.......yea, no reverse???

 

[TRUE BLUE SINCE 1980]

Maybe I am going to learn something here, I thought all the newer Yamies Had reverse....

 

[Grimm]

It's an 07 Mountain...not new.

 

[TRUE BLUE SINCE 1980]

Ooo!, Schools out, lets riide....

 

[Berg570]

Thats right, its an '07 Mountain. I was suprised it didnt have reverse to be honest. But for the steal of a deal I got, I couldnt pass it up.

Ok help me out, I didnt get the Arctic Cat joke. What am I missing here?

 

[actionjack]

2012 Cats were plagued by reverse issues, among others.

 

[Daranello]

I had a 2006 Apex RTX with factory reverse and it was fast

 

[Daranello]

And this post should be in the apex mountain area;-)

 

[Murse]

07 should have reverse? Upon further inspection it was an option.....so yea his most likely does not have it.
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/produ ... specs.aspx