My Realistic Look at sled issues

[Bigblue1]

I felt compelled to post this after hearing once again, how our choice of sleds (Yamaha ) have all these issues and other manufacturers( ski doo in this case) are just gas and go. Not bashing as I think all manufacturers make great products, but consider the following:

I ride and have owned yamaha sleds for the better part of 20 years. I ride very agreesively and have done so forever. I don't whine about the occasional mogul filled trails, I view them as a challenge and a way to see how my machine and myself handle it. I have been very athletic my whole life particularly weightlifting, running and participating in traditional sports activities. Over the past twenty years my average weight has been 250-260lbs at 6'3". Why is this important? Because in order for me to enjoy this sport the way I want to, the product has to be built well; Particularly , as I keep sleds for more than two years. From my RX1 (9 years), FX Nytro (3 years), Apex (still own 2011) and now 2017 Sidewinder, all have gone thousands of miles (approx 40,000),without any major failures other than routine maintenance items. My riding friends from all three other manufacturers have had catastrophic failures in that time frame. Funny, other than my buds 2016 Viper (he still owns his 2006 Apex) each has traded their machines in every 1 to 2 years. Hmmmm. I truly enjoy riding the other manufacturers products. Each are technolical marvels in thier own way with strengths and weaknesses, mostly strengths these days. But, there is no way the doos and poos would hold up long term given the parameters mentioned above. They would become rattle boxes for sure. I have ridden the rentals when friends won don't own ride with 3 to 4,000 miles on them and they are toast. Could you imagine putting 18,000 miles on one of them at my wieght and the way I ride. I would have to rebuild the entire sled three times.

I have always known Yamaha Japan has made a quality product. Yes heavy to most, but fine for me as I have no problem throwing them around when need be. What amazed me most is how stout the procross chasis has been. Maybe it has been Yamaha influence, don't know. But what I do know is when I go over the machine it is amazing how it holds up, in many areas better than the Japan built units. I know what most of what you do read or hear are the issues, in large part self induced. It's the nature of the forums yet very helpful. There are thousands that have no issues and are enjoying thier machines just fine but you would never know because they are fine. Again, no problem with other brands they're great, but when making comments we should compare all factors before doing so. For me, I am happy with my machines and do not mind the maintenance items however annoying they may be. I know I'll get thousands of reliable miles more use before needing to replace and even then it will be want not need. Ok done with my diatribe. Curious what others think.

 

[greatwhite89]

All smiles this year on my 2020 RS Venture TF. As you said, I've rode all the latest and greatest from all other brands. All good in their own right. Still come back to the trusty old Deltabox for unmatched fit and finish, rock solid reliability and planted stability at speed .

 

[justinator]

I agree, Ive had sleds from every manufacturer over the years and comparing to the yamahas Ive owned Ive never felt comfortable riding by myself, going very far or out of cell phone coverage areas. While the sleds did have some great features or charateristics they spent alot of time in shop getting warranty work done that totaled in the thousands and I never kept a 2 stroke past 6000 miles! I think whats getting people so worked up with the sidewinder is that the issues with driveshaft and top sprocket are not being corrected by the manufacturer. They frequent the forums and have many of these sleds being brought in for warranty repairs so they cant say they dont know. Some updates on some of these issues would make alot of people very happy and restore alot of faith. For me, I know what needs to be done and some issues have been corrected already and I will tackle the rest in the off season. Personally Im okay with that, I really like the sled and its a small price to pay.

 

[number1kyster]

We have all read about the issues on this forum. It can really kill your confidence in the 998 if you over think it. My Dad and I each have a 998. We both had Apex's before this. In our experience, the Sidewinder has been on par with our previous Yamaha's in terms of reliability.

 

[vice108]

This is a timely post for me as I’ve just been getting into my new 2020 sidewinder with zero miles and getting it ready for next years maiden voyage. Coming off of an Apex I was prepared to see lots of inferior Cat DNA. While the fit and finish of the body panels admittedly isn’t as nice, I’m absolutely tickled by some of the engineering so far! I can’t believe how easy it is to remove the hood and headlight and everything else! I love it. We all know what a goat-screw it was to remove the Apex headlight and hood assembly and even then you couldn’t access much. On the sidewinder I can have the panels off in moments AND I can actually access areas I need to reach. The same goes for the seat. What a pleasure to just take it off and have complete access to the battery and gas tank. Getting to the battery on my Apex was very unpleasant. I would also say that the powder coating on the spindles and skid is far superior to my Apex. I was also stunned when I watched a video on skid removal and found that you only need to remove two bolts! There’s a lot of amazing engineering in this thing!

There are shortcomings of course like the crappy chain case design and I’m not nuts about the location of the brake but overall I’m delighted with how it looks so far.

As for other manufacturers I still don’t understand why they are so popular. I completely get that a skidoo or Polaris 850 is lightweight and fun but I could never spend this amount of money knowing that my engine could burn down at any time.

 

[WinderFab]

This is a timely post for me as I’ve just been getting into my new 2020 sidewinder with zero miles and getting it ready for next years maiden voyage. Coming off of an Apex I was prepared to see lots of inferior Cat DNA. While the fit and finish of the body panels admittedly isn’t as nice, I’m absolutely tickled by some of the engineering so far! I can’t believe how easy it is to remove the hood and headlight and everything else! I love it. We all know what a goat-screw it was to remove the Apex headlight and hood assembly and even then you couldn’t access much. On the sidewinder I can have the panels off in moments AND I can actually access areas I need to reach. The same goes for the seat. What a pleasure to just take it off and have complete access to the battery and gas tank. Getting to the battery on my Apex was very unpleasant. I would also say that the powder coating on the spindles and skid is far superior to my Apex. I was also stunned when I watched a video on skid removal and found that you only need to remove two bolts! There’s a lot of amazing engineering in this thing!

There are shortcomings of course like the crappy chain case design and I’m not nuts about the location of the brake but overall I’m delighted with how it looks so far.

As for other manufacturers I still don’t understand why they are so popular. I completely get that a skidoo or Polaris 850 is lightweight and fun but I could never spend this amount of money knowing that my engine could burn down at any time.

I’ve been on a Apex since 2007 and a Nytro for a few years in between and going to a sidewinder this year I couldn’t be happier, my knees tank my every ride I take on the sidewinder..
You will love the sidewinder..

 

[vice108]

I’ve been on a Apex since 2007 and a Nytro for a few years in between and going to a sidewinder this year I couldn’t be happier, my knees tank my every ride I take on the sidewinder..
You will love the sidewinder..

just sitting on it I have no doubt it will much better on my back and body!

 

[kinger]

I'm glad its working out for you. My experience was not as pleasant. Hopefully the aftermarket has some fixes for the chassis/chain case/misc items for all the annoying stuff and I can get my engine to work. All dealers have basically left me for dead and wont take mine in on trade with its history so I am stuck with it (I have tried 3 different ones and even a TY vendor). I will try not to bash it on here, I know some of you are extremely loyal and pleased with the machines and I am happy for you.

 

[Mototown]

Other than changing top gear every year at oil change & tack weld chain adjuster , this sled is great . I ride with 850s , my buddy has a Polaris, he has had way more problems on trail side than me , bad brake rotor , brake pads gone , temp sensor connection bad , sled won't start in morning, had to look on line how to reboot ecu to run . Suspension wheels delaminate . And 850 s skidoos fouled plugs & multiple belts blow when ever they try to run them hard ( against the winder ) lol
It isn't any greener on the other side . Just some preventive maintenance at the beginning of the year .

 

[sab2022]

After buying a 4-stroke 2019 Yamaha Waverunner I was pleased to find Yamaha also sold a 4-stroke (2020) sidewinder.

 

[Bigblue1]

I’ve been on a Apex since 2007 and a Nytro for a few years in between and going to a sidewinder this year I couldn’t be happier, my knees tank my every ride I take on the sidewinder..
You will love the sidewinder..

Ditto!!