New Owner of a 2011 Venture Lite.

[bugnout]

Been lurking for the last couple of months. Just bought a used 2011 VL with 1700 miles.

I'm fairly new both to sledding and Yamaha. Been renting sleds the last two years in Northern Wisconsin along routes 10 and 12 west of Minocqua, Oneida and Price counties. trail riding primarily. Decided it was time to become an owner.

Its end of season now, so going to be going through normal maintenance, oil change etc.

I've been reading this forum and trying to brush up on issues, but looks like most have been resolved by the 2011 model year. Hand warmers, tunnel icing and reverse seem to be the major ones, but haven't seen any reports past 2010 for these issues. Anyone know if these continue to 2011 MY or any other issues specific to 2011?

Going to enjoy participating here.

 

[LLCCD69]

Hey welcome to the site. You are gonna get some great info from the folks here. I have a 2008 and sum of the bugs woulda cost me a fortune if it wasnt for these guys. Wait till u c the looks u get ridin the alien machine into a parking lot. Guarantee it will draw a crowd

 

[CLARS2006]

Welcome

Yes welcome to the Alien Riders!!!!!!!

 

[bugnout]

Alien riders, LOL, I read a number of reviews that include the phrase "Mantis like front end" I guess I would agree with both.

I really like the look of this sled.

 

[Mooseman]

Welcome! I've had mine called an "overgrown mosquito" but I don't care. I love my sled

For the issues you mention, Nothing was really changed. I find the handwarmers adequate, they just take some time to warm up, especially after stopping for a while. Putting some foam in the bars helps. The ones that complain the most are those that don't have windshields. Tunnel icing, nothing was changed there so we are still left to out own devices to remedy. We've got a reverse thread here. I've had some luck using the older 8GS belt and adjusting the chain on the loose side. My son's Phazer reverse works perfectly, which he often throws in my face .

So enjoy your sled and don't be afraid to ask questions here

 

[bugnout]

Got a chance to take my new (to me) VL for a longer test ride than the ride around the sellers yard, I put about 75 miles on it Wednesday afternoon. Trails were a bit thin with a solid layer of ice under them. They close on Sunday, but were in pretty good shape and expecting more snow this weekend. A couple of notes:

Suspension felt pretty stiff with just me on it. The guy I bought it from said he rode it double most of the time with his girl friend. I'm thinking the suspension is probably adjusted to its stiffest setting. I didn't have the manual with me and only had a short time before I had to head south for work, I'll check that when I get back in a couple weeks. I'm going to start looking for used 36mm shocks as an upgrade.

The sled is louder than I expected when idling. (I know, I'm old) I was hoping for the quiet purr that I've heard from Yamaha's 4 stroke ATV's. Is there a silencer or secondary muffler available like many ATV's have. I'm looking for stealth. Want to sneak up on the wildlife.

Finally, If I completely let off the throttle at about 40, I would get a loud whine, like transmission whine. Not from the engine or drive belt. Didn't expect this. I was able to prevent the whine by letting off the throttle gradually and the whine seemed to diminish after the sled was good and warmed up. Anyone else seen this before?

 

[Mooseman]

The suspensions on these are on the stiff side but in your case, it's probably set to the stiffest. Also check the 2-up block in the front of the spring which also makes it even stiffer. I used to have the 36mm gas shock as well as the rear gas shock but went to the VL's regular shocks when I busted my skid and my butt-o-meter couldn't tell the difference. I'm 320 Lbs. and I have to keep my springs on stiff otherwise I bottom out.

Yeah. It is loud. I don't know if a different muffler would make it better or adding a second one. I have no idea of the design of the stock muffler. I know that some of the noise is from the intake too. They didn't do too good a job of muffling that noise and I don't know what could be done to make it any quieter. And don't forget this is a high revving engine. Just cruising, you could be spinning that mill at 8-9000 RPM. At WOT, you could be at 11 500 RPM. She's a screamer.

I know what you're talking about with the whine. Not exactly sure what it is but I think it's the cogs in the belt rubbing on the primary clutch shaft that opens up when coasting. I just ignore it. Haven't heard of any remedy for it. By giving it throttle, you're closing the primary clutch sheaves, thus keeping the belt from rubbing on the shaft.