Review of 2016 VK Professional

[LtRon]

Hi there - some have asked about this new sled. I was finally able to take it out. The machine is extremely powerful and great in deep snow. I put over 100 kms on backcountry trails and no issues with getting stuck. Snow depth ranged from 2-3 feet. I also had a 200 lb passenger on throughout the trip. It was responsive on groomed trails also but certainly needs some muscle to be put into turns. I did not do any towing but a looking forward to seeing how that goes. My only complaint is that shifting between low and high range and into reverse is not smooth at all. I believe this is a common complaint about the Yamaha gear selector. A few pics attached. Best regards.

 

[dixopr]

For gear changes I find. Don't apply the break when shifting, if it doesn't go into gear easy stab the throttle to move an inch or so then try again, shifts smooth for me. How did you do with fuel use?

 

[LtRon]

Good tip about shifting gears. Thanks. As far as fuel goes, I used 18 L in 3.5 hours. That was in backcountry riding involving a mix of terrain including some short steep hills with a passenger. According to the owner's manual the engine break in period is 800 km. It will be interesting to see if the fuel burn rate changes once the engine is broken in.

 

[brad gilker]

What is the sticker on the tunnel?

 

[Phatboyc]

You'll love that engine. Have it in the Vector and its plentyfull as many Nytro owners would also tell you.

I'll be in that area this weekend on a trip sleeping in Maynooth. You go in Algonquin Park for your backcountry ridding?

 

[LtRon]

I'll check on the sticker. I recall the unit manufacture date was Aug. 2015. I picked it up in Nov 2015.

Yes i do enjoy the power of that Genesis engine. The machine flys and is great on fuel. It will pull anything. I was out this past weekend north of Parry Sound, south of Britt, ON. Weather between -7 and +3 C

I will say one thing, this machine is a workout to ride off-trail and is definitely more top-heavy than the older sleds. Perhaps more due to my inexperience riding a new sled. The snow conditions were heavy and wet. VERY easy to get this machine turned on its side in wet snow and a lot of work to get unstuck. Very different than the ride it gave me in powder and colder weather. It powered through slush and wet stuff easily on flat terrain and lakes. Doing 90 km/h before I blinked and since it is not fully broken-in did not attempt to go any faster (also given the poor ice conditions).

Snowmobiling is prohibited in Algonquin Park. The earlier picture I posted was actually at the west boundary near Kearney. Some good club trails and old logging roads there. The Bancroft -Maynooth will be awesome - have fun.

I welcome any riding tips for this new beast. And also have a few questions: 1) any idea if it can be pull started if the battery were to die? 2) anyone change out the emergency brake pads - - my buddy mistakenly left it on for a bit and it has lost its strength - a pain for trailering.

Thanks guys, Ron

 

[YukonMP]

Hey Lt. Ron,

I carry a lithium boost/jump starter. Specifically a NOCO GB40, available at CanTire for 120 on sale. It is a 1000 amp unit, those are not cold cranking amps - NOCO explains their rating system on their website. I never let it sit on a shelf at home. It is always on the sled, in the boat, or in the most suspect vehicle. Lt., that is the least reliable vehicle, not the suspect vehicle.

 

[Phatboyc]

I'll check on the sticker. I recall the unit manufacture date was Aug. 2015. I picked it up in Nov 2015.

I think he means the OPP looking sticker.

Pull start from the primary with the help of another snowmobile has been done with a video on youtube. Needless to say it doesn't look safe... To jump start look on the right under the hood with the ends covered with red/black rubber caps. If your Viking is like all other Genesis or Apex engines. I made myself compact boosting cables from 12 volt extension cord I stripped and small battery clamps. Both available at Princess Auto.

Brake pads are easy to check. There's a notch in the middle of the pads. If you don't see it anymore than you are due to change them.

Can't wait for this weekend trip. It will be my first time in the area. Looks like not much rain there if any is falling from this winter storm were having now. Only snow?! Here it will rain all night.

 

[LtRon]

Thanks YukonMP and Phatboyc. I appreciate the advice. Yes, I missed the point about the sticker. It's actually the branch crest of the Canadian Forces Military Engineers. I'm a Reservist in the CF.

 

[BACK COUNTRY YAMAHA]

Install a set of 9 in ski skins with a set of quali pieces 6 in cobrahead runners, helps keep the machine balanced when the snow becomes unstable, Also remember when trail breaking with this sled not to spin the track down, when momentum is being lost, stop and back up a bit then carry on. You will be surprised how much further you will go without getting stuck! Always carry a shovel and snowshoes when riding off trail, makes life so much easier! There is adjustment on that park brake @ the caliper. Had a o6 for 20,000 kms and most of those were off trail, loved the sled but just sold it and went to a multi purpose. Really miss it for trail breaking! hope this helps!

 

[LtRon]

Thanks BCYamaha - good mods that will help. I appreciate this info that you and the others have given me.