srx700lt
Extreme
I'm thinking of replacing my Venture 700. The question is if I should get a RS Venture GT or a RS Venture TF. The sled will be used both as a trail sled and also a good deal off trail riding. I'm not interested in getting a mountain model because where I live there isn't any mountain riding.
So the question is, has anyone any experience in using the RS ventures as off trail sled. How does it work in the deep? Anyone that has compared the short version with the TF?
Any input would be good.......
So the question is, has anyone any experience in using the RS ventures as off trail sled. How does it work in the deep? Anyone that has compared the short version with the TF?
Any input would be good.......
big_ry_ry
Expert
off trail
off the trail it seemsto be very front heavy and tipsy in the back (base was rough). My sled had a hard time going through some deep powder, I am a big rider so that may have a lot to do with it. But i really had to gas it to go through it.
off the trail it seemsto be very front heavy and tipsy in the back (base was rough). My sled had a hard time going through some deep powder, I am a big rider so that may have a lot to do with it. But i really had to gas it to go through it.
The TFs in my area can go just about anywhere
Keep in mind there are no mountains in my area and that with an exception of maybe 2 storms a year where we might get 2-3 feet at a time, the most fresh powder we has at the one time is usually only a foot deep
they are nice trail sleds too, just not for the tight and twisties (still talking about the TF)
Keep in mind there are no mountains in my area and that with an exception of maybe 2 storms a year where we might get 2-3 feet at a time, the most fresh powder we has at the one time is usually only a foot deep
they are nice trail sleds too, just not for the tight and twisties (still talking about the TF)
srx700lt
Extreme
Ok thanks, anyone else hat has any input???
BA
Extreme
- Joined
- Jan 11, 2005
- Messages
- 79
I've used my RS Venture for a ton of off trail riding (about a 5th as many miles as Hondo
), often breaking trail with anywhere from through 8-18" of powder. (occasionally 24" deep sections or long drifts)
I do not like using it off trail as a 2up, however. (it's a little tippy w/ 2 ppl) I'm not sure I'd like riding off trail much with 2 people on any sled...
I switched the skis to the ski-doo 6.9 pilot mountain skis and it does quite well with these as the steering effort went way down over stock + more floatation. Best 340$ I ever spent.
Regardless, there will be times when you're off trail, descending & twisting, and off camber in wet snow it can be a bear to steer. Just keep in mind, the sled is around 620 lbs, so it takes some effort to make it react off trail.
Traction is pretty darn good(but I've never experienced the hook-up of a mtn. sled) Now that I know the sled I can make it do almost anything I want, but sometimes this will require standing with 2 feet on one side to get it to climb off camber/change direction, etc. There is no such thing as leaning too much with it. The other big thing I notice is the stability of a 144" x 1.25" track, it doesn't slide laterally very much even if you're riding up the sides of the trail on sloppy snow (unlike 121" sleds). Add a little power and it will move laterally if you want it to.
I don't need a full out mountain sled and there is no other sled I would replace mine with at this point. Hope this helps.
PS: I'm adding a 4" riser to mine to ease riding in a standing position if the trail gets really gnarly.
BA
2005 RS Venture
2300ish miles - n. michigan
), often breaking trail with anywhere from through 8-18" of powder. (occasionally 24" deep sections or long drifts)I do not like using it off trail as a 2up, however. (it's a little tippy w/ 2 ppl) I'm not sure I'd like riding off trail much with 2 people on any sled...
I switched the skis to the ski-doo 6.9 pilot mountain skis and it does quite well with these as the steering effort went way down over stock + more floatation. Best 340$ I ever spent.
Regardless, there will be times when you're off trail, descending & twisting, and off camber in wet snow it can be a bear to steer. Just keep in mind, the sled is around 620 lbs, so it takes some effort to make it react off trail.
Traction is pretty darn good(but I've never experienced the hook-up of a mtn. sled) Now that I know the sled I can make it do almost anything I want, but sometimes this will require standing with 2 feet on one side to get it to climb off camber/change direction, etc. There is no such thing as leaning too much with it. The other big thing I notice is the stability of a 144" x 1.25" track, it doesn't slide laterally very much even if you're riding up the sides of the trail on sloppy snow (unlike 121" sleds). Add a little power and it will move laterally if you want it to.
I don't need a full out mountain sled and there is no other sled I would replace mine with at this point. Hope this helps.
PS: I'm adding a 4" riser to mine to ease riding in a standing position if the trail gets really gnarly.
BA
2005 RS Venture
2300ish miles - n. michigan
A little off topic, but does anyone know why Yamaha doesn't offer the TF version (151" track) in the U.S.?
maddogjeff
Expert
Because we don't ride with our women on the back like all canucks do. LOL. Please don't take offense, I love you guys, especially your women. ROTFLMAO.
In Northern Maine, this winter was very unusual. All the mid-winter rain allowed the snow to pack earlier, and was able to safely ride the off trail logging roads much sooner.
I have a set of DOO Precision ski's and try to ride within the sleds capability. RS Venture in these conditions worked well.
Concur with BA, to continually ride in deeper snow conditions something much wider like the 6.9 Pilot mountain ski is required.
Floatation is key. I've gotten the sled stuck twice. Not fun.
The majority of my riding is groomed trail and can't really justify the switching to mountain skis.
One thing is for certain the stock skis need to be replaced in order to enhance the performance capabiltiy of this sled.
Also concur with Maddogjeff, my wife is from Red Rock, Ontario.
She is a keeper too! LOL
I have a set of DOO Precision ski's and try to ride within the sleds capability. RS Venture in these conditions worked well.
Concur with BA, to continually ride in deeper snow conditions something much wider like the 6.9 Pilot mountain ski is required.
Floatation is key. I've gotten the sled stuck twice. Not fun.
The majority of my riding is groomed trail and can't really justify the switching to mountain skis.
One thing is for certain the stock skis need to be replaced in order to enhance the performance capabiltiy of this sled.
Also concur with Maddogjeff, my wife is from Red Rock, Ontario.
She is a keeper too! LOL
garygaboury
Newbie
We're running a fleet of 06 RS Ventures (And a pair of Vector SE) for a snowmobile tour company in British Columbia.. When not guiding I've pushed these machines pretty far, It might be pulling a trailer up into the alpine for a group event, pulling a drag in a lame attempt to groom the trail or just exploring the mountains without guests. Coming from someone who's dug out these machines 200+ times this winter, they are HEAVY.. Once you get to know the sleds they perform pretty well off trail. It isn't a mountain sled by any stretch, but what you can do with it is pretty impressive. 2up off trail is a challange,, I won't reccomend it. Trenching also seems to be a problem, but again,, with a 2 up touring sled it has to be expected. This sled also needs to be upgraded with a riser or a power strap, it's very difficult to get it to lean when sidehilling or in the deep snow...
Gary
Gary
srx700lt
Extreme
Thanks alot, this has given me something to think about ovet the summer since our riding season is ending this week or the next.
LazyBastard
TY 4 Stroke God
Sounds like you guys down south haven't figured it out about taking women for sled rides. A good ride makes them change from... "what the hell do I want with you?" to... "oh my god do me now!". Yep, thats what sleddin's all aboutmaddogjeff said:
