rums54
Newbie
I currently own 2 2005 RS Vector ER's and I'm thinking about ordering a 2006 RS Venture (for myself and for when my boys, their wives, and grand kids visit). I think a two-up sled is the way to go. I absolutely love the Vectors. I'm assuming the Venture will have nearly the same accelleration as the Vector and get decent fuel mileage (I'm averaging 17 on my Vectors).
What can you tell me about the rear suspension? I recently spent a day on a friend's 2004 RX Warrior. While the suspension and longer track really smoothed out a rough trail, there was a banging in the front of the track on the rebound. I'm told this noise is normal and can be lessened by tightening the straps. Does the RS Venture have any similar banging problems? Have you found that the longer track smooths out some of the bumps? Has the longer track caused any huge problems with turning and general handling?
Lots of questions, I know, but it's a sizeable investment. Thanks in advance for your comments, observations, and suggestions.
What can you tell me about the rear suspension? I recently spent a day on a friend's 2004 RX Warrior. While the suspension and longer track really smoothed out a rough trail, there was a banging in the front of the track on the rebound. I'm told this noise is normal and can be lessened by tightening the straps. Does the RS Venture have any similar banging problems? Have you found that the longer track smooths out some of the bumps? Has the longer track caused any huge problems with turning and general handling?
Lots of questions, I know, but it's a sizeable investment. Thanks in advance for your comments, observations, and suggestions.
ljgomes
Newbie
RS Venture Impressions
I purchased a 2005 RS Venture and I am just completing my first full season. I think the sled handles really well and the only complaint that I had initially was some ski lift coming out of corners. I clicked the front shocks up a notch and that seems to have solved that problem. I was a little worried about how the sled would turn since it has a 144" track, but it handles really well. I swapped sleds with my wife and she did not want to give the RS Venture back to me! She usually has problems turning a 2-up sled, but not this one. Another great feature of the track is the floatation and traction that you get. I tried to get the sled stuck several times in deep snow and it just kept going. I even was able to back up in soft snow! Amazing! The ride on the back is absolutely awsome. If you have a heavy passenger and the sled starts to bottom out, you just click the white blocks in the middle of the skid up to their tall position and voila, no more bottoming out. I also like the ability to get rid of the rear seat and backrest and replace it with the travel bag. I was able to load 50 trail signs plus my cordless drill into that bag when I went out at the beginning of the season installing trail signs. Much better than strapping a milk carton to the back of the sled. Overall, I cannot think of one thing I would change on the sled. They hit a homerun with this one.
I purchased a 2005 RS Venture and I am just completing my first full season. I think the sled handles really well and the only complaint that I had initially was some ski lift coming out of corners. I clicked the front shocks up a notch and that seems to have solved that problem. I was a little worried about how the sled would turn since it has a 144" track, but it handles really well. I swapped sleds with my wife and she did not want to give the RS Venture back to me! She usually has problems turning a 2-up sled, but not this one. Another great feature of the track is the floatation and traction that you get. I tried to get the sled stuck several times in deep snow and it just kept going. I even was able to back up in soft snow! Amazing! The ride on the back is absolutely awsome. If you have a heavy passenger and the sled starts to bottom out, you just click the white blocks in the middle of the skid up to their tall position and voila, no more bottoming out. I also like the ability to get rid of the rear seat and backrest and replace it with the travel bag. I was able to load 50 trail signs plus my cordless drill into that bag when I went out at the beginning of the season installing trail signs. Much better than strapping a milk carton to the back of the sled. Overall, I cannot think of one thing I would change on the sled. They hit a homerun with this one.
rums54
Newbie
Thanks for the response. You sound as satisfied with your Venture as I've been with my Vectors. I didn't realize the back seat comes off.
I'm going to wait for a few more responses and, assuming they are positive as well, I'll order one for next season. Yamaha has a real good promotion going now until the end of March.
I'm going to wait for a few more responses and, assuming they are positive as well, I'll order one for next season. Yamaha has a real good promotion going now until the end of March.
Mark O
Expert
Except for a belt squeal at idle, I'm happy with both of mine. 
Well, i have a slight resistance at the moment to recommend buying the early 2006 deal. The problems on our 2005 has not been addresed yet and up till this is fixed for the 2006 brew, i would just say.. hold on.
I got 5000 Km on mine with most of it having my wife with me, a 125 lb person. The sled tap to the bottom very often. The $400(Cad) heavy duty spring set that Yamaha don't pay does not seem to make my friend perfectly happy either (he got one too). So that means the shock absorber might need tuning too. I'm on my fifth sets of slide so far and the only probable cure would be to fit a bigger diameter set of wheels underneat, including the back wheels too.
I'd expect some fix on the 2006 production line but again, maybe better make sure its done and pay a bit more next september. Figure that if Yam does not show up with some for us for next year, then i will need to pour a four digit figure to get the sled up to my taste.
I got 5000 Km on mine with most of it having my wife with me, a 125 lb person. The sled tap to the bottom very often. The $400(Cad) heavy duty spring set that Yamaha don't pay does not seem to make my friend perfectly happy either (he got one too). So that means the shock absorber might need tuning too. I'm on my fifth sets of slide so far and the only probable cure would be to fit a bigger diameter set of wheels underneat, including the back wheels too.
I'd expect some fix on the 2006 production line but again, maybe better make sure its done and pay a bit more next september. Figure that if Yam does not show up with some for us for next year, then i will need to pour a four digit figure to get the sled up to my taste.
towing
Expert
hi
I have been for little more than 12 years with Polaris, my last two sleds were touring and i put 15 000 miles on each (4-6000miles/year)
I have switch to the yamaha with high expectation and i have been deceived
On the good side, the motor as you know is handsome. The power band is great and the fuel usage is very good. The look of the sled is really the best in his class. The seat is really confortable.
On the bad side. no storage area, passenger hand warmer very weak, slide wear unacceptable, track noise very loud between 50-60mph.I ride 100% of time with a passenger, the rear just not accept the load of a passenger without bottoming. I only weigth 150lbs and my wife 115. It was a major issue here in quebec. Yamaha pass the heavy duty spring on warranty. With all crank at the top it is not too bad but far from my old polaris. The steering become heavy too when you crank up the rear to get your suspention travel... ski lift increase as well...
On the mecanical side, the rear cam braket break (Springs bite in the track and scrap it), jackshaft break. bearing scrap, suspention bushing wear too fast... My last Polaris were less wear for 2-3 times this milage...
I think yamaha will work on many of those issues for 2006.... but my 2005 experience is disapointing. I expected more quality for the money...
i have 4300 miles done
Alain
I have been for little more than 12 years with Polaris, my last two sleds were touring and i put 15 000 miles on each (4-6000miles/year)
I have switch to the yamaha with high expectation and i have been deceived
On the good side, the motor as you know is handsome. The power band is great and the fuel usage is very good. The look of the sled is really the best in his class. The seat is really confortable.
On the bad side. no storage area, passenger hand warmer very weak, slide wear unacceptable, track noise very loud between 50-60mph.I ride 100% of time with a passenger, the rear just not accept the load of a passenger without bottoming. I only weigth 150lbs and my wife 115. It was a major issue here in quebec. Yamaha pass the heavy duty spring on warranty. With all crank at the top it is not too bad but far from my old polaris. The steering become heavy too when you crank up the rear to get your suspention travel... ski lift increase as well...
On the mecanical side, the rear cam braket break (Springs bite in the track and scrap it), jackshaft break. bearing scrap, suspention bushing wear too fast... My last Polaris were less wear for 2-3 times this milage...
I think yamaha will work on many of those issues for 2006.... but my 2005 experience is disapointing. I expected more quality for the money...
i have 4300 miles done
Alain
Mark O
Expert
towing said:
That can be cured by putting on the passenger gauntlets aroung the rear hand warmers which simply are like a pouch you slip your hand into. Your passenger's hands will roast.
acpantera
Pro
Being a Cat rider for over 30 years I can honestly say that my first Yamaha has been a great purchase. After 2100 miles the only problems that I had was the throttle override system(tors)activated after I installed a 2" bar riser but a cable re-route and adjustment cured that, the Hyfax did wear fast but seemed to stop when they got to 14mm(lowest spec is 10mm,new ones are 19mm )and the track howling at 40 to 50mph is getting on my nerves but it may be because this is the quietest sled other than cats t660. As for the Guys from Quebec, Myself and both of my riding buds with ventures have no complaints with the suspensions while riding solo or two up, I guess you have to set the adjustments accordingly to the weight and trail conditions of the day(all of us have had over 400lbs on them). The venture has many adjustments that can handle just about any trail with or without a passenger, and with over 8000 miles between the 3 of us we had NO breakdowns, NO blown belts, NO failed bearings, NO failures to start, fuel mpg was 17 to 20, and the power and speed exceeds any 600cc two stroke and rivals many 700cc 2 strokers. All in all this sled is a great value and I would make this purchase again, but I won't have to because I can tell that this sled is going to last me a long time(my last sled was a 98 pantera 800 w/12,000mi)and this one is far better in quality than the Cat.
Grassfirebob
Pro
I put the first 80 miles on my new '05 RS Venture Saturday. I traded my '05 RX-ER for it.
Here's my impression.
I really like the ride on the trails. I swear that it rides hands down better than my monoshock shorty did. It's fairly zippy as well. We also had rented a Polaris 2-up (500cc?) that I spent some time on so I can give you a short camparison. The RS Venture will eat it up acceleration and speedwise. I'm VERY pleased with it's performance. Likewise with the ride as well as with the "tippiness" factor.
The only thing I didn't care for is the track noise. MUCH louder than the Polaris.
Although I really like the performance, it is noticeably different than the RX (as you would expect). I jumped on my sons' '03 RX (with ECP and Clutch kit) and it is simply a monster by comparison. Difference machines for different purposes though.
All in all I am very pleased with the RS Venture!
Here's my impression.
I really like the ride on the trails. I swear that it rides hands down better than my monoshock shorty did. It's fairly zippy as well. We also had rented a Polaris 2-up (500cc?) that I spent some time on so I can give you a short camparison. The RS Venture will eat it up acceleration and speedwise. I'm VERY pleased with it's performance. Likewise with the ride as well as with the "tippiness" factor.
The only thing I didn't care for is the track noise. MUCH louder than the Polaris.
Although I really like the performance, it is noticeably different than the RX (as you would expect). I jumped on my sons' '03 RX (with ECP and Clutch kit) and it is simply a monster by comparison. Difference machines for different purposes though.
All in all I am very pleased with the RS Venture!
maddogjeff
Expert
2900 miles on RS Venture. I'm a 300lb very aggressive rider and it eats up the bumps, much nicer than my Viper. Harder to steer in the corners much to be expected with the long studded track, I get back on my Viper and it feels like a 550 fan cool in the corners. Have not noticed any banging noise in the suspension. Problems and perceived problems: Slides - the 1st 4mm (8mm available) wear off in 400 miles, the next 4mm last for ever I have 2200 miles on this set with 1.5mm left (I, actually my dealer, prematurely took the first set of slides off because it look like they were prematurely wearing - don't replace them, they will last). Clutch noise - I hear a fix kit is available. Inside boggie wheels warped - I understand this is only a problem if you stud and redesigned wheels coming. All in all, it's a keeper.
rums54
Newbie
Thanks for all the responses. Sounds like there are a few problems but no recurring ones on everyone's sleds, rather different problems experienced by people.
Maddogjeff: I'm glad to hear you like the ride. I also have clutch noise on my two Vectors. Either I'm going to take the sleds back to the dealer and have the noise fixed under warrantee or a friend has agreed to help me fix them. I'm pretty sure the dealer will warrantee this problem. I have to take one of them back for TORS adjustments and they are both on the trailer so hopefully the clutch fix will be a warrantee job.
After reading all the postings on my topic here and in other venture topics, I decided to order a 2006 Venture in Midnight Blue. Thanks again for all the feedback.
Maddogjeff: I'm glad to hear you like the ride. I also have clutch noise on my two Vectors. Either I'm going to take the sleds back to the dealer and have the noise fixed under warrantee or a friend has agreed to help me fix them. I'm pretty sure the dealer will warrantee this problem. I have to take one of them back for TORS adjustments and they are both on the trailer so hopefully the clutch fix will be a warrantee job.
After reading all the postings on my topic here and in other venture topics, I decided to order a 2006 Venture in Midnight Blue. Thanks again for all the feedback.
Wilson
Expert
I have an 05 RS Venture and I love it . it is the best sled I have ever owned . I loged 5000 km this winter and it is the first year that I have not been towed home by Smokey . Yes ther is a banging noise in the front of the suspension but you usually only hear it when you are going slow . It does take a bit of getting used to the long track on the tight turns .It took me a month you have to slow down before the corner and accelerate threw it ,do not try to slow down in the corner . I have gotten as high as 21mpg on fuel ,it is not always that good ,worst I got was 17 . The only
thing that I really don;t like is the track noise I find it really anoying up to 90 km . I would definitely recomend this sled to any one that wants a two up . If you would like to ask more questions feel free to email me or just
post .
thing that I really don;t like is the track noise I find it really anoying up to 90 km . I would definitely recomend this sled to any one that wants a two up . If you would like to ask more questions feel free to email me or just
post .
ljgomes
Newbie
RS Venture - One thing I would change
I wrote in my previous post that there is not one thing I would change with the RS Venture. I was wrong. I would like to see the track howl fixed. I spoke with my dealer and he says Yamaha is coming out with a different set of rubber wheels that is supposed to fix the problem. In the meantime, I had my dealer install an additional set of low snow wheels in the back of the skid. He also installed the clutch update (under warranty) to fix the clutch rattle. Unfortunately, I won't know the results of my low snow wheels until next season because I am all done riding for this year. I am confident that the Yamaha engineers will figure out the track howl problem and find a solution.
I wrote in my previous post that there is not one thing I would change with the RS Venture. I was wrong. I would like to see the track howl fixed. I spoke with my dealer and he says Yamaha is coming out with a different set of rubber wheels that is supposed to fix the problem. In the meantime, I had my dealer install an additional set of low snow wheels in the back of the skid. He also installed the clutch update (under warranty) to fix the clutch rattle. Unfortunately, I won't know the results of my low snow wheels until next season because I am all done riding for this year. I am confident that the Yamaha engineers will figure out the track howl problem and find a solution.
Colinar
Newbie
Feedback - RS Venture Owner
A buddy and I both purchased '05 RS Ventures this year and our initial experience has been somewhat disappointing, particularily regarding 2 issues: excessive hyfax wear and engine overheating. Yamaha has nevertheless responded positively to our requests for assistance with the installation of an extra wheel kit to help decrease excessive slide wear and with the installation of an auxillary heat exchanger in the rear of the tunnel. I was told by a Yamaha merchanic that the overheating was once a problem with Yamaha's mountain machines until they installed an extra heat exchanger as standard equipment. There was also a very annoying clutch rattling noise that was solved with the installation of a kit during a recent service appointment. Given Yamaha's reputation for innovation and quality I am very surprised that these problems weren't resolved before the production stage. It's a major investment and one can do without the aggravation. It is said that one should not go near new products until they have been on the market for at least 3 years which provides for sufficient time to work out the bugs. Oh, one other comment, it's regrettable that the backrest does not move forward for single riding, and there is little storage for long trips.
A buddy and I both purchased '05 RS Ventures this year and our initial experience has been somewhat disappointing, particularily regarding 2 issues: excessive hyfax wear and engine overheating. Yamaha has nevertheless responded positively to our requests for assistance with the installation of an extra wheel kit to help decrease excessive slide wear and with the installation of an auxillary heat exchanger in the rear of the tunnel. I was told by a Yamaha merchanic that the overheating was once a problem with Yamaha's mountain machines until they installed an extra heat exchanger as standard equipment. There was also a very annoying clutch rattling noise that was solved with the installation of a kit during a recent service appointment. Given Yamaha's reputation for innovation and quality I am very surprised that these problems weren't resolved before the production stage. It's a major investment and one can do without the aggravation. It is said that one should not go near new products until they have been on the market for at least 3 years which provides for sufficient time to work out the bugs. Oh, one other comment, it's regrettable that the backrest does not move forward for single riding, and there is little storage for long trips.
This is my second post. In the past I would just (lurk) and read posts. I decided to join the club and provide my experience on an 05 RS Venture.
All comments are intended to be objective and hope I am able to contibute something positive from time to time on the board.
Here in Northern Maine I have a total of 5,720 miles on the RS Venture this season on the same belt and plugs.
Performed break-in and maintenance per owners manual. Wife rode with me 1,970 miles. The RS Venture is a superb sled for two up and has proved to be a reliable "bullet proof" extended range single cruiser.
Yamaha should be commended on the new 120 Genesis 4 stroke engine. It has an exceptionally smooth power band coupled with noteworthy fuel economy.
All machines have issues that require updates or tweaking. A letter was sent to my dealer and Yamaha addressing most of the issues.
Here were my issues and solutions that Yamaha, dealer and I came up with:
Clutch rattle - As I understand it Yamaha is coming out with a more permanent shim update for the RS machines. Still waiting to hear from Yamaha and my dealer for the fix. I feel I have some leverage available. I won't buy the 06 ATTAK I would like to have until the clutch rattle gets fixed at no cost to me.
Hyfax wear - Hyfax wear was totally unacceptable. Got 1,350 miles on the original set of slides. Had them changed and then got 400 miles out of the next set of slides despite the great snow conditions. This is where I went on the offensive with my dealer and Yamaha.
Side note: It's hard for me to believe that Yamaha could design a long track sled and allow for a 27"(+/-) slide span without putting a set of wheels somewhere in the middle. It boggles the mind.
My letter to Yamaha and supporting pressure from my dealer got Yamaha to allow $150.00 for a marginal snow wheel kit and the remainder of the money went towards labor installation cost. My dealer knew I was taking extended rides to Canada and was also not happy with the track noise.
As a "good will" gesture my dealer thought by putting a full set of Polaris slightly oversized rubber wheels on the sled (at no cost to me) would help cure the slide wear issue and also reduce the track noise and also attempt to satisfy his customer. It worked. I currently have 3,970 miles on this set of slides and will start off with the same set next season. The track noise was significantly reduced, in my estimation by half.
Track noise - See the above comments. In addition, I never liked the inside front plastic wheels.
TORS - Went back twice for adjustments. Problem was corrected second time.
Heated passenger hand grips - A little on the weak side. Yamaha has had a few complaints regarding this issue. I am told they are looking into a larger heat element. Wait and see on this one.
Yamaha was concerned about the passenger in the rear feeling vibration from the new Geneisis 4 stroke engine in Venture. So they used foam to cover the passenger hand rails. Foam reduces vibration, it also reduces heat tranfer. Foam in this case is an insulator of heat and not a conductor like rubber handle bars.
Two solutions until Yamaha fixes the problem: Heavy passenger mits or passenger gauntlets "said Mama Bear".
Ride - It took some miles to figure out the suspension. In my opinion for single riding the suspension needs to be softened up a lot for everything to work correctly. This is all personal preference and riding style...
Comfort - I personally need an 2" handle bar extension to be totally comfortable while driving. Before next season I'm going to install an adjustable riser which should do the trick. I'm prepared for the wire re-route.
Ski darting and better cornering - Simmons skis are good in softer conditions. They provide a stiffer, heavier feel and a lot more control confidence in tight / crowded conditions Yamaha skis are good in cold well groomed hard pack snow. I will continue to change skis as conditions dictate.
Hope this helps.
In my humble opinion, Yamaha has stolen the show! I will be really surprised if boat loads don't jump ship and come over to "team blue" this year.
Hondo sends...
All comments are intended to be objective and hope I am able to contibute something positive from time to time on the board.
Here in Northern Maine I have a total of 5,720 miles on the RS Venture this season on the same belt and plugs.
Performed break-in and maintenance per owners manual. Wife rode with me 1,970 miles. The RS Venture is a superb sled for two up and has proved to be a reliable "bullet proof" extended range single cruiser.
Yamaha should be commended on the new 120 Genesis 4 stroke engine. It has an exceptionally smooth power band coupled with noteworthy fuel economy.
All machines have issues that require updates or tweaking. A letter was sent to my dealer and Yamaha addressing most of the issues.
Here were my issues and solutions that Yamaha, dealer and I came up with:
Clutch rattle - As I understand it Yamaha is coming out with a more permanent shim update for the RS machines. Still waiting to hear from Yamaha and my dealer for the fix. I feel I have some leverage available. I won't buy the 06 ATTAK I would like to have until the clutch rattle gets fixed at no cost to me.
Hyfax wear - Hyfax wear was totally unacceptable. Got 1,350 miles on the original set of slides. Had them changed and then got 400 miles out of the next set of slides despite the great snow conditions. This is where I went on the offensive with my dealer and Yamaha.
Side note: It's hard for me to believe that Yamaha could design a long track sled and allow for a 27"(+/-) slide span without putting a set of wheels somewhere in the middle. It boggles the mind.
My letter to Yamaha and supporting pressure from my dealer got Yamaha to allow $150.00 for a marginal snow wheel kit and the remainder of the money went towards labor installation cost. My dealer knew I was taking extended rides to Canada and was also not happy with the track noise.
As a "good will" gesture my dealer thought by putting a full set of Polaris slightly oversized rubber wheels on the sled (at no cost to me) would help cure the slide wear issue and also reduce the track noise and also attempt to satisfy his customer. It worked. I currently have 3,970 miles on this set of slides and will start off with the same set next season. The track noise was significantly reduced, in my estimation by half.
Track noise - See the above comments. In addition, I never liked the inside front plastic wheels.
TORS - Went back twice for adjustments. Problem was corrected second time.
Heated passenger hand grips - A little on the weak side. Yamaha has had a few complaints regarding this issue. I am told they are looking into a larger heat element. Wait and see on this one.
Yamaha was concerned about the passenger in the rear feeling vibration from the new Geneisis 4 stroke engine in Venture. So they used foam to cover the passenger hand rails. Foam reduces vibration, it also reduces heat tranfer. Foam in this case is an insulator of heat and not a conductor like rubber handle bars.
Two solutions until Yamaha fixes the problem: Heavy passenger mits or passenger gauntlets "said Mama Bear".
Ride - It took some miles to figure out the suspension. In my opinion for single riding the suspension needs to be softened up a lot for everything to work correctly. This is all personal preference and riding style...
Comfort - I personally need an 2" handle bar extension to be totally comfortable while driving. Before next season I'm going to install an adjustable riser which should do the trick. I'm prepared for the wire re-route.
Ski darting and better cornering - Simmons skis are good in softer conditions. They provide a stiffer, heavier feel and a lot more control confidence in tight / crowded conditions Yamaha skis are good in cold well groomed hard pack snow. I will continue to change skis as conditions dictate.
Hope this helps.
In my humble opinion, Yamaha has stolen the show! I will be really surprised if boat loads don't jump ship and come over to "team blue" this year.
Hondo sends...
