Sled for a FAT guy

[asrx600guy]

I'm thinking I be getting another sled in a year or 3. My current SRX Hydolocked in the garage after I beefed up my Expert.

I want 4 stroke and decent power, I'd like fuel injection, reverse and a long track.

basicly my question is do I go for a big bump sled or a 2-up?


I do mainly trails and don't take it easy, with the ocasional off trail jaunts. this sled could become the wife's sled before too long, or I'll get her something cheaper


I have a hard time justifying the price of a new sled, but sometimes its easier to get what you want buying new.

I see my choices as being

used
Apex or RX1 and a longtrack Airwave suspension (I don't consider the proaction or Monoshock to be options).
one of the Cat 660 Turbos

new
Venture Lite (about the lowest power rating I'd consider, but I like the rest of the sled)
Apex
Nytro
Venture
Viking
Polaris 750Turbo

maybe a skidoo 600sdi or v800
haven't researched them much


given that my weight exceeds some of the claimed dry weights out there, a few extra pounds on the sled isn't that big of a deal.

 

[08NitroRTX]

Ok if you could give some details like what you weigh, how you ride, what type of trail, etc etc
Some could give you an honest idea of a sled thet might work out for you!

 

[asrx600guy]

Michigan trails, all over the state.
there are lots of rail road grades and logging roads that often get monsterous moguls (I have sheered them off with the SRX's bumper before). I don't slow down as much as most for rough trail conditions, and I love running powerlines.
I thought the last line narrowed the weight down enough, but I guess not. 500 lbs in gear should be about right.

 

[Metallicat]

4 stroke power + reverse + long track + efi = Attack, or you could put a longer track on a used Apex. Buy one used, in good shape, and put on an Airwave. Should be the ticket for a lot less $ than a new one!

The Cat 660 turbo is in the old ZR chassis which has been around since 1997 and isn't exactly the most ergonomically correct sled out there as far as seating position is concerned. It is very old school and 40hp shy of the bigger Yamahas. The ST turbos did have better shocks and valving specs but I think you'll be happier on the Apex / Attack models which I believe actually weight LESS than the Cat 4 stroke.

You can probably find a nice basic 2006 Apex with moderate miles on it for $4500 or so, add the Airwave for $1700, long track it for $500. $6700 is a lot less than $10,000 for a new one!

 

[08NitroRTX]

Well to be honest giving accurate advice to you would be hard for me.
But most sleds can be made to handle your weight. Logic would tell us the 2 up sleds would be closer from the factory but all models can have the rear springs and shocks changed out for a firmer ride.
Couple things I would look for is Rebuildable shocks (these can be valved stiffer for both compression and rebound to offset the stiff spring wanting to give you the 'pogo affect' that some stiff springs produce)
600cc of today are not making any more HP than your SRX6 triple/triple (if I have your sled right) They all are between 115-125 or so HP. IF you liked the power you had then you can still be looking for that size engine. The move to a 4 stroke will give you more power (or feel that way because of torque) excluding the Phazer. I feel you would have to modify any sled you buy so I guess you would have to see what is cheaper, putting good shocks and springs on a 2 up or springs and rails and track on a sled that comes with rebuildable shocks. I have no first hand experence but the RS Vector LTX GT looks like it could be made into a very capable sled.

 

[GotJuice]

I can help you a bit

I weigh 300+ with gear, I have an 07' Apex Mnt. and to ride with a passenger (which I do a lot ) I had to do the following things.
Add a gas charged aluminum shock to the rear skid, add the heavy duty torsion springs and the bump stops that mount to the rails. Now I can ride two people and not bottom out the skid even in rough terrain, If i ride solo I switch the tension to soft and it's still a bit stiff but not bad.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I would highly recommend the Venture GT with the clicker shocks in the front. It comes with gas shock in the rear skid so all you'd have to do is add the heavy torsion springs and bump stops to the rear skid , you'd be comfortable and not have a sled that bottoms out on the moguls. I'd add a short paddle track 1.5" to help with the off trail excursions. There are a lot of guys with these sleds and have 15000 + miles with NO problems. I would add a 13mm sway bar and some better ski's and your set for many many years. Do some research on the Venture, read folks likes and dislikes, this site has a wealth of information to help you decide. I wouldn't recommend a 2 smoke, once you ride a 4 stroke Yamaha you'll never wanna go back to a 2 stroke. The power is so linear and consistent, build quality, fit and finish is excellent, you feel like when you ride one it's a real nice piece of equipment, then switch and get onto a Polaris and it feels cheap,flimsy vibrates like crazy and the power is nothing compared to the 4 stroke. Feels like a wind up toy to reach it's power band where the 4 stroke is instant from the minute you squeeze the trigger. Good Luck and hope that helped.

 

[Superman]

I go all of 300 with gear. I had the big boy spring in My Attak and it handled most everything I wanted it to do. But there is a even heavier spring you could look at. Yamaha made a super big boy spring also. A guy that We used to see on this site (motownspeedfreak) had this spring on his Attak. I never rode his sled but I did stand on it once and it was very noticable to Me. It was to the point I would have never put it in My sled. So I wouldn't rule out a Mono-shock. As far as being a comfortable ride the Mono is the greatest OEM skid ever made for the masses. IMO. For more detailed info on Mono-shock springs I would call Kevin at Port Yamaha. Thier link is at the bottom of the TY forum Index Page. Good Luck.

 

[hondo]

asrx600guy,

In gear, I'm pretty close to 300 pounds. My wife is 140 with gear. Together we have ridden two-up over 3,000 miles, and I have ridden solo over 18,000 miles on our 05 RS Venture.

RS Venture is a great all around sled. It can be easily adjusted for two- up and solo riding. When set up properly, your wife should not have any problems handling the sled. I personally have seen many women ride this sled. Fuel economy is amazing. On the trails you can easily get upwards to 20 mpg.

The motor is absolutely 100% "bullet proof" reliable.

If you decide to select an RS Venture, I would suggest that you get the heavy rear spring which will provide a good stable platform, and also reduce the effects of bottoming-out in the moguls.

For more information available; go to my 21,000 mile report on top in the "RS Section". I have kept this log-on-going since the sled reached 12,000 miles.

Also in the "TY Rides Section" click on "TY Mileage-Hondo", this should provide some more insight as you make an informed decicision for your family's next sled.

Since 05, Yamaha has made some nice improvements to RS Venture, and in my opinion RS Venture is one of the best all around sleds ever made.

For any particular questions, feel free to shoot me a PM anytime.

Hope this helps!

 

[Paul_C]

Hondo, in regard to the heavy duty spring: You're referring to the two torsion bar springs, correct?

 

[hondo]

Paul_C,

Correct.

The rear torsion springs.

They are stiffer. With the heavier springs, it is a bit harder to adjust both the black, and the white (two-up) spring blocks, but well worth it when it comes to ride comfort.

 

[big_ry_ry]

OK i go well over 300 plus my wife is at 180, I rode 2up 90% of the time, I made no chages to the suspension kept them stock, I had no welds break, it was a little bumpy at times, it did bottom out but recovered very nicely and it was not a "bang" bottom-out like my ski-doo did but it ws smooth....Oh it was an 05 rs venture, depending where you are you can get some new 06 or 07's cheap.
I would personally go 07 or newer venture gt, better shocks from the factory. also put new carbides on this will help with steering.
Also i did not baby this sled i fiqured it is a toy and will be driven as such, If i break anything i would of just fixed it, but never had issues.

 

[hondo]

The newer RS Ventures are the way to go.

Yamaha has made some nice improvements over the years.

 

[Swiss Sledder]

Thanks Hondo for piping in on this thread.

aSRX600Guy, Hondo is the man on the RS Venture. Click here for his thread about his 21,000 miles on his RS Venture. If you want some real world input about this sled, he is your guy.

 

[hondo]

Not a problem Swiss Sledder,

With every sled there are likes, dislikes, advantages, and disadvantages.

It's pretty cool to have a forum to be able to objectively compare and contrast sleds, and have a medium provided in which to hopefully make a more informed decision when making a "major purchase". Also if needed, ask for help should a problem arise.

As for me RS Venture is remarkably versatile, and one tough sled.

The 05's were not without problems and personal frustration, however with a little tweaking, and adjusting this sled is easy and fun to ride.

Yamaha's engine program is second to none. The chasis's are improving as seen over the past couple of years.

I am anxious to share photo's of the 25,000 mile valve check sometime this season. Hopefully sooner than later.

Just patiently waiting for snow!

RS Venture should truly be considered. I would also suggest; find a TY demo ride location, and ride them all!

 

[asrx600guy]

Thanks for all the advice.

still not sure I'd trust or want a Mono. I heard tales of bent tunnels if the shock fails, and from what I hear, its not really made for my type of riding

for the extra 10% I'd look long and hard at the Viking over the Venture.
Both would need some suspension work to make me happy and the Viking has it beat on storage, functionality, durability, traction and floatation. Plus it would be a unique sled on the trails.

do the touring Yamis use a flip over overload leaf sping like the rental Cat I looked at a few years back? I didn't get to look underneith them, I was on crutches at the last snowmobile show.