After riding this past weekend with the lady on the back of my Apex, I realized I am probably going to scare her away from snowmobiling. It was not fun for either of us. I know the venture is a beautiful two up machine, but I really like the utility aspect of the Viking. For those of you out there with the Viking, what are your impressions of it, especially as a two up machine? Can it be set up to comfortably ride trails? I guess I am looking for a general review of the Viking as it is a much less popular model, it is difficult to find info on. If I decide to pull the trigger I would wait for the 2010 model as I am hoping they put the FI 3 holer in it. I am certain it would still have the H/L/R transmission. Anything in particular I should know about or be warned of on these machines? I have read about some rear skid problems, but it looks like that was take care of in 08.
Any feedback is appreciated.
Any feedback is appreciated.
eric3793
Pro
If you have a use for the VK, like grooming, hauling firewood or towing any heavy loads, that the VK is a great machine for 2-up riding. If you do not do these things, get the Venture.
One point all should be aware of before buying the VK is that 850 lbs. is alot of machine. You can get into trouble with this beast and getting out of trouble is not easy due to the weight.
One point all should be aware of before buying the VK is that 850 lbs. is alot of machine. You can get into trouble with this beast and getting out of trouble is not easy due to the weight.
Eric, thanks for the reply. To be honest, I don't pull anything heavy with the exception of a broken down sled from time to time. Not to say that I may not in the future. I really like the idea of a tank with under seat storage, a rear rack that can actually hold cargo, ride two up comfortably, still get awesome mileage, and be able to do 80mph on a trail.
I know these machines weigh a lot, but I am not so worried about it. I am fairly strong, and at about 290lbs, I can use my weight. I am currently riding an Apex stretched out to 144" and can throw it around as much as I need to.
I know one thing, I don't ever want to go back to a short track. The current US Venture is only 121" I believe. I see the Canadians have the Venture TF. Also, I have read that with the wide ski skins, or aftermarket skis, these machines can go damm near anywhere. I really like the idea of being able to go down tight winter roads for the first time with a couple of feet of snow on them. It is in these situations, where it is very difficult to ride the Apex. It is too tight to plane out on top, and the machine wants to nose dive going slow, so I am always standing on one running board, and torquing the machine back in line with the trail. Looking behind me I just leave holes and hills which is even worse for someone trying to follow.
I have seen pics of people getting to their back country shacks, loaded down, and going down very similar trails as what I described. I wish I knew someone around here that had one as first hand experience is obviously the best. I just think I would like driving a tank around, it sort of fits my personality.
I do have a couple of questions for current owners. Could someone please take a picture of the exhaust? I believe it dumps under the tunnel, which would free up the rear rack. Also, I keep hearing about the articulating/pivoting rear suspension. I think I can picture how this would work in my head, but I would like to see a few pics if someone doesn't mind. There are just no good pictures on the Yamaha USA web site.
If I did nothing but ride trails, I would definitely go with the Venture, but I can see getting into more of a utility use and think I would ultimately be happier with the Viking. From what I have read it looks like it would have decent trail manners, decent off trail manners, and a ton of utility use.
One thing I should mention is I have learned long ago when to let off the gas if I think I am going down. I have had very good success working my Apex back and forth, packing down enough of a track to get a run and get out of most stucks I have gotten into. With the low range and 20" wide track of the Viking I think this approach would work even better.
I guess what I am ultimately looking for is a rider review of the Viking. There just isn't as much in writing on these machines as there is on the others.
Thanks again for all of your input and I ask that others give feedback as well. One can never be too informed.
I know these machines weigh a lot, but I am not so worried about it. I am fairly strong, and at about 290lbs, I can use my weight. I am currently riding an Apex stretched out to 144" and can throw it around as much as I need to.
I know one thing, I don't ever want to go back to a short track. The current US Venture is only 121" I believe. I see the Canadians have the Venture TF. Also, I have read that with the wide ski skins, or aftermarket skis, these machines can go damm near anywhere. I really like the idea of being able to go down tight winter roads for the first time with a couple of feet of snow on them. It is in these situations, where it is very difficult to ride the Apex. It is too tight to plane out on top, and the machine wants to nose dive going slow, so I am always standing on one running board, and torquing the machine back in line with the trail. Looking behind me I just leave holes and hills which is even worse for someone trying to follow.
I have seen pics of people getting to their back country shacks, loaded down, and going down very similar trails as what I described. I wish I knew someone around here that had one as first hand experience is obviously the best. I just think I would like driving a tank around, it sort of fits my personality.
I do have a couple of questions for current owners. Could someone please take a picture of the exhaust? I believe it dumps under the tunnel, which would free up the rear rack. Also, I keep hearing about the articulating/pivoting rear suspension. I think I can picture how this would work in my head, but I would like to see a few pics if someone doesn't mind. There are just no good pictures on the Yamaha USA web site.
If I did nothing but ride trails, I would definitely go with the Venture, but I can see getting into more of a utility use and think I would ultimately be happier with the Viking. From what I have read it looks like it would have decent trail manners, decent off trail manners, and a ton of utility use.
One thing I should mention is I have learned long ago when to let off the gas if I think I am going down. I have had very good success working my Apex back and forth, packing down enough of a track to get a run and get out of most stucks I have gotten into. With the low range and 20" wide track of the Viking I think this approach would work even better.
I guess what I am ultimately looking for is a rider review of the Viking. There just isn't as much in writing on these machines as there is on the others.
Thanks again for all of your input and I ask that others give feedback as well. One can never be too informed.
YETI
Extreme
The venture is 144X15X1.25 I will try to get some pics of MY VK I do groom although very little and I like to brake trail and I haul a sled to camp for one trip a year 10 days so I do not really need the VK. I am 5'6'' and 200 LBS I can move it around although I find going slow and paying attention it will go almost any where even in the deep. I would like to get the Skins Or simmons Gen II's some day as I do believe the would be excellent for the VK to help it float and steer as I have the limiter straps set up so there is almost no weight on the skis this makes it hard to steer but it does not sink as bad.
eric3793
Pro
thegrizzly1 sounds like he has his heart set on a VK! I really love my '08. We rode 200 miles yesterday and 190 today. This is one sled that can do it all...from grooming trails to hauling fire wood to breaking a new trail into camp and riding on groomed trails for miles on end. The VK is as close to an all purpose sled as you can get in my opinion. That said, a prospective owner needs to know that weight is a factor and getting unstuck takes on new meaning when the sled weighs 850 pounds. Ride with a friend and carry a winch or rope comealong with 100' of rope. I have used mine twice and I was glad I had it.
The exhaust appears to be stainless and is exposed above the track. To date, no problems have come up with this design. It does melt alot of snow so you do get the typical ice build-up on the tunnel and bogie wheels. I don't worry too much about it and most if it can be removed with a good kick or two. I avoid trying to hammer at the ice because of the potential damage a hammer can do.
The rear suspension does tilt up slightly when backing over obsticles. I think this helps when backing in deep powder.
The quality of the VK is top notch. After wearing out two Polaris LX machines, I really enjoy the smooth 4-stroke that never seems like it is working hard. I am up to 2200 miles without any issues.
The exhaust appears to be stainless and is exposed above the track. To date, no problems have come up with this design. It does melt alot of snow so you do get the typical ice build-up on the tunnel and bogie wheels. I don't worry too much about it and most if it can be removed with a good kick or two. I avoid trying to hammer at the ice because of the potential damage a hammer can do.
The rear suspension does tilt up slightly when backing over obsticles. I think this helps when backing in deep powder.
The quality of the VK is top notch. After wearing out two Polaris LX machines, I really enjoy the smooth 4-stroke that never seems like it is working hard. I am up to 2200 miles without any issues.
I Don't classify the vkpro as a utility machine, Like yamaha calls it-multi purpose- is better suited. You will enjoy this machine better than a tourer just because of your size alone. Much more stable on the trail, good in the soft snow, can tow (low range), comfortable etc.
eric3793, concerning ice on tunnel, I have always had a rubber mallet on my machine. Pound away and you won't damage.
eric3793, concerning ice on tunnel, I have always had a rubber mallet on my machine. Pound away and you won't damage.
Gill_VK06
Veteran
Do more research!
If you don't pull anything don't buy the vk. I have an 06 with over 6000kms and the updated 08 suspension with the ugraded spring. I am 240lbs and with no load it will bottom out some times. It is not a machine to ride double and have comfort. If you ride on groom trails you will need a different ski runner to help with the darting. If you are in soft snow you will need the wider ski skins to keep the nose up or you will be plowing on bottom. If you put on the skins the sled will dart and be tippy in soft snow. This chassis in not a touring machine especially for two. I am in the east coast of Canada and we get "ALL" types of snow conditions. I have rode with all types of machine and all brands. Be careful of the information you get, some people spend thousands on a machine and because of that are forced to become a believer of there purchase. I tell it like it is!!!
Go find someone close to you that has one and talk to them in person and go for a ride with your wife on back.
Good luck!
If you don't pull anything don't buy the vk. I have an 06 with over 6000kms and the updated 08 suspension with the ugraded spring. I am 240lbs and with no load it will bottom out some times. It is not a machine to ride double and have comfort. If you ride on groom trails you will need a different ski runner to help with the darting. If you are in soft snow you will need the wider ski skins to keep the nose up or you will be plowing on bottom. If you put on the skins the sled will dart and be tippy in soft snow. This chassis in not a touring machine especially for two. I am in the east coast of Canada and we get "ALL" types of snow conditions. I have rode with all types of machine and all brands. Be careful of the information you get, some people spend thousands on a machine and because of that are forced to become a believer of there purchase. I tell it like it is!!!
Go find someone close to you that has one and talk to them in person and go for a ride with your wife on back.
Good luck!
eric3793
Pro
Gill_VK06 said:
This is all true. I just returned from our 8-day adventure to northern Maine and experienced many types of snow conditions and some -33F temps. I think switching from the stock skis to the Simmons 10" wide Gen II would solve the darting issue and deep powder issue. As a 2-up machine, my wife and I found it OK but not on a par with today's 2-up touring machines. The rear suspension is hard and does not have much travel. I DO feel it is a top-notch utility sled. Is there another 20"X156" machine out there that can out-pull a 120hp VK in low range? I don't think so. Then again, I have not heard much about the new Bearcat...lots of power on that one too.
Be aware that the VK is very top heavy and will lift a ski easily on corners. I tipped the machine on a road crossing and had all I could do to get it back up. Both the wife and I lifted with everything we had and finally got it. My God...that freakin' thing is heavy. I can put my wife's REV on it's side and back down with one hand. Not the VK.
All said, I still choose the VK to ride the groomed trails on the bitter cold days because the big windsheild made the riding a real pleasure. Just be aware that at speed you can get into trouble on corners. It does not handle like a sport sled that's for sure. After riding nearly 1000 miles last week I still love that sled. Another feature is once you really get used to this big machine, try something really light and fast. What a treat to take the wife's sled for a little blast down the trail!
eric3793
Pro
ahamay said:
Rubber hammer, eh? Why didn't I think of that? I just went out a put one under the seat...great idea. Thanks!
kingofthehill
Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2009
- Messages
- 31
speaking of tippiness, solved it on my TF by tightning the limiter strap one hole, putting the rear shock to middle setting and front coils to the stiffest position....like night and day..cant make it tip
Gill_VK06
Veteran
limiter strap
My 06 drives like a cow and I have adjusted the limiter straps in every position and didn't make a difference. I would like to try the machines that guys say that the strap works.
I think a sway bar and different skis would make a difference! 90% of the time it goes where it wants and not where you tell it and I am 6'2" 230lbs so size isn't a factor.
My 06 drives like a cow and I have adjusted the limiter straps in every position and didn't make a difference. I would like to try the machines that guys say that the strap works.
I think a sway bar and different skis would make a difference! 90% of the time it goes where it wants and not where you tell it and I am 6'2" 230lbs so size isn't a factor.