rage763
Extreme
I went for my first ride with the new Tuner skis from Yamaha this weekend, and thought I would share my experiences from walking into the dealer to hitting the snow. I have tried the stock skis as well as Slydog 7" Powderhounds, and now am onto the Tuners.
So, first of all, everything was $300.00/CAN. almost exactly. This included the skis, a set of 4" carbides ($65), and a set of wear bars (no carbide, $45). My dealer had a book, which looked to be supplied from Yamaha, that had different carbide set-ups, based on the aggressiveness of your riding style. I went with 4" inside, and 0" out, which was rated for "more aggressive," but in the end, it was still the lower end of the chart. Whichever set-up you choose, price will obviously be reflective. Also, the Tuner skis have specific carbides, so you can't use the old ones from the stock skis (which I was hopeful of, and tried to save 45 bucks.)
My dealer informed me that the skis were made to use all of the existing hardware (for my Nytro anyway). So for the install, it all went smooth... for the most part. Firstly, I noticed the rubber foot does not fill the slot in the ski (as the stock ski is a perfect fit), but it still didn't raise too much concern as it looks like it will be effective. I assume that perhaps it is larger to accomodate different models. I found the biggest problem to be that once I got the skis on, and bolts tightened up, there was some play in the skis. Now, I am not sure if this is OK as per Yamaha, but I didn't much care for it, so I tried to eliminate it by replacing the washers between the bushing and spindle with thicker ones. I went and found two 1" outside diameter washers from my local mechanic, and die grinded out the middle to fit the collar, and replaced 1 (per ski) of the thinner Yamaha washers with a thicker one that I made. This helped a huge deal, and left me with just a slight amount of play. I will likely try getting some more Yamaha washers, and double-up a couple, just to have proper pieces in. The washer number is 90201-16022 if you encounter this problem.
As for the ride, they are great skis. They really do help. The sled felt more controllable, predictable, and confident. Not as much float as the Powderhounds obviously, but a noticable improvement in the ditches and trail. Steering effort wasn't increased much, if any. I have only put on about 100km so I dont have much else to report yet. Bottom Line: Slydogs were great, but I will be leaving the Tuners on.
Anyway, getting long so I'll just say I hope this helps someone, and happy riding! Just got 6" overnight!
So, first of all, everything was $300.00/CAN. almost exactly. This included the skis, a set of 4" carbides ($65), and a set of wear bars (no carbide, $45). My dealer had a book, which looked to be supplied from Yamaha, that had different carbide set-ups, based on the aggressiveness of your riding style. I went with 4" inside, and 0" out, which was rated for "more aggressive," but in the end, it was still the lower end of the chart. Whichever set-up you choose, price will obviously be reflective. Also, the Tuner skis have specific carbides, so you can't use the old ones from the stock skis (which I was hopeful of, and tried to save 45 bucks.)
My dealer informed me that the skis were made to use all of the existing hardware (for my Nytro anyway). So for the install, it all went smooth... for the most part. Firstly, I noticed the rubber foot does not fill the slot in the ski (as the stock ski is a perfect fit), but it still didn't raise too much concern as it looks like it will be effective. I assume that perhaps it is larger to accomodate different models. I found the biggest problem to be that once I got the skis on, and bolts tightened up, there was some play in the skis. Now, I am not sure if this is OK as per Yamaha, but I didn't much care for it, so I tried to eliminate it by replacing the washers between the bushing and spindle with thicker ones. I went and found two 1" outside diameter washers from my local mechanic, and die grinded out the middle to fit the collar, and replaced 1 (per ski) of the thinner Yamaha washers with a thicker one that I made. This helped a huge deal, and left me with just a slight amount of play. I will likely try getting some more Yamaha washers, and double-up a couple, just to have proper pieces in. The washer number is 90201-16022 if you encounter this problem.
As for the ride, they are great skis. They really do help. The sled felt more controllable, predictable, and confident. Not as much float as the Powderhounds obviously, but a noticable improvement in the ditches and trail. Steering effort wasn't increased much, if any. I have only put on about 100km so I dont have much else to report yet. Bottom Line: Slydogs were great, but I will be leaving the Tuners on.
Anyway, getting long so I'll just say I hope this helps someone, and happy riding! Just got 6" overnight!
Nytroman
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Nice review, good to know we are actually able to get these this year.
What are you doing with your Powder Hounds?
What are you doing with your Powder Hounds?
rage763
Extreme
Sold em actually. Kinda wish I hadn't, just to have the option if a lot more snow comes around.
chaseme25
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I just got a pair too. I went with the 4"/2" setup. Can't wait to try them.
SSX600
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chaseme25 said:
Same set up I bought. If I like them I might sell my powderhounds.
rage763
Extreme
Did you guys notice any wiggle room after install?
yamahinn03
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Anybody have the differnt options for these skis as far as carbides, I know there was something out there. I bought mine with two 6 inchers probly gonna be too much?
nytro43
Newbie
I'm going with 6" on the inside and 2"" outside
lastchancefarms
Newbie
I just put a set on my 2009 RTX with 4" inside and 4" outside. I bought StudBoy carbides and the setup was recommended to my by the guys at Excel so I am hoping it will work good. A little nervous that they may be hard to steer.
canoehead
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yamahinn03
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Thank you.... Just what I was looking for..
Flatlander SE
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I found alot of play when I installed the tuners. Alot came from the bolt being alittle smaller than the mounts on the ski's. I'm going to try the washer trick you did and try to find away to take the slop out of the ski mounts. I'm alittle disappointed, I expected a tighter fit since it is a Yamaha accessory ski. I went with the 4/0 combo also.
chaseme25
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I had some play in mine too. So...while in the process of installing a Nylatron bushing kit I also replaced the lower spindle bushings. Made a big difference. No play in the skis. Everything is quite a bit tighter now.
nauti1
Veteran
Where are you guys getting them from? Babbitts has them on backorder untill Feb. They sent me everything but the skis.
nauti1 said:
I hear ya,...try Portyamaha.com.
I ordered on Saturday and recieved them on Tuesday after having to cancel my order with a west coast dealership and finding my close local dealer was pushed out to Feb. also.
