Just a thought ...
In the wake of Yamaha's 2013 line-up, why not do something positive instead of commiserating our disappointment and frustration? Why not build a sled that TY Members would like to see Yamaha produce?
This forum has a lot of support from members and paid advertisers alike. Why not use that support to start a discussion pertaining to building one (1) sled that fits the needs and wants of a specific riding segment (trail, mountain, crossover, etc.)? One that most would agree delivers the features that riders want? Notice I said most, as I think it would be impossible to reach a consensus regarding every feature ... and some could be too expensive to produce.
Then, when the features of the sled have been agreed upon, start the process of putting pencil to paper on a design, followed by a cost analysis and finally, commission a build.
The project could be paid for with TY Member and advertiser support.
Also, there is A LOT of talent on this site. People with plenty of know how, skill and experience. Just look at the builds being done by TY Members ... perhaps some could lend their time and talent. Then there is the aftermarket sponsors, who know a thing or two about designing and producing something. Certainly, they could offer their expertise (and maybe a little money or product), as well advice on which improvements are feasible and what just won't fly. Given the right support, a build like this is not beyond the realm of possibility IMO.
Why not show Yamaha what it should have offered in 2013 and then put it on display for all to see? The build could be put on display at Haydays.
Maybe YMC itself would support such a project. If the support was financial, TY could agree to give the sled to YMC upon completion of the build (after a little testing).
Of course I'm just throwing ideas out there, and maybe someone will jump in and cite the reasons why something like this could never happen. To that I say by all means, go ahead and tell me that I don't know what the hell I'm talking about ... I won't be offended. Never claimed to be an expert, but just thought this might be a better option than stewing in our juices, and a chance to show Yamaha what it's brand loyal consumers really want. I appreciate this forum and the members here, and I look forward to reading your responses.
In the wake of Yamaha's 2013 line-up, why not do something positive instead of commiserating our disappointment and frustration? Why not build a sled that TY Members would like to see Yamaha produce?
This forum has a lot of support from members and paid advertisers alike. Why not use that support to start a discussion pertaining to building one (1) sled that fits the needs and wants of a specific riding segment (trail, mountain, crossover, etc.)? One that most would agree delivers the features that riders want? Notice I said most, as I think it would be impossible to reach a consensus regarding every feature ... and some could be too expensive to produce.
Then, when the features of the sled have been agreed upon, start the process of putting pencil to paper on a design, followed by a cost analysis and finally, commission a build.
The project could be paid for with TY Member and advertiser support.
Also, there is A LOT of talent on this site. People with plenty of know how, skill and experience. Just look at the builds being done by TY Members ... perhaps some could lend their time and talent. Then there is the aftermarket sponsors, who know a thing or two about designing and producing something. Certainly, they could offer their expertise (and maybe a little money or product), as well advice on which improvements are feasible and what just won't fly. Given the right support, a build like this is not beyond the realm of possibility IMO.
Why not show Yamaha what it should have offered in 2013 and then put it on display for all to see? The build could be put on display at Haydays.
Maybe YMC itself would support such a project. If the support was financial, TY could agree to give the sled to YMC upon completion of the build (after a little testing).
Of course I'm just throwing ideas out there, and maybe someone will jump in and cite the reasons why something like this could never happen. To that I say by all means, go ahead and tell me that I don't know what the hell I'm talking about ... I won't be offended. Never claimed to be an expert, but just thought this might be a better option than stewing in our juices, and a chance to show Yamaha what it's brand loyal consumers really want. I appreciate this forum and the members here, and I look forward to reading your responses.

ViperTurboPete
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Funny you mention this....I am a member of dootalk although I have never read or added any posts. I am member because of a ski doo I ride. Just recently I received an email from dootalk discussing the new line up and innovations. One sentence really caught my eye was Dootalk was thanking BRP for listening to Dootalkers who asked for certain improvements and their wishes came true.
I wish Yamaha would react even just a little bit to what TY'ers have to say.
I wish Yamaha would react even just a little bit to what TY'ers have to say.
whitedust1
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Sky bluing does nothing might as well be pissen in the wind for all Yamaha cares about sled divison in the near future. Don't you get it?? Yamaha is refining current platforms to produce a solid sled in the platforms that exist. That is their objective & that is what they are doing. AR&D happens in 3-5 year increments & Yamaha is holding back by choice. The snowmobile market is not a booming high growth market & it is all about profit. Knock yourselves out create whatever you want in the vapor amuse yourselves but Yamaha will not spend a nanosecond considering any of whatever is discussed. The Japs. don't do biz that way & never will. You are a talking about a culture unlike North American Biz. I can see you have never been to Japan or worked for a Jap. compnay.LOL
radianguy
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Yamaha is slowing building my XTX.
I did an under tunnel exhaust and 1.75" Back Country track last year, added the rear cooler this year. My front end is blacked out and about a month ago I pulled the front bumper to spray it black to match the rest of the front end.
Yamaha needs to get rid of the rear exhaust.
My '09 which I feel is still a better sled than the '13. My 09 can carry gear on the back, has MTX skis, upgraded front end with better ball joints and excell X wheels, the 13 has some catching up to do.
I did an under tunnel exhaust and 1.75" Back Country track last year, added the rear cooler this year. My front end is blacked out and about a month ago I pulled the front bumper to spray it black to match the rest of the front end.
Yamaha needs to get rid of the rear exhaust.
My '09 which I feel is still a better sled than the '13. My 09 can carry gear on the back, has MTX skis, upgraded front end with better ball joints and excell X wheels, the 13 has some catching up to do.
Attachments
Whitedust1:
You're right I've never been to Japan or worked for a Japanese company. Reading between the lines of your comments, I get the impression that you might know a little more than you can share - like maybe you work for YMC, NA? Not that I don't value your input ... Actually, the opposite is true. I think your comments matter most because I believe they're honest and the truth is what Yamaha customers need most. What you wrote sounds like it's coming from personal experience and frustration.
There's a rumor on this forum alleging Yamaha had planned to release a replacement for the Phazer this year, at the urging of YMC NA, but that YMC Japan pulled the sled from the lineup because of surplus 2011-12 inventory. As CR says, he can't comment because loose lips ... But maybe someone whose identity remains anonymous could?
I'm probably waaaay off base, but appreciate your input just the same.
You're right I've never been to Japan or worked for a Japanese company. Reading between the lines of your comments, I get the impression that you might know a little more than you can share - like maybe you work for YMC, NA? Not that I don't value your input ... Actually, the opposite is true. I think your comments matter most because I believe they're honest and the truth is what Yamaha customers need most. What you wrote sounds like it's coming from personal experience and frustration.
There's a rumor on this forum alleging Yamaha had planned to release a replacement for the Phazer this year, at the urging of YMC NA, but that YMC Japan pulled the sled from the lineup because of surplus 2011-12 inventory. As CR says, he can't comment because loose lips ... But maybe someone whose identity remains anonymous could?
I'm probably waaaay off base, but appreciate your input just the same.
jimo368
Newbie
Yamaha needs to get rid of the rear exhaust.
+1
+1
HartleRacing
Expert
why does everyone hate the rear exhaust? its the same concept on the liter road bikes, nearly ALL of them have this exhaust setup for a reason.. IT WORKS.
it sounds better than a side dump or tunnel dump even IMO (look at the turbo cat, or abrams tank i should say judging by the sound) and it takes a turbo for them to get 177hp out of their engine at 1100CC..
yamaha is refining an already great lineup in my book. sure id love to see a new chassis, but the current lineup flat out works DAMN GOOD
it sounds better than a side dump or tunnel dump even IMO (look at the turbo cat, or abrams tank i should say judging by the sound) and it takes a turbo for them to get 177hp out of their engine at 1100CC..
yamaha is refining an already great lineup in my book. sure id love to see a new chassis, but the current lineup flat out works DAMN GOOD
kviper
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Almost impossible to have a properly tuned exhaust on a multi cylinder four stroke motor in a snowmobile that exits in front especially when the motor has the exhaust port's exiting to the rear. I don't think Yamaha needs lesson's from us on tuning a four stroke. The competition needs a power adder on a 1,100 to run with an Apex and Doo can't get it done with a 1,200. Yamaha owns the snowmobile four stroke world and the rear exhaust is part of it!
Mighty
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Because of the massive ice build up that makes an already heavy sled heavier.HartleRacing said:why does everyone hate the rear exhaust? its the same concept on the liter road bikes, nearly ALL of them have this exhaust setup for a reason.. IT WORKS.
blueironranger
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What model sled get iced up that bad? I've hadn't most 3-4# of ice on my Phazer due to rear exhaust. As far as IN the tunnel ice it about the same as I got on my SX-R and my buddies 11' IQ shift is worse. With a turn-out I don't mind it one bit.Mighty said:Because of the massive ice build up that makes an already heavy sled heavier.HartleRacing said:why does everyone hate the rear exhaust? its the same concept on the liter road bikes, nearly ALL of them have this exhaust setup for a reason.. IT WORKS.
canadianhunter
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
[/quote]Because of the massive ice build up that makes an already heavy sled heavier.[/quote]
Agreed. I store our sleds in a heated shop, all water is caught in a pan and vaccumed up. Average is 40lbs. per sled. Plus before going inside I use a rubber hammer to pound ice off flap, suspension, running boards, tunnel and anything else with ice. Could be upto another 10lbs. or so. Total ice does vary with some temperatures.
A heavy sled with all this ice may have a bearing on slide wear, idler problems not to mention if you would get stuck or have to move the sled anound especially for an old guy.
Agreed. I store our sleds in a heated shop, all water is caught in a pan and vaccumed up. Average is 40lbs. per sled. Plus before going inside I use a rubber hammer to pound ice off flap, suspension, running boards, tunnel and anything else with ice. Could be upto another 10lbs. or so. Total ice does vary with some temperatures.
A heavy sled with all this ice may have a bearing on slide wear, idler problems not to mention if you would get stuck or have to move the sled anound especially for an old guy.
Alatalo
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HartleRacing said:why does everyone hate the rear exhaust?
X2...!Mighty said:Because of the massive ice build up that makes an already heavy sled heavier.
It would be nice to see a front exhaust or at least an over-tunnel exhaust protected from snow spray in a near future.
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arteeex
TY 4 Stroke Master
The one sure way to get Yamaha to build the sled you want is to buy more sleds. If there was money to be made by changing up the designs and bringing in new technologies at a faster pace they would be doing it. Yamaha and every other maker would be tripping over themselves to put out new sleds if they were fighting for a bigger piece of an expanding market. It's hard to find a thread on the site that doesn't carry complaints about the rising cost of sleds AND the lack of something new. It can't be cheap to design, prototype, test, build and market a new sled. To get a return on this investment and keep the unit cost down they need volume. Right now they seem to be getting the volume by hanging on to a design for multiple years. If you really want to change this pattern, buy more sleds.
I'm just happy that the Big Four keep producing something for a sport that I enjoy.
I'm just happy that the Big Four keep producing something for a sport that I enjoy.
Alatalo said:It would be nice to see a front exhaust or at least an over-tunnel exhaust protected from snow spray in a near future
I agree with a over the tunnel exhaust so snow spray can not collect on a hot pipe. Also a lighter exhaust would be nice. I also think yamaha should consider running a belt drive and get rid of the chain case to drop 15 lbs. Yamaha could easily pull another 15-20 hp out of the nytro motor imo.
rindtj
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
arteeex said:The one sure way to get Yamaha to build the sled you want is to buy more sleds. If there was money to be made by changing up the designs and bringing in new technologies at a faster pace they would be doing it. Yamaha and every other maker would be tripping over themselves to put out new sleds if they were fighting for a bigger piece of an expanding market. It's hard to find a thread on the site that doesn't carry complaints about the rising cost of sleds AND the lack of something new. It can't be cheap to design, prototype, test, build and market a new sled. To get a return on this investment and keep the unit cost down they need volume. Right now they seem to be getting the volume by hanging on to a design for multiple years. If you really want to change this pattern, buy more sleds.
I'm just happy that the Big Four keep producing something for a sport that I enjoy.
X2, would I love you have a new sled to LOOK at? Absolutely, but Yamaha over the last 2-3 seasons has been doing what they can to save money and combat the current economic situation. Arctic Cat made an awesome new chassis and cutting edge technology- after a terrible winter and all the recalls how do you think that worked out financially for them? Right now Yamaha is playing the numbers game, and like it or not MONEY is the ONLY thing that matters to them. You can type in your computer until you are blue in the face (or hands) but it doesn't make a bit of difference to them if they are happy with the low(ish) inventories and profit margin right now.
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