Venture TF 151

[Carver_Speed]

Thinking about spring ordering one to replace my totaled Arctic Cat touring machine. New to Yamaha so fill me in! Thoughts on this long track monster please!
Thanks,
Jeff

 

[Viper_Dave]

Carver, I'm moving your post to the forum directly related to the machine you're asking about. You'll get a better response there.

 

[shed]

hey carver, welcome
my 07 hugs the ground, rarely spins
only in new powder
i had to put on 9" carbides so it would turn
it does lift the inside ski on turns
but you get used to driving on 1 ski after a while

i think it is more like an rs venture than a vk pro
no hi/lo range
15" track
it just happens to have an articulating rear suspension
plus way more comments in the rs general section than the vkpro section

 

[Carver_Speed]

Carver, I'm moving your post to the forum directly related to the machine you're asking about. You'll get a better response there.

If the RS Venture TF is a touring machine, same sled as the GT except 144 vs. 151, why would you move my post to the VK Professional section? Different machines there, I'm into luxury two up touring, not hauling firewood or what ever.
Jeff

 

[Viper_Dave]

Sorry, I'll move it back. I thought that it was the same machine as the VK. Again, my apologies.

 

[BombaPolaYama]

Carver, I'm moving your post to the forum directly related to the machine you're asking about. You'll get a better response there.

If the RS Venture TF is a touring machine, same sled as the GT except 144 vs. 151, why would you move my post to the VK Professional section? Different machines there, I'm into luxury two up touring, not hauling firewood or what ever.
Jeff

If into luxury touring go for the GT with better and adjustable shocks. The articulating suspension is not a big deal especially on trail and I'm not convinced it works well anyway. Plus with the 144" GT you'll have more track options if you ever want to swap tracks. Do a search here there are some good reviews on the GT. Otherwise I believe the only diff is the wider skis on the TF.

 

[crossbowme]

I bought a '13 TF earlier in the season. I just put it up today. Here are my impressions:

PRO: very comfortable; with rack and bags it has a huge amount of storage; very stable and roomy for two; like the back support system; good power; great traction.

CON: cooling system leaves a lot to be desired in these times of spotty snow. Seems like you spend most of your time trying to make sure it won't over heat; I had studs added to my track and it took the dealer all winter to figure out the right combination of carbides/limiter strap, runs good now; very heavy; track whine/chatter at 30-40 mph.

I traded in my 2008 AC Z1 XT for the TF. The TF quality is head and shoulders better than the AC but cooling system on the Z1 was far better.

 

[snodancer]

TF cooling

I had an issue in one particular type of snow. Very reciently well compacted sticky wet snow would lead to repeated "check engine" light overheat warning. I suspect that there was inadequate amounts of snow being kicked up to provide enough cooling. I should have spun up the track from time to time more.
I have run the sled many times since, even in warmer conditions with heavier loads and there has not been a repeat of the "problem", but I have not seen that snow condition since either.

The current issue which needs to be completely resolved is accelerated Hyfax wear. The first set needed to be changed at the suggested first service, and these now show need for replacement at little over 100mi!
I am steadfast on how I treat this sled, no gravel parking lots, plowed roads,ice, lakes, etc, just plenty of white. I check the temp of the Hyfax, and it is cool to the touch as well as the rails, yet they seem to disappear like they are made out of cheese right at the turndown. Low Snow kit seems to have no effect, as wear is just ahead of the kits placement. It's too late to bother now as the TF has been summerized, I will return to the dealer in Oct for Duponts and perhaps a looser track tension setting away from the recommended amount. This "long distance comfort cruiser" needs to be able to go long distances.
Aside of this issue which I will give maximum patience to,I absolutely love the sled. The firmride is softening up, and if necessary, I'll change out the springs to the softer GT spring [may not be necessary].
I appreciate the articulated suspension, as it proved is selfworth reciently turning around on a sidehill goat path. That is one of two main reasons I purchased. Second is its climbability and stopping on extreme descents.
Seated with two on board, it will climb so the only view thru the windshield is pure sky, all done using minimum of throttle. A great sled.
Local environments can influence "problems/issues", Any help on the Hyfax thing is appreciated.
regards

 

[BombaPolaYama]

Re: Overheating has not been a problem for me for the engine other than smelling the hyfax occasionally. I wonder if there may be some underlying issue causing the engine overheat such as improperly mixed coolant or something. The only time mine shut down was after a long ride and I had it idling on the trailer for a while during loading, etc.

Hyfax wear: 2100Km and they still look good - I will check the front of the rail bend tomorrow for sure. Checked the wear and it is pretty well the same along the length of the rail including the bend. I know they get hot quite easily in low snow and the slidekicks (cable scratchers) help a little but apparently the spring loaded ones are the real deal so they might solve both issues. Maybe your track is a bit on the tight side causing slide wear. Mine is about 7/8" slack in the middle with no weight applied.

 

[hemihead]

I appreciate the review of the TF. I am deciding on a TF vs a GT.
Leaning GT. BTW, does anyone know if all 2104 Yamaha Snowcheck customers get a viper jacket as mentioned in the Yami ads? Some dealers are telling me just Viper orders get the jacket.

thanks

 

[Carver_Speed]

2014 TF

Came to a decision finally and ordered a new TF in red today! I am stoked. There were lots of deals to be had if I went with an AC TZ1 again, but I thought, after this years crash, would I ever really trust it? Plus, the red matches my race car! So there it is! Guess I'm going to be a regular here for awhile to come.

 

[hemihead]

Re: 2014 TF

Came to a decision finally and ordered a new TF in red today! I am stoked. There were lots of deals to be had if I went with an AC TZ1 again, but I thought, after this years crash, would I ever really trust it? Plus, the red matches my race car! So there it is! Guess I'm going to be a regular here for awhile to come.

Congrats! Welcome to the Blue Side, where you won't be green with sled envy, nor called yellow to a sled challenge, or become red with anger over an unreliable machine.

You picked a great time to buy. Spring Power Surge = Viper Jacket + oil kit service kit + roller bag + 2 additional years of YES and some pretty friggin' good deals.

plus, for $200 more another 2 years of YES.

Why did you do TF vs GT?

 

[Carver_Speed]

I chose the TF b/c I wanted the longer track for a smoother ride Ii am presuming and the extra flotation, I buried the AC and had to dig her out. I am always looking with wonder lust at the untracked roads along the trail. I also like the articulated track for backing up. Really didn't understand the YES vs extra time, I just said, give the longest warranty you have, they said four years.

 

[hemihead]

I chose the TF b/c I wanted the longer track for a smoother ride Ii am presuming and the extra flotation, I buried the AC and had to dig her out. I am always looking with wonder lust at the untracked roads along the trail. I also like the articulated track for backing up. Really didn't understand the YES vs extra time, I just said, give the longest warranty you have, they said four years.

my mistake. "or" vs "of". I fixed it.

"2 free years of YES and an option to extend two more years of YES for $200 "

 

[yamadoo]

I really like my Venture GT, can only think the longer track will be better for off trail exploring and smoother on trail with the lengtah. I found the adjustment rec here (lower the front of the sled with ski shock/spring and front of skid shock/spring and soft settting on rear shock/spring of skid -softening made a good change to the tippy nature...........only issue I have. Never had heat issues in any condition.

Enjoy Yamadoo