Yamaha Power Steering

[frano]

I had two 660 Grizzly's before my 700 EPS and it's not all about steering ease. It's about quickness, amount of feedback to the bars, and being able to track where it doesn't naturally want to track effortless. At the end of the day, it makes a huge difference. I'm 63 years old and usually do 100 miles plus in Western MA where our groomed trails would be considered ungroomed anywheres else. My rage at 10 MPH going between trees with 50" openings is a handful for this old guy--I'll spring for power steering as soon as Yamaha makes it available.

 

[True Blue]

Don't know if its true or not ? Local Yamaha dealer had a 2008
Grizzly with over size tires and rims on it come in for service and
lack of power steering and the guy was told his power steering or
assist steering motor was shot. Here's the shocker it was not covered
by warranty because of tires & rims and the cost to replace the steering motor was $2300 plus labour....... WOW
and this was also relayed to me by the Service Manager.



TB

 

[fasteddie]

Is it the weight of the 4 stroke that causes stiff steering? My 01 SXR from last year was about the same stiff steering as my 06 Vector this year. I traded with my Bro (07 F8) yesterday after 150 miles and it really was a huge difference. After putting on the Deuce bars the darting is gone and it doesn't push in the corners. This is the only thing that I don't like about this sled, maybe it gets harder as the day goes on and the ice/weight builds up. I also noticed that the F8 felt waaaay lighter. Again maybe the Ice build up.

 

[az99]

Don't know if its true or not ? Local Yamaha dealer had a 2008
Grizzly with over size tires and rims on it come in for service and
lack of power steering and the guy was told his power steering or
assist steering motor was shot. Here's the shocker it was not covered
by warranty because of tires & rims and the cost to replace the steering motor was $2300 plus labour....... WOW
and this was also relayed to me by the Service Manager.



TB

That is typical of Yamaha. Anything they can come up with to deny a warranty claim they will. I heard more excuses from them as to why it was not covered for any thing that came up.

 

[twomorestrokes]

How heavy do you want your sleds?? C'mon, p/s on a GRIZZLY is one thing but on a SLED?? Who cares if your grizzly is a couple pounds heavier than last year's model, but frankly, more weight on the sleds is going backward. I'm not wanting to navigate an SUV through the twisties...

 

[az99]

I think it is a long over due option. In my younger days I would have laughed at it. My wife would love it. These Yamahas are so heavy already that 10 more pounds won't be noticed. It should be standard on all the touring tanks. I can't pick up the front now so adding 10 won't hurt.

 

[frano]

The Grizzly unit is very small--it can't weigh 5 pounds. Yamaha could easily save the 5 pounds somewheres else. Just like the Grizzly, a model could be available with or without the power steering. My arms are still aching from last Sunday's ride--sign me up for the ladies edition!

 

[twomorestrokes]

5 or 10 pounds means a lot on a sled when you can take it off. Especially when they are as far overweight as these things are. Two or three changes that save 5 or 10 pounds really adds up. I keep the tank less full and I even go as far as to try to lose a few pounds myself for sledding season as this really effects the handling. However, I agree with the statement that it would be a nice option on the touring models. As far as aching arms goes, that is exactly why I use suspension adjustments to lighten the steering and then compensate by adding extra carbide. Everyone talks about adding ski pressure by sucking down the strap and tightening the front springs and that is what makes your arms sore IMO.

Guess what I'm saying is that p/s might be a good option for those of you who would benefit from it, but I would not want to be forced to have it. Just another hunk of metal on the sled that I could do without.

 

[az99]

If you are that worried about weight, you better trade your blue jacket for a yellow one. Then you won't have to go on a diet yourself and you can run a full tank of gas.

 

[twomorestrokes]

Hahahaha! If I was still in to 2 strokes, I would definitely try out a lightweight doo. I'm intrigued. I'm also a big fan of the new chassis polaris for a 2 stroke option as it is a huge improvement over the edge chassis. Nice plush ride. They're both fine with manual steering though IMO. I'm sold enough on these Yammi 4 strokes where I can put up with the extra weight, but I'm sure not wanting more added on...

Didn't mean to come off like I'm arguing about something as silly as power steering. That's what happens when the only "sledding" my doctor will allow this winter is on this site!

 

[az99]

Hahahaha! If I was still in to 2 strokes, I would definitely try out a lightweight doo.

You do know they make a 4 stroke don't you ?

 

[twomorestrokes]

Of course, but it hasn't hit the mark. Yamaha easily rules the 4 stroke market in my opinion and the shortcomings are easily outweighed by the drivetrain. The other three just seem to offer a couple 4 strokes as a sidline but they don't seem serious. If I were gonna ride a doo, it would definitely be a a 2 stroke sdi. If I chose a polaris it would be an injected 600. I have ridden both and like them, but I'm not willing to trade out.

Sorry, we're getting quite a bit off topic...

 

[az99]

Of course, but it hasn't hit the mark. Yamaha easily rules the 4 stroke market in my opinion and the shortcomings are easily outweighed by the drivetrain. The other three just seem to offer a couple 4 strokes as a sidline but they don't seem serious. If I were gonna ride a doo, it would definitely be a a 2 stroke sdi. If I chose a polaris it would be an injected 600. I have ridden both and like them, but I'm not willing to trade out.

Sorry, we're getting quite a bit off topic...

I am not sure I would consider the new Doo 1200 4 stroke a sideline piece. That is a serious first year sled with a substantial weight savings. I am sure Ski-Doo got very tired of watching 100's of Yamaha 4 strokes going past their Valcourt offices everyday. They finally realized that a lot of riders want 4 strokes. Watch the 2010 Yamahas. They will have to put these tanks on a serious diet. Maybe they can reduce the fuel tanks to 3 gallons. Then no one will notice the 5 lb. power steering or if they are lite enough we won't need it.

 

[twomorestrokes]

To each his own I guess. All 4 make great sleds but I'd chose a new Polaris 2 stroke over a Doo. I was that impressed. (Cat would be a very distant 4th choice) My opinion means nothing to anyone but me, but if I did go for a Doo it would not be their 4 stroke as they make a fine viable 2 stroke that is clean burning, efficient and fast. No reason not to choose one IMO. They chose to go that route and it has worked very well for them. Doo has always been a benchmark for other manufacturers to shoot for. I'm just not a big fan of the Rev chassis just for my personal comfort. I chose a Yamaha 4 stroke because I really liked it, but I don't consider a 4 stroke as mandatory. I own two 2 strokers too. I think that the competition is still doing a better job on their 2 strokes than their fours. That's not meant to be a cut. They do a great job with them.

Interesting that you are arguing for adding power steering as well as stating that Yamaha needs to be put on a serious diet...

 

[fasteddie]

I was at my bro's last night and jacked up my front end to feel how the steering is without weight on the skies, and it turns out that my bro's F8 steering with the skies on dollies is easier than my 06 vector when the front is off the floor.

Whats up with that? I thought it was cause of the weight of the motor, but it turns out its just stiff period. Sled only has 1600 miles.