Anyone find info on 2018 Yamaha sleds yet???

[momoney2123]

The weight gain is minimal...I was told less than 20 lbs...which on a machine that is approaching 700lbs fully fueled is really nothing. I have never seen one fail either...and believe me I owned two Attaks without it...and it makes a BIG difference...I could let my 15 yr old, 100 lbs daughter drive my xtx...I would never do that with the non eps sleds...(I wouldn't put a kid on a machine that powerful..just an example)...like I said we all get older....the eps lets the older trail veterans, and women, enjoy the power, low maintnance and reliability of a heavier four stroke...and I know my doo riding buddies would love it on their 1200s....because they told me so...they can't believe how much easier to turn/steer my apex is...I still say it would be a bonus on Four strokes...IMO..4 stroke riders don't care about weight...what's 20 lbs??..If weight is an issue to you...and you ride ski-doo..then u most likely ride an etech.

I mean yea makes sense why those type of sleds have it, doo doesn't make a 700lb machine and never will. I completely understand that buying a Yamaha means you don't care about weight LOL!! IMO you will not being seeing It from doo besides maybe like a grand touring type sled(still a long shot). If its that important to current 1200 owners, then they should buy a Yamaha with EPS, but why aren't they?....BRP knows the only sleds with EPS are the lowest volume selling sleds in the market. EPS sleds basically admit the sled is a heavy pig and needs help steering...not a route Doo appears to want to take. that market is a niche and as u can see Yamaha likes the niche markets, which is fine. I also think 4 stroke riders doo care about weight actually I know they do, your speaking for yourself. Most I know that ride 4s, do it for improved reliability, no adding oil, less vibrations and ablility to run low octane fuel. weight is the big con and is in fact why many 1200 owners came back to the 850. The supposed 4s like reliability and light weight brings the possibility for the best of both worlds.

 

[Hoosier]

as u can see Yamaha likes the niche markets, which is fine.

IMO, it's not that Yamaha likes niche markets, it's that they made a bet 15 years ago that four strokes were going to be the only way to go in the future. They missed on that and lost market share, but now they won't fund the kind of R&D necessary to get back in the game. It's probably not profitable to do so, so I understand that. They saw the Cat partnership as a way to have a modern chassis without much skin in the game, and I think it's been really good for both sides. Most people seem to like the Yamacats, and you see a lot of them on the trails, and supposedly Cats are better built than before too. Growing up riding Yamahas, I'd sure like to see what they could do with their own chassis and a 2 stroke, but I think now that the 50th anniversary's are out, and that their sled HQ isn't in Japan anymore, that there's no way that's going to happen.

Who knows though - maybe we'll get an ice age and middle class wages will start going up, and maybe the market will grow again, and Yamaha will be interested in it again.

 

[G]

IMO, it's not that Yamaha likes niche markets, it's that they made a bet 15 years ago that four strokes were going to be the only way to go in the future. They missed on that and lost market share, but now they won't fund the kind of R&D necessary to get back in the game. It's probably not profitable to do so, so I understand that. They saw the Cat partnership as a way to have a modern chassis without much skin in the game, and I think it's been really good for both sides. Most people seem to like the Yamacats, and you see a lot of them on the trails, and supposedly Cats are better built than before too. Growing up riding Yamahas, I'd sure like to see what they could do with their own chassis and a 2 stroke, but I think now that the 50th anniversary's are out, and that their sled HQ isn't in Japan anymore, that there's no way that's going to happen.

Who knows though - maybe we'll get an ice age and middle class wages will start going up, and maybe the market will grow again, and Yamaha will be interested in it again.

Ding Ding Ding. We have a winner. Good analysis of last 15 years.

 

[momoney2123]

I no doubt agree they bet on 4s..obviously. I just wish they woulda put a better effort into it. some unique, innovative, lighter weight attempts at something cool. but they essentially have the same chassis from 15 years ago still going.

 

[Admin]

I no doubt agree they bet on 4s..obviously. I just wish they woulda put a better effort into it. some unique, innovative, lighter weight attempts at something cool. but they essentially have the same chassis from 15 years ago still going.

Why in the world would you possibly care what Yamaha (or Polaris or Arctic Cat) do? Completely obvious to all on this board that you would never own anything but a Doo.

 

[Hoosier]

Why in the world would you possibly care what Yamaha (or Polaris or Arctic Cat) do? Completely obvious to all on this board that you would never own anything but a Doo.

I thought he had a switchback. Did I miss something?

 

[Admin]

I thought he had a switchback. Did I miss something?

Maybe I missed that. Still, there is no question where his loyalty sits. I do not have a problem with that at all. His post just struck me as funny, as someone that is so dedicated to one brand would truly care what another does.

-John

 

[Hoosier]

Maybe I missed that. Still, there is no question where his loyalty sits. I do not have a problem with that at all. His post just struck me as funny, as someone that is so dedicated to one brand would truly care what another does.

-John

Just being sarcastic. I assume he works for Doo.

 

[momoney2123]

Why in the world would you possibly care what Yamaha (or Polaris or Arctic Cat) do? Completely obvious to all on this board that you would never own anything but a Doo.

I am a diehard snowmobiling enthusiast, I follow them all and to be honest have ridden most all new sleds minus the new cat ctec. Guess I shouldnt comment on anything since I only own doo's.

BUTTTTTTTTTT ya know what they say, keep your friends close and your enemies closer

 

[Attak man]

Why in the world would you possibly care what Yamaha (or Polaris or Arctic Cat) do? Completely obvious to all on this board that you would never own anything but a Doo.

x2....nuff said

 

[1fujifilm]

I am a diehard snowmobiling enthusiast, I follow them all and to be honest have ridden most all new sleds minus the new cat ctec. Guess I shouldnt comment on anything since I only own doo's.

BUTTTTTTTTTT ya know what they say, keep your friends close and your enemies closer

I have been with Doo since 2004 and really wanted to love the Viper (and buy one) two years ago (I tested one on the trail) but it just wasn't happening. I started it (it sounded sweet), I revved it up to engage the clutch (and thought why is this thing revving as high as a 2 stroke to engage, I thought a 4 stroke would make torque lower in the RPM range), I rode it in a straight line (and thought, whoa this thing has torque), I turned a corner (and nearly got bucked off), I kept riding on a straight away (and thought, this thing is not as top-end fast as a 600) and I rode it back to the Dealer (thinking, I cant buy this sled it still has the NVH of a 2 stroke just in a different way).
Now, I look at the XCR 600 and like what I hear about it (the advertising too) and like the look and thought of buying one for 8,592 but; a Renegade is 9,500 (and the longer track option of 300 and E-start of 300) brings them so close in price that depreciation will give the Doo the edge.

Not enough meat on the bone to switch manufacturers and buy new accessories as I have a bunch of Doo stuff. The Polaris guy that owns an XCR probably has a similar logic why he stays with his brand; two of the best sleds made.

It's funny though, you always hear about Yamaha and Doo fighting but hardly ever Polaris and Doo owners; maybe it is just the make-up of the J.D. demographic in Northern WI and the UP of MI. Or, its the 4 vs. 2 stroke thing.

Bear

 

[momoney2123]

x2....nuff said

alrighty, must of left ya speechless

 

[Cirrus_Driver]

IMO, it's not that Yamaha likes niche markets, it's that they made a bet 15 years ago that four strokes were going to be the only way to go in the future. They missed on that and lost market share, but now they won't fund the kind of R&D necessary to get back in the game. It's probably not profitable to do so, so I understand that. They saw the Cat partnership as a way to have a modern chassis without much skin in the game, and I think it's been really good for both sides. Most people seem to like the Yamacats, and you see a lot of them on the trails, and supposedly Cats are better built than before too. Growing up riding Yamahas, I'd sure like to see what they could do with their own chassis and a 2 stroke, but I think now that the 50th anniversary's are out, and that their sled HQ isn't in Japan anymore, that there's no way that's going to happen.

Who knows though - maybe we'll get an ice age and middle class wages will start going up, and maybe the market will grow again, and Yamaha will be interested in it again.

Yamaha has known for over 5 years 4-strokes won't ever rule the world, and at this point they are content with their ever shrinking "niche". And they keep jacking the prices as high as possible to guarantee profit margin on their 6%. Indisputable

 

[Attak man]

alrighty, must of left ya speechless

Nah...it's like trying to convert somebody from their religion, or political affiliation...not worth it....ride what ya like...nothing you have said makes me want to convert...when you start talking Yamaha...it's like the adults talking on the peanuts cartoons (that's all I hear)...sorry man ...lol

 

[momoney2123]

Nah...it's like trying to convert somebody from their religion, or political affiliation...not worth it....ride what ya like...nothing you have said makes me want to convert...when you start talking Yamaha...it's like the adults talking on the peanuts cartoons (that's all I hear)...sorry man ...lol

OKeedokee

Was never trying to convert, but thought there was some valid points to the shortcomings of current products. Cheers

 

[1fujifilm]

Yamaha has known for over 5 years 4-strokes won't ever rule the world, and at this point they are content with their ever shrinking "niche". And they keep jacking the prices as high as possible to guarantee profit margin on their 6%. Indisputable

One counter thought is there are still 2014 Yamaha Vipers on showroom floors for a little as 6,999 or S.W.'s for 12,250; I don't know how much profit there is there for Yamaha; this is generally a M.O. sales tactic of Cat that must have transferred to Yamaha post synergy.

Bear

 

[journeyman]

IMO, it's not that Yamaha likes niche markets, it's that they made a bet 15 years ago that four strokes were going to be the only way to go in the future. They missed on that and lost market share, but now they won't fund the kind of R&D necessary to get back in the game. It's probably not profitable to do so, so I understand that. They saw the Cat partnership as a way to have a modern chassis without much skin in the game, and I think it's been really good for both sides. Most people seem to like the Yamacats, and you see a lot of them on the trails, and supposedly Cats are better built than before too. Growing up riding Yamahas, I'd sure like to see what they could do with their own chassis and a 2 stroke, but I think now that the 50th anniversary's are out, and that their sled HQ isn't in Japan anymore, that there's no way that's going to happen.

Who knows though - maybe we'll get an ice age and middle class wages will start going up, and maybe the market will grow again, and Yamaha will be interested in it again.

Let's not forget Yamaha originally didn't go to Cat, Cat came to them. Cat knew they were losing their partnership with their engine supply pipeline with Suzuki. Cat was already in the makings of building their own 2 stroke but didn't have a 4 stroke option. They came to Yamaha asking to buy some of their motors as seen in the Nytro and Vector. In the meantime Yamaha was dealing with some supply issues of their own in Japan because of the Tsunami that had happened. Many of their suppliers were devastated from that. Yamaha liked their chassis and made the 5 year agreement with them. Obviously it has worked out and their snowmobile division has been reorganized moving their headquarters for snowmobiles to Canada. It does look like this partnership is going to go past the 5 year agreement. Yamaha always did have issues responding quickly to the sled market. Things can change fast. They handled their R&D more like a car company and it was a slow process. Good for quality but not so good for a constantly changing market.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3idBKZhHzE

 

[Hoosier]

It's funny though, you always hear about Yamaha and Doo fighting but hardly ever Polaris and Doo owners; maybe it is just the make-up of the J.D. demographic in Northern WI and the UP of MI. Or, its the 4 vs. 2 stroke thing.

Bear

I don't know, on this site lately it seems like every thread has the Doo guys telling everyone else why they suck, why their sleds are too heavy, why they don't really need power steering, why their resale is bad, why their gas mileage isn't good enough, etc...

Always thought it's strange the #1 seller would have such a chip on their shoulder

 

[momoney2123]

I don't know, on this site lately it seems like every thread has the Doo guys telling everyone else why they suck, why their sleds are too heavy, why they don't really need power steering, why their resale is bad, why their gas mileage isn't good enough, etc...

Always thought it's strange the #1 seller would have such a chip on their shoulder

Im guessing at least some of this comment is pointed towards me. Ok

Is anything said that isnt true?

I kno some people especially in todays world do not like to hear when a spade is called a spade.

 

[kip]

Always talk about how expensive Yamaha is so you make a good point Bear, you can buy Vipers right now and Sidewinders for good prices. The price of a Sidewinder is very reasonable for 204 HP! Good Lord, try and make that happen with a current sled and see what it would cost, that's not disputable LOL! True Story As I've said million times it's all what you want. The points Bear makes regarding the Viper are true, that being said you can improve them for your liking without breaking the bank but it wasn't what he wanted and it makes sense for him. Pretty simple really. Journeyman you hit the nail on the head. Just think, this deal almost happened with Ski Doo before Cat. Could you imagine that? The ink was on paper and ready to be signed. Doo backed out last minute. Could you have imagined Yam motors in Doo chassis? It almost happened and that's a fact!