irv

I don't know why, but it has been proven time and time again, that the carbed models are better on gas than the newer fi ones. I think Yamaha downsized the tank some just to make the other's feel better they weren't the only ones needing fuel. It does suck, truthfully, waiting for others to fill up when you just want to continue riding. Real world experience here, and that article is spot on. I seriously don't know if my sled would break 200 miles, but I am willing to bet it would. I have experienced that too, but have read many times, there is at least another 25 to 40 miles of fuel remaining once the light starts flashing or you are down to one bar. Like I mentioned above, I'd love to see someday just how far I could go on a tank. That, and to actually see if the 25 to 40 thing is true as well. You gotter, George. It's a great feeling knowing you will be the last guy to need/run out of gas during a ride.

Just saying. Yamaha’s RS Vector was our gas mileage champ last season, posting an impressive season-long average of 18.8 mpg. That figure may go a long way toward explaining why it sells so well among long-distance riders. http://www.amsnow.com/news/snowmobile-reviews/2012/08/2012-yamaha-rs-vector-long-term-tests

Not that I want to get caught up in this fuel mileage fray, but there is something clearly wrong with those Vector mpg findings. In my experience, I am getting at least 4 mpg more than what they listed there. In their defense, that is an LE and from what I have learned, the FI models get slightly less than the carbed models for some reason, but there is no way it is that low. (Also from SG, below) The Vector and Venture’s Genesis 120FI engine is capable of achieving 20 mpg (US) on a regular basis while the Apex’s Genesis 160FI is capable of more than respectable fuel mileage as well. http://www.snowgoercanada.com/23-features/390-yamaha-apex-rs-vector

What exactly is this, "Burp the gas tank"? I can't say I have ever done that, nor believe I need to, in all the years I have been sledding. When I fill up, I can get it right up into the neck on both sleds if I want too but rarely do due to spillage/overfill concerns. I have checked, periodically, while stopped and the gas has hardly gone down any. I can't imagine burping it while filling up would allow me almost another Gallon in my tank?

I purchased mine, on sale, for under $150 dollars, then a couple months later I seen them on sale again for below that amount. I took my bill in, with only a day or two to spare, and ended getting it, all said and done, for around $68 dollars, iirc. When I was assembling it, I was bit concerned about the shoddy, likely Chinese hardware that came with it, but they tightened up nicely and are holding up surprisingly well, so far!

Oh, for sure! I remember reading about all the blown belt issues the Cats were having a few years ago, then someone mentioned what a new belt was worth and I near sh!t myself I forget now to be honest, but I think my XLT's belt is around the same money as my Yamaha belt? It's been a few years since I purchased one of those too.

I think 04 and some his buds ride pretty aggressively off trail, basically ditch banger, boondocking and hill climbing. That type of riding can be hard on everything.

I looked into those before I purchased the PA one. They are nice units but I remember them being pricey, and I think I could only get one out Ottawa way? IIRC, they were also being discontinued? 4-5 yrs now with my PA one and so far so good. The Royal ones were also pricey, for what you got. I looked at those as well but really doubted they'd hold up my Vector?

OEM. It's been 2-3 yrs since I last purchased one, but going by this, and others I just seen, it doesn't look like the price has gone up much or any? http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Yamaha-New-OEM-Primary-Drive-Clutch-Belt-8DN-17641-01-00-Apex-Nytro-Vector-Viper-/181061180468

I thought you were going to say around that amount. It baffles the mind how I can get a belt for around $75 dollars, that, in all likely hood, is twice the belt that Doo belt is. Heat is definitely the killer for these belts. My Vector's previous owner blew one but he was doing some drag racing at the time. Belts should also be broken in (heat cycles) before gouging on them, imo.

You need to take it apart and regrease it. Mine was doing the same and when I took it apart, it looked someone just threw a gob a grease at it from across the room. It's easy to do, and mine works a hell of a lot better now that I have grease on the threads.

Ouch! What's a new Doo belt cost these days?

I know it's not what you and others are looking for. Just showing what I use to store my Vector. The XLT gets put in the trailer and is stored in a big indoor shop. If I personally owned said shop, I could make a killing with storage fees. (shop behind me in this pic)

Wow, sounds like Team Bruised Pussy is a great forum to join!

They're asking enough for that 1500 Lb'r, considering the shape it's in, but they just might get it depending if they are still in high demand. This is my storage rack. Works great for for my needs and was under a $100 from Princess Auto.

Funny thread!

You mean, earn them 10%? I know that is the magic number everyone wants to reach but some don't all the time I hear? I guess, like the markets, there are good and bad years but most, from what I hear, who have pulled their money, are happy they did. I have/am thinking about it myself but I want to retain my bennies as I mentioned. I have no idea what those that pulled their pensions pay, but I have heard it is not that expensive?

We go through the same thing up here. The public complains about the amount of public sector employees and if that many are needed? Then our company/the Gov't lays off, doesn't rehire after retirees go, so getting the same amount of work done, on smaller crews, opens the doors for overtime. People, who see free $$ so to speak, (handed 400 hrs of O.T. a year) work it and end up making over a $100.000 dollars, and then some, and then make the public sector employee sunshine list (anyone who makes over a 100g's+/yr) and the public goes ape shit again when they see this list. What we have going on now, is, because we are so short staffed (Nuclear Plant) they hire contractors, and usually twice as many of them as were were laid off, pay them big money, have no limits on O.T. (we are capped at 400hrs/yr) and most/all make over 100g's too, but because they are contractors and not public sector employees, they don't make the sunshine list,,,, therefore the public has no idea even more money is being spent to get the same amount of work done as was done before. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_list

I am like you, I hardly give it any thought at all. My wife is up on it a lot more than I am so most/all my faith is in her to do the things that need doing. I am planning on retiring within a year, or 2 at most, so I should get my act together and learn a thing or 2 before I do. I plan on leaving my money in the fund as my wife doesn't have a pension, but quite a few pull their's and let their financial advisers/brokers try and earn them 10% a year. I want to retain my benefits but if you pull your pension, then everything, including the bennies are gone for good.

Looking good!

Well, since most Yamaha owners likely visit TY, I'd say your guess is as good as mine? You are correct, only it's 22 years old now, and I wouldn't trade it for any newer Polaris built in the last 10-15 yrs. Trust me, when I was looking to upgrade from my 95, I looked at nothing but Polaris but I didn't like what I was reading or seeing. It's too bad, Polaris had a good thing going, top of the market, better than average reliability, etc, etc, but unfortunately, even after all these years of trying to get it right, again, they continually get worse, year after year it seems. My take is, just like their Victory motorcycles, which were actually better built vehicles, they will likely also dump or sell their sleds too. 8 Polari over 15 years?? Are you a bit concerned about reliability/dependability, whether they will get you home, whether your warranty dollars will run out, or do you just prefer not to venture down those avenues if you can help it? I have ridden newer sleds than my 08 Vector, and although some might ride slightly better or handle slightly better, there is nothing that makes me want to spend even a few grand let alone $10+ grand, to gain what? (Only a few more pics for you below as I didn't want to rub it in too much) I think I asked you this before, Yamadoo, but do you know the Sudsbury's from Dorset? They ride Yamaha's also, and have for years. They are smart like you and I as well. They're in the archives, Jesse. Didn't take much searching at all. I see I hooked a few, but was really hoping my old combatant, RR would have chimed in by now. I guess he finally grew wiser.

Not the 1 ton, that is long gone. Apex, Vector, to name a couple, are the most reliable sleds on the snow today. They may lack in other areas, but they'll get you home more often than any other sled out there.

Those will chrome that Pacer right up! Forgot to mention the reason for their thoughts on a brand new chassis. They said this was the last year for the Apex? I would assume that would include the Vector, and others as well? There will be no breath holding going on in this household however.

If you are a member of AmSnow, they state the new suspension pieces found on the Apex only are only for spring orders and are only available this year. They claim, or guess, imo, that Yamaha is coming out with a whole new chassis next year??? I personally don't believe it as this was the year to do that, their 50th Anniversary.

Oh, I know. There is now way you would admit that a Doo bulkhead isn't any stronger than a tailgate you can, allegedly, damage with your thumb. Appreciate the compliments, Kev, but brand loyal I am not. My very first truck I ever owned was 70 something Dodge Power Wagon that I purchased used. When I finally got rid of it, I said it would be the last Dodge truck I ever owned. 3 decades later of owning nothing but GM's, I am now back in a Ram. Go figure. Doo and Polaris sleds for most of my life, and now I currently own my 08 Yamaha Vector. My first ever Yamaha. Forgot to add: I did own one Cat.