Yamaha's expanded lineup for the '97-'98 riding season consists of 26 snowmobiles. "Customers are requesting lightweight sleds with power and handling. That's what we are focusing on at Yamaha, and judging by our positive sales figures during the 1997 season, riders are responding even more than we anticipated," says Greg Marier, assistant division manager of snowmobile product planning at Yamaha.
The new Yamaha lineup is divided into eight distinct categories. Yamaha says the new segmentation is designed to make it easy for consumers to find a sled built for their style of riding and the terrain they ride on most often. In addition to nine new sleds, Yamaha is introducing two new engines, a 600 and a 700, both three-cylinder powerplants with triple exhaust pipes and some very trick, high-tech features.
TOP PERFORMANCE
Riders who want a total performance package will appreciate two new sleds featured in Yamaha's new Top Performance category. The all-new SRX 700 and SRX 600 are built for riders looking for high horsepower, razor-edged handling, smooth braking and all the latest high-tech Yamaha performance features.
Both new sleds are triple triples, the first ever built by Yamaha. Not only do the new SRX 700 and SRX 600 have more power than other sleds in their class, they're also much lighter, and with lighter weight comes improved acceleration and handling.
The SRX 700 and SRX 600 feature newly shaped hoods painted Team Yamaha Blue, just like the company's race sleds. Underneath are all-new, high-tech, three-cylinder engines with triple exhaust pipes tuned to maximize horsepower. Compact and lightweight, the 696 cc and 598 cc powerplants have new crankcases, crankshafts, cylinders, pistons and heads, providing the highest horsepower in their respective classes, and the ultimate in Yamaha performance for the '97-'98 riding season.
ELECTRONIC POWER VALVES
At the top of the "what's new" list on these triple triples is Yamaha's latest performance feature, a high-tech power valve system using technology taken from gran prix motorcycle racing. Unlike competitive exhaust valve designs activated by exhaust pressure or cylinder pressure, the Yamaha system is electronically controlled. A computer monitors engine RPM, feeding the information to a servo motor that adjusts the exhaust power valves for optimum exhaust timing and maximum horsepower across the entire powerband. The new system is also self-cleaning, preventing carbon buildup and valve sticking problems experienced with competitive systems.
The new SRX Series sleds also feature a new air management system designed to maximize performance of these top performance machines. It includes 1) an aerodynamic hood and belly pan design, 2) ducts that provide cool, fresh air to the carburetor intake, brake, mufflers, crankcase and clutch, 3) three separate cylinder heads for superior cooling, with o-ring sealing to optimize combustion chamber shape, and 4) an advanced air flow design within the crankcase that optimizes scavenging efficiency and horsepower.
The standards list on the SRX sleds is a long one. It includes new, lightweight plastic skis, new large-diameter speedometer and tach, new large-capacity heat exchangers to optimize cooling, new forged pistons to enhance performance and new plastic suspension wheels that are lightweight and efficient.
Both sleds also feature a 41-inch ski stance, the ProAction Plus SX® long-travel rear suspension with aluminum-body KYB gas shocks and 8 inches of travel, plus the advanced trailing-arm front suspension featuring aluminum-body KYB gas shocks and adjustable spring preload.
The SRX 700 (and all 1998 models with 700 cc engines) have liquid-heated carburetors to maintain throttle response and fuel economy. The SRX 700 and SRX 600 come with Yamaha's industry-exclusive 3-year warranty (1-year factory limited warranty and 2 years of Yamaha Extended Service).
TRAIL PERFORMANCE
The Vmax 700 SX and Vmax 600 SX return in '98 in Yamaha's Trail Performance category. These sleds are designed for aggressive riders who want a premium, lightweight performance machine that delivers outstanding power and handling on the trail.
Both models had exceptional premier seasons. Team Yamaha rode the Vmax 600 SX to success in snocross competition, piloted by veteran racers Christ Vincent and Jesse Strege. Its big brother, the '97 Vmax 700 SX, was the Eagle River World Champion in Pro Open snocross, received several industry awards and was Yamaha's best selling model. Its superior power-to-weight and advanced trailing arm independent front suspension caught the attention of trail riders across the country.
The 700 SX is powered by Yamaha's lightweight three-cylinder 698 cc engine, while the 600 SX features a 598 cc liquid-cooled twin. Both powerplants have case reed induction, triple exhaust ports and flat-slide carburetors and are tucked low in the Yamaha ProAction System chassis, a design that's light in weight, yet strong and rugged, with up to twice the torsional rigidity of competitive designs.
The 700 SX and 600 SX feature a tuned, single exhaust pipe to maximize power while minimizing overall sled weight. They also have Yamaha's long-travel suspensions. On the front is the company's advanced trailing-arm independent front suspension with aluminum body KYB gas shocks. At the rear is the ProAction Plus SX rear suspension, also with aluminum-body KYB gas shocks, plus adjustable spring preload and 8 inches of travel for a low center of gravity and superior handling.
Rounding out the two SX models are a 41-inch ski stance, low profile windshield and racing seat pads, wrapped once again in the popular Heat Red paint scheme with new graphics. Both SX snowmobiles include a 3-year warranty (1-year factory limited warranty plus 2 years of Yamaha Extended Service).
TRAIL COMFORT
In recent years, riders quickly gravitated toward new long-travel suspensions for their superior comfort and handling over rough terrain. Yamaha has led the way with its ProAction Plus X longtravel system, consistently rated by the snowmobile press as the best, most comfortable rear suspension in the industry.
For 1998, Yamaha has six models in its Trail Comfort category. These sleds offer riders a choice of three engine sizes 500, 600 or 700 and two long-travel setups. The Vmax 600 XTC, Vmax 500 XTC and all-new Vmax 700 XTC all feature the premium ProAction Plus X rear suspension, complete with aluminum-body KYB gas shocks, 1 1.5 inches of true, useable travel and bearings and bushings at key pivot points.
Value-conscious riders will appreciate the new Vmax 700 XT, as well as the returning Vmax 600 XT and Vmax 500 XT. These sleds have the same chassis, engines and brakes as their respective XTC versions. The only differences are in the front and rear suspensions. The XT models feature the ProAction Plus rear suspension, a modified long-travel setup with the same amount of travel--l 1.5 inches--with slightly different equipment and a price tag hundreds less.
All Vmax XTC and Vmax XT sleds have a 42-inch ski stance, advanced independent front suspension with 9 inches of travel, ventilated hydraulic brake and a 12 gallon fuel tank. Like all 1998 liquid-cooled Yamaha snowmobiles, the XTC and XT models include the industry's only 3-year warranty (1-year factory limited warranty plus 2 years of Yamaha Extended Service).
TRAIL LUXURY
Yamaha watches market trends closely. One current trend, say Yamaha officials, shows many 600 riders moving up to the 700 class, making it the fastest-growing segment in the sport. Another is the move by more and more riders to trail sleds with all the extras. "There is a growing trend of customers looking for comfort and convenience features on their single-seat trail machines.
Snowmobiling is a fun sport for everyone, and the addition of key features such as electric start, reverse, mirrors and a tall windshield increases the enjoyment," says Marier. "The trend started in the 500 class, but we believe the appeal will expand into the 600 and 700 classes as well, " adds Marier.
Leading the trend, Yamaha is introducing three models in its new Trail Luxury category: the Vmax XTC 700 Deluxe, Vmax 600 XTC Deluxe and Vmax 500 XTC Deluxe. All three sleds have factory installed electric start, reverse, dual mirrors and a tall windshield.
The factory-installed bells and whistles are just the beginning of Yamaha's new trail luxury sleds. On these models, Deluxe also means industry-leading comfort out on the trail, provided by the ProAction System chassis. Introduced last year and used on all liquid-cooled Yamaha snowmobiles, it is the first chassis designed specifically for long-travel front and rear suspensions. The frame itself is an all aluminum design, so it's light in weight, yet its unique engineering gives it up to twice the torsional rigidity of competitive frame designs.
All the XTC Deluxe sleds feature the superior ProAction Plus X long-travel rear suspension with 11.5 inches of travel, and Yamaha's advanced trailing-arm independent front suspension with 9 inches of bump-absorbing travel.
As for power, Yamaha has given riders plenty to choose from. The Vmax 700 XTC Deluxe features the three-cylinder, 698 cc liquid cooled engine with case reed induction and a single exhaust pipe to maximize power while minimizing overall sled weight. The Vmax 600 XTC Deluxe uses a 598 cc liquid-cooled twin, and the Vmax 500 XTC Deluxe has a 494 cc liquid-cooled twin.
Other Deluxe features include an advanced hydraulic brake with ventilated rotor, 42-inch ski stance, 12 gal. fuel tank and adjustable hand and thumb warmers. The Vmax 700, 600 and 500 XTC Deluxe sleds are painted Metallic Purple, and include a 3-year warranty from Yamaha (1 -year factory limited warranty plus 2 years of Yamaha Extended Service).
TOURING
Riders in search of a two-up touring adventure on a sled with state-of-the-art comfort, handling and power should look to the Yamaha Venture series. For 1998, Yamaha has four Venture models to choose from in its Touring category, including the all-new Venture 700™, with plenty of horsepower to take touring couples and their gear anywhere they want to go.
With the introduction of the Venture 700, Yamaha "triples" the luxury of its popular Venture, offering the touring enthusiasts more power than ever. The three-cylinder 698 cc powerplant has the best power to weight on the tour. It sits low in the lightweight yet rigid ProAction System chassis, creating outstanding balance and handling. It also features three TM33 flat-slide carbs to provide incredible throttle response and a single, high-flow exhaust system with large volume Y-pipe to keep overall weight as low as possible while maximizing power output.
Like the Venture 700, the Venture 600 and Venture 500 are painted in a stunning new Metallic Green. All three liquid-cooled Ventures come standard with a long list of comfort features:
THE VALUE OF A VENTURE
Yamaha also has an entry level touring machine called the Venture TR Electric. It features a strong and proven 485 cc fan-cooled twincylinder engine with electric start, plus a 136-inch full-block track for extra comfort on the trail. The independent front suspension is Yamaha's TSS version with 6.0 inches of travel for excellent handling and a comfortable ride on packed snow.
The Venture TR Electric can be used for both two-up touring as well as a variety of outdoor winter chores. It features easy-shifting reverse gear, plush two-passenger seat, backrest, high windshield, luggage rack and heavy-duty tow hitch.
MOUNTAIN
Yamaha's Mountain sled category has something new in store for top-performance mountain riders. It's called the Mountain SRX 70O™ and, judging by the high-tech powerplant Yamaha engineers tucked inside, this sled is destined for the top.
The new Mountain SRX 700 uses the same engine as the top performance SRX 700, a compact, high-output three-cylinder 696 cc powerplant with triple tuned exhaust pipes, case reed induction and Yamaha's new electronic power valve system.
Also found on the Mountain SRX 700 are a newly shaped hood and belly pan, lightweight plastic skis and large-diameter speedometer and tachometer. This new mountain climber features a 136-inch Mountain Master Track with 1.5-inch high profile, wrapped around the ProAction Plus X long-travel rear suspension with aluminum-body gas shocks and 1 1.5 inches of travel. For extra chassis clearance in extremely deep snow, it has a two-position rear suspension bracket. Advanced hydraulic brake and Yamaha's exclusive adjustable hand and thumb warmers are standard.
Right behind the new SRX 700 are the Mountain Max 70O™ and Mountain Max 60O™, two highly popular sleds introduced last season. The Mountain Max 700 features the compact, high-output three cylinder 698 cc engine with tuned single exhaust pipe, while the Mountain Max 600 is powered by Yamaha's proven 598 cc twincylinder engine and features the SMART Carb system that automatically adjusts fuel flow to optimum settings for changes in air temperature and elevation.
For '98, both of these mountain models feature new plastic skis that are light in weight and enhance sidehilling, a narrow 38.6-inch ski stance preferred by many mountain riders, plus the ProAction Plus rear suspension with 11.5 inches of travel. The Mountain Max 700 and Mountain Max 600 come with a 3-year warranty (1-year factory limited warranty, 2 years of Yamaha Extended Service).
Anyone looking for a super-lightweight mountain sled should throw a leg over the Phazer Mountain Lite. This proven deep-snow machine goes just about anywhere, thanks to its lightweight design, powerful 485 cc twin-cylinder engine and 136-inch Mountain Master Track.
SPORT
The Phazer is still regarded as one of the milestones in snowmobiling. It revolutionized the sport with its unique, lightweight design and easy handling, and continues to provide excellent riding characteristics.
For 1998, the Phazer SS Electric and Phazer SS return in Yamaha's Sport category. Both feature the 485 cc fan-cooled twincylinder engine, consistently proven as one of the industry's most rugged and reliable powerplants. The Phazer SS Electric includes the convenience of electric start.
Both Phazer models have a semi-block pattern track for outstanding traction on everything from light powder to hard-packed snow, plus hand and thumb warmers and that distinctive, handlebar mounted fairing that made Phazer famous.
Also in Yamaha's sport category is the rugged, lightweight Ovation LE. The perfect entry-level snowmobile, it features a reliable 337 cc twin-cylinder engine, two-stage Telescopic Strut independent front suspension for smooth handling, electric start, speedometer, odometer, fuel and oil gauges, a tall windshield and hand and thumb warmers.
WORK
To many people, the VK540 II and Bravo LT are the hardest working sleds in the industry. These machines make up Yamaha's Work category, and are extremely popular in places where snow depths are the greatest and the work never stops.
The big, powerful VK540 II has what it takes to tackle any tough winter job. Year after year, workers use it to bust race trails across Alaska, move snow-making equipment at ski resorts, haul logs to the cabin and many other tasks. It features a rugged, high-torque 540 cc fan-cooled twin-cylinder engine, complete with Yamaha's wide-belt YXRC variable-ratio clutch with high and low range, plus reverse.
The VK540 II uses an Ultra-Block design that's 20 inches wide and 156 inches long for the ultimate traction in deep snow. Other hard-working features include electric start, hand and thumb warmers, articulating slide-rail rear suspension, two-passenger seat, backrest, heavy-duty tow hitch, roomy luggage rack, underseat storage and a tall windshield.
As for the Bravo LT, trappers, linemen and others who are looking for a lightweight workhorse know they can count on this rugged, reliable machine to get the job done. The Bravo LT features a reliable, fan-cooled 250 cc single-cylinder engine, dependable C.D. ignition, 136-inch track, tall windshield, big luggage rack and a tow hitch.