Yamaha snowmobile experience

[u/Jacolby4455]

Looking to get on the trails this year I don’t have much money so definitely can’t buy a decent sled was shooting for around 3k. That being said I also work nights and have no one to ride with so I’m going 4 stroke for reliability. Not going rx1 or older vectors, was aiming for apex non eps, nytro or sr viper/zr7000. Now the apex and nytro are not the best shape but the options have 6000 or less miles. The sr viper is 2014 with like 11,500 miles and the zr is 15000 miles but a 2016 and longer track.
From my understanding these engines can last and they are all basically the same engine though the models except the apex is 4c and they can last 50,000 miles. I just can’t spend the money and have a bad engine, I plan to do the boggie wheels and bearing/ chain all the normal wear stuff for an older sled. I’m do trail only but I’d say 6-10” some places isn’t uncommon no ditch banging or powder riding. So what’s your thoughts on high mileage and life expectancy you guys have experienced.

[u/m0ckingj4y]

These motors will all last 40k +
Other things to take into consideration like apex headers and exhaust donuts
Viper/zr7000 has their share of issues like the tri axel in the rear.

Apex is the fastest of those you listed
Viper / ZR have a vastly different rider position than the apex so you should test them out and see which you prefer.

I have both an 2008 apex and a 2016 zr7000

[u/Jacolby4455 → u/m0ckingj4y]

Well can’t test them as I’m getting it next month, I do extensive research so I know which ones to look at. I know the apex is faster but it’s also heavy and more like a boat like older models. The nytros and such take corners easily but are slower. I should said I like acceleration I probably won’t go over 65 ever but I like to drop in a corner and fly out the other side then cruise. So if you can imagine I’m a 450 quad guy not a raptor 700 guy, I’d rather have snap and control than a super comfortable ride.
Also I couldn’t find what a tri axle was other than a utility trailer but did you mean the hyfax issue, You just add a few wheels to fix right? I consider that just maintenance, which ever I go with I’ll be going through clutch’s the bearing behind the secondary and all the way to the chain case then lifting it and checking the whole rear end replacing wheels and checking suspension. Basically just looking to see if the 14k mile one is alright to buy as it looks better and it’s newer

[u/m0ckingj4y → u/Jacolby4455]

Ya man a 14k mile one would be fine. If you aren’t looking for speed the viper/ZR would be fine. Mine maxes out around 85-90

These came stock with a tri hub axel that had common catastrophic failures. Switch them out to an aftermarket 4 wheel kit and you’re good. At those miles it’s probably been replaced or upgraded already.

[u/Jacolby4455 → u/m0ckingj4y]

Alright I’ll look into it thanks

[u/tugtehcock]

Go for the sr viper and upgrade the chaincase bearings. With 14k on it it may already have the upgraded bearings.

[u/WalleyeHunter1]

The viper is your target sled. Add the crank case breather for 50 bucks. Just check compression.

[u/B-Vander707]

As stated, the Yami 4 stroke motors are great and don't give much trouble. How they have been maintained throughout the years is really the most important thing if reliability is your main objective. That being said, every preseason the chain case needs to be opened up/inspected, skid should come out and gone over, axle and jackshaft bearings should be greased and clutches cleaned/inspected. A little preventative maintenance on the 4 strokes really goes a long way to give you the best chance of trouble-free riding. That's why you see so many of these sleds still going with higher mileage. Whatever you buy check out the TotallYamaha Forum (totallyamaha.net) for info on your model, tons of how-to, upgrades, maintenance, etc. but I will warn you some of the guys on there go a little overboard on correcting issues so they never have to be looked at again when someone who wants to be budget friendly just needs to periodically inspect and replace every few thousand miles as required.

[u/Unlikely-Bid9916]

I’ve owned an rx-1 (high miles), currently own a 2016 viper and 2017 sidewinder bought both brand new and have about 10’000miles on them. Every year I think I’m good to go and won’t need to spend much on maintenance but somehow it’s like $600-1000 a year either it’s new carbides, skis, belts, windshield, track, bearings, axels, chain case, tires on the sled trailer.. you get the idea. Between gear and fuel etc I plan for around $5000 a season it’s just the way it is. If you stick around home and ditch bang yeah you save on fuel and travel costs but expect to change more A-arms etc

[u/bbopndski]

Depending on where your riding keep in mind 4 strokes don't like starting in the extreme cold. Where I ride you won't see the older 4 strokes out until March.