October 30, 2007

Yamaha Snowmobiles, Don’t Phaze Me!

The OMP project, part two.

continued from “A Proto-type Yamaha and Nytro Stuff”

In 1992 we released the Vmax4 which largely overshadowed another significant new model, the Enticer II. The newest ET replaced the original long track, leaf spring version with a progressive TSS chassis and 408cc f/c engine. The sled did a lot of things well but the price gap between the Bravo 250 and ET-II increased, leaving quite a hole in our line.

We needed a work sled to sell for under six grand Canuck (in the mid to late 90’s)

The OMP concept went back to using a high tensile steel chassis (instead of more expensive aluminum). It incorporated a simple leading arm from suspension and our existing long travel Pro-Action skid. The 408cc engine in the ETII had morphed from the noisey 400 which was punched out of the original 340. And it had become a little pricey with its ‘finicky’ Tei-Kei carburetor, as first seen on the Ovation.

We planned to use the original ET340 motor with it’s Mikuni carb, breathing through an air-box which doubled as the steering gate. The idea of designing a single part to perform multiple functions was a key focus to reduce cost…

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