You gotta do something while we wait for snow, right?
When we launched the Sled Talk Blog we knew we were breaking new ground and really didn’t know how it would pan out. Well it’s been nine months now and I am happy to tell you things are going quite well largely due to the respect you have shown me by keeping the comments real and staying within our ‘terms of use’. We have had the vision all along to expand blogging to other product groups, the most logical being motorcycles. Drum roll please… The Yamaha Bike Blog is now live and official.
Bike Blog differs from Sled Talk in as much as it is a ‘collaborative’ effort with many of our employees, including motorcycle product manager John Bayliss, participating.
Unlike snowmobiling, motorcycling encompasses several very distinct owner groups from cruisers to sport bikes and motocross to scooters. We will be posting a couple of times per week introducing our authors and growing our content regarding all of the above and more.
If you enjoy Sled Talk and dig motorcycles, you might want to add Bike Blog to your RSS feeds or enter your email address to get all the updates. I’ll be working on Bike Blog as well as Sled Talk to make sure your comments are directed to the right people for consideration. We’re just getting going so please take a look and give me your thoughts…
If you don’t care about bikes, sorry to hijack the blog for this announcement. I’ll get back on the ‘sled trail’ later this week
I had quite an interesting chat with Jimmy Blaze yesterday. He was in California having just put on a big show in Vegas, part of the SEMA auto show (biggest car show going!). He still chooses to use Phazer’s and when asked what, if any advantage they had over other sleds, he told me its all about the physical size and chassis layout. I asked him about the supercharger he had installed when I last saw him out in Revelstoke-”only for altitude” he replied “for anything under 4000 feet I run the stock motor”.
So whats the deal with the chassis that works so well?- “It’s more like ‘sitting on a ball‘ than a bench. I can deal with weight issues or power issues (on any sled) by installing modifications, but controlling the CG and handling (in the air) is something that needs to be designed into the chassis”
I mentioned his recent trip to Japan and what he experienced. I was taken aback by his answer (remember Jimmy has had the fortune to travel the world over) -”the most amazing place I have ever been in my life, I’d go back in an instant. ” “The Yamaha guys had a special reception for me in the communication plaza (factory museum), I was choked, I’ve never felt more appreciated. I felt a sense of pride, of being part of something much bigger”. Jimmy also had the factory tour and was impressed to the point of truly understanding what Yamaha build quality is all about. We didn’t get too deep into his Tokyo exploits but I can well imagine…
His world record for the long distance flip still stands even though there are some younger, less mortal challengers laying it down. I got the feeling Jimmy is looking to leave an new mark, by coming up with another big trick that hasn’t been done (yet) on a sled.
Funny thing, I asked if he gets any time to just ride and I kind of struck a nerve. One I can relate to. He is so busy with the show business side of sledding, he’s losing touch with the essence of the game. The one thing we all desire the most- simplyriding a snowmobile.
He’s had a run of bad luck of late which he blames mostly on not riding enough. He has suffered three serious concussions this season, the most recent in Vegas where he was performing pavement to pavement. He came unhooked from the toe holds during a flip and had to land in a ‘Superman’ position clinging only to the bars… smashed his chest protector and embedded shards of plastic into his ribs, knocking himself out. Somewhat jokingly, he mentioned he didn’t gamble at all while in Vegas for fear of using up any more of his luck.
Man I am starting to get a lot of accessories questions from some of you. I’ll try to play for now but might have to limit in the future if I can’t keep up.
Boz asked –“In the little parts pouch for the wind deflector kit it has these snap washers that the black cap covers snap onto, to cover the screw. Am I making sense so far?? Anyway, I should have gotten six of the snap washers, and I only got four!! My dealer can’t seem to help”– Well Boz, the parts guys have a baggy full and are going to set these snap buttons up as a parts number and post on our web-site. Your dealer will be able to acquire. You should have recv’d six, have your dealer follow-up with our people in a few days.
We checked with the supplier of the Nytro MTX Ultra plate (see post A Prototype and Other Stuff), they confirmed the plate will bolt onto a short track no problem but we don’t have a photo. It really is designed for improved flotation in deep snow, might look a little weird on the groomed trails and could be really interesting WFO on Kevlar Lake ‘Houston we have lift-off’.
Yellowknife asked–”Yamaha USA shows 2 different FX Nytro Windshield Bags. One is for the stock windshield (SMA-8GL21-20-00) and the other is for the accessory windshields like the medium and tall ones (SMA-8GL21-30-00) Yamaha Canada does not show the later part number. I ordered the stock one, but am putting a tall windshield on – can I/should I place the order for the later part number instead?” Well YK, our guys have contacted the vendor and should have an answer within 24 hours… I’ll get back to you.
“Yamaha USA and Yamaha Canada show different pictures for the Nytro MTX Rear Rack. Do you know which one is correct? Both have same part number (SMA-8HBRR-RA-CK)” The US picture is correct, we have updated our site, we had an older shot up prior.
“Do you know of any existing pictures using the Nytro Windshield Side Deflector Kit (SMA-8GL96-60-00)? Interested in what it looks like all together with an accessory windshield before ordering.”
Heres one of the prototypes from our dealer meeting we held last spring.
Okay, while I’m straying off-topic within my own arena. I’ll post this link to a rather disturbing news articlewhich is attempting to shed some light on the US economy and the impact on (our) currency exchange.
Finally, I have had a few inquiries regarding some model availability. We have had some minor delays getting units delivered to our regional warehouses, here in an excerpt from a dealer bulletin going out this week…
“We expect to have all 2008 EDP model snowmobiles delivered to dealers by November 23, 2007. We apologize for this delay and ensure that EDP customer’s unit delivery commitment is a priority. Please ensure that you communicate with your EDP customers that their unit is expected shortly and will be ready in time to start the 2008 snowmobile riding season.”
On that happy note, I’ll post something other than accessory stuff later this week. Still want to get an update from Jimmy Blaze and our SX race team… cheers cr
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…
Scott reminded me in a comment that I had promised to post about some proto machines and development from the past. Well- I was sifting through my desk and stumbled across a project that holds fond memories for me and some frustration. But before I get into that heres a couple of things hot off the press.
The snowmobile accessories guys have finished developing the new ‘Ultra Plates’ for the Nytro MTX. And looking at the pics, it is easy to understand the impact this will have on the sleds flotation in the deep stuff not too mention the added protection in the event of ‘contact’. The Ultra Plate works in conjunction with a new front grab-bar to offer maximum coverage. The boys are working up the pricing and dealer info as I write this. We’ll have more info up on the YMCA and YMUS web-sites in the near future.
Speaking of the MTX. The western guys always get first kick at the snow and this year’s no different. Here is a post of some first impressions and pictures from Turbo-Tim and his Nytro MTX over on SnoWest. Now I know, he’s just started his honeymoon with the virgin Nytro which may explain some of the ‘ride impressions’ but hey its nice to hear from someone who’s getting a little…time in the saddle.
The prototype I am going to tell you about came around ten years ago. I was very close to this one and was actually assigned as a ‘gaikokujin’ project leader …
In the comments on my post Yamaha Prototypes in ShowI mentioned we had an old sled in need of a good home. Well Dave T stepped up from the Antique and Classic Snowmobile Club with a posting to the membership at large. I was quite pleased to hand over the old girl to Rick I. He has approximately 40 old sleds in various states of repair (apparently with room for one more). He felt our old SL would be a perfect candidate for restoration. We were both surprised when she fired up on the second pull especially considering it hasn’t run for at least two years. Heres a pic of Rick just prior to loading it into the back of his truck (under its own steam).
The sled was originally owned by Ian Mead and spent its whole life on Crane Lake near Parry Sound ON. It served Ian well as he passed it down to his daughters to use before giving it back to Yamaha after over 30 years of service, thanks Ian what a great ending for your trusty old sled!
I received an email this morning from one of my old pals at YMUS. Tom Moats has been with Yamaha forever and is one of the nicest fellows you’ll ever meet. He works side by side with YMC engineering field staff, co ordinating much of our testing duties with the rest of the team from the MTC.
In my post ‘Careful What You Ask For’ I promised to give you some update info on the 07 sleds including the Phazer’s. This has taken some time to ‘green light’, as service issues often do.
What we refer to internally as ‘counter-measures’ come about through a series of events. In a nut-shell, we rely heavily on market-reports generated by our regional service people working with our dealers. The ‘litmus test’ is found in the warranty claims history of the various models. Our factory service people monitor all the data and work closely with engineering to first analyze the information for cause and result then take action. Seems simple enough but there are many factors involved complicating the procedure and taking up time. (more on this in another post)
We have learned over the years– rushing forward with a knee jerk solution can create bigger liabilities long term. I am thinking about the 87 Exciter and the conversion to round slide carburetors as one example (some of you might remember that one).
Counter measures generally fall into a couple of categories…
Factory Recalls: which are serious, often safety related, ‘must-do’ modifications or updates that apply to all or a specific serial number range and are filed with the federal government to whom we must show a very high percentage of completion.
Update modifications: where all units may be affected but the modification doesn’t involve safety or reliability. The decision becomes your choice whether you would like to have it performed. or not.
So here’s my caveat, most of the following information is currently being finalized before being distributed to our dealer network, not all dealers may have received bulletins yet so please don’t blind side them with pointed inquiries. We just wanted you to know some of what’s coming down the pipe.
I have had a some inquiries to update our new accessories. Terry wanted to know about the fuel caddy / soft luggage from the ‘Getting Tanked With a Buddy’ post.
Heres’ the pic’s I was given this morning. Evidently you don’t need to drill holes as they have used some existing ones to fasten the bracket.
I like the option of carrying fuel and / or gear. The bracket will add strength and rigidity to the bag. I can see one pail of gas, two pairs of socks, spare ‘gitch, toothbrush and a handful of trail maps… gid’y'up.
A couple of other last minute items are also available. New tank bags for Nytro and Apex:
And some sport luggage:
These should all be up on our Yamaha Motor Canada web-site with more details and pricing in the next few days. I also spoke with Chris at Tour Buddy and he should have his first production roto-molded tank for the Nytro this week. I’ll get some pics of that for you as well.
There is an interesting debate that has been going on inside of our planning circle for some time. The basis surrounds the different snowmobile riding conditions in each country. For example in the mid west and northeastern USA, there are lots of people riding on fewer trails than in Ontario and Quebec, where in Europe the trails seldom if ever get groomed.
The Americans tend to push for tight ‘bump sleds’ with stiff suspensions because their trails are generally rough and beaten out where the Canadians lean towards more comfort in the bumps with superior high speed handling prowess. Then the European’s take whatever we make and ramp up the springs and damping if not swapping out the shocks entirely for something stiffer again… What we see happening more and more are snowmobiles calibrated differently for each market application. Europe has had premium Ohlins on select models going right back to the Exciter days. You might recall my post on Yamaha snowmobile design ‘Twin Peaks’.
I received an interesting photo yesterday of an old acquaintance of mine who is one of the top snowmobile suspension experts at Ohlins in Sweden. He is seen here holding some of the latest technology to come out of this world leader in shock absorber technology.
We Canadians just celebrated our Thanksgiving weekend. I spent mine with my family at the cottage, boating and ATV’ing during breaks from the turkey table. All my cottage pals have the same top of mind awareness this time of year… you guessed it… snowmobiling.
We just completed the first of a trilogy of new video ads which focus on Yamaha products within the current season. This first one covers some wheels and props (but no tracks). I posted it on YouTube to share on SledTalk. An interesting suggestion arose from same. ‘Huggy B’ is thinking we should select some customers for our next shoot and show them with their own sled, bike etc. What do you think? We would probably have to limit candidates to those within a reasonable distance from our office in Toronto but then again we could consider a ‘contest’ and cover the travel expenses in for the shoot. Here’s a look at the first clip:
Anybody want to be in a Yamaha commercial? For the record, it pays in Tim-Bits and swag only! An interesting Yamaha concept vehicle has hit the net with a press release regarding the upcoming Tokyo auto show. (more…)
out. Well it’s been nine months now and I am happy to tell you things are going quite well largely due to the respect you have shown me by keeping the comments real and staying within our ‘terms of use’. We have had the vision all along to expand blogging to other product groups, the most logical being motorcycles. Drum roll please… The Yamaha Bike Blog is now live and official.
