Hi,
Just thought I'd throw my $.02 into the mix, as one of the few who have actually ridden the new sleds and listened to the full tech presentation from the factory guys. I think the '06 Yamaha line is about as perfect for Yamaha's goals as it gets. I'm sure there are guys who are disappointed that there isn't a sled that perfectly meets their ideal, but that's why we have the open market and the aftermarket. BUT, that'snot where Yamaha is at right now.
What they do have is one bad donkey EFI powerplant in a chassis that works very well for its intended purpose. It is lighter than the RX-1, and it is more ergonomically comfortable to ride in spite of its ornamental windscreen.
It's not often I will defend a sled maker in a forum, as it's uaually a losing proposition, but I'll stand up for the new Yamahas. I'll hit on a few of the biggies I remember from some of the esteemed members here.
There was some talk earlier on about how a new seat, new steering column angle and higher bars doesn't constitude rider forward. Ummm, if it moves the rider forward, isn't that rider forward? It's not as over the top aggressive as a Rev, but that's not what the engineereing department guys wanted. As it is, the posture on the Apex models works quite well for normal trail riding, whether they be freshly groomed or pitted out. The taller bar location isn't too tall for sitting down and the hooks are the equal of Cat's bars, which have been my personal favorite for years.
The seats are still in prototype state. The ones in the photos were actually hand-made for photography purposes, according to the Yamaha guys I met with at the intro. The seats at the dealer show were closer to production, except the trunk lid. Those were the first pieces made and were actually put on the morning of the show. It would have been nice if there was a little "Prototype" decal on them. Looks-wise, the seats are hit or miss. But I think in functionality they're pretty good. Again, I only rode some handbuilt ones, but the shape is comfortable and I would like to think the final foam will be as comfortable as Yamaha's in the past.
I agree it would have been cool to find a turbo on one of the new models, but by all accounts, the EFI project was plenty for one year in the engineering department. It apparently wasn't as simple as swapping out the carbs for injectors. Aside from the displacement, there isn't much the same from the old engine to the new one. New intake and exhaust tracks, new cylinders, new cams and timing scheme, new crank, new exhaust design, lower gear reduction ratio, eight more horses and seven fewer pounds. Let them run with this before we really push for a whizzer. Besides, Bender, Simons CPR and the rets of the turbo guys need to feed their families

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One last tidbit from my test ride is that the Nytro is one cool sled. I think it may turn some people's thinking about whether there is a place for a four stroke sled in the ditches. I was impressed with the suspension's long stroke feel. That has always been something that Yamaha lacked in my opinion. The Mono Shock sucks up the bumps, but the ProActive lets you preload the skid and have a little more fun in the junk. It's also clutched higher and geared lower for more squirtability, if that makes sense. Plus those burning skulls on the hood are wicked cool! (yeah, sometimes I can be a sucker for a bold graphic).
I forgot what else I was going to point out that people had questions or concerns about. Anyway, I think Yamaha has a killer offering for the coming season, easily the most exciting of the industry in my opinion. In a shameless plug, we'll have a full year of tech stories on all the new stuff on the Apex and Nytro models on MaxSled (sorry Tom don't want to get in trouble with the bosses).
Ok back to lurking for me. Sorry to interrupt. Don't beat me.
-wade