I think Yamaha did a pretty good job on the '06s. There are some areas where they STILL need to improve, but the overall package looks very good.
First off, suspension. I like what they have done in giving us some of the best shocks that money can buy, but why havent they increased the travel? I mean heck, my '01 600 XC has a better suspension than even the monoshock and its a 5 year old sled! 11.5-11.8" of travel might have been fine in '99 or '00, but in '06 there is no reason why Yamaha doesnt have at least 13"-14" of rear travel. I dont see how the Nytro is going to compete being heaver and still having less suspension.
Second, the new hood design. If I understand it correctly, the hood isnt attached to the sled with hinges and cables like they were in the past. The hood is like an Indycar, in that it lifts off and disconnects from the sled competely. The sides also come off too, from what I understand. Im not sure I would like this, I think Id rathar have it hinged like a traditional snowmobile. However, Id like to see how this design works in person before I pass judgement upon it.
Also, price. Honestly, who can afford to drop $10,000 on a new sled? Thats just crazy to me to spend that much on something that you can only use a few months out of the year. If I lived in Canada or in the mountains and could ride 4 or 5 months that would be one thing, but my riding season at best is from mid December to mid March. That is waaaaaaaaay more than I could justify spending on a sled!
Im sorry guys, but to be totally honest with you, I wouldnt be buying a Yamaha if I were getting a new sled this year. I think I would probably go with a Polaris Fusion 600. I know I wont get a lot of support with this from you TYers, but I really dont care.
Ive seen the Fusion in person, and while the looks are kinda iffy on the showroom floor, these sleds look great on the snow (especially the black ones!!!). Polaris will get the bugs worked out of their fuel injection system for '06 and it will be an awsome sled. Also, the ride and handling of these sleds is amazing. The saying, "I will run out of guts and talent before it runs out of power and suspension" holds true here. The Polaris "rider select" adjustable steering is also something that you look at and say, "Yeah, why did they think of that years ago???" It allows the rider to quickly adjust the handlebar angle for their own preference. You can go from high "standup" bars to low "cruiser" bars in less than a second.
The only problem I had with the '05 Fusion was the size. I dont ride on very many lakes, so a 900 has no appeal for me. Put the smallblock 600 with VES in the Fusion chassis and thats my next sled.
Like I said, I dont expect you guys to agree with me but Im only being honest. When Yamaha catches up in terms of suspension I might be back. However, if Polaris keeps on improving their quality like they have been lately, I may not have enough reason to go back to Yamaha, mostly because of all the bad luck Ive had with their dealers.
Yes, the Monoshock is nice but you have to look at one thing: suspension travel. It only has about 11.8" where as everyone else has 13.9"-14" of travel (my '01 Polaris has 14"). The more travel you have, the softer you can set up the suspension and the better the ride will be. Yamaha has always lagged behind in the suspension department, and as I see it, they still do. From my point of view, Yamaha is trying to use fancy shocks to mask the fact that they still have inferior suspensions.
Hebi
