hello again
Do you have any experience about 96 xt and 97 xtc? Is it tru that espesially 97 models had piston problems? and what about riding is it big difference between those two sleds, weight etc.? Öhlins dont make shocks for xt strut front suspension do any other shock make ? And last for you guys on the other side off atlantic - Sorry, my english is little bit rusty.
-ike-
Do you have any experience about 96 xt and 97 xtc? Is it tru that espesially 97 models had piston problems? and what about riding is it big difference between those two sleds, weight etc.? Öhlins dont make shocks for xt strut front suspension do any other shock make ? And last for you guys on the other side off atlantic - Sorry, my english is little bit rusty.
-ike-
I would say that there is a big difference in the ride of the two because of two compleatly different sleds, The 97 will ride and handel way better.
The piston problem was with the 97 600 twin motors.
Tod
The piston problem was with the 97 600 twin motors.
Tod
Snowextreme831
New member
Buddy had the 97 600 triple and it had piston problems before. Nice confortable sled to ride tho.
I have a 96 XT still runs like a champ IMO it is a tough sled to ride, with that said I still love the thing and have never had any issues with it. (not that I would trade my viper for it). one of the guys I ride with has a 97 600 xtc the ride is 10 times better than the 96 xt but it eats oil about 100 miles to the tank (oil tank that is) I had herd that this was an issue with the 97's and the dealer would fix it for you if you complained, but Yamaha never sent out any kind of service buliten on it. Thats what I have herd.
Just my thoughts
Just my thoughts
xtc600
New member
I still have my 97 XTC. I put 10k on it before the crank seized. All the other postings are exactly as I would describe it's performance. The oil and fuel consumption were both terrible. I also experianced the piston problem around 3k. The problem as I understood was due to the ring locating pins on the piston falling out, breaking rings and scoring the cylinder. Fortunately my failed under warranty. Yamaha never recalled the engines and others wern't as lucky. The sled does handle and take the whoops well. I'm currently looking for an engine or may part it out. The crank bearings should last forever on anything that uses that much oil. I personally would stay away from the 600 twins and go with the triples.
Thanks about all information, i like more about look of 96 max but if 97 is better to drive then i have hard decission to make. What about wiseco pistons, what about those? I have -84 srv and wiseco pistons made engine even better. Do 96 max have nicasil cylinders?
ike
ike
I've tried to get new struts for mine. Only place that had them was yamaha. It's $200 each. I think the cyl. are nicasil. Anyone else? I do like the sled but it's a bear. The only thing that I didn't like was the gas milage(6-8 ). With a bit of tinkering I was able to get it up around 10-11 which I can live with. Never had a motor problem(4000miles). Had a 88'SRV before. The 96xt was a nice improvement from that. Like the other guys said, the front of the 97+ do ride much better though. I would say if the 96 needs struts don't waste your time.
Rich
Rich
Last edited:
hey again ... poor gas milage guess how much gasoline costs here.................1.25 euro /litre - gallon is about 4,0 litres so one gallon costs about 6 usd(1euro=1.2usd), pretty expensive?
thanks .. again
totallyamaha pages are really goog
thanks .. again
totallyamaha pages are really goog
FuzzButt
New member
Just my 2 cents...
I also own a '97 VMAX 600 XTC. At 6500 miles the mag side cylinder had the top ring spin around and carve up the cylinder wall. I got a new cylinder and a set of pistons and better gaskets. Under $400 USD and I have most of a new motor. Besides the engine issue it is a good sled. I got 12-14 miles a gallon on my break-in trip out last March. Used 2/3 a quart of oil and 11 gallons of gas in 149 miles.
In '97 all the 600's were twins. The '96 500/600 cylinders were 5 port versions and the '97-99's are 7 port versions.
Good all around sled otherwise.
I also own a '97 VMAX 600 XTC. At 6500 miles the mag side cylinder had the top ring spin around and carve up the cylinder wall. I got a new cylinder and a set of pistons and better gaskets. Under $400 USD and I have most of a new motor. Besides the engine issue it is a good sled. I got 12-14 miles a gallon on my break-in trip out last March. Used 2/3 a quart of oil and 11 gallons of gas in 149 miles.
In '97 all the 600's were twins. The '96 500/600 cylinders were 5 port versions and the '97-99's are 7 port versions.
Good all around sled otherwise.
Yes, the 96 600 had nikasil plating. I put Wiseco pistons in mine and never had a problem. Also if you call bender racing up, they have a strut rebuild kit for $140 I believe. I have a friend with a 97 and that does ride worlds better, but that being said, I still love the looks of the old V-max alot. No question the newer ones are better though.
yamaholic22
Active member
Yea there was definately no 600 triple in '97
pogoyammie
New member
geeeze IKE....6 dollars a gallon??? I think I'd get a nice pair of snowshoes!!!! 
sledhead_yamaha
New member
If you part it out please let me know, I have a 1997 V-max sx, and I need some parts!!!! Does it have the origional yamaha clutch? 
Last edited: