Ya know Don, I really don't want to have a major debate with ya everytime I make a post on here. Forums are for people who wanna share ideas and opinions. Not everybody's is gonna be the same.
You can talk about how much weight is on the machine (srx) in its various parts n pieces. Maybe yamaha should have done something about it. Cat did. And evidently, all these years later, Cat was better at it or Yammi wouldn't have had to use Cat's procross chassis as a platform for their own engine.
Anybody can talk what ifs all day long. If the srx wasn't so heavy. If only it was an 800 instead of a 700. And on n on. The SRX in its day was a very good drag machine and lake racer. And still is even today. Especially considering it was 100cc's down on many of its competitors. But times change, and newer, better, lighter weight, and more powerful models prevail.
I don't know how many F7's you used to take down back then, I wasn't counting. As mentioned previously, I'm more into the recreational aspects of sledding than competion. Just really don't have the time for it. But I do know one for sure, Ricks. And not to discredit ur accomplishments but, Rick N. really did not have a clue what he was doing. His clutches were misadjusted 90% of the time. Not sure what ur record was against Cape at the time.
You seem to have already answered your own question on why the F7's are a sore subject with ya. Cat used a different formula and produced a very competitive machine. Ya can't blame them for producing a lightweight powerhouse. If one can do it the rest have to follow suit or get left in the snowdust. I believe its called survival of the fitest; or something like that. Why should a cat or any other brand have to add weight so everybody else can be competitve. Seems like the others should LOSE weight if they wanna be competitive. Either that or take another look at the rulebook. Just like the NHRA did with the V-rods in prostock competion.
Fortunatly, for many other owners of competing sleds, Cat's quality control is not up to Yammi's standards. If it was they would be even more formidable. Not just 1 outta 5; but all 5.
Sorry for the long post. And no offense intended to anyone.