I was just reading the new Snow Tech article about the Cat/Yamaha agreement and it brought up a question or two regarding buying replacement parts.I don't know what the dealers are like elsewhere but here I know of 2 right off that sell both brands under the same roof.Now here's what I was kind of wondering,Yamaha has generally been on the high end of pricing on replacemnet OEM parts vs any of the other brands,as far as I know.Now say I buy a new Viper and at some point next winter I need an idler wheel and I go to one of these dealers that carries both brands.They have an idler wheel in a Yamaha bag and one in a AC bag,what's the chances of these being the same price?They would be the exact same part,well I'm assuming so after all the skids are the same.I mean if the Cat wheel was less expensive and the dealer wasn't willing to sell the Yamaha one at the same price which one would you buy?Kind of a no brainer really.
Another thing I was wondering,Cat had all the troubles with their reverse system and parts had been back ordered for ever it seemed.Will Yamaha make sure they have the non Yammy parts available in the event it becomes necessary to replace a chaincase or other chassis part?And the message I got from reading that article this is going to be a very limited time offer from the 2 brands.What are we talking here one model year,two? People step out and buy one of these sleds only to have it axed after a couple of seasons,not that it hasn't happened in the past.Makes you wonder.
Another thing I was wondering,Cat had all the troubles with their reverse system and parts had been back ordered for ever it seemed.Will Yamaha make sure they have the non Yammy parts available in the event it becomes necessary to replace a chaincase or other chassis part?And the message I got from reading that article this is going to be a very limited time offer from the 2 brands.What are we talking here one model year,two? People step out and buy one of these sleds only to have it axed after a couple of seasons,not that it hasn't happened in the past.Makes you wonder.
From my days at a dealership in the parts department, I would have to say that Yamaha has it together much more than the other brands with the exception of Honda as far as availability of parts. Cat, Suzuki and Polaris were the worst of the as far as availability of even current model parts. If Yamaha wants to make this collaboration work out(and ultimately take over Cat) they will take control of the supply chain of parts from their own vendors of things that aren't obvious, ie green stuff, and other cat-ish stuff.
As far as dealers refusing to sell interchangeable parts from one brand or another, I believe that's highly unlikely. They want your money, and when it comes right down to it, they want to turn their inventory. I recall times when we needed something for a cat in the shop, and ultimately just got it from Suzuki if Cat didn't have it available.
I don't doubt that Yamaha's parts will be more expensive, but I'm guessing that in the example of the idler, Yamaha will have the decent bearings, and cat will have the el cheapo chinese bearing in it just as if you bought it from Dennis Kirk.
If Yamaha doesn't want to have a bloody nose over this whole deal, they will do what they have always done and take care of the customer, and keep their reputation for quality and reliability.
I don't know man.....as much as this deal makes me sick, and everything else. It could really be a good thing for Yamaha, or blow up in their faces.
I don't want a new Viper, but if I did, I certainly wouldn't buy one the first year anyway. Not until I see how the first year goes, and we see how this whole thing pans out.
That's just me.....
As far as dealers refusing to sell interchangeable parts from one brand or another, I believe that's highly unlikely. They want your money, and when it comes right down to it, they want to turn their inventory. I recall times when we needed something for a cat in the shop, and ultimately just got it from Suzuki if Cat didn't have it available.
I don't doubt that Yamaha's parts will be more expensive, but I'm guessing that in the example of the idler, Yamaha will have the decent bearings, and cat will have the el cheapo chinese bearing in it just as if you bought it from Dennis Kirk.
If Yamaha doesn't want to have a bloody nose over this whole deal, they will do what they have always done and take care of the customer, and keep their reputation for quality and reliability.
I don't know man.....as much as this deal makes me sick, and everything else. It could really be a good thing for Yamaha, or blow up in their faces.
I don't want a new Viper, but if I did, I certainly wouldn't buy one the first year anyway. Not until I see how the first year goes, and we see how this whole thing pans out.
That's just me.....
bluemonster1
LIFE MEMBER ONLY ONCE!!!
yep should be interesting.Now Yamaha's Race team will be running the new Vipers next winter.I wander if they will strip out most of the Cat stuff and replace it.Because if the tunnels are the same as Cats 2013 ones,the Yamaha racers won't be getting to far down the race track...and if reverse kicks in just before the finish line..that would be funny to see.
I myself would not buy this first year Viper(Yamacat) alot of kinks to iron out yet..people should just invest in their older Yamahas if they have been treated right.As for me I will be long tracking my 01 SXR and probably want to make the 600 a 700,may even go further with a 760 Hauck set up.I am looking around now to get the best pricing...
I myself would not buy this first year Viper(Yamacat) alot of kinks to iron out yet..people should just invest in their older Yamahas if they have been treated right.As for me I will be long tracking my 01 SXR and probably want to make the 600 a 700,may even go further with a 760 Hauck set up.I am looking around now to get the best pricing...
I have no desire for anything other than my SXR. Certainly not some big, huge jacked up monster which is what all the newer machines I park next to look like to me. I've driven cars that are smaller.....
I would like more power, but I'm not going to sacrifice driveability, mileage, or reliability for it. I had a modded out Exciter that was a PITA and I'm not going through that again.
I wanted a good handling gas and oil in and pull the rope sort of machine and that's what I got. Only thing I plan on doing in the off season is going through the rear skid and if I get a wild hair getting the shocks revalved for my fat a$$. If I NEED more power, I may start looking for an SRX.
I would like more power, but I'm not going to sacrifice driveability, mileage, or reliability for it. I had a modded out Exciter that was a PITA and I'm not going through that again.
I wanted a good handling gas and oil in and pull the rope sort of machine and that's what I got. Only thing I plan on doing in the off season is going through the rear skid and if I get a wild hair getting the shocks revalved for my fat a$$. If I NEED more power, I may start looking for an SRX.
I don't have $14000 Canadian to shell out for a new Viper but even so I think I'd steer away from these sleds,one being that they are a first year sled and two I don't see that chassis being up to Yamahas quality and standards.I hope I'm wrong but I just don't know.
That said I have to say that that's the best an AC sled has ever looked,I really like the vivid red but the blue is really eye catching.
That said I have to say that that's the best an AC sled has ever looked,I really like the vivid red but the blue is really eye catching.
Last edited:
jabber800
New member
Blue not sure where you race but most people remove the reverse systems on race sleds. Doubt we will see any pop into reverse at the races. I'm personally anxious to try one of these! With a boosted Yammi engine and Yamaha clutches this just may be one of the best yammies ever.
bluemonster1
LIFE MEMBER ONLY ONCE!!!
except for the buckling tunnel problems,it is bad.If it is the same tunnel,and probably is..expect tunnel bucking.A gyt out here has a 2013 Cat and the tunnel has been replaced 3 times already.He has to stop very often to clean the ice and snow buildup in the tunnel or it will happen again.That said..looks like to save weight,they dropped the gauge of the tunnel as well..not good for the New Viper..Yamaha will be replacing a lot of them if it is the Cat tunnels.All Yamaha is bring to the table is their 4 stroke motor,clutch's and Yamaha emblems.Can't wait to see what Yamaha's racing team does next year at the races since they will run these Vipers.
Guy's none of us have ANYTHING to worry about. I seriously dought if any of us are buying a new 2014 sled. lol Did anyone even ride with another who had a 2013??? or even a 2012??? how about 2011 or 10???? I know I don't. Al
staggs65
Moderator
alswagg said:
haha, right on. I like Jabber actually think these will turn out to be a good sled. But if you're on this side of TY (2-stroke side) you obviosly dont ride a new sled. I dont think there's anything Yamaha could put on snow that could please the masses on this side.
bluemonster1
LIFE MEMBER ONLY ONCE!!!
remember ..it won't be a true Yamaha..it has Cat veins throughout the chassis..
staggs65 said:
Well.....they COULD.....but they wont.....
The prices for parts will definatly be differant. Shoot the parts will be differant. A few will be the same, say gaskets or basic black parts. Anything painted will be more expensive from Yamaha, but hey, you get what you pay for. lol. I wish I could bring myself to buy a new sled, but hey, I like what I ride. Al
I think the Yamaha version will be slower. Is the timing module the same?
I know the clutching is different, and I think the AC clutching is way more agressive.
I know the clutching is different, and I think the AC clutching is way more agressive.
An 800cc DI two stroke would go a long way to pleasing the masses LOL.How about bringing back the SRX name in a sled worthy of bearing those letters?staggs65 said:
As far as clutching that's easily changed and I'm sure the aftermarket will take care of any electronics mods.I doubt the Yamaha version will be that much different than the Cat one but with a little tuning any advantages should be easily erased.norwegian said:
jabber800
New member
The word I hear is the proto type is pretty quick! Side by side runs has it out running the Nytro. As far as how the Yammi will compare to the cat! I would think it will be all set up! Whatever clutching system can be most efficient will likely be the fastest. JMO though!
bluewho
Active member
Nice to see some positive feedback and not the typical bashing from guys that will never buy a new sled again.tks jabber.
.
.
horkn
New member
I'm sure to buy a new sled very soon. If next winter is as good as this one, I will probably snow check a 2015. That said, I have seen way to many issue on the procross sleds to consider one of those. I will watch the new viper and the new cats, of course to see how they compare. Hopefully both brands show up to demo at cruiserfest next year. I love the nytro, that motor is amazing.
Some of us only post on TY, but we still watch The other sites.
TY is really the best.
Some of us only post on TY, but we still watch The other sites.
TY is really the best.