Opinions on the Venom

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SRVFreak

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Jan 20, 2005
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Hello, brand new to the board, but a veteran of Yamaha sleds for 25 years. I just bought a leftover 04 Venom last week. I've only put 28 miles on it, but leaving for the UP of Michigan in a couple of days. The sled seems to perform much better than what I've heard from other brand owners and magazines. I'm fairly impressed. Seems to be an all around good sled and should be extremely reliable, as all of my sleds have been. What are some of your opinions about the Venom? Thanks.
 
Hi,
I also have a 2004 Venom, I bought it the beginning of last March. I have found this machine to be a very reliable 'trail' sled. I wouldn't use it for jumps or ditch banging, since the rear suspension is stiff and not much rear travel. But if you wanted a very reliable 2-stroke trail sled, then you got the right sled. As an added bonus it's a triple cylinder, so it's easier on gas (but heavier than other 2-strokes since it has an extra cylinder). The engine is bullet-proof, so you shouldn't have any problems with the engine.

For me, I just like riding around, seeing the sights, doing a bit of ice fishing, and a burst of speed every now and then when I'm on a lake, ...and this sled is perfect for that. I had it doing 100mph (160km/h) on a lake (on a stock Venom - no mods done), but I think that was the maximum I could get out of my Venom. I also went and got the Seat Jack for it, so my wife can come along when she wants to go out in the cold (which is usually once a month, that's why I didn't get a touring sled).

If you have any questions, you can PM me anytime. I'm usually on the forum at least once a day.

Roger.
 
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Roger, thanks for the reply. I pretty much share your opinions. Since 90% of my riding is trails and touring, I think I have a pretty good sled. Although, I'm wondering if you made a typo when you said that your Venom maxed out at 60mph, because mine easily climbed through the 80's up to the low 90's. I didn't hold it there long because it is so new.

I was going to take a year off from sledding, but a trip got planned and my dealer had this great deal on the Venom, so I bought it. I think I will eventually consider a 4 stroke for my next sled.

Bryan
 
my wife had a sxr 600, basically same as a venom... it was a great sled many trouble free miles. it was a good performer, and yours has the same engine so be ready for many miles without shop visits...

you will be happy with the venom. however, i got wife a vector this year, and wow, what a sled.... next time upgrade to the four stroker...
 
I love my '02 SX600R, shocks were recently set-up by Maxximum Performance. Sled rides much better now, 50mph along "bump city" Old U.S. 27 out of Gaylord, MI is not a problem. 6,700 plus miles, only fouled one plug in that time, replaced the water pump seals this year, wear bars and hyfax when needed, new belt last year. Keeping it stock and reliable, I'll have this sled for a while longer, there has not been a sled built in the last few years that I'd rather have then my SXR, not interested in 4 strokes sleds either.
 
My Wife has a 00' SXr 600 (same motor) with 5K miles on it and not a single incident. Runs like a champ, always starts within 5 pulls! My Father in law has an 04' Venom and loves it...1500 miles so far, always runs great and he's happy with the suspension. Both sleds are the epidemy of Yamaha, as are very solid and provide peace of mind and let you just enjoy riding...Not to mention my wife's new 05' Vector ER...one bad machine...keep an eye open for future write-ups on this one.
 
You'll enjoy that sled for sure. We just got snow here last week and I've been enjoying it every evening so far. It's also good on gas, ...my friend has a 2004 Polaris Indy 500 and we went on a trip last March and he had less than half a tank left and I had over half a tank left at the end of our trip.

Roger.
 
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Roger, I think the Vector series is reasonably priced. I'm just gonna wait to see how my Dad likes his Warrior and also test it out myself. The biggest reason why I bought a sled this year was the good deal I got on the leftover Venom. But also, its a great way to spend time with Dad. If you all are interested, I'll post a full report of my trip to Munising, MI when I get back to my my office, probably around Feb. 7th. Thanks for all of the replies. I was pretty sure that I had bought myself the typically great Yamaha sled.
 
Knotty Woodworker said:
I agree, ...me too. Hopefully in a few years the price won't be as high as they are now, ...hopefully.

Roger.
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If you think about it, the new 4-strokes are a great value.
The RS Vector retails for $7950, the SX Viper retailed for about $8200. You are getting all of the RX-1 features (except the Monoshock RA) and you are getting an all new engine (that does everything the 700 would do and burns less gas in the process) for less money. You cant complain about that. Also, when you consider that F6s and REV 600 H.O.s are at least $500 more expensive and over a 10 year span will probably spend more time broke-down than will the Vector, you are getting huge value!
Anyways, about the Venom, great trail sled. I would have liked for Yamaha to have put powervalves on this sled, becaue it really gets a bad rap for being underpowered. However, its a sold, reliable trail sled. Its not a ditchbanger, its not a lake racer and its not a sno-x sled. Thats not what its designed for. Its a trail sled. Now, you could spend a little money on the suspension and make it one kick-butt trail sled, but the Venom is all about bang for the buck. Try to buy ANY other 600 (and even some 500s) for $5700 and you wont find much.
All in all, a great little sled. Slap a set of triple pipes on these sled and its time to going hunting for some F6!, "here kitty, kitty!" :yam:
Hebi
 
Haha....I will resist the temptation to do any mods on it this year, but maybe next season....who knows? I've never been a big fan of mods. I have a stellar track record when it comes to reliable sleds. EVERYONE in my group has blown up at least once in the last 15 years....Cats mostly. Wrenching is NOT what I want to do while on vacation.
 
SRVFreak said:
Wrenching is NOT what I want to do while on vacation.
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I hear that! Last winter I rode a '90 Phazer II and didnt have to replace or even so much as adjust ANYTHING! It always started on the 2nd pull and never gave me any trouble.
I WISH I could say the same about the Polaris I own now. Dont get me wrong, its a very nice sled but its aggivated me at times. When I first bought it, the sled ran like total garbage and would not idle when cold and when warm would want to idle at 3000 rpm. It would idle so high that it would almost engage the clutches which caused it to creep. I turned the fuel screw out 1/2 turn and now it runs MUCH better! I replaced the primary clutch spring because the one that was in it engaged so hard that it felt like you were dumping the clutch on a manual tranny. I also had to play with the suspension. I replaced the stiff springs it came with and put in the standard ones. I also had to adjust the preload on the front shocks because it was set with so much preload that the sled would lift the inside ski on almost every corner.
This past weekend I had to replace the bellows in one of the exhaust valves. It had a 1/2" long slit in it that caused it to constantly blow oil out. Im also pretty sure that the valve wasnt opening partly because it is forced open by exhaust pressure (with a punctured bellows it wasnt able to build pressure) and also becaue the valve was so gummed up that I had to pull at it with all my strength to get it out. Also, one of the ports in the valve was plugged. I cleaned the valve and replaced the bellows ($34 for a little rubber part) and now it runs better and seems to have more power on the bottom.
I like the EDGE, but I will be glad when I can afford to trade it in for another Yammie! :yam:
Hebi
 
First off, if anybody paid 8200 for their viper, they got ripped off, even the MSRP wasn't that high. Second, powervalves on the 4 stroke? Why would they do that? 4 strokes have exhaust valves, they dont need another set of variable exhaust valves, not sure what you had in mind there. Third, triple pipes? It seems like you think these 4 strokes respond the same as two strokes, like pipes would add 30 h.p. or something. Not sure where this information is coming from...
 
i think they were referring to triple pipes on the old 600 2stroker...

and anyone that doubts the performance of the vector, hit me with pvt, i will give u in depth comparrisons and my opinion. the vector is way ahead of the game... not only does it cost less then the competitors 600 class sleds, it uses half the gas... figure out that cost savings over the life of the sled, not to mention the savings in two stroke oil.... i was always a nay sayer of the 4stroke snowmobile, until i rode my wifes....

but not to knock the old reliable 600, i loved it, and it will be a great sled for many years to come.
 
i to own an 04 venom and love it, i also own a 98 srx 700 so if i really wanna play i get the 7 out but the venom in my oppinion is an all around super sled. you wont be dissapointed. i have always been a polaris(freak) but last year i bought the venom and that by far has been my favorite sled. sold my xcr600 this year and bought another super product the srx and love that to. I have the best of both worlds. Just my 2 cents. you will enjoy.
 
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