new to TH's and looking for advice on SxS

micahmiles wrote:

RedRocket204 wrote:

micahmiles wrote:
Not only is Yamaha not in the game, they can't even find the ballpark. They "think" this is a sport unit, per there billing. R-spec? its so weak they are ashamed to even list the power rating.

I've owned and loved Yamaha products, but this SXS is a joke. I'm sure it will work well around a farm or putting along on a trail, but they should not bill it as a performance machine.

Meh on your comments. Without it even being available just yet, not sure how you can put it down without knowing much about it. Sure, its not a 1000cc PoPo or CanAm and it doesn't have the fancy plastics but it will probably do OK in the recreational segment.

I had initial shell shock at first but understand they are supposed to be coming out with a new model per year for the next few years. And, if they don't come out with something V-twin to compete in the 1000cc market, they are truly missing the boat.

Remember, Yamaha likes to maintain their reliability reputation so it seems risk is not at the top of their priority. I do hope they end up coming out with something full sport but can't agree with your comments in the quote.

Not looking for anyone to agree, but everybody that follows the industry knows this machine doesn't even put them on a level playing field with a 3 year old Polaris Ranger or Can am Commander. Facts are facts, compare the front and rear suspension travel, compare the ground clearance, compare the engine size and power, compare the aftermarket and accessories.

Reliability is not the issue, the Japanese don't have the balls to produce anything exciting in the SXS market because they still have fear from the three wheeler days (lawsuits, gov. regulation, etc...). They easily have the ability to build a great machine, but won't. Kawasaki builds a new street bike that will exceed 200mph stock with over 200hp, but their sportiest SXS, like Yamaha's, is a farm machine. Oddly enough John Deere builds a sportier SXS than any Japanese company. The lack of Japanese competition is very disappointing for us consumers and even more disappointing for the dealers.

There is a lot of truth in that. I was a dedicated, almost rabid Honda ATV owner. I waited for years for Honda to build a SXS. I gave up and bought a RZR. Honda just released their 50" SXS. They should be ashamed of themselves. After 6 years of sitting on the side lines they come to market with a 475CC engine, manual tranny (when they have excellent auto trannys sitting on the shelf), 5.9 inches of wheel travel and 38 mph max speed, and it still weighs 1000 pounds. Absolutely not competitive with anything on the market. The only people buying them are Honda owners and there are a lot fewer of those then there used to be.