Yamaha VK

I rode a 2008 VK all last winter and into the 2009 season. It is a heavy sled but I have found a true dual purpose machine.



We have a remote camp so deep snow for 6 miles is a standard condition. I also seem to haul in WAY more gear and food than we need (thanks Honey) so a large cargo sled is ...usually behind the VK. I had two other wide track Polaris LX sleds and the VK is twice the machine. The 120 hp is incredible in a utility sled. Power is never an issue and the floatation is perfect for deep snow travel. It can get stuck, like any sled, and getting unstuck can be a chore. It weighs well over 800 lbs with fuel & gear.

We also groom about 10 miles of logging roads so the low-range gearing gets a workout. The VK is probably the best grooming machine available.

Once on the groomed ITS trails, the VK is comfortable and warm to ride. Now for the best part...it will cruise at 70 mph and the top end is 90+ mph. When on groomed trails, I can expect 18mpg.

I did install 144 picks, dual carbides to reduce darting and I also put on the optional 11" wide Yamaha ski skins available from Yamaha Canada. This keeps the front up in deep powder.

This is my machine of choice to ride in any conditions. I have about 1500 miles on the sled so far without issues

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I, too, am disappointed

I sympathize with Shannon. I purchased a new 2008 VK Professional. I use it gently, having had a wealth of experience with snowmobiles. This was to be the best of the best. Not so. It has a very poor ignition system which cannot tolerate a wet spark plug. If you choke the thing too much, you m...ust change the plugs. Even if you don't choke it too much, often the plugs get wet and you must change them. My machine has less than 1000kms and I have gone through 5 sets of very expensive plugs. This winter, I tried to start the thing (it resides in a shop when I am not using it) and it wouldn't go. I had to change the plugs. The suspension, also, is not good. Last spring, the two capscrews that hold the front of the suspension system to the chassis unscrewed and the whole suspension collapsed. I had to drive it that way for 10 kms to my truck, during which time some of the involute lugs got chewed up. The dealer fixed the suspension, but would not replace the track. After much communication with Yamaha, I managed to get a new track but had to pay for the replacement labor. I should add that I have the extended 3-year warranty on the machine which should still be good. All in all, I am not very pleased with this machine.
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I am not a Yamaha

I bought a 2008 RS Viking new. I am satisfied with the power and the flotation. I have almost 9000km on mine as of Apr 7,2011. I am not satisfied at all with the suspension, slider assy, or the steering. We have a riding season that starts in Nov and goes till mid Apr. I use this machine for fun and... work. I have replaced the sliders every year because I have to. I feel like there is not enough slider for such a heavy machine. I have also replaced many of the bushings and one relay rod. The stearing was sloppy when I got it and it will require alot of work and parts to get it back to sloppy. Please Yamaha if your listening please beef up this workhorse. It is not a toy.
Other than that I have pulled a broken down Yamaha Bravo, an 8ft loaded sleigh, and four big people through a half mile of deep slush at 80km with no problem. I have had to cross 100 yards of open water to get home from fishing with no problem. I can also stop in four feet of powder and then go again with no problem.
Bottom line is that with a little beefing up it's an excellent sled. Read Full Review