2018 Yamaha VK Pro II snowmobile review
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- Опубликовано: 28 ноя 2018
- Rich does an end of the year review of the 2018 Yamaha VK Pro II snowmobile
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I recently purchased a Skidoo Expedition SWT and happy with it so fare. Yamaha does a fantastic job keeping it simple and engineering the basics into a machine that others leave out. This is my first 4 stroke and I'm sold!
The 4 stroke is the only way to go for me!
Nice presentation sir! Very helpful!
love the review rich.
I got a 2017 VK540 with 2000 lbs winch on front I love my machine I'm running two lines in northern On love your show Hard Core Canuck Chow for now
Great detailed review 👍🏼
Thanks! 👍
Yamaha should set you up as a Reviewer of new utility sleds...great job Rich!
Maybe one day!
WOW thanks for all the info. Considering a new sled and researching the Scandic and the VK. I do like the location of the radiator on the Yamaha over the Ski-doo, Ski-doo has it placed right out front down low where is it accessible to punctures from small sticks and what not.. Also the way Yamaha uses the heat off of the radiator to warm under the seat is fantastic. Right now you have me sold on the Yamaha. Getting late in the year so hopefully a 2023 will be in the garage this fall. Thanks again great info not found on other reviews. Just Perfect
I have a different point of reference than many sled reviewers! LOL
@@TrappingIncTV A senior Perspective, that’s my category…..Again nice review.
Great review Rich. I have a 2020 vk pro also. Cannot complain about the power. It's amazing. The 3 cylinder genesis engine is absolutely bulletproof and reliable. I will point out a couple of negatives regarding the machine. My rear hand warmers do not work. Had it in for warranty work. They said they were good. Got back out on the trapline with my wife on the back and the handwarmers still do not work. Went back to the dealer and he admitted that those rear warmers rarely work properly. That was a huge disappointment. Second are the cheap little clips that yamaha uses to hold the front vents by the windshield. Clips just fell out. I ended up having to wire them in place. Third is the extremely noisy primary clutch. Talk to the dealership about this and he said that is normal. It's noisy but seems to work ok. Fourth is the amount of snow that comes in the engine compartment when breaking trail. I had to end up blocking the front one right off. For the other ones, I used shop vac foam filters. That way, the machine can still get air. Fifth us the shifting of the transmission. When the track is under pressure, I was almost virtually impossible to shift the transmission without shutting off the machine. The dealership ended up swimming the clutch. Seems a bit better. I hope this helps anybody who is looking at purchasing one of these. I did not want to purchase another scandik because of all the costly repairs that I had on my 2010 550 fan. I'm sure the scandik 4 strokes have their share of issues also.
Mine is a 2018 so I don't see the clips you talk about. The rear handwarmers have never been turned on so I don't know if they work or not. I've never looked under the hood when breaking trail or otherwise. It has never quit so I don't know if I get snow in there or not. The transmission shifter I just lubed the heck out of the shaft that slide back and forth and now it is smooth all the time. My biggest complaint is the weight. I wish it weighed 600 pounds. I have over 4200 km on mine now.
I like the old sleds from the 70's because they were a lot lighter. If they ever get stuck you can pick the thing up by yourself. My Dad still has his 1970 399 TNT Ski-Doo. I rode that every winter up to 1979 right before I joined the military. Oh, and the sled still looks like mint condition.
I couldn't go back, the old bod just wouldn't take the abuse. LOL!
Thanks for the review! my First and current sled Polaris RMK is not cutting it for what I want to do. I thought I wanted a Skidoo but I think you might have just changed my mind. Breaking trail and stability is very important to me. Thanks for sharing!
Breaking trail and stability is everything for me. It is enough work just making the rounds I can't be constantly on alert over getting stuck or the machine trying to kill me!
If your thinking of breaking trail by a skandic. Yamaha is front heavy. 540 not bad but 4 stroke is very poor at breaking trail.
Another thing about breaking trail think pogo front suspension instead of a-arms
Thank you great review will be buying one soon
Great machine!
There is a near new one for sale on Alberta Kijji.
That is mine. LOL!
Trapping Inc TV Series excellent review!!! Not many snow machine reviews are that detailed. Why did you sell it or were trying to sell it if it was as great as it seemed in your review?
Great review! I have been back and forth between the Skandic and VK. I like both truthfully. You mentioned you previously had a Skandic. What are your thoughts on one over other?
I still have the scandic as well as the Yamaha. The only advantage to scandic has and it's of limited importance is that weighs less
300km trap line! I have just replaced my VK 2 with a "almost" new VK 4 with just 380km on it. But it is the two stroke. Awsome machine, but think I will go 4-stroke next time.
pro trick: you can watch series on Flixzone. Been using it for watching all kinds of movies lately.
@Ezekiel Anderson Yup, have been using flixzone for since november myself :D
High and Low Power Steering , A hood that flips Open .. Uses Apex front end.. Seat heated via ducted air from Radiator ..
Yeah, it is well thought out.
I had a 2007 VK pro and after watching this video in 2019 I sold mine and bought a 2020.
I have to agree, everything you said was true, I just wanted to tell you I made an axe mount on the right side of the tunnel cause going through the Bush it is much faster access if needed.
I just laid my axe on the work bench on its left side and molded some galvanized tin across the head the same shape as the head. I did it over with rocker guard, then painted it.
Then I pop rivited it to the side of the tunnel with it open at the bottom and in such a position so when the axe is mounted it doesn't go all the way down to the running board and the back end of the handle rests on the running board to the rear.
I have been doing this with my snowmobiles since 1976 and have never had an axe fall out and when you need it...there it is.
Also the rubber plug for checking the chain oil, well i put a hole below the drain bolt for the resevoir for the motor oil on the right side and put in a similar rubber plug so now I don't have to take the right side panel off th drain the base oil on that side.
I still find it a little tippy in deep snow, don't know what to do there.
One person on here asked why buy the PRO over the 540, well just drive each of them and that will answer your question. A buddy of mine bought the 540 the same time I bought mine and after driving mine he nearly cried.
I love my VK! That is a sweet axe mount you designed. I pull the toboggan all the time everywhere so I have lots of room to carry stuff
Thanks for answering my last question. Just watching your video again. Not many in depth reviews like yours. In low gear for towing heavy loads what is the max speed???
You redline @ 50 MPH (80 kph) on hard pack.
This guy needs to be the vk advertising guy 👍👍👍
LOL!
Very good review. I am thinking of getting one of these this year. I have a question. I will be riding on ungroomed trails.. some very hilly (ATV trails in the summer) with a passenger (not towing anything). Will this sled do the job for me? I am nervous it is too big and might bog down. I am interested in your thoughts on this.
i don't know the answer to that. i have very few hills
First comment.
Does Yamaha still make the VK Proffessional? I don’t see it in there line up. My VK540 has a bunch of problems but it’s still great for making wood trail. Climbing up mountains is tough with all the snow we have this year. Might have something to do with the driver though. Still hoping you get moved to a 540 so I can get free mechanical advise from you. First thing figure out a cover for that big vent on the hood or you get steamed out and your fan gets full of sticks. I sure wish the V.K. came with power steering it is a beast to turn.
Yes they still make the Pro II. I found it under "Touring" I have no experience with the 540 and I wouldn't think of getting a 2 stroke or fan cooled. Just wouldn't work for me! LOL The power steering was surprising in how well it worked.
Power steering would be the bomb on the 540 it is like driving a moose.
I’ll have to take a look at the Yamaha site again it was not there the last time I looked. It too bad they don’t do something with the Phazer engine. In a good chassis that could make a nice machine.
I certainly loved it. I have no experience with the 540 but I know the Yamaha beat my Scandic hands down and laughing for stability and comfort.
Hi muskrat. I watched lots of your videos. I have the exact same machine you have. I too had my share of troubles at first, mainly about all the things you mentioned. About climbing mountains....it's not "the driver"...lol. Send me an email if you like. I'll explain what "the fixes" were on mine. ...signal47@hotmail.com. Keep-up the great work.
I guess you could also use that compartment under the seat for drying gloves
Yeah, it gets hot in there!
Hi Rich Great video! I am having to look at a new machine and you have opend my eyes with this video! I have a skandic 97 SWT has been a great old machine. but like me, its getting old. I was looking at going in to a Tundra but I think I would really miss the wide track. what your take on a direct comparreson with the last Skandic you had? no worries! I'm not brand loyal!! what I need is the truth.!
This was far better than the 2014 skandic, better ride and handling and the big motor had twice the power of the skidoo but was just as good on fuel.
I have a Yamaha rs venture gt... and I see you have a heated helmet.. well, when you disconnect getting on and off machine.. disconnect from machine
the wire helmet cause it will short if other way around touches metal.. a 101... I did n't know.. blew a fuse...
Great tip!
Great video review and thank you! Looks like what I need to replace my 2003 Skidoo Skandic SUV. I have several questions. 1. Would the VK pro II pull 2,800 pounds on a sled without pushing it too hard? The Skidoo laughs at 2,800 pounds. 2. Is the frame all steel? 3. How in your opinion would VK Pro II compare to the Skidoo Skandic SUV for heavy hauling in excess of 2,500 pounds? I live in Alaska where long distances and heavy loads are routine. Thanks...
I have no experience with the SUV. i'm astounded that any machine can break away and move that big weight! That is impressive, the load out weighs the machine by 4 times!. I've never pulled anything more than 500 pounds and that was no problem. The VK has a very strong frame under it.
@@TrappingIncTV Thanks for your response. In Alaska and the YT, the various Skandic models are used as freight and fuel haulers as well as used as tow trucks for automobiles. A load in excess of 2,500 pounds is not a strain for the SUV or the Skandic 24 inch track. Do you know if the VK Pro II frame is steel or aluminium? That's the deal breaker for me. The aluminum frames cannot bear up to heavy loads.
Hi Freeman. Both the VK Pro. & the VK540 have steel frames. I've got a 540 & my friend has a PRO. The Pro's very heavy, if you compare it to a Skandic 550f, or even a VK540. Personally, I like the two stroke 540 better, one of the main reason being, it has the pogo front suspension, not as stable as the pro but, it can take allot of beating on stumps & rocks, without worrying about bending the A arms. Hope this helps you somewhat.
Great reply Rock, I missed this one, thanks!
Great video! How much does it weigh? I could find it on the Yamaha website.
I don't know!! It is like all 4 strokes - heavy.
Some russian youtuber weighed one. 828lbs
Good review. I find these type of reviews more helpful compared to the "professional" channels with reviews that are more like sponsored ads. I'm in the market for a utility sled. What is the price difference between the 4 stoke and 2 stroke model? My local dealer doesn't show prices on the website.
Not nearly enough difference to make cost a reason to go with the 2 stroke!!
@@TrappingIncTV Good to know. I've only had 2 strokes when it comes to snowmobiles but for something like a utility sled, I'd rather go with a 4 stroke if the price isn't bad
@@TheGreatBeard I don't know about your dealer but mine the difference could be made up in fuel costs in my average season.
@@TrappingIncTV Yeah, I rode 1500 miles last season and spent $1500 on gas and oil for my old 2001 MXZ 800. That sled does use a lot of oil compared to most though.
@@TheGreatBeard There are pros and cons to the 4 stroke but for me the pros far outweigh the cons.
Really enjoyed your video. For you, what are some of the main points that steered you to the VK Professional vs the VK540??? Thanks For Your Time: Shawn
Liquid cooled 4 stroke engine was the big thing for me. The reliability of performance no matter the weather and the great fuel mileage are major points.
I'm not a Yamaha lover and likely won't own one, but i do wish my Skidoo would have a nice hood like that and not all those stupid panels. It's like a 3d puzzle to open things up. lol
Honest and fair review Rich!!
Thanks Adam! We all have features that are the most important to us and that is what influences our purchase. I truly didn't know the hood was one piece until after I bought it but I instantly appreciated it!
how is it in deep snow? imagine it would tough to get unstuck with the weight.
You have to pay attention for sure.
How much gasoline doea it use per mile
I think I get around 20 mpg
Hi Rich, I keep coming back to your video. On your trapline what would you average for MPG?
I pull that 10' toboggan everyday on my line. I have never measured exactly but a 100 km (62.5 miles) would be half a 5 gallon jerry tin or about 25 mpg.
What do she start like in the cold?
Good. -42 for 3 days. It fired right up.
@@TrappingIncTV thanks I got a 2016 bearcat 7000 with the same motor (1049) yamaha and any temps colder than -25 she wount start
@@ivanhamlyn I changed my oil to pure synthetic 0w - 30w but that was all I did.
wait till the 4 stroke dont start had one, 570xt bearcat or vk540 electric and pull start all i own now, my starter on 4 stroke went out im in alaska, 50 miles out , 2 stroke pull electric start nothing else, the vk pro is warmest sled and great if always riding with someone else and river freight hauling, im out alone alot
At one time I thought this way as well until I realized I can't pull start my truck either. these machines are very high quality and things like starter failures are mostly a thing of the past. I have over 25,000 miles on 4 stroke machines now and only once even had to use a boost pack on one! And that was in the summer to move the machine.
@@TrappingIncTV im getting ready to head out now on my own and run line 25 miles here in willow alaska, the best all time trapping sled ive ever had is a tundra ll R, nicest river freight hauler 2012 vk pro, best both worlds my vk 540 and my bearcat xt570 which i run now, for me i like simple machines have to many electronics these days, not a fan of the new 550f either had 4 tundras everyone issuies with engine but a awesome plat form, it engine was more reliable it would be my sled of choice for the trapline, big fan of KISS Terminology went out here in the bush of Alaska.
How much is one rich
This one listed for $16K Can
I bought a 2022 one and sold it after 1000 miles. What a giant hog. Its like buying a 1990s/2000's machine. So glad i sold it. Also so glad they discontinued it. Very outdated. Things have just gotten better.
Mine has over 5,00 miles on it and yes they are heavy. What 4 stroke isn't?
You had 3 snowmobiles in your life and your doin a review on one lol
I get asked to reviews on all the equipment we run. I never claim to be an expert I just know what I want from a machine and whether or not it meets that bar. and hey its the internet, you too can review anything you like! LOL