Snowmobiler Television 2024 Episode 06

[@gregfleenor9654]

Agree. So many good memories on Yamaha sleds. King of the high milers. In my 25 years (Cat & Doo before that) with Yamaha sleds I recall only 1 breakdown. A jackshaft. Maybe a couple hot belts failed after consecutive 100mph runs. Many great times. I agree the gauge is subpar but before that; I’d sooner see a Cobra track option. I prefer it to the Ripsaw personally. Even though they are getting long in the tooth; still premium snowmobiles with huge fun factor.

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

It’s sad that Yamaha isn’t gonna make sleds anymore, but the modern snowmobile is out of the range of most families. With our economy and interest rates people can’t afford them anymore. I’ll stick to my vintage sleds

[@ponycarfan]

There is no sport of snowmobiling without a market for used, classic or antique sleds. There are people buying new sleds and that's important. But, it takes all of us to keep the sport going.

[@jeffsteenbakkers4435]

While it not a good look on the industry with Yamaha leaving, participation is still strong with people riding non current sleds along with vintage and classic. As a whole, snowmobiling is still a strong industry, but it’s defiantly changing. @@ponycarfan

[@shawnsmith4058]

Pray to the snow God's!!

[@ericbunkers8147]

Thanks Jeff and Crue, great show! I believe K100 is the only stabilizer that actually absorbs water and burns it, good stuff, only one I use for summer storage. I don't get ethynol, here in MN we are sucking down the aquafers faster than ever with all these ethynol plants around here.

[@jeffsteenbakkers4435]

I’ve used that stuff pretty regularly as a fuel stabilizer and to prevent ethanol problems. I still find the old rubber fuel hose vulnerable though. I’m slowly changing that stuff out. New gasoline sucks.

[@billslabich6543]

Thank you for another awesome episode from us at Northwoods Snowmobiling LLC

[@jeffsteenbakkers4435]

Thanks! I hope you are riding!

[@fx4fxnytro]

My first sled was a Yamaha sxr 600, then I got the fx nytro 40th, from there the sr viper. I enjoyed every minute on all of them, and maintenance was minimal. I will certainly miss Yamaha in the game. I wish they would have stayed in the game and brought a 2 stroke option. RIP Yammie!

[@jeffsteenbakkers4435]

Lots of fond memories of Yamaha’s time in the biz.

[@allencasal]

Unfortunately, they priced themselves right out of the market. Each year less and less people can afford a snowmobile.

[@ianedwards8553]

Love this sled. I wish it had a little taller and firmer seat, but that’s just me.

[@darrrenbetker4266]

what power supply do the communicators use and also how much canadian are they?

[@jeffsteenbakkers4435]

These helmet communication systems use an internal battery for power. They will last a typical day while listening to music and taking to others. Costs are usually around $300cdn per unit. Some companies out there offer packs with 2 or 4 comms units for better unit prices.

[@bruceklein9008]

Can you put the name of that company making the models on here.

[@jeffsteenbakkers4435]

Check out Eston’s Hobbies and Restorations on Facebook.

[@terryattewell5842]

So sad that Yamaha is getting out of the snow biz. I had a 1997 700 VMax and that triple rocked and sounded awesome.

[@TonyFinn-py3yy]

Lack of winter and price from Gas to lodging is the end. I'll buy a old Yamaha for 750 dollars. Their everywhere in Michigan

[@peterlindsay2869]

Going to be totally honest with you. This is the way it should be three different things or four different things or even two different things going on they keep more of your audience entertained. Absolutely awesome job on this episode. Keep up this good work. Except for be nice to know more about you fixing up the SRX lol. waiting for that one. Or do I need to just come get it and fix it myself lol. Best Yamaha they ever made in my opinion.

[@jeffsteenbakkers4435]

The SRX was running briefly, but died agin with a bad CDI box. It will be back along with the Skuz Z. I feel bad they are being neglected. We will also have a few more episodes out with the 4-story format. Stay tuned!

[@patauger1193]

You talk about gas/ethanol…..i used the ONLY ethanol treatment all the time…..i run 87 on my renegade 600 ACE, snowblower, dirtbike, etc…for peace of mind, STABIL 360, is supposed to be the ONLY ethanol treatment. Work great since 3 years for me. And bonus, at the end of the season, gas treatment was there for storage.

[@jeffsteenbakkers4435]

Thats not a bad method! New gas formulas are nothing like the old gas. We all need to take precautions with both new and old engines/equipment/vehicles.

[@knightmcnally6417]

Use yamalube ring-free plus for all gasoline, fights the ethanol and cleans the combustion chamber. Also acts as a stabilizer... only 10ML for 10liters of gasoline so a bottle actually lasts a while :)

[@markthompson8018]

I think Yamaha would sell alot of machines with just a gauge upgrade, i also feel most powersport owners have a good relationship with 1 brand and sales of ATV and SXS may go to other brands once the sleds are unavailable. But time will tell and it is hard to not look outside and blame them right now, but still pissed lol

[@russhfan]

The hotwheels size snowmobiles look fun.

[@joshgessinger4509]

What about some sled shootouts would love to see good old fashion battle. Get the big guns out on the lake like the turbo sleds. Man back in the day that’s what all the magazines were it was great entertainment. Just seams like shows and magazines have lost something my opinion anyway. Maybe there is a reason there isn’t any sled comparisons anymore afraid to hurt someones feelings lol!! Shootouts use to be everywhere now can hardly find a shootout anywhere. Big bump sled shootout to the fastest across the lake. Still enjoy watching STV but its not what it use to be. Idk maybe im alone feeling this way but miss the good old days before every one got a trophy ya know. Been waiting all season to hear or see the big turbo sleds battle it out. Its not just the press thats changed its everywhere. Use to go to my favorite hot spots usually lakes be guys some gales drag racing down the lake. Now these spots have sleds going down the lake but only to get to the other end. People rather run there mouths on social media there sleds the fastest the best. But get on the lake nobody to be found lol!! Idk just would love to know what the fastest sled is and opinions on suspension ride and handling. STV is still a great show just think it could be better. Watch every episode for many years now the show has definitely changed. Not busting here or criticizing anyone just saying what id love to see maybe im alone maybe im not idk. Happy trails

[@jeffsteenbakkers4435]

Your comments are exactly what we discuss behind the scenes with STV. I wish we could do more reviews and shootouts/comparisons of different models, but finding the sleds (and the snow it seems) is getting more difficult every year. The manufacturers have cut back on their press fleets and its tough to get a comparison done when you only have access to 1 or 2 sleds. I do like the idea of a top speed story. Lots of turbos and new engines out there now. I’ll try and get some of this planned for next season! Till then, thanks for watching! We will have some awesome destinations coming up in the latter half this season as well. Still hopping for snow! -Jeff

[@joshgessinger4509]

@@jeffsteenbakkers4435 Thanks for the feedback really appreciate the reply. Actually had a feeling it was something like u mentioned about shortage of sleds. I know ur old school like myself running the old triples it was a different world back then. Lol!! Understand completely now. Always a fan like I mentioned watch every episode. Ur always a class act id watch if it was just u with ur own fleet something iv been thinking about for a while now. Its just not STV everything is different now but i still and will always love the sport of snowmobiling. Thanks Jeff Happy trails

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

First snowmobile I ever rode was a 2974 Yamaha sm292F. It was 1985 and I was 6 years old. My brothers first sled. He later put a 295s John Deere motor with twin carbs and twin pipes in that sled. That was a fun snowmobile

[@ponycarfan]

I have a Delta V Carbon Commander, and have done a few videos on it. Wish I had more experience using it. It has a lot going for it, but there are compromises.

[@ryanbiscobarnes]

I see you wear glasses. What is your strategy for keeping your glasses fog free.

[@thunderroad7289]

Full face helmet with heated shield works for me since I started wearing glasses a few years ago

[@jeffsteenbakkers4435]

Contacts. It’s the only solution I’ve found that’s reliable. There are goggles that you can get that have prescription lens mounted inside. I’ve also seen folks with the newer high tech full face helmet wear glasses successfully without fogging. Good luck!

[@beer4mysled]

Great show..

[@kevinmalott9625]

Bv2s for me

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

That wheel horse is awesome

[@brucefredrickson9677]

STV, can we get the name of the last segment regarding the Facebook connection small scale Wheel Horse snowmobile?

[@jeffsteenbakkers4435]

Check out Facebook and look for Eston’s Hobbies and Restorations.

[@quikgt]

Great vid

[@Copesthetic-Aesthetic]

I think project farm shows how to separate the ethanol from the gas, and seemed fairly easy. He was testing the percentages, and engine performance differences. For non-ethanol vs ethanol. Meaning if you needed to. You could remove the ethanol yourself.

[@Copesthetic-Aesthetic]

They're stopping because it doesn't snow anymore. I live on the border of Illinois, and Wisconsin. We no longer get snow. In fact earlier this week in Wisconsin they had 2 tornadoes with temperatures in 50's in February. Used to be able to ice fish here. Yet it hasn't been thick enough for 10 years. That's why no more Yamaha snowmobiles.

[@jeffsteenbakkers4435]

Weather is not helping for sure.