1989 pocket rockets
Amsnow
YAMAHA EXCITER
The 569cc Exciter is the sled that coined a new definition of performance. It isn't the most powerful sled on the market. Nor is it the fastest. But through careful design and thoughtful engineering, the Exciter is a very potent trail machine. Its 569cc Yamaha twin is designed to produce gobs of torque at the low and middle power range. The YPZ primary clutch and Yamaha-built secondary are tuned to deliver maximum go-power in the mid-range. And that is not to say the Exciter doesn't have a scary top end, because it does.
The Exciter is unique in that it has a carburetor warming feature that should virtually eliminate freeze-ups. By opening a tap, you can run warm water around the carbs. For normal running, close the tap.
Regulating underhood temperatures is no longer a problem with the Exciter. The engineers have made special concessions to air flow. The hood louvers are bigger. There is also an additional cooling vent which can be opened when ambient temperatures soar - as they do during spring riding. The air box has been redesigned to take in more fresh air and the muffler has been given a new cover to better zone heat.
While you can adjust the cooling by opening or closing the fresh air vent, you won't need to adjust the new mechanical disc brake. It's a self-adjusting design with plastic cams that automatically maintain just the right amount of brake tension. It is simple and if it is as reliable as it appears to be, you'll probably see this type of brake on everyone else's machines in the next few years. This isn't the kind of thing that will make you buy an Exciter or any other sled, but it's nice to know that Yamaha is looking out for you.
Yamaha is also looking out for the durability of the Exciter. The bellypan is now thermal plastic instead of metal.
Other updates to this three-year-old design include revamped front and rear suspensions. The telescopic struts have a firmer compression setting and a softer rebound damping for a more comfortable ride. The rear suspension also benefits from revised settings. The shock compression and rebound are both softer. The spring rates have been increased for a firmer ride and a new progressive linkage has been added to actively limit ride shock.
The intent is to make the Exciter better suited for both powder riding and hardpack trail touring. The inclusion of the standard, internal stabilizer bar assures precision handling on hardpack as it balances the cornering from the outside ski to the inside ski during hard cornering maneuvers.
If you want to move up a notch in quick, quiet luxury, there is the Exciter Deluxe model with standard key start, handlebar warmers and blue trim. Other than the additional amenities, the Deluxe is every inch an Exciter.
And the Exciter is what started this new quick to please breed of fast off the mark pocket rockets.