1997 yamaha ovation le

OK, so you've got all of that glamour and glory, power and prestige,muscle and man-power in your "other" sled. But what about the family member with a burgeoning interest in sleds? Or maybe you want the reliable, reasonably priced second sled that everyone wants for backup and personal security?

The 1997 Yamaha Ovation is a sharp looking, dependable sled in the fair-to-moderate price range. It's a convenient complement to a sledhead's modified-to-the-max performance sled.

Defined by the folks at Yamaha Motor Corporation as a "sport"sled, the Ovation comes equipped with a 337cc twin-cylinder, fan-cooled engine and a single Teikei Y26W carburetor. Reliable and reputable? We promise. A power dominator? Hardly. Yamaha never promoted the Ovation as a pace-setting sled on the professional track. Yamaha's consumer reports show that theOvation is commonly used as a second sled in a snowmobiling family. Reports also show that people from 18 to more than 60 years old rely on the Ovation.

A reliable remnant of past technology, the Ovation features Yamaha's two-stage Telescopic Strut independent front-end suspension (TSS), which provides 5.5 inches of travel. Nose travel is cushioned with hydraulic shocks.Various versions of the TSS system are also found on the Phazer and theVmax-4 800.

In the rear, the Ovation features the Modified ProAction link suspension system, hydraulic shocks and a comfortable 7.6 inches of travel. It's a far cry from the 10 and 11 inches of travel found on Yamaha's new Vmax line,but consider how much punishment a smaller or a more timid beginning rider will dish out.

The steel and aluminum combination on the chassis makes for a lightweight,yet durable sled. The Ovation weighs in at a reported dry weight of 390 pounds. The weight, combined with the Ovation's 34.3-inch ski stance, 40-inch width and 100.2-inch length, make the econo-Yamaha a stable starter sled.So maybe it wouldn't be so comfortable for a guy built like the Jolly Green Giant or a WWF champ, but the smaller ski stance and overall size provide easier handling and control for the snowmobiling novice.

From an ergonomic point-of-view, the Ovation is your average, plain Jane snowmobile. Its standard handlebar, footrest and seating positions provide the rider with a comfortable, but not extraordinarily cushy ride. Another favorite feature is the Ovation's high windshield, providing more than adequate wind protection and a quieter ride.

Finished in standard Yamaha black, the Ovation is spruced up with jagged graphics in blues, silver and red. Big deal if it's a sled that says, "Hey,I'm new to this sport," because passersby will also look twice at the fashion statement that comes from this classy, budget-priced sled.

Standard features include an 8.1-gallon fuel tank, speedometer, fueland oil gauges, electric start, hand and thumbwarmers and a parking brake.Optional equipment includes a rear-view mirror and a tachometer.

With all of the good plugs we can give about the Ovation's durability, dependability and longevity come a few not-so choice ones about finances.In comparison with other sleds in its class, including the Arctic Cat Puma,Ski-Doo Formula S and Touring E, and the Polaris Indy Lite, the Yamaha Ovation's $3,899 price tag is going to run you a minimum of $200 above the cost of the other standard, economy sleds. The average price for a sled in this category generally comes in below $3,500. But with all things consideredand compared, the Ovation has still made a reputable name for itself whenit comes to value.

So, whether you are built like the Hulkster and want the security of a reliable second sled for your family, or you were one of Santa's hardworking, youthful elves and feel you deserve a toy of your own this year,the 1997 Yamaha Ovation proves itself accommodating, not dominating.

The Ovation isn't full of this season's newest technology, but the folks at Yamaha didn't feel the need for improvement on an already well-conditioned sled. So, whether it's the security, reliability or overall value that attracts you to the Ovation this season, you can be sure that it's a machine you can count on- on cold mornings this season. And many seasons to come.

1997 Yamaha Ovation LE

Overall Height: 44.9 inches
Overall Length: 100.2 inches
Weight: 390 lbs.
Ski Stance: 34.3 inches
Engine: 337cc fan-cooled Yamaha twin
Exhaust:  Tuned pipe
Clutch:
Primary: YPZ, 3 swing arm
 Secondary: YPZ, torque sensing
Suspension Travel:
 Front: TSS, hydraulic shocks; 5.5 inches
 Rear: Modified ProAction, hydraulic shocks; 7.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 8.1 gallons
Key Features: Mechanical disc brake, electric start, hand and thumb warmers, speedo, odometer,fuel and oil gauges, parking brake. Optional: mirrors, tach
Retail Price: $3,899