1997 yamaha ventures

 In the fall of 1990, Yamaha introduced a sled so remarkable in its technology
and vision, we named it the American Snowmobiler 1991 Snowmobile of the
Year: the Venture XL. Noted for its innovation, the '91 Venture XL featured
such forward-thinking gadgetry as passenger hand warmers and a reverse beep warning. As a spin-off from the popular Phazer, the Venture's performance
and styling was top of the line. It was a high-end machine to the nth degree.

Six seasons later, it's the '97 model year and the Venture XL is still on the market, along with its close cousin, the Venture TR. Both the XL and TR are now aimed at price-conscious snowmobilers who want to have a good time with the family, or maybe have an extra sled on hand.

Powered by the same rugged and dependable 485cc fan-cooled twin as the Phazer, you'll find the pickup on these two-up touring machines to be adequate
for trail cruising. Twin B38-32 Mikuni butterfly valve carbs send a judicious
blend of fuel/air to the motor- not too much, but enough to get a move on.
Consequently, fuel economy is above average, and the throttle pull is easy.

However, these Ventures are sleds in the midst of a mid-life crisis. While they sport the Telescopic Strut (TSS) front suspension, made popular during the '80s by the Phazer, they also feature the "very '90s" YXR clutch, hood lines and graphics that mimic the high-end Venture 600. We found the 6-inch travel of the Ventures XL and TR to be decent. The TSS is still good, solid technology, no denying it. But it is no longer top of the line. The hydraulic shock takes the blow, but nitrogen gas shocks would provide a much smoother and consistent ride.

The modified ProAction Link rear suspension is also the same on these two machines, but with differing amounts of travel. The XL features a 121-inch
track and offers 7.6 inches of travel. The TR has a larger, 136-inch track and has a slightly longer suspension cushion at 7.8 inches. To understand the difference between the two suspensions, picture riding on a school bus either over the wheel well or in the back seat.

The TR's longer track is like riding over the wheel well; the passenger is positioned in front of the rear axle, and right over the suspension's rear-most connecting point. The XL places the passenger behind the connecting point, and right over the axle, resulting in a catapult effect when it encounters larger bumps. And while this may be a hoot for the driver, your passenger may be a bit
miffed. Overall, though, the Modified ProAction Link rear suspension is a good buy for the money, and will absorb the smaller ripples in the trail.

As for stopping power, we thought the mechanical disc brake worked well for lighter loads, and should prove adequate in an emergency with two larger riders and their gear. But it lacks the smoothness and relative ease of the newer vented-rotor hydraulic systems.

Yamaha has placed its emphasis on rider comfort and satisfaction. The electric start on the XL fires up on the first try. The Venture's standard windshield is nice and tall, offering great protection to both driver and passenger from the wind, snow and ice. That's the kind of consideration we like in a cruiser. The handlebars are nicely positioned for comfortable touring, as are the footrests. The seat is typical Yamaha comfy-not too wide and plenty plush. The backrest for the passenger is not adjustable, but fixed at a nice height to accommodate a wide range of passengers.

Thanks to its longer track setup, the Venture TR has enough room to stash gear for an overnight camp-out, or enough firewood for a quiet evening for two at the cabin.

On the whole, we still like the Venture XL and TR. Their components are still rock-solid, and they are an excellent buy for the money. But in the face of long-travel plush suspensions, and triple-cylindered liquid-cooled powerplants in touring class sleds, it is hard to get too enthusiastic, especially when they have not been revamped in the off-season. But for the snowmobiler who already has one sled, and is looking for another one for family trips, or for a guest, Yamaha's Venture XL and TR should be on your list.

1997 Yamaha Venture

Overall Height: 47.4 inches
XL Overall Length: 104.9 inches
TR Overall Length: 113.2 inches
Ski Stance: 36.2 inches
Engine: Yamaha 485cc fan-cooled twin, reed valve
Exhaust: Single pipe
Clutch:
Drive: Three swing arm
 Driven: Torque sensing
Suspension Travel:
 Front: TSS, hydraulic shocks; 6 inches
 Rear: Modified ProAction Link, hydraulic shocks, XL: 7.6 inches TR:
7.8 inches
Fuel Capacity: 8.2 gallons
Key Features: Self-adjusting mechanical disc brake, reverse, speedo, trip meter, fuel and oil gauge, hand and thumb warmers, tall wind shield. XL: electric start, tach, 15 by 121-in. track, odometer, passenger hand warmers.
TR:15 by 136-in. track, heavy duty hitch.
Retail Price:
XL: $5,799
  TR: $5,499