1999 yamaha ovation
Amsnow
When the Ovation was introduced in the late 1980s, it had the latestin Yamaha suspension theories- Telescopic Strut Suspension (TSS). And, of course, it had one of the most reliable 340cc fan-cooled motors in the business.
For 1999 it's virtually all the same. Except now, the TSS is a faded concept. The 337cc twin has undergone refinements to make it more reliable,easier to start, a bit more efficient and more rider friendly. Being friendlyis the key to this sled's survival. Because for most of its life, the Ovation,designed to compete with the likes of Cat's Jag 340 and Polaris' Indy Lites,was at a serious price disadvantage. With the U.S. dollar to the Japanese yen value ratio reversed in recent years, the entry-level Yamaha in its last seasons is finally price competitive.
It was always ride competitive from the mechanical side. While the TSS proved a hard sell to magazine know-it-alls and hard-core sports riders,this long travel front suspension system has always been quite adequatefor general trail use. It actually excels in handling straight ahead moguls.It was the inherent body roll when pushed hard in turns that sports ridersfound undesirable. On a low-powered 340 designed for moderate speeds, theTSS worked adequately in virtually all conditions.
The rear suspension has been upgraded in recent years to achieve a nice blend of smoothness and comfort that is only now falling behind Cat's reworkedrear suspension. It is equally as effective- if not in statistical measurements-as the Indy 340 rear end. But, with Yamaha's attention returning to thefan-cooled market and Phazer 500 for the current season, we won't be surprisedto see a replacement for the Ovation in the very near future.
The real heart and soul of this machine is its Yamaha-created 337cc engine.With its unique twin barrel carburetor, the Ovation assures its rider ofa light-to-the-thumb throttle action. The dual circuit carb is designedto enhance performance at higher engine revs, while balancing that performancewith fuel efficiency when the motor spins at slower speeds.
Over the years, Yamaha has enjoyed an inordinate amount of success withfan-cooled engines in this category. The original fan-cooled Exciters ofthe 1970s and Enticers of the 1980s, featured very popular 340 twins. Popularbecause they were sprightly, efficient and reliable. That's a combinationthat appeals to buyers of this under $4,000 Ovation. It maintains the traditionsof the past, with all the key technological updates. Among those updatesare electronic ignition for surefire starting, revised clutching to getas much of the Yamaha's moderate power to the track as possible.
This year's Ovation is a serious consideration for anyone looking toadd an extra sled to their three-place trailer this winter. A great startersled, the Ovation is a serious sled for anyone who enjoys taking in winter'sscenery more than watching it flash by at high speeds.
Yamaha Ovation
Overall Height: 44.9 inches
Overall Length: 100.2 inches
Weight: 390 lbs.
Ski Stance: 34.3 inches
Engine: 337 fan-cooled Yamaha twin
Exhaust: Tuned pipe
Clutch:
Drive: YPZ
Driven: YPZ
Suspension Travel:
Front: TSS, hydraulic shocks, 5.5 in.
Rear: Modified ProAction, hydraulic shocks, 7.8 in.
Fuel Capacity: 8.1 gallons
Key Features: Mechanical disc brake, electric start, hand and thumbwarmers, speedo, odometer,tach, fuel and oil gauges, parking brake
Retail Price: $3,899