2000 deep powder shootout
Amsnow
Yamaha 700 Mountain Max:
This snowmobile tickled the hard and crusty non-Yamaha loyalists.
As triple-cylinder king Polaris moves from such a power mill to twins,Yamaha switches from twins to triples for its premium sleds - the 600and 700.
What did our drivers have to say about the motor? Starting with Yamaha mechanic, Cory Williams, he said engine torque was very good, especially for a triple. He added that with other manufacturers staying with twins for mountain sleds, Yamaha has compiled twin-cylinder torque in a triple package. However, Cory hoped the 700 triple would fire out 125-130 horsepower rather than its century mark plus a few teens.
Clark said the Yamaha motor is "very impressive."
Cutright said, "The 'Max runs well at all RPM ranges. Starts well,runs smooth."
Chief Cat and Yamaha tech, Ron Williams echoed all the comments, but said clutching seemed to flatten on top and not stretch out to find a good top speed.
The refined suspension under the Japanese-built sled impressed all. Wescott said, "it was the smoothest riding [mountain] sled I've ridden yet."He conceded that no changes to the suspension were needed. To cover the teenager market, J. Allred said, "Softest and smoothest suspension out there. Corners good."
Chad Williams said the suspensions were the best of all the sleds.
Hillclimbing aspects were different though. Independent K. Allred said the tunnel needed more taper for deep powder running. He also said the skis needed more aggressive bite. Chad Williams concurred.
Most suspension changes, rather advice, came from Cory Williams who said "the suspension, overall, needs high-pressure gas shocks. The front-end needs sway bars with an engineered quick disconnect."
Every driver criticized the absence of a mountain grab bar. This is addressed for the 2000 models.
The running board had its share of negative voices, among the comments were: "Too slick." "Needs foot traction ware." "Holds too much snow near the front foot rests."
K. Allred said the cockpit had a natural feel to it. Wescott said the Black Max was comfortable to ride and its instrumentation easy to read.
Seat comfort rated high, though complaints existed that the material becomes excessively slick when wet or covered with snow.
Workmanship. Well, Yamaha's quality-minded engineers shine here.