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Yamaha lifts a page right out of the Polaris guide to snowmobile manufacturer's success.
Yamaha intends for its Vmax 500 to be what the Indy 500 is to Polaris: a popular selling sled with good value, low price and stone-cold reliability. It is to be a liquid-cooled Phazer for the snowmobiler who'll pay the extra 800 bucks for the enhanced performance of the liquid-cooled Yamaha twin.
As a bang for the buck product, the Vmax 500 delivers. You should expect about 40 percent more power from the 494cc liquid twin versus the 485cc air-cooled Phazer engine. Yamaha's smallest liquid-cooled engine shares duty in the base Vmax configuration as well as in an SX-R version and two-up touring model. The power curve is smooth and broad, well suited for all day and all terrains.
Enhancements over a Phazer also include the use of plastic skinned steel skis, heated carbs, electric fuel gauge, tach and a very minor seven-pound gain.
The standard ProAction Plus suspension system relies on gas bag shocks, delivers nine inches of front travel and up to 11.5 inches at the rear.
As an all around choice for Year 2000 and beyond, the Vmax 500 stands out. The Vmax 500 is built on a very successful platform, priced competitively and backed by a solid dealer network.
2000 Yamaha Vmax 500
Overall HEIGHT 48.4 in.
Overall LENGTH 108.7 in.
SKI STANCE 42.1 in.
OFFICIAL DRY WEIGHT 472 lbs.
ENGINE 494cc liquid-cooled, piston reed Yamaha twin
EXHAUST Tuned pipe
CLUTCH
Drive YVXC 3 swing arm
Driven YVXC torque sensing
SUSPENSION/TRAVEL
• Front Independent, trailing arm, stabilizer bar, hydraulic/ gas cell shocks, 9in.
• Rear ProAction Plus, hydraulic/ gas cell shocks, 11.5 in.
FUEL CAPACITY 12 gal.
KEY FEATURES Ventilated hydraulic disc brake, large diameter speedo and tach, rheostathand warmers mid-height windshield, steel skis w/ skins.
RETAIL PRICE $6,399