2010 Yamaha RS Venture GT trial
Earlier this sesaon, we went on a short-term trial with 2 Yamaha snowmobiles.
We are now presenting our report on the RS Venture GT. It is a touring snowmobile designed to please a pilot and his passenger in great comfort and for long distances, with a high performance level.
In the other article, you can also read about our trial of the 2010 Apex GT.
Let us go back here to our RS Venture GT. Touring machine with sporty pretensions, the Venture is not too big, not too small. Coming in red and black, it has a serious look and indeed it gives serious performances with a good comfort level.
The machine we ride today is almost new with only 100 km. It is a 3-cylinder 4-stroke of 1050 cc that delivers 120 hp. At throttle, the engine roars, strong without excess. And this is only the sound; all day long, we will appreciate the power delivery along with the softness. This Venture has double carbide ski runners.
The suspension had been adjusted for 2 while we will only be one at a time on the Venture. During the day, we will then adjust the front suspension a little bit. It is too hard; so some turns will be more demanding than it should be, but it is only a matter of adjustment. The few modifications we will bring will really improve the conduct on trail.
Like with other Yamaha machines, the power train is rather noisy, especially between 50 and 70 km/h. And we spent most of the day at those speeds.
The instrument panel is complete and very well designed. Large tachometer on the left side, in a very easy to read black background dial. On the right side, 2 digital dials, including the speedometer, the low fuel warning light and the oil and temp light. We must also note the quality of the fairing. I really appreciated the generous windshield that protects the pilot from the wind. My colleague Turgeon does not like it too much; I do a lot. Besides, thanks to this windshield, I rode without any condensation in my glasses. The handlebar is comfortable, well located, and the controls are well located and easy to use. However, the hand and thumb warmers controls are on the same block where it is not possible to reduce directly the intensity. You must reach the top level, then go down to zero. On some other Yamaha machines, the controls are apart and easier to operate.
The Venture is equipped with a storage trunk of a very interesting size in the tail behind the seat. It is closed by a hardtop fixed with two rubber straps. Large enough to be practical and weather-resistant, what else can you ask for?
There is a lever in the right part of the fairing that allows you to easily start reversing. The seat is very comfortable and you can vary the riding position forward as well as backwards. It is very comfortable and it is a natural position; everything is at the right place and comfortable.
Today, we rode 166 km on 24,21 l of fuel.
Here is a summary of our evaluation.
- Handling and riding position 4/5
- Comfort and suspension 4/5
- Access to controls 5/5
- Engine power 4/5
- Noise and vibrations of the engine 5/5
- Track noises 1/5
- Traction 4/5
- Machine finishing 5/5
- Odors and gaz fumes 5/5
- Fuel consumption 4/5
- Passenger position 4/5
- Passenger comfort 4/5
Total : 49 / 60
The snowmobiles we tested today were graciously available from our excellent contributing partner:
RPM Rive Sud de Lévis
418-835-1624
Source : Jacques Turgeon & Alain Labadie, Collaborateur Magazine Motoneiges.ca
