[fabricator]

after review of several months of collective viewing both Viking sites and in hopes of some idealistic response from Yamaha resulting from a "Strength in Numbers" document, I'm listing all I can remember that is affecting Viking members...Don't chop me now....on accuracy or if you feel I have ommited something....just feel free to add your experience in hopes of an all inclusive experience list we.can all benefit from. Understand that I am lumping mechanical issues along with non mechanical or non reliability is

In addition, I am predujicing this document as well as directing it to Yamaha by including my own, personal experience and comments.

thank you in advance to all that paricipate.

Excessive noise - come on yamaha...more can be.done with an.addition of quality insulation in key locations on the unit. some of us.have been creative without your resources...step up

front drive line thunk and slip...whats up here? for thereputation,.should be better.

exhaust pipe heat resulting in rear differential preheat? who needs this..slight redesign maybe?
Rear shock sag in under 20 hours. simple: fix this! not cool.

new unit vibration. mine is subsiding and i understand how and.why you cut.the cam the way you did....

seat belt retainers rattle: add a rubber washer?

Center headrest blocks view: use plug in retainers for easy removal during two person travel.
Brake pad squeak: really? how about organic.pads since we have auto braking anyway? is this.a.legit upgrade to remove "some" noise?

Diff lock difficulty in engaging resulting in clunk and governor induced mayhem?? is it reasonable to upgrade this or is.it part and parcel of a.1350 pound monster with a CVT and 4 wheel unit attached to it?

all for now.... anyone else have.additional experiences?

Ps...pls. excuse my typing....done on a phone with my fat fingers...wife's on the computer! arrrggghh!

 

[Viking2k14]

I'll agree with all the above, and also ive read about several door latches breaking in extreme cold.

My 2 most things i dislike is the Loudness, i wear ear plugs, fixes the issue, makes it more enjoyable to drive or ride in, be nice not to have too.

I dont like the Center headrest either, gets in the way when your trying to backup.

 

[turkeyted]

side view mirrors fixed center headrest issue, I've been plowing a lot of snow this winter with great results but yesterday was first day I had a chance to go for a good ride in the snow and I was disappointed. I had a heck of a time breaking a trail that my old Rhino would have plowed through. I think a lot had to do with the huge skid plate, it was like I was on a huge ski, I have 14x 26 ITP Baja Cross and when they are gone will try 28's or maybe even 30's but that won't be for a few years. For now I will just not be able to lead the pack, it hurts me to say I will always have to follow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Haven't had any difflock issues, works the same as the Rhino and my old Kodiak, Biggest complaint is noise level

 

[fabricator]

side view mirrors fixed center headrest issue, I've been plowing a lot of snow this winter with great results but yesterday was first day I had a chance to go for a good ride in the snow and I was disappointed. I had a heck of a time breaking a trail that my old Rhino would have plowed through. I think a lot had to do with the huge skid plate, it was like I was on a huge ski, I have 14x 26 ITP Baja Cross and when they are gone will try 28's or maybe even 30's but that won't be for a few years. For now I will just not be able to lead the pack, it hurts me to say I will always have to follow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Haven't had any difflock issues, works the same as the Rhino and my old Kodiak, Biggest complaint is noise level

10-4 to both concerns...

 

[bingo8]

The only issue I have had so far is an annoying squeak in both front brakes. Have taken the wheels off and when I turn the hub by hand it is only in a small 3" area when the rotor goes around that it squeaks. Is this a common?

 

[Viking2k14]

Squeaking Brakes is a common thing from what ive heard, my Viking does it, but it isnt as bad as when it was new, I test drove a 2013 Rhino aswell, while waiting for my Viking toarrive, its brakes did the same thing.

 

[russjet]

The only beef I have is its too loud & the cherry red exhaust pipe, I really someone comes up with a fix to quiot this machine , all the othe stuff is minor.

 

[yamaha88]

are the brakes squeaking when you are using them or are they doing it when you ride? i put 28inch tires on and i thought it was due to them but apparently not

 

[Viking2k14]

My brakes squeak when driving around, they dont do it nearly as bad as when i first got it.

 

[russjet]

I have about 15 hours an 130 miles on my Viking, I have read about all the differant issues. There is only 2 issues I have but they are important is the Loud noise. Is pretty bad when riding with my wife we have to scream at each other to talk. I sure hope somehow something can be done. Im thinking that you need to put a barrier behind the seat. The noise is not the exhaust its the engine & trive train. My Grizzly 660 did not make this noise at all. The other is the exhaust, at night its cheery red. The header pipe glows. My consern is down the road when warrenty is over will I need to have pull the head an replace burned out valves. Im a auto mechanic & I know that heat will take a toll on the cylinder head & valve train. Anyone now what Yamaha says about this ??

 

[fabricator]

hey russ,
regarding heat comments, several unofficial tech comments have varied from " no worries" "wait and see" to the most technical response, although I'm not convinced the gentleman's statement was specific to Yamaha in general regarding redjced emissions or specific to the Vike. He stated that the glow comes from an "air injection" promoting lean and complete burning of exhaust gases". that comment combined with another from a different viewer which said "the head pipe is made of titanium, and along with the leaner emissions burn, will be naturally glowing proudly" go figure... any comments anyone? please limit your input to technical as there is so much speculation out there...

 

[ogaesevets]

hello , I am having trouble with my eps not working . It just quit working I got up in the morning to feed my cattle and boom eps not working!

 

[Viking2k14]

Sorry to hear that, first ive heard of a EPS issue. Should be a easy enough warranty fix for the dealer.

 

[ogaesevets]

Sorry to hear that, first ive heard of a EPS issue. Should be a easy enough warranty fix for the dealer.

I hope so

 

[dascrow]

How long have you had your Viking?

I hope so

 

[ogaesevets]

since jan

 

[Viking2k14]

Have you called the dealer, if so, what did they ahve to say about it, like i said, take it in, they should take of it, its a Warranty item

 

[turkeyted]

My eps controller went after about a week, replacement not an issue but dealer was surprised as its basicly the same system as the atv's, they said they had never had to replace one, only took them about 20 min's after about a week waiting for part, been good since, that was 500 miles ago

 

[Viking2k14]

Maybe the weight of the Viking puts more stress on it??

 

[sandbagger]

when temp out side was 0, mine dnt work till it the motor got warmed up it was find