Two very different touring models

When it comes to snowmobiles, Japanese manufacturer Yamaha offers more 4-stroke models than any competitor. Thanks to its motorcycling expertise, Yamaha has become a master at creating powerful, efficient and clean engines.

Some activities allow us to further appreciate the cold season.

Our two testers come from a very diversified lineup of snowmobiles that are specifically designed for two-up riding. Yamaha offers four such machines and each targets a distinct customer. The little newcomer, called Venture Lite, is the cheapest 4-stroke, two-up snowmobile on the market. Meanwhile, the RS Venture is a higher-end, more powerful sled: also available in GT trim, it comes with GYT-R front shocks and 36-mm HPG dual rear shocks. (And at 128.7-inch long, the Viking Professional is the longest snowmobile ever produced by Yamaha, using a 20x156-inch Ripsaw track and a dual-range transmission for tough duties and off-trail adventures.)

We had the opportunity to test both models on trails number 345 and 318 between Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes and the border of the Mastigouche wildlife preserve, in La Belle Province. Initial conditions were average at best; however, the more we headed northward, the more conditions improved. This route includes a fast, open-field section followed by a tortuous path through the mountains -- perfect for our trail test.

Well-designed engines
The RS Venture is motivated by a 973-cc, DOHC, 12-valve, 3-cylinder engine producing 120 horsepower, hence the name "Genesis 120". The air-fuel mixture is supplied by three 40-mm Keihin CVK carburetors. Although they do a good job, I don't understand exactly why Yamaha has not fitted a less polluting electronic fuel injection system to this powerplant yet.

The RS Venture is powered by a 973-cc, 3-cylinder engine.