Yamaha Venture 700 is a stylish Japanese snowmobile for active people who prefer long trips on packed snow and deep snowdrifts. The machine was manufactured in the early 2000s, but is still relevant for professional fishermen and hunters, for whom reliability, controllability, efficiency and proven technical solutions are important. The Japanese developer introduced advanced technologies of that time into its model, which remain in demand today. The snowmobile of the same name has passed factory tests in extremely low temperatures. Thus, the creators were able to confirm the machine’s adaptability to such climatic regions. The Yamaha Ventura 700 uses lightweight components, a powerful engine and a high-strength suspension that will serve its owner for as long as possible and without any interruptions. The snowmobile does not have any innovative technologies and is therefore available for relatively little money on the supported market. The car is in steady demand compared to its closest competitors, since in this price category it is one of the best models in its class. In the face of fierce competition, Yamaha decided to develop by the early 2000s a family of high-tech snowmobiles that combine the best qualities of utilitarian machines. The family includes the Ventura 700 model, designed for active and measured driving on snowy trails. This device can also be used for military purposes, for exploring rough terrain off-road, or for traveling and spending time with family or friends. Thus, Japanese engineers managed to create a universal snowmobile that meets the needs of people from different fields of activity - from recreation to work. Confidence in the reliability and ride quality of the snowmobile is supported by the high status of Yamaha, which is respected around the world. Yamaha is a world-famous brand that has representative offices in many countries around the world, mainly in northern climate zones. First of all, these are Finland, Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. The manufacturer produces products for any need, and therefore can please absolutely all of its customers, regardless of region. For example, if you go to Finland, tourists will probably see more than one Yamaha Viper snowmobile there. And yet, mostly more mass-produced models of the Yamaha Ventura family will be found. One of them is the Yamaha Ventura 700.
The snowmobile in question is designed to compete with the famous machines from the Ski-Doo family, which are considered leaders in this class. The Yamaha Venutra 700 snowmobile received a low center of gravity, which had a beneficial effect on directional stability. The engine is located quite low, but at the same time is well protected by motor protection under the bottom. The car is very stable in turns, especially in sharp turns. The low center of gravity helps prevent the snowmobile from tipping over, which is an added benefit to driver safety. At the same time, you can accelerate to maximum speed without fear of handling problems. After all, the car is designed specifically for such driving conditions, given the superbly tuned chassis.
The Yamaha Ventura snowmobile is endowed with comfort and convenience that can be felt when sitting behind the wheel of this machine. In particular, let's pay attention to the two-seater seating with backrests for the driver and passenger. Of course, the passenger part of the seat can be removed and an ordinary luggage rack installed instead. You can place and secure any cargo on it. In addition, the basic package includes a tow bar, which will be appreciated by business owners for whom practicality and high load capacity are important. Using a towbar, you can transport heavier cargo containers. To make movement comfortable in frosty conditions, the car was equipped with a convenient toggle switch, which provides heating modes for the gas trigger, as well as the handles for the driver and passenger. For this, by the way, there are nine heating modes. To start the car, turn on the ignition by turning the ignition key in the appropriate direction. If you need to change the oil, this procedure is carried out without difficulty in such devices. Among the ergonomic features, we also note rationally located controls that are at hand, and there is no need to reach for them. There is a full-fledged dashboard with a display of speed, current engine speed and daily mileage, as well as engine temperature and oil pressure readings. Equally important is an inflated windshield, which prevents the entry of oncoming wind or snow.
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During the development of the snowmobile, the designers paid special attention to its chassis. Thus, the front suspension is equipped with proven elongated A-arms. By the way, approximately the same components are used in Phazer sports cars. This design of the levers guarantees precise and reliable cornering. The peculiarity of the levers lies in their reinforced elements, which are lightweight gas-filled shock absorbers with increased pressure. They are made of aluminum. The front suspension travel reaches 206 mm, which is the norm for the ability to move on off-road, deep snow, etc. The original adjustable skis with a double keel are also installed in the front part.
As for the rear suspension, it has been significantly expanded so that it is possible to install tracks with characteristics of 16 by 144. Thanks to reinforced shock absorbers, the track travel has been extended by 312 mm. According to the results of test drives, this suspension shows excellent reliability when driving on uneven and rough terrain.
Charging a gel battery
The process is not much different from charging a regular 12 Volt battery. It is important to control the voltage, which should not exceed 14.5V.
Charging the battery
Otherwise, irreversible destructive processes will begin that will shorten the life of the battery.
To charge a gel battery, a current of 10% of the capacity is required, the voltage rises to 14.4V. Next, we charge at a constant voltage and decreasing current. When the current drops to 0.1-0.5A, charging is complete. This usually takes no more than 12 hours, depending on the battery capacity.
Chargers perform the task in both automated and manual modes. The main thing that the device must ensure is the absence of voltage surges above 14.5V.
Specifications
- Country of origin: Japan
- Class – tourist
- Cylinders, pcs. – 3
- The working volume of the internal combustion engine is 700 cubic meters. cm.
- Cylinder diameter – 69 mm
- Piston stroke – 62 mm
- Power – 120 horsepower
- Cooling – liquid
- Fuel system – 2 Keihin CVK40X3
- Ignition – Digital TCI
- Intake - reed valve
- Outlet – common resonator
- Clutch – YVXC, variator
- Support skis, pcs. – 2
- Brakes – ventilated disc
- Front suspension – independent, with trailing arms
- Front suspension travel – 228 mm
- Front shock absorbers - gas-filled steel
- Rear Suspension – Pro Active Quick-Adjust
- Track dimensions, mm: Width – 380, Length – 3460, Height – 28
- Snowmobile dimensions, mm: Length – 3970, Width – 1200, Height – 1330
- Seats, pcs. – 2
- Dry weight – 258 kg
- Tank capacity with fuel/oil, l – 45/3 liters
- Skis – steel, with plastic linings
Basic options: high windshield, halogen headlights, reverse, electric starter, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges.
Choosing a gel battery
Many online stores offer automated selection of batteries according to specified parameters: dimensions, capacity, current or brand of battery, model, year of manufacture, car engine type. Due to the high price and low popularity, the option of selecting a gel battery by car brand is not yet offered by large stores. However, if they are available in the assortment, they are sorted according to vehicle parameters along with lead-acid ones.
General trends to consider when selecting:
When replacing a traditional lead-acid battery with an AGM, the new one provides similar functionality with 5% less capacity than before, while maintaining the same starting current.
Types of batteries
For example, when replacing:
| Lead-acid | AGM |
| 65 Ah | 62 Ah |
| 95 Ah | 90 Ah |
The capacity of the GEL battery can be reduced to 15-20% without compromising the existing needs of the car; the technological features of the battery will provide a higher starting current.
For example:
| Lead-acid | GEL |
| 65 Ah | 52-55 A/h |
| 95 Ah | 76-81 A/h |
Engine
The performance of the Yamaha Ventura 700 snowmobile is driven by a two-stroke, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled unit. The engine displacement reaches 698 cubic meters. see. The engine is equipped with an electric starter, which is supplemented by a manual starter. The latter can be used in emergency cases, for example in case of failures with the electric starter. Liquid cooling is designed to effectively prevent overheating at any engine speed, and regardless of high or low ambient temperatures. Reliable and uninterrupted operation of the engine is also supported by a modern fuel injection system, which replaced the outdated carburetor system. This system allows for more efficient use of consumables, including fuel and engine oil, consuming them in the minimum possible quantities for better efficiency.
Yamaha Venture 700 snowmobile review
They say that Yamaha's "Venture" is popular among Mercedes fans. Not surprising. A German car and a Japanese snowmobile can even be characterized in the same way: they are large, comfortable, very powerful cars. As sellers say, some buyers who own Mercedes-Benz prefer the Venture 600 only in order to maintain the style - to become the owner of another “six hundredth”... However, below we will talk about the more prestigious and powerful version of the Venture 700 . By this winter it has undergone quite serious changes.
WHEN our jeep with a snowmobile in trailer was leaving Moscow, the temperature thermometer behind the car could be mistaken for an odometer - with every kilometer traveled, the numbers on it increased. If in the city center it showed “minus nine”, then after an hour’s drive it already showed “-15”. Despite the frost, the snowmobile started up with half a turn. It is not for nothing that for the 2000/2001 season the model received an improved ignition system that facilitates “cold” starting. In addition, the snowmobile is equipped with a carburetor heating system. So, one turn of the key and the engine came to life. Of course, an electric starter is standard on the vehicle, as is reverse gear, mirrors and heated grab handles for the rear passenger.
Even at idle, the engine operates very gracefully - as befits a 3-cylinder engine. Its smooth. The dignified snoring cannot be confused with the slightly cackling sound of the 2-cylinder engines that power the vast majority of snowmobiles.
Twin headlights are a distinctive feature of the updated "Venture 700"
A high windshield is a mandatory attribute of a touring snowmobile
The steering grips and throttle trigger are equipped with separate adjustable heating units
The Venture 700 is a type of large touring car for two. In general, there are many 2-seater models on the market: universal, sporty... But do you know what makes a luxury “tourist” stand out from them? The driver does not “feel” the rear passenger. The “Venture 700” saddle is so large and comfortable that the photographer sitting behind me (who, by the way, is two meters tall) did not at all interfere with me going through a couple of turns at the limit, when I, as if on a sports motorcycle, hung to the side and almost drew my knee along the rolled snow on a forest road...
Brief technical characteristics of the Yamaha Venture 700″
— Overall dimensions 299x120x133 cm — Dry weight 257 kg — 3-cylinder engine, 698 cc. cm, liquid cooling — Exhaust system one pipe — Fuel capacity 45 l
However. The Venture 700 offers a slightly different driving style. Have you ever driven a powerful Mercedes on a mountain road? If on short straights the engine gives out all its power, providing “adrenaline” acceleration, then before a turn you want to slow down to such an extent that you can go through the turn without squealing tires and even unnecessary body roll. The car seems to be pushing the driver to follow this algorithm, and it had a similar effect on me. Moving along a winding forest path, I soon fully opened the gas only on straight lines, and passed turns quite sedately. The thing is. that the comfortable high seating position makes the center of gravity quite high. If the driver is thoughtlessly “greedy” with speed in a turn, one ski rises slightly above the road, as if warning: “Attention! You are on the verge of capsizing!” The comfortable chassis of the Venture 700 is balanced so well that even an inexperienced daredevil will quickly feel the limits of the snowmobile's capabilities.
The 700 cc engine has plenty of power. Even if you give a little gas before a small jump, the colossus “Venture 700” easily lifts off the ground.
The routes for driving snow machines are usually selected by the deputy. editor-in-chief of Klaxon Alexander Bakharev. If the last time we had to try out a snow-driving SUV. we were scouring through a dense forest replete with ravines, but now he brought us to a well-groomed snowmobile “ring” of a couple of tens of kilometers, winding among red-brick cottage towns. Several meters wide, it contained traces of many snow machines - both a variety of imported and even domestic two-track Burans. The Venture 700 gives the greatest pleasure on such well-groomed paths. You can drive calmly, admiring the stunning views of the winter Moscow region. Or recklessly rush forward, flying into the air on springboards. The maximum possible comfort for a snowmobile is ensured in any case. So. Unlike the “six hundredth”, the “Venture 700” provided to us has electric heating not only of the steering handles, but even separately adjustable heating of the throttle trigger...
Every day is not Sunday. In Russia, snowmobile owners sometimes have to drive through virgin lands. How will the luxurious "Venture 700" behave there?.. I confess that a couple of times we got stuck in the snow - where it was up to my waist. Then I realized that the Venture 700 is capable of driving through snow of perhaps any depth if the driver does not slow down. As soon as you slow down to 10-15 km/h, the vehicle “lands” on the steps, and the caterpillar begins to skid, digging a hole underneath it. All heavy and powerful touring models have far from the best cross-country ability. This is simply a feature of a snowmobile of this class. It should be taken into account when purchasing.
Plowing up virgin soil, I steered the Venture 700 toward the nearest sleepy village of a couple dozen log cabins, surely crossed by some kind of groomed road. And I was not mistaken. True, while we were getting out onto it, “Venture 700” gathered behind it a trail of half a dozen local dogs, who accompanied us barking to the outskirts, and then, stopping, suspiciously sniffed with their tarpaulin noses the smell of... strawberries left by the snowmobile exhaust. Yes, yes, I'm not laughing! We filled the Venture 700 with a special oil that, when burned in a two-stroke engine, gives off a strawberry smell. A little expensive, of course, but for such a magnificent engine, by God it’s not a pity...
Actually, it was thanks to the engine that my impatience grew as we returned to the “base”. I wanted to quickly get the photographer down and finally test the engine at full power. After all, this is the largest engine in the Yamaha range...
The tactics were the same: I don’t take risks in turns, but on straights I fully depress the accelerator. When the tachometer needle crosses o, the solid roar turns into the ringing scream of a racing engine. From the crazy acceleration, it seems that my hair is about to lift my helmet. A couple of times the speedometer needle jumped over the 150 mark, but, to be honest, I didn’t look at it further. There was no time for that...
- Well, how is the snowy Mercedes? - asked the photographer when I returned safely.
- Ugh! More like Brabus...
Vyacheslav KITSIS. photo by Alexey BARASHKOV
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Reviews
- Boris, Tver region. The Yamaha Ventura is a cool car, powerful and practical. I have nothing to compare with, since this is my first snowmobile. I quickly got used to the controls, and in an instant I found my ideal landing position. You can ride standing or sitting, as you wish. You can also travel together. There is a trunk under the driver's seat. The basic package includes a towbar, to which you can connect a sled with loads, but this is completely overkill - I bought the car more for entertainment, but my father uses this snowmobile as a small mini-truck. In general, the Yamaha Ventura 700 pleased us with its versatility, because each of us found something of our own in it. I was a little disappointed by the high fuel consumption - over 20 liters per 100 km. It is also advisable to fill in high-quality 95-grade gasoline so that the engine opens to its full potential. The transmissions are switched on with delays, but I have already gotten used to this feature.
- Sergey, Irkutsk. Yamaha Ventura 700 is a powerful snowmobile with a 120-horsepower engine. The car cost me a lot, but I didn’t regret it at all. The equipment pleased us with its stylish design, spacious double seat, as well as a full instrument panel and a high windshield with good visibility. The device inspires a high level of confidence, and this is noticeable from the first hours of operation. At the moment, the mileage exceeds 5 thousand kilometers. The car is quite light thanks to the plastic elements from which the body is made. But the plastic is durable and does not crack in the cold. The snowmobile handles well and brakes excellently. The acceleration and traction characteristics of the engine, which, I admit, is quite noisy at high speeds, can be characterized in the same way. And the vibrations are felt well at idle. But I was pleased that the driver’s seat does not slip at all, as was the case with my first snowmobile called Buran. The Yamaha Ventura 700 does not present any serious reliability problems. The most serious failure was when the track was replaced two years ago. Since then, the car seemed to come to life and began to save less fuel.
- Yaroslav, Krasnoyarsk. This snowmobile is perfectly adapted to low temperatures and performs well under intense acceleration. The directional stability is excellent, which is what you would expect from a car of Japanese origin. I bought a Yamaha Ventura 700 in maintained condition. I took it solely for its driving performance. In terms of handling, this device has no equal - it accelerates powerfully over 100 km/h, without even annoying annoying noise. But unfortunately, that's where the advantages end. I received the snowmobile in a sad state; after purchasing it, it immediately began to crumble. Although the owner assured that he had undergone pre-sale preparation - he probably supplied Chinese spare parts, that's all the preparation. But I was convinced of this later, after three months of use. The service department said that this snowmobile was operated in extreme conditions and was subjected to high-speed loads, under which even original parts quickly wear out. In general, I decided to collect some money for repairs and install original parts, since I really liked the car in terms of handling.
Advantages of gel batteries
The difference in design from the traditional one provides significant pros and cons to 12 Volt gel batteries for a car.
Let's consider the advantages:
- resistance to damage, even if cracks form, the filling does not leak out of the body;
- preservation of the electrolyte mass, no need to open cans or add water;
- the tightness of the structure prevents acid vapors from entering the surrounding air, which allows, if necessary, to install the battery inside the car;
- fast charging and high starting current;
- good tolerance of deep discharges;
- the ability to withstand up to 400 full discharge-charge cycles (for comparison, 12 Volt lead-acid batteries have a good indicator of 30);
- maintaining a high level of density when stored without maintenance, a gel battery will lose no more than 25% of its capacity after lying on the shelf for a year;
- service life is several times longer than that of lead-acid batteries.
Important! To fully utilize the gel battery resource, it is important to follow the operating rules, some of which are obvious disadvantages:
- high price (usually over 10 thousand rubles);
- intolerance to power surges, the electrolyte melts from them and significantly loses capacity, this process is irreversible; installation of a gel battery is permissible only if the power supply system is absolutely in good working order;
- poor tolerance to frost;
even if you fully charge the battery, the gel begins to freeze at a temperature of -30°C; Optima brand battery - increased sensitivity to short circuits.
Taking into account the listed disadvantages, we will outline the features of the operation of gel batteries:
- The most important condition is that the vehicle's electrical network is in full working order.
- Avoid working at low temperatures. A heat shield can be used. Some car enthusiasts remove the gel battery for winter storage, installing a backup lead-acid battery.
