Getting My First Skidoo! : 1988 Yamaha xlv 540

[cody2]

Well i was sitting here when a freind called and asked me if i wanted to buy his skidoo. I have seen it before and for $700 i didn't think it was a bad deal. But any major issues with a 1988 yamaha xlv 540, how fast do they go?

[MTS]

Not that fast, there good motors, pretty hard to crater them, more of a working sled than anything else.

[RedRider_AK]

Top speed is probably right around 70 or so mph, but I don't know how long you'll be able to keep that speed up with the terrible vintage suspension.

[cody2]

are they reliable though? i might get one tomorrow actually.

[84honda200s]

its a yamaha man. i do more work on yammi sleds then anything else. i had a 540 here about a week or 2 ago and it wouldnt start at all. i thought carbs were gummed up so i took em off and they were fine. it ended up being the air screw was out 1/8 of a turn. what im getting at here is they are "picky motors" they need to be almost perfect to run worth a crap. but yea as long as it all stays in tune for ya they are good motors. they run strong and sound nice too.


what kinda doo your bud have ? if its newr than the yammie that may be the way to go. just because of (like ak said) the vintage suspension. i loved all my old sleds but dam it hurt to run em hard.

[Chevy200s]

well I've had nothing but good luck with the yamahas, I have an srv540 which I think is the same if not very similar motor to what you have in yours, the differences i think are in clutching and stuff like that. from what I've seen of my 540, my 440, and my buddy's srv, they are very reliable and quick for a fan cooled sled too. If you want to buy it, just go over the usual stuff, check the track for cracks & tears, see if it feels like its got a lot of compression, check to see if the suspension works, stuff like that. but yeah I'll say that they are very reliable motors, if thats what your looking for this should be a good sled for you

[cody2]

i just want something to putt around on, its not too important how good it is, but it does help. Im going to look at it wensday.

[84honda200s]

well if your only "putting" around it will be good for ya. good luck man

[cody2]

I dont have pics, but i had it for a bit. Not really my sorta thing. It was so hard on my back to drive and stuff, i just sold it for $900 , made some money and learned a little. I'd still like a snowmobile though.