Dateline: Princeton

After more than a dozen years faithful to the Star, #5 has made a startling move to a brand nobody can even be sure what future direction the brand has in the business.  Known by many as always having an appreciation for what he believes are the best quality of materials and fit and finish represented by the famous tri-tuning fork icon has exhibited, and against popular and expert criticism (how ironic) on sub-par handling, #5 has made the commitment to the Japanese brand at least for the 2017 season.  It is interesting to note Old Faithful will remain in the #5 racing stable for the time being.

Following many years of tradition, #5 follows #2 to the Yamaha brand.  Although a completely different animal, it is expected this machine will dependably bring the long-time Polaris rider out for days of fun and exhilaration, and return him safely and comfortably home again, ride after ride.  #5 will have little patience for nagging, unnecessary breakdowns, performance failures and dreaded trailside breakdowns.  Besides, if this monster breaks down, there will be little that can be done to bring it back, this thing is a big, heavy machine.

Just the basics, Yamaha FX chassis, 1049cc 3-cylinder Genesis 130 Fuel Injected 4-stroke mill putting out appx 135HP.  Double wish bone up front with remote reservoir GYT-R clicker shocks, and a Dual-Shock CK144 rear skid with piggy back compression adjustable clicker rear shock and Camoplast Ripsaw 144 x 1.25 rubber.  There have been some mods done all aimed to improve the two main issues with this sled, namely, the stock skis are replaced with Curve XS to reduce darting and the MTX rear heat exchanger is installed to prevent over heating in low snow and reduce ice build up in the tunnel under certain conditions.

Okay then, enough words, enjoy a couple pics below.  Needless to say #5 is anxious to ride and is putting in his first snow prediction for 11/15/16.  That's right, before Thanksgiving.  If there is more than an inch down, #5 will get more than a mile done!  He would also like to host one of the pre-season meetings to gather around and speculate.  Once again there is a relevant Yama-doodle for banter.  Look out #10, I hear this thing is fast, and there is a lot of track to put the power to the snow.  #5 may become Johnny Holeshot, and finally live up to the Johnny Rockets moniker bestowed upon him by #2's Apple voice to text.  One thing is for sure, he is still Johnny-come-lately by buying the oldest newest sled in the crew!  But do not accuse him of being Johnny Skeptical, remember this guy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=assqs9pRZtY

Let it be known, #5 will enjoy the summer, the music, the racing, the fireside chats and some water fun - but don't be fooled, there is a deep, smoldering, red hot burning desire for next winter to arrive.  His participation in an early day trip can be guaranteed.  Only 7 months, 15 days, and 12 hours until we depart.  Make sure you're ready - I will be!!

#5