The "New" 2011 Yamaha Bravo 250 Snowmobile Review

[swendog65]

OK just an update...been out on the Old(New) Girl quite a bit this winter, although we have not had much snow up here in NH. she still starts first pull and runs like a top. I rode it on mud,dirt, Ice and thin snow trails/woods all winter instead of beating on The Phazer. It just keeps on ticking...I do love this thing!Now that she has 1100 miles on her, she feels a bit looser/broken in Nicely. Wound her up to around 35 mph..thats about all she has...but it's not meant for speed, still it's fun!

[tigger1998ca]

Hi there whats the fix for The Pesky Exhaust/Vibration cause its on mine Big time.

[swendog65]

@tigger1998ca OK..pull the pipe off, I put some exhaust tape on the brackets under the pipe, where it hits the frame. you'll be able to tell..paint will be worn/scratched off. I built the exhaust tape up by 'stacking it' 2 or 3 pieces should do.( get it at Auto store). I used a bit of Hi temp adhesive to hold it in place. You can also use a thick piece of rubber, screwed to the frame area under the pipe instead. It may melt a bit, but it won't burn. It quiets the noise alot. Let me know how u do

[boomingbrad]

i love how they kept the older look

[TheEvan12321]

i want one but i have one its a 1998 yamaha bravo i like it but its not fast enough

[0grela]

Couple days ago I started to ride my 2011 Bravo as well (very late start of the winter). By the way, what is MPG on average for your ride?

An

[swendog65]

@0grela I never checked it. I always top off my tanks...I will try to get that for you once we get some more snow.

[Tetraplix]

@0grela Why have a 2011 Bravo when you can have a 1990 Bravo like me? Classics are always better broski.

[ComicalFerret]

i have a 80's br 250. i rode it when i was young, i just rode it around the yard a few days ago. so much fun in a little package.

[tgosselin123]

I've got a yamaha bravo BR250 (short track) and I really love it. I better like that than a powerful snowmobile because it's heavy and the bravo is good for it weights. I really recommend it! I think that the new bravo are too long, and mine was too short so what I did, I put a phaser II suspension. best snowmobile to go off road! :)

[KoGFathom]

Besides the paint, these sleds have barely changed in years. The instruments look identical to my 2003 Bravo 250 long track. But these things take a beating and just keep going and going.

[plutonium9]

Would this be adequate for a wife who is pretty timid. I need something with smooth power, simple controls, easy to start and reliable. It would be used only trails.  Thanks!

[swendog65]

@plutonium9 I put a comment on your channel page. These are work sleds, there are better sleds for a new lady rider,my girl doesn't enjoy mine as much as my older (2004 Arctic 370).

[plutonium9]

@swendog65

Got your message!  Thanks, that actually helps quite a bit!

[cranberryfool]

@plutonium9 absolutley, strong enough to get her where she wants to go and not very intimidating so she can give it good throttling and not be overwhelmed. but know that with any snowmobile you can get zippy, but this is a great beginner snowmobile along with practicle and commonly used

hope this helps

[BullMoose95]

Please post more vids of this pig driving and stuff. Very cool.

[Yamahabravoz]

The cost like 5000 dollar$

[swendog65]

@Yamahabravoz My local dealer is still pricing at $ 4099.00, and have seen them at others for as low as $3999.00. They are built for work/trapping/ice fishing. They are not the most comfortable thing to be on, but they just keep on going and going and going... I've got many hours on mine and just rode it this past weekend( October 30th!!) .We got some very early wet snow and I got to play for an hour or so. Can't wait for the Winter to arrive.

[HipfireGames]

@Yamahabravoz There is one on ebay for $3000. It is in Iowa, though.

[TheBravo250cc]

PURS LIKE A CAT!

[tgosselin123]

@TheBravo250cc pay attention. not like a arctic cat. ;)

[TheBravo250cc]

I'm aware pal! Especially after watching the Angry Ontario Snowmobiler video on youtube haha

[frnk575]

wow!very good but im still loving tundras, the cab is more pretty

[westesh]

Is this really true? Are they selling this in the U.S again? I live in Michigan and would love to pick one of these things up eventually if Yamaha is going to offer them again. I see the Canadian website lists them but not the U.S.

[swendog65]

@westesh Oh Yes..I've seen them at every Yamaha dealer I've been to $ 4099.00 is what theyr'e asking..but I saw them online for 3700.00 Google it or check your local Dealer1 good Luck..go get one..I LOVE mine! This is the last year ,I heard..but I'm SURE there will be leftovers!! literally seen them everywhere! ::)

[Bravoman6464]

what is the skidoo in the back

[swendog65]

@Bravoman6464 The Ski-doo is a 79 Everest 500(Fan Cooled). Low mileage sled my old neighbor gave me many years ago...it only had about 700 miles on it when I got it... It runs great.. I use it every year! Maybe I'll fire that one up and put it on here as well!! Enjoy! Thanks for viewin'!!

[musicman334]

can it fit two people?

[DontFlag]

hahaha, that isnt allowed to be less than 15 years old. well maybe yamaha can pick up some of those disgruntled tundra fans. Im getting one rebored as we waste time on youtube.

[swinemask]

same as my pops 1996 bravo even the exhaust hasnt changed

[0grela]

Nice sled! I got exactly same, brand new one 3 weeks ago.

I noticed something green under the main swith (1:15 min). I have a little black plug on that place, have no idea what is it for. What did you plug in there??

[swendog65]

@0grela Thats where I put my handwarmer switch, about 40.00 U.S. and worth every penny on the frosty days!

[0grela]

@swendog65 Is it aftermarket kit, or Yamaha parts? My dealer almost convinced me there is no warmers available for bravo from yamaha. So I stuck with installation of warmers untill after one year warranty period.

For how long do you plan to run your sled on gasoline:oil mixture for the break-in period? Owner's manual isn't too clear on this matter.

Thank for replying!

[swendog65]

@0grela The warmers are aftermarket. I think they are "Moose" Brand. My dealer threw mine on for me. He even included it in the price!No warranty issues at all. The gas/oil mix is in the first 2 tank fuls..but I always put in a bit all season long..it won't hurt it, as long as you dont put too much,after all it does have oil injection. I just add a bit to the gas when I fill up. Also...be sure to use "Sta-Bil Marine" Fuel additive in all your toys,it fights the nasty ethanol problems.

[swendog65]

@0grela Any more questions on these, just let me know..I'm happy to help! The info on the warmers is below...Remember also..DO NOT USE DRY-GAS!! EVER.. The ethanol in our current fuels is already above the recommended amount and can cause lean mixture..so be sure to use "Marine Sta-Bil"..or "Startron" fuel stabilizer. It will keep the gas from separating and save you problems if you store the sled..and its good practice year-round!! Put the warmers on and enjoy!!

[0grela]

@swendog65 Nice to hear from you, Swendog!

I have couple more questions.

1. How do you adjust the engine idling speed, assuming no special equipment around?

2. I found it is quite tricky to start engine at a cold weather (below 0F) after keeping the sled outside overnight. Did you figure out a particular way to start Bravo sled?

[swendog65]

@0grela Hey Ogrela..page 8-5 in owners manual shows the idle screw.turn clockwise to speed up. this screw is slotted head on the right(pass) side of carb, tough to get at because it's behind the steel throttle cable where it goes into the carb. Turn about 1/4 at a time til you like it. To start in Coooold weather, use the Primer,not the starter lever. Pull and Push the primer knob 3 times and she'll fire right up!! sometimes an additional pump is needed, be careful though, as it can flood it.

[0grela]

@swendog65 I also found a bit ... odd, that skis have a quite significant free play when you move them by handlebar - is it normal?

Any plans for a reverse kit in future? I found myself it is still quite strenuous to move sled around in a deep snow.

[swendog65]

@0grela Idle adjustment is by ear if no Tach available...Reverse kit available, not yamaha though..search Bravo reverse on you tube..it's on there(here!) about 900.00 U.S. the ski play I believe is normal...these arent high dollar sleds so you get some bad with the Good!! It can be adjusted, it's fairly simple and in the manual too.. I left mine alone. I haven't found the choke to work well at all,ever. Does yours start better now w/ the info I gave you?... let me Know if I've helped!! John

[0grela]

@swendog65 yes, it helped indeed! Since I adjusted an idle speed and left a choke alone - no problem with the engine starting anymore.

[swendog65]

@0grela ...by the way..the idle screw is on top, not on the side of the carb. As far as the starter lever, I find it does'nt work well, I only use the primer knob when starting. You can use it when the engine is running ,too, but this is tricky, as it may want to stall, lightly pressing the throttle to keep it running works well for me. These sleds are so bulletproof, I just love 'em!! Ask me any thing you need to, I'll do my best to help ! Enjoy!... John

[0grela]

@swendog65 Hi John, if yuo prefer a private messaging, let me know.

I had to be clearer in my question - yes I do know where is the adjustment screw is located. I was asking, how do you judge the idling speed? By listening a motor sound, set it low until engine stalls? I do not have tachometer to attach and measure the speed precisely.

I also found choke is quite useless for its purpose. What is that situation, when it becomes handy in your opinion.

[MultiSkidoo]

I have a 2009 , and as far as I have seen and red , the engine puts out 25 hp.

[swendog65]

@MultiSkidoo Hey Multi... Yamaha's Manual and my Dealer confirm..18 hp is the output for the 250cc. ...but after all, we are only human...let's hope for 25 and split the difference @ 21... : )

[thekandg33]

i bought one of those not supper fast but good for breaking trails i leave the speed for my 2006 arctic crap 570

[thekandg33]

i bought one of those not supper fast but good for breaking trails i leave the speed for my 2006 arctic crap

[NxSiiMaddigan]

The old bravos never change, :)

[swamptreker5]

do u think u can make a vid of the sled in movement?

[swendog65]

@swamptreker5 I will do the "Live -on Trail Vid for you guys this weekend...we got a Shitload of Snow up here...I'll bring her in the woods and play in some Deeps...stay tuned.!

[1arcticcat1]

is the everest pre mix or injected?my buddies you had to mix the gas oil at 20-1.

[swendog65]

@1arcticcat1 The everest is pre-mix...but 20:1 would be way too rich!! it calls for 40;1, and I always add a bit more, but i use a good synthetic 2 stroke oil (AMSOIL or SPECTRO). The manual I have calls for even less oil(50:1) but i like to be on the safe side. Its and old sled, but it runs sweet!

[1arcticcat1]

these sleds have always been available in canada.they replaced the et 250's in 1982 with the bravo and have been on the market there for over 28 years.they cost 5000 dollars plus tax though.funny our dollar is worth more than yours but our products always cost more!must be that free health care we pay for up here.

[swendog65]

@1arcticcat1 I had heard they had been making them all along up there in Canada...not sure why they re-introduced it here..but the rumor is ...ready for this??..NO MORE after this year!!! they are dropping it from the line-up!!! If you love your Bravos..tell Yamaha!! it would be the end of an Era!!

[cdgatto]

Man! Look how shiny it is! I'm jealous!

[legithax0r]

This sled makes me tight in the crotch. XD

[thebravo1994]

i have one but it is 1993 with over 7000 kph

[thebravo1994]

dose it have revse

[swendog65]

@thebravo1994 Reverse is an Aftermarket kit, not offered by Yamaha, about 800 bucks I've heard...The sled is great for trail breaking/powder due to it's lite weight and Belly pan/long track. Will try to load some powder vids and Fun A.S.A.P.. Alot of my info on these sleds is under the vid, click on it and read through the Text! Enjoy!

[thebravo1994]

plz make a vid on it in powder

[swendog65]

I should also tell you all this Sled only weighs 412 pounds!! and thats with Gas and Oil! I am a Big Fan of these old workhorses, and have beat on many of them as a kid..as alot of us did.I still have a 1980 short track version with 8000+ miles...!!! and NO..I don't work for Yamaha..I just like Vintage(or New Vintage)Stuff. If I can help anyone with Questions on these, let me know. :)