At sneak previews and consumer shows all across the nation this month and next Yamaha is rolling out its year 2000 model lineup. The 2000 lineup is a 3 models fewer than the 1999 lineup, but the changes to the lineup are much more than just numbers.

Starting in the Top Performance area you'll quickly notice that the SRX 600 triple is missing. This really does seam like a good move what with the SRX 700 making more power and being the same weight. Don't be fooled by the appearance of this machine. Yamaha made several engine improvements along with suspension changes which give this machine quicker acceleration and better performance throughout the power band. The SRX 700 comes in two variations, one with standard shocks and one with the premium Ohlins units.

When it comes to trail performance Yamaha decided to get serious. It can be argued that the SX lineup of last year was about as competent a trail lineup out there. Well, Yamaha wanted to make it better. Enter the new SXR series. You can choose from either a 700 or 600 triple or a 500 twin in SXR chassis. The SXR chassis gives serious mogul busting power in a nimble package which sports additional travel over last year's SX. The SRX machines sport re-calibrated suspension, new .92" track, wide handlebars, rocker skis, and repositioned footrest angles. This is the racer machine that you'll be seeing Yamaha riders on at the local snocross events.

But wait a minute, you're a trail rider but not a mogul pounder. Well, you have to know that Yamaha is going to take care of you. You get to choose between a 700 or 600 triple or a 500 twin in the luxury trail class with the VMax deluxe lineup. And in the trail comfort class you get to choose the 700 triple, 500 twin or fan cooled Phazer. All of these machines come with the new .92" track and improved handling and braking.

The touring lineup is handled by the Venture line. Again Yamaha offers the touring rider a wide range of power plants which include the 700 and 600 triples, 500 twin liquid, and 500 twin fan. Ride and handling have been some of Yamaha's strong points over the past couple of years and the Venture line extends that to the two-up touring riders.

If you haven't been following the trends in the mountain riding segment then Yamaha's changes for 2000 in the mountain lineup might take you by surprise. For mountain riders, however, the changes are pretty much good across the board. Starting with the chassis on the 700 and 600 MountainMax, Yamaha re-thought their approach to going in the steep and deep. Most obvious is the 2"x141" track sitting under the two top MountainMaxs. Over the past year or so in the mountains, serious back country riders have been swapping out the "short" 136" tracks for longer ones. Yamaha responds to these customers by offering it right from the factory and we applaud them for it. Along with the track the tunnel gets a new taper and extension to help it go through the snow cleaner. Running boards are re-angled and have better traction on them to instill confidence in the rider as he/she moves back and forth on the machine. The rear suspension itself gets different rails and control rods to help in deep snow performance.

In the motor department the 600 MountainMax picks up a 3rd cylinder. Yamaha claims this offers the 600 class machine better power, a broader powerband, and a more responsive throttle. Here, at least, Yamaha is bucking the trend of lightweight twins. We find this a bit hard to understand because the 600 twin motor of last year was a fine power plant. With this move to a three cylinder 600 the 600MM picks up another 8lbs making it the same weight as the 700MM. With only $400 difference in price we find it really hard to imagine many people not opting for the 700 over the 600 MountainMax. We've said the same thing about these classes of machines in the other manufacturer's lineups.

The biggest unknown is the Phazer MountainLite. This year Yamaha has moved to the new chassis with the Phazer Mountain which gives the machine a much needed update in styling and comfort. However, it kills what has made the Phazer so popular with mountain riders for so many years. The new Phazer MountainLite picks up 40lbs over last year's Phazer! Trust us when we say that is A LOT of weight. The listed weight for the new Phazer Mountain comes in at 485lbs. Machines in its class come in lighter and with more power now which effectively kills the advantage most people saw in the Phazer over something like the Polaris Trail RMK.

Finishing out the Yamaha lineup are the work horses known as the VK 540 III and the Bravo LT. These machines are largely unchanged from 1999, and that is just fine. The VK sports the largest foot print in the industry with a 156" long by 20" wide track. And how many riders out there started on the little Bravo. No need to update what works well.

We did notice a couple of other curiosities in the Yamaha lineup or should we say "not" in the Yamaha lineup. The Ovation is gone and without it Yamaha has no 340 class machine. If you want to start a new rider out on a Yamaha then you either opt for the smallish Bravo or jump right to the Phazer. And what about a mini-sled. Ski-Doo had the Mini-Z last year which they continue this year. Polaris has rolled out the XCR120 and Arctic Cat, who has had the Kitty Cat forever, is offering a Z120. It's true that profit margins aren't very broad in this class of machine, but the mini-sled group is building a big following. This is where the riders of the future are coming from and if you hook them young you have a good chance of having them for the future. Yamaha is missing this one outright.

Minor complaints we suppose, but complaints none the less. Yamaha really has done a fine job for 2000. With the SXR and updates to the MountainMax Yamaha has made some great improvements. Machine quality is always one of their greatest assets and that will surely continue in 2000.