Got to try out the following: 09 RS Venture, 09 RS Venture TF, 09 Widetrack, 09 Switchback 600, 09 Dragon 800, and a 08 600RR.
The RS Ventures had the new torquey 120FI engine. Rear suspension felt extremely plush. But the front end had the usual nervous Yamaha-traits we're used to. The 151-lenght TF was agile for its lenght.
The Widetrack was the new chassis, the 750 mill without turbo @ 80HP. Nowhere as comfortable as the Yamaha's, but better front end IMO. Felt pretty agile for having such a big track. The naturally aspirated FS mill is a little too 'lawnmowerish' for my liking, I missed the turbo
The 600 SB was as expected, a quick and solid performer.
The 600RR reminded me of a Pro-X on steroids. Even with that tall suspension it felt more stable than most all the others. Just too bad that the conditions were on the smooth side, I did'nt get to test it out in the conditions where it really shines. Wouldn't mind having one in the stable...
And finally,the 800 Dragon (saving the best for last). Almost missed that one as time was running out, so I only got a short blast on it. Power wise, it didn't feel that fast at first, but I think it would have spanked my 02 xc800 with SLP pipe etc. And it had a mean(er) sounding exhaust than the others - reminded me of my SLP pipe/can..? Can't comment on handling,other than that I liked it better than the 600SB I tried.
One of the mechs also had his own Nytro FX/MCX Turbo, but didn't get to try out that one... Looked like it had some serious snort - and a wicked exhaust note..!
The guys at the dealer ribbing me for riding the ol' 02 and telling me that I need some newer stuff, they would offer me a trade-in.
(But I can't help thinking that my battle-scarred 02 with 9000 miles on the clock and half of the stock parts missing won't bring too much...)