Old Sled Zone – 1990 Yamaha Enticer 400 T/R

Known for their power and grit rather than speed and agility, these snowmobiles were dependable, reliable and hard working.

A Yamaha Enticer 400 T-R, the ultimate working man's sled.
A Yamaha Enticer 400 T-R, the ultimate working man's sled. Photo courtesy Keith Powell

I guess you would call this the ultimate working man’s ‘work sled.’  We’re talking about the 1990 (89?) Yamaha Enticer 400 T-R.

Strangely enough, I spotted this vintage snowmobile on my way to work the other day and finally stopped long enough to snap a photo.

This is a 400 T-R model, which stands for long track and reverse. So like we've said this is working snowmobile used by trappers, police forces, forestry employees, conservation officers on the work site and ice fishermen, hunters and the like on the sports side of the equation.

Obviously, known for its brawn, power and grit rather than its speed and agility, these snowmobiles were dependable, reliable and hard working.

As one snowmobile enthusiast posted on a chat forum: "I have the Yamaha Enticer 400 and it runs like new! It's super light and has the power of a horse!”

Reliable, dependable?  How’s this? “First pull -30. Slamming some drifts in Ontario.”

Another commenter observed, “In 1979, Yamaha released a new line of snowmobiles under the name of Enticer onto the market. These vehicles were designed to travel over snowy areas at high speeds and for long distances. Due to their high level of craftsmanship, there are still models available for purchase or for private use.”

Great vintage machine, and it looks like it has lots of life left in it.

Got an antique, vintage or just plain old snowmobile story or photos? Email them to [email protected]

Related Articles

A blue Sno Scoot in front of six red Sno Scoot snowmobiles.
Old Sled Zone, Manitoba Ancient history: The best vintage snowmobile museums we’ve seen (so far)

For vintage sled enthusiasts, there are a number of museums worth exploring to take in the history of the sport

by Kyle Born
Gil Mangels stands behind a red 1943 Eliason Snow Toboggan.
Old Sled Zone Military vehicles and old snowmobiles comprise Miracle of America Museum

Miracle of America Museum in Polson, Montana, contains vintage snowmobile items dating back to the 1940s that have been procured by founder Gil Mangels

by Kyle Born
A blue Sno Scoot in front of six red Sno Scoot snowmobiles.
Old Sled Zone, Minnesota A history of Western Canada’s most obscure snowmobile brand: SNO SCOOT

Valdi Stefanson, vintage snowmobile collector and reconditioner, details how Calgary-made Sno Scoots came to be and their doomed drawbacks

by Valdi Stefanson
>
View all Old Sled Zone articles