snowmobilesdot.com

The 2009 Yamaha Phazer MTX is pretty much the same as the 07 model. You can still carve with it, hillclimb, and jump just about anywere only this time Yamaha took notice of some of the customer complains and made some modifications to improve it. They improved the suspension and now the ride is even more comfortable. They added windshield, something that was lacking on the previous Phazer. They didn’t work that much on the power and that stays as a downside 100%, but the sled is definitely more reliable than the previous model. see the specifications:

MODEL    Phazer MTX
M.S.R.P. *    $7,499.00
ENGINE    4-stroke, 2-cylinder, 3-valves, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT    499 cc
BORE X STROKE    77 x 53.6 mm
CARBURETION    43 mm Keihin®, fuel injection
HORSEPOWER    80 hp
IGNITION    Digital T.C.I. w/ throttle position sensor
CLUTCH    YXRC
TRANSMISSION    Variable ratio
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, double wishbone; HPG shocks; 8.7 in. travel
Rear: ProMountain™ 144; C36 KYB HPG shocks; 14.3 in. travel
BRAKES    2-piston hydraulic w/ lightweight ventilated disc
LUBRICATION    Dry sump
EXHAUST    Rear
SKIS    Wide saddleless plastic mountain ski
LENGTH    125.7 in.
WIDTH    46.8 in.
HEIGHT    45.8 in.
TRACK LXWXH    144 x 14 x 2 in., Camoplast® Maverick™
SKI STANCE    37.6 - 39.6, adjustable
DRY WEIGHT    515 lbs.
OIL CAPACITY    3 qt.
FUEL CAPACITY    7 gal.

No overheating this time, but the sled is still not powerful enough (and this time even heavier) to call it the best mountain sled out there. It’s a good one for its price range, but if you can spend some more money you can get yourself something that’s really worthy. Between the two models – the older one and its modified copy I say spend that $300 and get the 2009 model. But if you really want a good sled get yourself something else.

The only thing Yamaha bothered to change in the 2008 Apex LTX is the track (and the price of course). With the 2008 model it’s a little bit longer. Other than that what you’re looking at are two identical sleds. Not that I’m saying the sled is not worthy – it is. The Apex is an amazing on/off trail sled and you’re absolutely gonna like it, but I don’t see the point of spending that extra $600 only because it’s a 2008 model and not a 2006 one. $600 for a longer track is a little bit too expensive don’t you think. Anyway here are the specifications for the new Apex:

MODEL    Apex LTX
M.S.R.P. *    $10,799.00
ENGINE    4-stroke, 4-cylinder, 3-valves, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT    998 cc
BORE X STROKE    74 x 58 mm
CARBURETION    39 mm Mikuni®, fuel injection
HORSEPOWER    150 hp
IGNITION    Digital T.C.I. w/ throttle position sensor
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable ratio, reverse
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, double wishbone; 40 mm SOQI aluminum HPG shocks; 9 in. travel
Rear: Mono Shock® RA 136; 46 mm KYB® w/ remote adjustable shocks; 11.6 in. travel
BRAKES    4-piston hydraulic w/ lightweight rotor
EXHAUST    Rear
SKIS    Lightweight plastic, saddleless design
LENGTH    118.1 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
HEIGHT    45.7 in.
TRACK LXWXH    136 x 15 x 1.25 in. Camoplast® Rip Saw™
SKI STANCE    42.7 in.
DRY WEIGHT    577 lbs.
OIL CAPACITY    3 qt., dry sump
FUEL CAPACITY    10 gal.

If you’re gonna chose between the 08 and 06 Apex go for the 06 one without any hesitation. The sled was perfect back then and this hasn’t changed, but the extra spending is just not worthy. We’ll wait and see if Yamaha does something to really improve the 06 Apex next year, although I really don’t see what’s there to improve. If you still decide to spend that extra $600 for the 2008 Apex don’t think you’re getting a bad sled. On the contrary, you’re getting a snowmobile that’s gonna be with you for a long, long time. The choice is all yours.

New and improved the 2008 Yamaha FX Nytro RTX is definitely better than the 06 model. It’s even more powerful and a little bit lighter which in a combination give you one perfect all around sled capable of competing even with the racing sleds out there. The comfort level is still the same, but it wasn’t a bad one before. Yamaha redesign the thing and in my opinion the Nytro looks better now than it did before. It’s still very reliable and easy to handle. See the specifications:

MODEL    FX Nytro RTX
M.S.R.P. *    $10,399.00
ENGINE    4-stroke, 3-cylinder, 2-valves, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT    1,049 cc
BORE X STROKE    82 x 66.2 mm
CARBURETION    41 mm Mikuni®, fuel injection
HORSEPOWER    130 hp
IGNITION    Digital T.C.I. w/ throttle position sensor
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable ratio
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, double wishbone; Fox™ FLOAT™, air shock, aluminum shocks
Rear: Dual Shock™ Pro; 40 mm HPG / 40 mm HPG w/ reservoir, dual-clicker adjustable shocks; 14.5 in. travel
BRAKES    4-piston hydraulic w/ lightweight disc
EXHAUST    Rear
SKIS    Lightweight plastic, saddleless design
LENGTH    108.5 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
HEIGHT    42.9 in.
TRACK LXWXH    121 x 15 x 1.25 in. Camoplast® Rip Saw™
SKI STANCE    41.3 in.
DRY WEIGHT    513 lbs.
520 lbs. w/ reverse
OIL CAPACITY    3 qt., dry sump
FUEL CAPACITY    7.4 gal.

The one thing Yamaha did not take under consideration is the low windshield. Instead of making it higher they decided to get rid of it whatsoever…not the smartest move in my opinion. Anyway the sled is really something even with that small windshield flaw. Don’t worry about the gas tank being smaller than the one the 05 model had. You still get excellent gas mileage with it. The price is a little high, but that’s the deal with all of the race sleds. The new Nytro is worth every penny and I’m sure you’ll be very happy with it.

Not too much has changed for the RS Vector since the 05 model, still what has changed really makes a difference. The Vector is still one perfect ride for the on/off trail rider. Only this time it is even more comfortable and easy to handle. You won’t be happy with it if you are a racer, because it’s heavy and you probably won’t get ahead of the others, but for the trail riders it is a blast. The sled gets great mileage and you won’t even feel the miles you put on it. It’s powerful enough to take wherever you want it to and is less likely to cause you any trouble. Here are the specifications:

MODEL    RS Vector LTX GT
M.S.R.P. *    $9,799.00
ENGINE    4-stroke, 3-cylinder, 3-valves, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT    973 cc
BORE X STROKE    79 x 66.2 mm
CARBURETION    40 mm Keihin®
HORSEPOWER    120 hp
IGNITION    Digital T.C.I. w/ throttle position sensor
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable ratio, reverse
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, double wishbone; 40 mm GYTR™ dual-clicker HPG shocks; 9 in. travel
Rear: Mono Shock® RA 136; 46 mm KYB® w/ remote adjustable shocks; 11.7 in. travel
BRAKES    4-piston hydraulic w/ lightweight rotor
EXHAUST    Rear
SKIS    Lightweight plastic, saddleless design
LENGTH    118.7 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
HEIGHT    47.8 in.
TRACK LXWXH    136 x 15 x 1.25 in. Camoplast® Rip Saw™
SKI STANCE    42.7 in.
DRY WEIGHT    577 lbs.
OIL CAPACITY    3 qt., dry sump
FUEL CAPACITY    10 gal.

The 05 model had a little bit of a tipping problem and no storage space at all. This has been taken care of and you can be sure what you’re getting is one new and improved sled - very stable and very reliable. You may want to be careful with the deep powder since the thing isn’t one of the lightest, but even if it happens to get stuck somewhere you can count on its power to help get it free. I think the price is pretty reasonable, especially for a 2008 model and the RS Vector LTX GT should definitely be on your list if you’re looking for a great trail sled.

Things have changed for the Viking Professional through the years. Not that it was a bad sled before, but it had its downsides, downsides that Yamaha successfully got rid of before they introduce the new Viking on the market. This thing handles like a charm now and even if it wasn’t the perfect trail sled back then, you’ll be surprised how much it has changed and comfortable it’s got. The problems with the handling have also been resolved, even though the sled is still very heavy. You can trust it through every kind of snow conditions and you can be sure that it will start no matter how extreme they are. As to the gas mileage, you can get about 20 mpg, which is amazing considering the weight. It is a very powerful sled that’s definitely gonna make you happy. Here are the specifications for it:

MODEL    RS Viking Professional
M.S.R.P. *    $10,399.00
ENGINE    4-stroke, 3-cylinder, 2-valves, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT    973 cc
BORE X STROKE    79 x 66.2 mm
CARBURETION    40 mm Keihin®
HORSEPOWER    120 hp
IGNITION    Digital T.C.I. w/ throttle position sensor
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable ratio, reverse
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, double wishbone; KYB® gas cell shocks; 6.7 in. travel
Rear: ProAction® Plus; KYB® high pressure gas shocks; 12 in. travel
BRAKES    4-piston hydraulic w/ lightweight, ventilated rotor
EXHAUST    Rear
SKIS    All plastic SUV wide ski
LENGTH    128.7 in.
WIDTH    47 in.
HEIGHT    54.3 in.
TRACK LXWXH    156 x 20 x 1.25 in. Camoplast® Rip Saw™
SKI STANCE    40.2 in.
DRY WEIGHT    765 lbs.
OIL CAPACITY    3 qt., dry sump
FUEL CAPACITY    11 gal.

Just like its predecessors this sled is the perfect work sled. It can pull near anything you hook up to it. The difference is that now if you don’t wanna use it just for work, it will absolutely satisfy your desires. It’s comfortable, it’s stable and it’s easy to handle. It’s heavy yes, but it still has plenty of power to get itself out of every tough situation. The price is pretty reasonable too. It’s absolutely fair for a 2008 model. Especially for one that causes no problems and performs on a level that high. Trust the thing without any hesitation. You’ll only win if you do.

I think you’ll like the new Venture look. Yamaha did a good job this time and the sled looks better than ever. It also performs really well…even better than its predecessors believe it or not. It’s called Venture Lite for a reason – Yamaha managed to strip off a fair amount of weight. Unfortunately they decided to go for less power as well. But the motor has good performance anyway. You’re still able to speed this thingy quite a bit. As to the steering – it is very responsive and I don’t think you’ll have any trouble with it. The sled is fantastic on fuel, even though the fuel tank is smaller. I’m sure you’ll like it, but see the specifications first:

MODEL    Venture Lite
M.S.R.P. *    $7,999.00
ENGINE    4-stroke, 2-cylinder, 3-valves, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT    499 cc
BORE X STROKE    77 x 53.6 mm
CARBURETION    43 mm Keihin®, fuel injection
IGNITION    Digital T.C.I. w/ throttle position sensor
CLUTCH    YPZ
TRANSMISSION    Variable ratio, electronic shift
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, double wishbone; KYB® gas cell shocks; 7.1 in. travel
Rear: ProComfort™ 144; KYB® gas cell shocks; 11.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Disc; 2-piston hydraulic w/ lightweight rotor
EXHAUST    Rear
SKIS    Lightweight plastic, saddless design
LENGTH    124 in.
WIDTH    48 in.
HEIGHT    53.9 in.
TRACK LXWXH    144 x 15 x 1.25 in. Camoplast® Rip Saw™
SKI STANCE    42.7 in.
DRY WEIGHT    593 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY    8.7 gal.

The only problem worth mentioning is the ice build up – it is a pain and unfortunately the muffler under the seat doesn’t help with it. Other than that the Venture Lite is just better than ever. It’s one very stable sled to have, comfortable and reliable. Not to mention that the price is great as well. The sled is worth every penny and you won’t make a mistake if you decide to trust it and give it a try.

The Apex RTX is unbelievably quick. Its handling is super sharp and it handles big bumps with ease. The harder you ride this machine, the better it performs.It feels a little heavier, but it has a lot more powerful engine so that’s to be expected. Weight is not a problem for it, though. You can speed the thing up to 127 miles per hour and it won’t even feel it. It’s a great reliable ride. The gas mileage is awesome, too and it will only get better as the unit breaks in. You should absolutely think about getting one of those. See the specifications for it:

MODEL    Apex RTX
M.S.R.P. *    $10,199.00
ENGINE    4 Stroke, 4 Cylinders, 3 Valves, Liquid Cooled
DISPLACEMENT    998 cc
BORE X STROKE    74.0 X 58.0 mm
CARBURETION    39mm Mikuni, Fuel Injection
IGNITION    Digital D.C. C.D.I. with Throttle Position Sensor
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable Ratio
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, Double Wishbone; Shocks: Fox Float, Air Shock, Aluminum; 9 in. travel
Rear: Mono-Shock™ RA; Shocks: 46mm KYB with Remote Adjust; 11.6 in. travel
BRAKES    Disc; 4 Piston Hydraulic with Lightweight Rotor
EXHAUST    Rear Exhaust
SKIS    Lightweight Plastic, Saddleless Design
LENGTH    108.9 in.
WIDTH    48.2 in.
HEIGHT    41.1 in.
TRACK LXWXH    121 in. x 15 in. x 1.25 in. Camoplast Rip Saw™
SKI STANCE    42.7 in.
DRY WEIGHT    539 lbs. / 548 lbs. (reverse model)
OIL CAPACITY    3 qts., Dry Sump
FUEL CAPACITY    10 gal.

I’m trying to think of something to put as a downside, but nothing comes to mind. I’m not saying the sled is perfect, but with the proper maintenance it is pretty close to being exactly that. I haven’t heard of any problems surrounding it and I’m sure if you decide to trust it you’ll keep this thing for a long, long time. It’s a little steep on the price, but absolutely worthy. Overall s great 4-stroke sled.

The Yamaha Nytro is a great all around sled, whether skimming over the roughest of trails or running down a freshly groomed trail. The overall ride has great comfort and the sled handles great. This is a very reliable machine, it gets excellent gas mileage, and takes to the bumps like a REV. This thing has the perfact bottom end power. It also has amazing suspension and the seating is perfect for standing.  Sure, it’s not going to outrun the bigger lake sleds, but corner to corner it’s great. You can get it up to 110mph, but that’s about all you can squeeze of it. Here are the characteristics:

MODEL    Nytro
M.S.R.P. *    $8,699.00
ENGINE    4 Stroke, 3 Cylinders, 2 Valves, Liquid Cooled
DISPLACEMENT    973 cc
BORE X STROKE    79.0 X 66.2 mm
CARBURETION    40mm Keihin Carburetors
IGNITION    Digital T.C.I. with Throttle Position Sensor
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable Ratio
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, Double Wish Bone; Shocks: Fox FLOAT, Air Shock, Aluminum; 9 in. travel
Rear: ProActive™ CK; Shocks: Remote Reservoir / HPG w/Compression Clicker Adjust; 11.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Disc; 4-Piston Hydraulic with Lightweight Rotor
EXHAUST    Rear
SKIS    Lightweight Plastic, Saddleless Design
LENGTH    108.5 in.
WIDTH    48.2 in.
TRACK LXWXH    121 in. x 15 in. x 1.25 in. Camoplast Rip Saw™
SKI STANCE    42.7 in.
DRY WEIGHT    533 lbs. / 542 lbs. (reverse model)
OIL CAPACITY    3 qts., Dry Sump
FUEL CAPACITY    10 gal.

There are two things people are complaining about. The first is the delamination of the bogey wheels…which is really terrible. And then the low windshield…which is more of a beauty accessory and not something that will actually help against the wind. Other than that the sled is great. So is its price. Go for it if you have the chance. I don’t think you’ll regret doing it.

The RS Vector Mountain SE doesn’t care for the slow trail or wooded areas. Point it up a mountain or across wide-open powder and the 162″ track will take you screaming wherever you want. The thing handles great and after a couple of hours when you get used to that little extra weight you’ll feel like the luckiest person in the world. The machine is powerful and comfortable. It handles pretty well regardless its weight. It’s actually one very stable sled. The specifications for it:

MODEL    RS Vector Mountain SE
M.S.R.P. *    $9,199.00
ENGINE    4 Stroke, 3 Cylinders, 2 Valve, Liquid Cooled
DISPLACEMENT    973 cc
BORE X STROKE    79.0 x 66.2 mm
CARBURETION    40mm Keihin
IGNITION    Digital T.C.I. with Throttle Position Sensor
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable Ratio
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, Double Wishbone; Shocks: 36mm, HPG, Aluminum; 7 in. travel
Rear: Pro Active Mountain 162 in.; Shocks: Gas Cell Hydraulic; 14 in. travel
BRAKES    Disc; 4-Piston Hydraulic with Lightweight Rotor
EXHAUST    Rear
SKIS    Wide Saddleless Plastic Mountain Ski
LENGTH    130.9 in.
WIDTH    45.8 in.
TRACK LXWXH    162 in. x 16 in. x 2.25 in., 3.0 in. pitch, Camoplast, Paddle
SKI STANCE    37.6 in. - 39.6 in., Adjustable
DRY WEIGHT    589 lbs.
OIL CAPACITY    3 qts., Dry Sump
FUEL CAPACITY    10 gal.

The only problems you may experience are with the starter. Sometimes when it’s too cold it may freeze. That’s on rare occasions though and I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Another thing is the gas mileage. The RS Vector Mountain SE has a small fuel tank and you may want to consider carrying some extra fuel with you. Everything else works just fine and if you’re looking for a really good mountain sled this one should definitely be in your list.

You may think of the SX Venom as a tiny, light, toy like sled, but you should know that this is one of the most reliable sleds Yamaha ever built. It’s not filled with gadgets and options…but it has the proven 600, excellent brakes, proven suspension and is easy to fix (if you ever need to). It’s a sled you can trust 100% that’s gonna take you wherever you want it to without any problems whatsoever. It has plenty of power in it and is pretty comfortable too. See the given characteristics:

MODEL    SX Venom
M.S.R.P. *    $6,899.00
ENGINE    2 Stroke, 3 Cylinders, Case Reed Valve Intake, Liquid Cooled
DISPLACEMENT    593 cc
BORE X STROKE    65.0 x 59.6 mm
CARBURETION    Mikuni TM31
IGNITION    Digital D.C. C.D.I.
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable Ratio
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, Trailing-Arm; Shocks: Hydraulic with Gas Cell; 9 in. travel
Rear: Proaction Plus with Quick-Adjust; Shocks: Gas Cell Hydraulic; 11.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Disc; 2-Piston Hydraulic with Ventilated Disc
EXHAUST    Single Pipe
SKIS    Lightweight Plastic, Saddleless Design
LENGTH    109.4 in.
WIDTH    47.2 in.
HEIGHT    50.4 in.
TRACK LXWXH    121 in. x 15 in. x 1.0 in. Camoplast, Cone
SKI STANCE    42.1 in.
DRY WEIGHT    495 lbs.
OIL CAPACITY    3.2 qts.
FUEL CAPACITY    12 gal.

The sled is easy to control and maneuver with. You don’t have to worry about the digital ignition…it starts every time no matter the conditions. The fuel economy is great with this sled (and not just because it’s light). It’s not one of the quietest ones, but it’s a 2-stroke after all. The price is what you’re gonna like most. The sled performs perfectly and in my opinion is worth even more that you’re asked to pay for it. You should give it a try if you have the chance. I’m sure you’ll like it.