April 16th, 2008

2006 Yamaha Apex RTX

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.

April 16th, 2008

2006 Yamaha Nytro

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.

April 8th, 2008

2006 Yamaha RS Vector Mountain SE

2006-yamaha-rs-vector-mountain-se.jpg

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.

April 8th, 2008

2006 Yamaha SX Venom

2006-yamaha-sx-venom.jpg

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.

April 8th, 2008

2006 Yamaha SX Viper Mountain

2006-yamaha-sx-viper-mountain.jpg

The SX Viper Mountain is an all around good sled right out of the box. You’ll be surprised how a stock sled can perform so well. But sure if you want to make it a super machine there are plenty of upgrades and accessories available for it. Still even without the extra tweaking this sled has the muscle and torque to scale most any peak, the narrow stance and agility necessary for side hilling and boon docking. It’s comfortable, it’s fast and it’s easy to handle. I’m sure you’ll like it. Wanna see some specifications?

MODEL    SX Viper Mountain
M.S.R.P. *    $7,999.00
ENGINE    2 Stroke, 3 Cylinders, Case Reed Valve Intake, Liquid Cooled
DISPLACEMENT    696 cc
BORE X STROKE    69.0 X 62.0 mm
CARBURETION    Mikuni TM33
IGNITION    Digital D.C. C.D.I. with Throttle Position Sensor, DCS
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable Ratio
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, Trailing-Arm; Shocks: 36mm HPG, Aluminum; 7 in. travel
Rear: Pro Active Mountain 144 in.; Shocks: Gas Cell Hydraulic; 11.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Disc; 2-Piston Hydraulic with Ventilated Disc
EXHAUST    Single Pipe, Power Valve
SKIS    Wide Saddleless Plastic Mountain Ski
LENGTH    121.7 in.
WIDTH    43.7 in.
HEIGHT    51.2 in.
TRACK LXWXH    144 in. x 15 in. x 2.0 in. Camoplast Paddle
SKI STANCE    37.6 in. - 39.6 in., Adjustable
DRY WEIGHT    530 lbs.
OIL CAPACITY    3.2 qts.
FUEL CAPACITY    12 gal.

It’s not he lightest sled out there, but its weight does not reflect on its speed at all. It also makes it very stable and reliable. Well, you’re not gonna get the speed of a four-stroke, or the silence, but for this price I think it’s a very nice sled. And it looks great too. I’m sure it won’t disappoint you if you decide to give it a chance.

April 8th, 2008

2006 Yamaha VK Professional

2006-yamaha-vk-professional.jpg

I just have to start with a comment that this is one beautifully looking sled. It really is a head turner from wherever you look it. But there’s more into it besides looks. The thing also has plenty of power for cruising down the trail with a passenger or to help you get even the biggest job done. It’s equipped with a big cargo rack, and has plenty of under-seat storage and a heavy-duty hitch.  It’s just a sled that gets you wherever you want to go without leaving anything behind. Heavy duty work is pretty much the calling of the VK Professional and if this is what you need a sled for, you’re certainly looking at the right thing. Here are the specifications:

MODEL    VK Professional
M.S.R.P. *    $9,699.00
ENGINE    4 Stroke, 3 Cylinders, Liquid Cooled, Two Valve Intake
DISPLACEMENT    973 cc
BORE X STROKE    79.0 mm x 66.2 mm
CARBURETION    40 mm Keihin
IGNITION    Digital T.C.I. with Throttle Position Sensor
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable Ratio, Reverse
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, Double Wishbone; Shocks: Hydraulic Cell C25; 6.9 in. travel
Rear: Proaction Plus® w/Quick-Adjust, Flip Up Rail; Shocks: KYB High Presure Gas; 12.3 in. travel
BRAKES    2-Piston Hydraulic w/Ventilated Disc
EXHAUST    Rear
SKIS    All Plastic SUV Wide, Carbide Ski Runners
LENGTH    128.6 in.
WIDTH    47.2 in.
HEIGHT    54.3 in.
TRACK LXWXH    156 in. x 20 in. x 1.25 in. Ripsaw
SKI STANCE    40.2 in.
OIL CAPACITY    3 qts., Dry Sump
FUEL CAPACITY    11.2 gal.

Now for the downsides – if you’re gonna use this sled for anything else, but work you should know that the 156″ x20″x1.25″ track is really nice for powder, but won’t work quite that well when it comes to trail riding. Also it’s not the easiest sled to handle. The thing is very hard to turn and people think of it as very tipsy, so you may wanna watch the speed when you’re on it. As to comfort level – there sure are better and more comfortable sleds out there. It has excellent fuel economy though and even after all the downsides I pointed out I think it’s a sled that deserves to be given a chance. You should definitely consider it…especially if you need a work sled.

April 8th, 2008

2005 Yamaha RS Rage

 2005-yamaha-rs-rage.jpg

The RS Rage has impressive power and great suspension. Its torque is fantastic to experience as it pulls from low to top end in a smooth controlled manner. The machine has excellent low end and mid range power and is overall a very nice ride. It’s quiet and comfortable, takes the bumps good and gets great fuel mileage. It’s pretty much all you can expect from a good trail sled. Again weight has been an issue, but it doesn’t slow the RS Rage at all. You can speed it up to about 115 mph. Here are the specifications for it:

MODEL    RS Rage
M.S.R.P. *    $8,499.00
ENGINE    4-Stroke, 3-cylinder, Liquid Cooled,
DISPLACEMENT    973cc
BORE X STROKE    79.0 x 66.2mm
COMPRESSION RATIO    11.3 to 1
CARBURETION    Keihin CVK40 x 3, Liquid Heated
HORSEPOWER    120
IGNITION    Digital T.C.I. w / Throttle Position Sensor
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable Ratio, Reverse
SUSPENSION    Front: Front: Ind., Double Wishbone, Hydraulic w/Gas Cell shock, 9 in. travel
Rear: ProAction CK and Adjustable Control Rod, Hydraulic w/Gas Cell shock, 11.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Hydraulic, Lightweight Ventilated Disc
EXHAUST    2 Valves, Rear Exhaust
SKIS    Lite Weight Plastic, Carbide Ski Runners
LENGTH    118 in.
WIDTH    47.4 in.
HEIGHT    46.7 in.
TRACK LXWXH    15 x 136 x 1.25 in.
SKI STANCE    42.8 in.
OIL CAPACITY    3 qts.
FUEL CAPACITY    10 gal.

On the downside, because of the weight the RS Rage does not handle the tight twisty trails like some of the other sleds out there. You have to adjust to the handling a little bit, but after some miles I’m pretty sure you’ll be ok. Also its top end power is okay, but it’s somewhat weaker than some stock 600 cc 2-strokes. Once again the storage is a problem, but you just have to deal with the lack of it. Other than that the sled is just fine. It comes at a good price too. It’s a nice buy and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed of the sled if you decide to give it a try.

April 8th, 2008

2005 Yamaha RS Vector ER

2005-yamaha-rs-vector-er.jpg

The RS Vector seems like an excellant trail sled. It handles pretty good…even in turns. The sled is powerful and the throttle is just amazingly responsive. It’s one smooth, quiet sled with great gas mileage. There is a lot of talk about the Vector’s weight, but you can’t really feel it. It launches itself off jumps quite well, is easy to keep the nose up for soft landings, and just dances over the shutter bumps. It’s heavy, yes, but the weight is not a downside this time. As to the max speed you can squeeze of it – I would say about 120mph. Not bad at all. Characteristics:

MODEL    RS Vector ER
M.S.R.P. *    $8,299.00
ENGINE    4-Stroke, 3-cylinder, Liquid Cooled
DISPLACEMENT    973cc
BORE X STROKE    79.0 x 66.2mm
COMPRESSION RATIO    11.3 to 1
CARBURETION    Keihin CVK40 x 3, Liquid-Heated
HORSEPOWER    120
IGNITION    Digital T.C.I. with Throttle Position Sensor
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable Ratio, Reverse
SUSPENSION    Front: Ind., Double Wishbone, KYB, Aluminum High Pressure Gas shock, 9 in.travel
Rear: ProActive and Adjustable Control Rod, 11.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Hydraulic, Lightweight Ventilated Disc, Adj. Lever
EXHAUST    2 Valves, Rear Exhaust
SKIS    Lite Weight Plastic, Saddleless Design, Carbide Ski Runners
LENGTH    108.5 in.
WIDTH    47.4 in.
HEIGHT    46.7 in.
TRACK LXWXH    15 x 121 x 1.25 in.
SKI STANCE    42.8 in.
OIL CAPACITY    3 quarts
FUEL CAPACITY    10 gal.

Some people complain that the thing bottoms out easily even after adjustments, but those are insulated cases and I really don’t think stability is one of the Vector’s problems. The storage space though is really something to complain about. There’s no storage space whatsoever and it’s just bugging because otherwise the sled would be just perfect. Anyway I think you’ll be happy with it. It’s an overall a great sled to have and I think you should give it a chance.

April 3rd, 2008

2005 Yamaha RS Venture

2005-yamaha-rs-venture.jpg

The RS Venture has its ups and downs, but overall I think you’re gonna like it. It’s not the perfect sled you can get from the 2005 models, but it has its good features. Starting with the comfort level - a very good one. Then the mileage - about 15mpg which I think you’ll find very satisfying. The suspension that adjusts for one or two up, simple and fast, and makes the whole riding experience as comfortable as it gets. Then there’s plenty of torque and power for anyone including the lake runners. You can speed up the thing to about 116 mph which is not bad at all, right? Is it time for specifications?

MODEL    RS Venture
M.S.R.P. *    $8,999.00
ENGINE    4-Stroke, 3-cylinder, Liquid Cooled,
DISPLACEMENT    973cc
BORE X STROKE    79 x 66.2mm
CARBURETION    Keihin CVK40 x 3, Liquid Heated
HORSEPOWER    120
IGNITION    Digital T.C.I. w / T.P.S.
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Variable Ratio, Reverse
SUSPENSION    Front: Independent, Double Wishbone, Hydraulic w/Gas Cell, 9 in. travel
Rear: ProComfort and Adjustable Control Rod, 11.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Hydraulic, Lightweight Ventilated Disc
EXHAUST    2 Valves, Rear Exhaust
SKIS    Plastic, Carbide Ski Runners
LENGTH    126 in.
WIDTH    47.4 in.
HEIGHT    50.0 in.
TRACK LXWXH    15 x 144 x 1.25 in.
SKI STANCE    42.8 in.
OIL CAPACITY    3 qts.
FUEL CAPACITY    10 gal.

Now for the downsides – I’ll start with the more serious ones like the sled being tippy, especially on the corners. I know that sounds ridiculous given its weight, but it’s true…it is tippy and I advise you to be careful with that. The RS Venture is indeed very heavy, so besides the mentioned corners you may wanna be careful about that deep powder too. If you get stuck at some point you better have some friends around you to help you out with it. Then last, but certainly not least people are complaining about the lack of storage. The sled does have a small rack, but I don’t think it’s nearly enough. Anyway it’s a worthy sled. And the price is not that bad at all. If you can deal with the downsides I’m sure you’ll like the RS Venture. It’s certainly a fun sled to have.

April 3rd, 2008

2005 Yamaha RX - 1 ER

2005-yamaha-rx-1-er.jpg

Jump right on the 4-stroke with this amazing 2005 machine. Yamaha’s always been between the leading snowmobile companies and sleds like RX - 1 ER give us the exact idea why. This thing is not only powerful and extremely comfortable, it’s also quieter and way advanced than the surrounding competition. If you trails are your favorite you’ll most certainly fall in love with this sled. You can go for miles and miles without even feel it. It has great overall handling and performance. And you can get it up to about 115 mpg which you have to admit for a 2005 model is really something great. See the specifications:

MODEL    RX - 1 ER
M.S.R.P. *    $9,399.00
ENGINE    4-Stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled
DISPLACEMENT    998cc
BORE X STROKE    74.0 X 58.0mm
COMPRESSION RATIO    11.8 to 1
CARBURETION    Mikuni BSR37 X 4, Liquid Heated
HORSEPOWER    145
IGNITION    Digital D.C. C.D.I. w/Throttle Position Sensor
CLUTCH    YVXC
TRANSMISSION    Varible Ratio, Reverse
SUSPENSION    Front: Ind., Double Wish Bone, Alum. H.P. Gas, 40mm, 9 in. travel
Rear: Mono-Shock RA HX46 w/Remote Adjust, Adj. Control Rod, 11.5 in. travel
BRAKES    Disc, Hydraulic, Ventilated Disc, Adj. Lever
EXHAUST    2 Valves, Rear Exhaust
SKIS    Plastic, Dual Angle Keel; Carbide Ski Runners
LENGTH    108.9 in.
WIDTH    47.4 in.
HEIGHT    46.7 in.
TRACK LXWXH    15 X 121 X 1.25 in. Camoplast Rip Saw™
SKI STANCE    42.1 in.
OIL CAPACITY    3 qts., Dry Sump
FUEL CAPACITY    10 gal.

This machine will make you happy, trust me. It’s reliable and non problematic. And it comes at a decent price. Even if you had to pay more for it I’d say do it. The RX - 1 ER is absolutely worthy. I know there are plenty of newer models out, but when something is good I can’t just ignore it because it’s older. If you decide to trust the RX - 1 ER I’m absolutely sure you won’t be disappointed by it.

« Previous Entries Next Entries »