IFlyEm
Expert
Ok just when I had it all figured out that I was going to be getting an Attak this year the Mrs' says that she wants a sled as well. Since money doesnt grow on trees in this house that kind of puts a kabosh on the Attak. So now I am thinking about a couple 03 RX-1's. Comments? I see there is concern about the W arms cracking, anything else?
How would this sled compare to an 02 MX-Z 800 (non REV)?
Being this is an early version on the 4 cyc, is there any problems with rough trails? javascript:emoticon('
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4 Strokes Rule
How would this sled compare to an 02 MX-Z 800 (non REV)?
Being this is an early version on the 4 cyc, is there any problems with rough trails? javascript:emoticon('
')4 Strokes Rule
Swiss Sledder
TY 4 Stroke God
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I wouldn't worry about the W-arm issue. Others may disagree, but I believe W-arm failures represent the minority of riders. I have over 4500 miles on my 03 and the W-arm is just fine.
What you do need to make sure is that the 03 RX-1's have had the updates, as these are crucial for riding the trails. The updates include the longer links and straight rate springs. The other important update is the locking collar on the jackshaft bearing.
If you get an 03 RX-1, follow the suggested adjustments in the thread at the link below. I followed LB's suggestions and rough trails were not a problem.
www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=2774
Another option that still might fit in your budget is to find a couple left over 05 Vectors or Rages. Handling will be better and the performance is very close up to 80-90 mph.
If you update your profile to include your location, other members might be able to help you find used sleds in your area.
What you do need to make sure is that the 03 RX-1's have had the updates, as these are crucial for riding the trails. The updates include the longer links and straight rate springs. The other important update is the locking collar on the jackshaft bearing.
If you get an 03 RX-1, follow the suggested adjustments in the thread at the link below. I followed LB's suggestions and rough trails were not a problem.
www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=2774
Another option that still might fit in your budget is to find a couple left over 05 Vectors or Rages. Handling will be better and the performance is very close up to 80-90 mph.
If you update your profile to include your location, other members might be able to help you find used sleds in your area.
I would try to get an 04, All of the upgrades are done. Hand warmers fixed, ripsaw track, longer links and bigger swaybar,Gas gauge line in the tank. (more accurate) and there is probably a few more.
Good luck in what ever you buy.
Good luck in what ever you buy.
nbsledder
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
I have an /03 w/arms are fine 3500 miles.The ride on rough trails is not great,but better than my /01 SXR.A different seat or more foam in the existing one would be A big plus.
LazyBastard
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One of the great things about the 03 is the seat. Its properly FIRM, not that cushy crap that you sink into and can't shift your weight properly.
W-arms break from too much power. If you ride gently and are not hard on the power, they'll be fine. If you like to open it wide and see how hard it will pull, you WILL break it (note: this includes 04's as well). Also, there is a problem with the upper control rods. They were weak and had a tendency to break on the 03's, they were thickened up for 04.
W-arms break from too much power. If you ride gently and are not hard on the power, they'll be fine. If you like to open it wide and see how hard it will pull, you WILL break it (note: this includes 04's as well). Also, there is a problem with the upper control rods. They were weak and had a tendency to break on the 03's, they were thickened up for 04.
IFlyEm
Expert
Can you replace the Upper control rods? at what cost?
What front suspension is people using? I see Bender racing has a Swaybar and Links for $70 but I don't see any springs. Anything I can do to beefen up the W-arms?
My riding style is only going to be moderately aggressive with a little wide open runs accross the lake but mostly just hitting the trail in Northern WI and the UP. Also what is the deal with the hand harmers that I keep hearing about?
What front suspension is people using? I see Bender racing has a Swaybar and Links for $70 but I don't see any springs. Anything I can do to beefen up the W-arms?
My riding style is only going to be moderately aggressive with a little wide open runs accross the lake but mostly just hitting the trail in Northern WI and the UP. Also what is the deal with the hand harmers that I keep hearing about?
LazyBastard
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Yes, upper control rods are definitely replaceable. I have a set of aftermarket strong rods with hand adjust nuts I can let you have at a reasonable price if you (or anybody else needs them), new they cost $130 aftermarket, not sure about the OEM price (which won't have the hand adjust nuts and are still not as strong). See www.maxxperf.com.
You can also get front springs and reinforced W-arms from maxxperf, though you can reinforce the arms yourself if you want. They're mild steel and need to be thickened up on the BOTTOM side where the straps cross. You could probably get someone to weld them up for you for cheap if you don't weld yourself.
Swaybar links are only available from yamaha (wherever you get them, they will be OEM). Pioneer performance for swaybar (13mm really good), but that bender price seems pretty reasonable.
You can also get front springs and reinforced W-arms from maxxperf, though you can reinforce the arms yourself if you want. They're mild steel and need to be thickened up on the BOTTOM side where the straps cross. You could probably get someone to weld them up for you for cheap if you don't weld yourself.
Swaybar links are only available from yamaha (wherever you get them, they will be OEM). Pioneer performance for swaybar (13mm really good), but that bender price seems pretty reasonable.
Dano
TY 4 Stroke Master
LazyBastard said:
WTF....What is the measurement between your hip bone and seat anyway? I have a good solid 03 seat I'll sell ya!
Dan
LazyBastard
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I have one, I don't need two.
IFlyEm
Expert
Thanks a lot for the info.
THis will be my 1st sled since I was a kid. I am planning on getting 2 of them. One for me and one for the Mrs. or a ridding buddy to join me. Is this sled too heavy for a 125 lb lady to handle? She really likes the looks of it and it is what she wants but I also want to maximize her enjoyment. Again she will be just trail cruisin
THis will be my 1st sled since I was a kid. I am planning on getting 2 of them. One for me and one for the Mrs. or a ridding buddy to join me. Is this sled too heavy for a 125 lb lady to handle? She really likes the looks of it and it is what she wants but I also want to maximize her enjoyment. Again she will be just trail cruisin
LazyBastard
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$10 says she wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
IFlyEm
Expert
Difference between?
Skydog
TY 4 Stroke God
Love my 03!!!Kick butt sled AAAHHH the motor!!!
Red2003
TY 4 Stroke Guru
My take. If the little lady is pretty sled savvy, she should be fine on the RX1. If she's new to riding, I wouldn't go with something so heavy with such a launch. These things are beasts and fun, but to ride very hard you have to muscle them A LOT. I weigh 175, and thats not enough to toss the sled around at times. Maybe she could test drive one first once snow gets here. Just a thought.
Gilbey
Expert
I would skip on the RX for the wifey personally. My wife has been riding for only 4 years or so, and I won't let her yet.
When trails are rough, you WILL feel the weight unless you're skipping over the stuff, and being that she would be brand new to the sport, I don't highly recommend that she skips over moguls at 100 mph. It just doesn't mix too well.
My recommendation is to get the RX for yourself, which you will have some adaptation as well being this is your 1st thing since childhood, and look for a beefed up sled that has suspension that is lightweight, maybe the Vector if you want to stay yamaha, or go to a Rev platform for better suspension in that model year. (Sorry guys, I hated saying it too)
When trails are rough, you WILL feel the weight unless you're skipping over the stuff, and being that she would be brand new to the sport, I don't highly recommend that she skips over moguls at 100 mph. It just doesn't mix too well.
My recommendation is to get the RX for yourself, which you will have some adaptation as well being this is your 1st thing since childhood, and look for a beefed up sled that has suspension that is lightweight, maybe the Vector if you want to stay yamaha, or go to a Rev platform for better suspension in that model year. (Sorry guys, I hated saying it too)
