2011 RS Vector LTX GT Review - First timer

[benjamingvsu]

Well, I made it to Ishpeming and logged 537 miles in a day and a half on a 2011 Vector LTX GT.

In a word - Awesome!

Here is my complete review:

Bio: 28, 5'10' 180, high mileage trail rider. Several thousand miles on 2000 zrt6 w/136" and 2002 zr8 x-Country. High miles on phazer rentals, and 1 ride each on carbed/EFI versions of the Venture GT.

Sled: 800 miles when I picked it up, rental

Seating Position: Great, easy to turn and handle sitting down. Felt I would benefit from 1-2" higher seat, with 2-3" riser to allow for pounding the bumps while standing.

Skis - some push, but better than the Phazer. Little darting, not enough to make me nervous - but I did have to grab the bars a bit more firmly to move over for oncoming traffic. I don't think I'd replace them, but maybe try some different carbide options.

Motor - WOW, I grinned everytime I pinned the throttle, felt stronger than my old 600 in the midrange, and obviously much smoother than my 800 was. Attained 90MPH on good hardpack. Easy starting, quick warm up in the am. Expected a little more on top, my zrt600 had really long legs, but certainly don't need to go faster on Michigan trails.

MPG: Disappointing!! I calculated 14-15 every fill up, with the exception of the last, which was the morning I returned the rental - I was beat and put on a leisurely 40 miles at 18MPG. I really expected 18 all the time. My driving, dealer set up, and break in may all be contributing factors to the 14-15 figures.

Handling: Very good, but a bit hard to turn when standing, bars were too low for leverage. Rear suspension was great in the morning, but needed some help by afternoon. I cranked the dial 2 spots short of "max hard" and still bottomed when really crashing the sharply angled 2' bumps. Rollers and smaller chop it stayed flat, predictable, and calm.

Off trail: I accidentally got off the trail while letting some hotdoggers by. I buried the back end with 1 ski on trail, one off. I had an esier time getting out than I ever would have with my ZRT, but still wouldn't venture off trail on purpose unless I had wide skis and stronger arms!

IMO, this hits dead center for trail riders. I have limited opportunity to use the power of an Apex, plus the Vector is cheaper. (not to mention my wife never liked hearing my stories of how fast I went on my other sleds)

This will be the sled I buy - this summer or next depending on how much my pole barn costs to get up.

Any questions feel free to respond - I really enjoy the community here and will be getting my VIP membership soon - I'm a Yammie guy for sure now!! I'll let you guys know when I'm ready to buy -these Vectors seem hard to come buy used.

 

[CaptCaper]

My wife gets 18.5 on her 2010 RS Vector LTX now with 700 miles . I get 15 with my Attak.
My son got 15 with the wifes sled. He rides harder and it wasn't broke in.

 

[studdog]

The Vector LTX GT might be the best sled Yamy makes. I have 4000 miles on mine and it runs great with good fuel economy(range) of 18 MPG. Plenty of room for improvement by Yamaha but that's another subject.

 

[CaptCaper]

No sled's perfect but we know this will give miles of good ride with out failing. I'd like to trade in my Attak and get one. 4 cyl is too much power amoung other things like easier to change oil,steering easier.

 

[MadMax]

05 vector with 8,000 miles now... Great gas mileage.. From 17.5 up to a high of 21.9... 18.5 is a solid o/a average.. This motor is sweeeeeeeeeeeeet.. I wish I had the newer fi motor.. MM.

 

[Nick1945]

Sounds like you had a great time. I would have thought you'd get better mpg. We are the same size, but I'm 65, but still ride pretty hard. I have an '06 Nytro that gets 16.5 mpg riding hard, and my Apex gets 15. Conditions and riding style can make a big difference.
A revalved rear shock will cure the bottoming.

 

[swmichvector]

my 09 gets 19 to 21 all day long. does not seem to matter how hard you ride it. yours should get better once its broke in. the stock skis and the fact that the track is probably a bit too tight ( they are that way from the factory) is prolly holding your mileage down a bit.

 

[benjamingvsu]

Thanks for the responses guys - this was a rental, so not sure how well it was set up as far as track tension & clutching adjustments.

Hopefully have 1 in my garage in a year or two, but right now it looks like Attack's and Apex ltx can more easily be found cheaper, but I don't think I want to muscle the 4 banger around tight trails.

 

[Irv]

Thanks for the responses guys - this was a rental, so not sure how well it was set up as far as track tension & clutching adjustments.

Hopefully have 1 in my garage in a year or two, but right now it looks like Attack's and Apex ltx can more easily be found cheaper, but I don't think I want to muscle the 4 banger around tight trails.

Totally happy with my Vector so far, and that is one of the main reasons I purchased it,,,easier to muscle in the twistys!

I am also getting great mileage, not sure exactly what the ratio is but I am definitely not complaining

 

[tommyt5078]

I know alot of people that would love to see 14-15 mpg................I know I'm happy at 15 mpg!!!!!