nullptr
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Hope everyone is getting ready for this season! I'm counting the days.
This weekend I'm taking my 2008 Vector LTX in to get it's pre-season maintenance done. I picked it up last year after moving back to Michigan in the middle of winter and deciding I wanted to see if I was interested in getting back into the sport. My only previous encounter being a '77 Panther 440 I bought when I was 14 for $100. Anyway, I rode the Vector all over the place and put a few miles on it without any real trouble other than getting her momentarily stuck a few times. She's in fairly good condition considering she almost has 13k miles. I'm a big fan of the 3-cylinder 4-stroke, it's nice and quiet, has good power, is smooth, great mileage and reliability.
I did, however, make the mistake of checking the local dealer's inventory. They have a pair of 2016 Yamaha RS Vector X-TX 1.75 brand new 0 mile sleds in their warehouse. I am sorely tempted, a little more aggressive track and fuel injection sounds like just the thing for all the snow we get up here.
Does anyone have any real-world feedback on these things? How do they do off-trail? My current LTX does not do well unless you are flying, it also tends to get somewhat upset on high speed whoops. While I found it comfortable for the most part, it seemed a little cramped, but then I'm not a small guy.
What do you think a good offer on something like this would be? I mean, it is brand new, but it's also 4 years old.
This weekend I'm taking my 2008 Vector LTX in to get it's pre-season maintenance done. I picked it up last year after moving back to Michigan in the middle of winter and deciding I wanted to see if I was interested in getting back into the sport. My only previous encounter being a '77 Panther 440 I bought when I was 14 for $100. Anyway, I rode the Vector all over the place and put a few miles on it without any real trouble other than getting her momentarily stuck a few times. She's in fairly good condition considering she almost has 13k miles. I'm a big fan of the 3-cylinder 4-stroke, it's nice and quiet, has good power, is smooth, great mileage and reliability.
I did, however, make the mistake of checking the local dealer's inventory. They have a pair of 2016 Yamaha RS Vector X-TX 1.75 brand new 0 mile sleds in their warehouse. I am sorely tempted, a little more aggressive track and fuel injection sounds like just the thing for all the snow we get up here.
Does anyone have any real-world feedback on these things? How do they do off-trail? My current LTX does not do well unless you are flying, it also tends to get somewhat upset on high speed whoops. While I found it comfortable for the most part, it seemed a little cramped, but then I'm not a small guy.
What do you think a good offer on something like this would be? I mean, it is brand new, but it's also 4 years old.

DGZRT
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Sorry I’m on my phone so can’t post links . Do a search for catman setup in the RS section . If you follow this setup it will Handel much better. The rough ride in the rear suspension is probably because the rebound is set up to soft and the big back shock is kicking back . On you dial on the tunnel turn it 8 clicks from full soft towards hard . With that many miles your shocks should be recharged to ride perfect . As far as getting stuck wide skis will help the front end float and keep you going . The sixteenths will be a nicer sled but your 2008 can be made to ride so much better ! Enjoy!
greatwhite89
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The chip controlled throttle on the 2016 and up Vector with three driving modes is a great addition. I had the same 1.75" track and 146" skid on my 2016 Apex. Awesome hook up in loose snow. Probably the last new 2016s around! Just make sure the dealer installs the updated rear shock from Yamaha before you take it home.
Hope everyone is getting ready for this season! I'm counting the days.
This weekend I'm taking my 2008 Vector LTX in to get it's pre-season maintenance done. I picked it up last year after moving back to Michigan in the middle of winter and deciding I wanted to see if I was interested in getting back into the sport. My only previous encounter being a '77 Panther 440 I bought when I was 14 for $100. Anyway, I rode the Vector all over the place and put a few miles on it without any real trouble other than getting her momentarily stuck a few times. She's in fairly good condition considering she almost has 13k miles. I'm a big fan of the 3-cylinder 4-stroke, it's nice and quiet, has good power, is smooth, great mileage and reliability.
I did, however, make the mistake of checking the local dealer's inventory. They have a pair of 2016 Yamaha RS Vector X-TX 1.75 brand new 0 mile sleds in their warehouse. I am sorely tempted, a little more aggressive track and fuel injection sounds like just the thing for all the snow we get up here.
Does anyone have any real-world feedback on these things? How do they do off-trail? My current LTX does not do well unless you are flying, it also tends to get somewhat upset on high speed whoops. While I found it comfortable for the most part, it seemed a little cramped, but then I'm not a small guy.
What do you think a good offer on something like this would be? I mean, it is brand new, but it's also 4 years old.
Chip
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I've got one and I really like it for the riding I do. Which hasn't been as much as I'd like.
Paid $9,000 for my 2017 RS Vector XTX 1.75. Was listed originally at like $12,500 so I was pretty happy.
Paid $9,000 for my 2017 RS Vector XTX 1.75. Was listed originally at like $12,500 so I was pretty happy.
nullptr
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I've got one and I really like it for the riding I do. Which hasn't been as much as I'd like.
Paid $9,000 for my 2017 RS Vector XTX 1.75. Was listed originally at like $12,500 so I was pretty happy.
That's very similar to what they are asking for their pair, $9500. Sounds like getting the upgraded rear shock is a must, especially considering I'm a heavy guy. I would hate to get stranded.
My current '08 LTX already has Fox Float front shocks on it, but I think the rear is stock still. I'm unsure as to what skis it's got but they are wide.


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with the 1.75 track, it should be pretty good off trail with a good set of skis. i know my 16 xtx with the 1.25 track is pretty good once i put the 09 apex mtx skis on it and i off trail quite a bit.
the stock shock just sucks because it does not recover fast enough on trail junk. i put 500 mi on the stock 06 one and it would pack in every 3rd hit and the whole sled would buck. put the 18 spec one in and much better ride.
lots of mi riders like the mtx skis, so that is what you might have.
the stock shock just sucks because it does not recover fast enough on trail junk. i put 500 mi on the stock 06 one and it would pack in every 3rd hit and the whole sled would buck. put the 18 spec one in and much better ride.
lots of mi riders like the mtx skis, so that is what you might have.

mikextx
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That's a great sled. Like mentioned already, get those rear shocks updated. It's an insane difference in ride quality.
provfisherman
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I can agree with the lousy stock rear shock. But since the 2016 Vector does not qualify for the updated shock (at least in Canada) can only hope the dealer does the update on their own to sell. I decided on the Elka spring coil over replacement instead of the updated air shock (still an air shock and if fails, no suspension), and couldn't be happier. With the exception of that original air shock, great machine and I do not think you will be disappointed.
nullptr
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lots of mi riders like the mtx skis, so that is what you might have.
That's probably what they are, it sounds familiar at least.
Sadly I've yet to be able to get the '08 running. My plan was to take it in to the shop tomorrow for some maintenance work, but when I turned the ignition on, none of electrics came on. It would crank, but no lights or gauges. I suspect something became disconnected, but haven't had a chance yet to take it apart. I'll have to spend some time later this week on it. Hopefully it's something simple and a mouse didn't get in there and eat my wiring harness!
I haven't decided if I'm getting a new sled or not, honestly. The '16s look really nice and would probably be great, but it's a pretty good chunk of money that I don't really need to spend right now. We'll see what the dealer is willing to do when I talk to them.

DGZRT
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The gauge will not light up until the sled starts . I’m guessing you need to prime the carbs if it’s been sitting a while. They are extremely hard to start if not primed and you could crank for ten minutes. You can do a search to find procedures. Take clutch side panel off and locate the gas tank vent tube in the lower foot well. Remove small clamp from the hose and with an air gun on a compressor blow air in the gas tank . You will need to turn the regulator down to about 20# so you don’t blow to hard . Slowly put air In . And you will see your gas cap rise a little. It’s best to have a small clamp to pinch the hose off or the air will escape. Wait 20 seconds for the bowls on carb to fill and then try to start. After it fires up replace the vent tube and clamp . Let it warm up until the heat exchangers under the running boards are hot .
nullptr
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Ah, good to know. I couldn't recall if the gauges came up before or after. It's possible that it just needs priming, I'll have to give your suggestion a shot when I get some time to look at it.
It's wrong how excited I am for season to start. Every morning I wake up and look at the snowy yard and think, "Soon"
It's wrong how excited I am for season to start. Every morning I wake up and look at the snowy yard and think, "Soon"
Snorunner
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I can agree with the lousy stock rear shock. But since the 2016 Vector does not qualify for the updated shock (at least in Canada) can only hope the dealer does the update on their own to sell. I decided on the Elka spring coil over replacement instead of the updated air shock (still an air shock and if fails, no suspension), and couldn't be happier. With the exception of that original air shock, great machine and I do not think you will be disappointed.
The 2016 Vector does not qualify for the updated shock in the US either. Otherwise love my 16 XTX 1.75. Will go coil spring as soon as it's paid off. I appoligize about all my whining on here. Great site! Just can't believe Yamahas attitude on the shock situation. I geuss I bought a Chevy and not a Cadillac so I am screwed as far as their concerned. That alone has put a bad taste in my mouth about this company. What is Cats version of the Viper? If I change up to the Procross chassis I would not want to give Yamaha any more business after experiencing their attitude towards warranty. I do respect their build quality though.


1nc 2000
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I can agree with the lousy stock rear shock. But since the 2016 Vector does not qualify for the updated shock (at least in Canada) can only hope the dealer does the update on their own to sell. I decided on the Elka spring coil over replacement instead of the updated air shock (still an air shock and if fails, no suspension), and couldn't be happier. With the exception of that original air shock, great machine and I do not think you will be disappointed.
How are you liking your elka shock?
I put one in our sled, stage 4 shock, once we got it set it is really nice ride.
provfisherman
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How are you liking your elka shock?
I put one in our sled, stage 4 shock, once we got it set it is really nice ride.
Have only had a few miles on it since change over, but so far so good. This up coming season will be the total test for me, but based on the limited use I have so far, I see nothing but smoother rides going forward. My days of riding on a lumber wagon are over.

CaptCaper
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- 2016 RS Vector XTX 1.25 Lug wifes..2013 RS Vector LTX.. 2003 600 VMax Past Machines 3-2007 Attaks 1-2010 Vector LTX.. sorry no Stinkdoos or poo's cats.
To the OP. Think hard about that new machine. They don't make them anymore and they are just plain awesome. I went with Hygear Coil Over. Their kit and shock seems to be better. More $$ thou. I sucked it up cause my machine is new and I'm going to keep it from many years. I'd spend the money on a coil over before getting the upgraded shock which I had and sold. Dealer was nice and gave it to me as well as the machine for $8700
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