F7 Owner Seeking Feedback on the Yamaha RX Fun Factor!

[Mighty]

Excellent analogy low slung, my thoughts exactly. Now hopefully the 06's will allow a liitle bit of throwing around

 

[codster]

Roy, I just switched from an F7 (04 EFI SP) to Yam (Apex GT ordered), after riding some RX1's the past few winters (last weekend I put several hundred miles on an RX).

The apex addresses the concerns I had (low/soft seat, riding position and power) to a huge extent.

I do, however, disagree with those that suggest the RX1 is quicker/faster/stronger than a "good" F7 (EFI F7's are not created equal). My sled (as well as other F7's) outran all the RX1's and Warriors we rode with (we road race alot) from the holeshot thru about 90 to 100, when the RX1 slowly catches and walks by. At 90 mph, it was a consistent 3-5 sled lengths. And the 5 RX1s in the group are all about dead even 0 to top end (warrior does not get the top end and the RX1s with ripsaw - including warrior - pull a little harder down low). The extra power of the Apex should even up the gap while having an even faster top end.......

 

[Gilbey]

I was a cat rider for years. Die hard cat. After blowing 3 motors in 2 years, decided that I wanted a 4 stroke in 03. I wrote the check for 8500 even though I wasn't convinced of the rear skid verses the ZR skid. Still think the skid sucks, but as for fun factor, here's the differences.

Already stated: gas mileage, gas mileage, oil consumption, even though I burn a little.

What gets me smiling fun factor wise is the power band. There really isn't any way to describe it except if you want power at 30, 50, 70, 90 mph, you always have it. And it doens't spool up like a 4 stroke turbo. Power anywhere anytime. That's fun.

And then when you gas up with all your buddies, it's fun on the wallet too taking only half what they did.

 

[NEED SNOW]

My brother has a 04 F-7 and it is fun to drive. But he has had problems with his. But my 05 RX-1 is fun too. With about 1200 miles on it, with no problems so far, I love it. The new rear skid works great. When I run it hard in the corners I just slid forward on the seat and let up on the throttle and it will carve right around the corner, no ski lift " LOVE IT " I think the 06 will be better yet. No need to slid forward on the APEX you will alreddy be there, plus with more H.P. sweet...

 

[bjowett]

The Yamahas are the best all around sled I've ever ridden... the powerband lets my intermediate riding butt to keep up with some more experienced riders in the tight stuff. It's almost as much fun as my Snowhawk, but much less tiresome to ride.

 

[JohnGalt]

I love my Rx-1 '03. Fantastic sled. I even LIKE the suspension on it!

And I don't know what you guys are talking about about not being able to jump it or throw it around!!!! I keep up with a buddy who's got a Rev 800 all day long on the trails with ease doing 80 or 90 km/h the entire way on really twisty trails (yes, we're stupid ) He has a trail jack so the only time that I have to backoff is when the snow dust blinds me Sweat a bunch, even in -10C weather, but hey, it is a SPORT

And as for jumping.... well just ask the Rev guys in our group. I jump my Rx1 right along with them! It's a great ditch banger if you give 'er and aren't afraid of it! (my exhaust protector can attest for all of this based on the scratch marks from the studs when I bottom it out on really big ones!)

You will however build muscle while doing it It's not a light sled, but it's got pot loads of power, and if you get active and throw your weight around on it, it is VERY responsive and excellent handling.

Maybe it's cause I ride mine like a dirt bike hanging over the sides and standing up etc. or the fact that I'm 235 pounds of not much fat, or both, I don't know... (I know that my light friends on the same sled bounce around a lot on it and can't keep the speed up quite as well....)

I suspect with the rider forward and some even better suspension in the Apex, you'll be rocking big time!

Can't wait to see what SUPERTUNER comes up with for the Apex, cause the ECP kit ROCKS. 3-4 lengths on any stock RX-1.

 

[Red2003]

Wow, I need to put on some weight because I'm 5'9" 165 lbs and if I try to throw around my 03, I'm the one that gets thrown. Don't get me wrong, I love the sled. I would never go back to a 2 stroke, but the RX1 IS heavy, has poor suspension (03 especially) and nimble it is not. If you keep up with 800 REVS in the twisties, I need to hire you to set up my 03. I Can't get it to not push the front end in the twisties, no matter what I do. I think I'm just too light to throw it around, and there isn't much I can do about that. I'd love any input you might have though. Stock rear skid, 13mm bar, long links, 2.3 straight rate springs, no preload, skid sinched up in front, full soft on TRA and preload. Transfer set at min. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[NEED SNOW]

Red2003,,, When you come in to a corner hard, Cant you just slid forward on the seat, then let up on the throttle. That will let the weight transfer to the front and it will carve right around the corner. I can hit them just as fast if not faster then my 2 brothers with a F-7 and a VIPER. Or is it the old rear skid on the 03 dont transfer as good ?...

 

[Red2003]

I think the rear skid has a lot to do with it. I can slide up and it acts like it wants to turn but under any throttle it pushes then if it gets bite it lifts the inside ski violently. Doesn't bother out on the trails, just at low speed like going through the woods. I think I'm just too damn light to have enough purchase against it. I want to upgrade to a tall seat and higher articulated riser to get the rider forward concept of the 06's and I think that'll help some. Sitting that low, I just don't have enough strength to muscle it around. But, I wouldn't trade the 4 stroke power for any of the handling issues :~).

 

[RoyT]

Thanks again for all the replies guys! Between the great feedback here, and the EXCELLENT rode reports by those that were lucky enough to get some seat time on the '06 Yams, that gives me (and hopefully others as well?!) a good sampling of owners' experiences with their current rides, as well as a pretty good taste of things to look forward to for '06.

I'll post back here when (if?!) I make a decision, one way or another! -- Roy