First Ride Impressions on 07 Rage GT

[Gone Blue]

I had never ridden a 4 stroke until I took my new 07 Rage GT out yesterday. All and all I was impressed and happy with my purchase after my first 180 miles.

The sled was set up at the dealer for rider weight of 150 - 180 lb.s. I was told that all Yamaha's come set up like this from the factory. Before this first ride I had swapped out the stock carbides with a good used set of 6" shaper bars off off my Viper.

I thought it handled the corners similar to my Viper. I had a little ski lift but not much more than my Viper. I will take up one hole on the limiter strap before the next ride and see how that works.

I was really impressed how light the sled felt while riding it. With 6" shaper bars the steering effort was really light.

I love the engine braking and quickly adapted my riding style to not using the brake. The only time I used the brake while riding was to warn my buddy behind about an icy corner after he had problems with his communicator.

The trails got really rough the end of the day. I thought the Rage took the bumps pretty well. I did not mess with the front clickers yet but played with the RA mono dial and found a pretty good range of adjustment. With the RA set on the soft side it handled shudder bumps real nice at 60 - 70 mph. I could not seem to find the RA dial when riding. I had to stop to make an adjustment. Maybe this will come with more seat time.

I read about how smooth and quite these 4 strokes are, but until you ride one you cannot appreciate it. I was real happy with how the sled pulls coming out of a corner. I had read about the strong mid range with these motors but felt that it really comes alive at 6,800 to 7,000 RPM's

I can see myself updating the ergos on this sled in time. I need to figure out how to make my 2" Rox riser work with this sled. I have not tried to install my Rox since my previous post on trouble with it. I miss being able to stand up. I would later on look to add an Apex seat.

I had a laugh about the big deal Yamaha and others had made about the lack of smell with the 4 strokes. My riding gear still smells like 2 stroke because I was the only 4 stroke in the group. So unless you ride with all 4 stoke sleds, you will still smell like a smoker. I cant wait to get back on it. My first 4 day trip of the season is at the end of the month.

G.B.

 

[radianguy]

Congrats, glad you like it. I am just past 1100 km on my 08 Vector LTX GT, and I love it more every time I get on it. The 120 motor rocks!

 

[Gone Blue]

Congrats, glad you like it. I am just past 1100 km on my 08 Vector LTX GT, and I love it more every time I get on it. The 120 motor rocks!

Thanks radianguy, I have read lots of good press on this motor and it didnt disapoint. G.B.

 

[Safety Sean]

800km for me on my 08 Venture GT. I came from the yellow side this year and am quite glad that I did. Typically I ride alone but last Thursday went for a run with a buddy riding a Doo. I was surpised at how much I could smell the oil when he was in front of me. I guess that unless you are riding a 2-stroke all the time the smell really is noticeable. And yea I really like the pull of the 120. Great sled in my books.

 

[NLVMAX]

I am currently driving a 2 Stroke Vmax 700 triple triple with a lot of mods and the Rage is the first 4 stroke that I have rode.
I thought it was a great motor with quick acceleration, liked the engine brake and she felt light while riding. Had a blast! Thumbs up for a great Trail Sled.