First Ride

[Flipper]

I had my 2008 Vector GT out for the first time this weekend in Quebec. We logged approximately 500km. My previous sled was an 05 Vector ER.

In short, I love this new Vector.

I really like the seating position on this delta box II chassis. I have heard others state that it's like you are sitting on the sled not in it. I agree with this and for me this meant a feeling of increased control over the sled.

Being up a little higher and closer to the skis gave me more confidence in the corners.

The handling in the the bumps is excellent with the mono shock. Takes the big hits much better than my 05 (I had an Ohlins in the back on that sled to improve performance). I don't think I would ever get tired of this motor, strong and smooth.

My only complaint is that my hands get cold faster than on my old Vector. With the new seating position and higher bars the hands are exposed more to the wind. My hands were fine to about -18C. Below that I put on a set of muffs and hands were nice and toasty at about 50%.

Some have complained of darting. Prior to the outing I shimmed my skis as I have my last three Yamaha's by following the advice on this site. I also removed the stock carbides and installed 9" StudBoy shaper bars. I experienced no darting at all with this combination which is also the setup I ran on my 05.

The only other thing I am considering at this time is pulling the limiter strap in one hole. I will leave it stock for a couple of more outings before I make up my mind on that.

 

[yamie1]

what did you use for shims. also, how thick are they.ijust traded my viper on a 08 ltx gt
thanks, norm

 

[Flipper]

I picked up a pack of "Toilet" shims at Home Depot. They are wedged shaped so I used two together to form a shim of even thickness. I believe they were about 1/4" thick and about 1"x2".

They fit pretty much perfectly.

 

[pat the rat]

i pulled one hole on the strap and it handles very nice,i did notice that my hyfax are almost shot after 500 miles,very unusual compared to my rx1,maybe i should pull it one more hole,i ordered the slp anti wear pads so this should help

 

[Flipper]

My last Vector wore the slides until they were almost ready to replace and then they stopped. After this initial wear they lasted a long time. Think I only changed them twice (used three sets) in 20,000 kms. When I traded the machine the last set still had life in them.

I would give it some time to see if the rate of wear slows down.

 

[snoway]

I have the track set loose enough to hang about 3/4" to 1" when jacked up and no ratcheting experienced (no studs) the hyfax show good after 2000 miles....will last the rest of the year the way they look. the slides will wear in fast and then even out and last a long time.
flipper the 08 and 09 vecters are a well kept secret ...everyone wants the 4 banger,,...lol
the only thing i think i like more about the 4 holer is the sound...altough i never rode one all day.

 

[Flipper]

snoway,

I found the 4 banger had a annoying drone at trail speeds when I have ridden them, something I do not experience with the Vector motor. Not a sound that I would enjoy all day.

I agree that this sled is a well kept secret. I know I will enjoy mine

 

[pat the rat]

prior to my new vector,i rode a 4banger for 11000 miles,an rx warrior.1 of my concerns with the 3 cyl was the sound,i thought i wouldnt like it,well after 500 miles on the vec,i dont miss that 4 cyl sound,there's a growl with the 3 that sounds awesome,about that trail speed drone on the apex,you are right,my friend has an 09 ltx and the other day we went for a ride and we switched back & forth to evaluate both sleds,my first concern was the loudness of this sled at a certain speed,with the vec,all you hear is the track howl,tonight i was on a nytro xtx for about 20 miles,the sound of that thing will make you forget the 4 cyl sound,i was addicted in the first 5 miles

 

[Groomerdriver]

Don't know how the tracks on the newer Vectors are clipped. If they still have closed up holes, spend an evening cutting them open. THis gets more snow onto the slides for lube. Better yet, open them up then fully clip the track.

 

[pat the rat]

im gonna be installing the slp anti wear pads,they work like a charm and easy to install

 

[peterdb]

hey guys!
i also had my very first ride yesterday. first ride of the year, and first ride ever on a four stroke (my brand new 09 VEC LTX GT). after reading thrads on this site for a long time.....i finally 'get it'.
this sled is....gorgeous, awesome, plenty fast. i love it! i also never even rode it with stock ski set up. i shimmed, and put on bergstrom tripples (stock skis) and this thing is amazing. i got a couple of cat and doo friends who will be trying it. maybe a few nore converts? anyway, i think it was 'sledhead' who said "you are gonna love this sled" when i first posted after purchasing it. he was right. WOW!