hahler2
Extreme
I currently am riding an F7 and I want to trade this spring. I really want to go 4 stroke when I trade. I'm looking at getting the Vector. Maybe an RX-1, depending on if they can lose anymore weight this spring and if the Mono suspension makes its way to the Vector. What I'm wondering is if anybody has taken their Vector or an 05 RX-1 ditch banging. I don't do a lot of it, I do mostly trail and cross country riding, but when I do hit this ditches it would be nice to know that I'll have a sled that can keep up with my buddies MX Z rev without wearing me out in 4 or 5 miles.
its hard to say what yamaha is gonna bring out next spring, nobody really knows. but if yamaha keeps sheddin weight off all there 4-stroke models then my best bet would be to buy a 06 vector-it'll problably have a mono rear skid, with some lightweight components-and if u really want to make ur sled a lot lighter, buy an lighter weight front end kit-$450, then an exhaust that sheds like 10-15 lbs off of stock. u can actually make a 4-stroke very light with a little bit of cash, but just think when u buy a yamaha u wont have to put that synthetic oil in at $30 a gallon. plus all the fuel $ u'll save per fill up. i have a rage and first fill up i got 17.6, and i've got 50 miles on second tank, using only 1/4 of a tank, and i have the long track model. i gurantee u that the vector will keep up with the rev, and also be easy on ur wallet at the pump
milljk
Extreme
The Vector is a good sled and on my recent ride with my friends (XC700/MXZ800) had no problem keeping up on small to medium size moguls but you will not be able to drive this sled as hard as a Rev/Pickle in the rough stuff. It is great on groomed trails but when pushed hard for awhile, you will start to feel the weight. It still is way above my SRX in the rough handling department. You need to spend some time to dial in the suspension, I'm still playing with mine to get it where I like it. I'm still impressed with the engine and the ripsaw track. The thing hooks up great and can run with most sleds for short sprints and twisties. I went with Ohlins and USI skis and do not suffer any unwanted inside ski lift. I'm very happy going 4-stroke and will be even happier with more time and miles on this sled. Further weight reduction would be a plus, heck after the holidays, I think the cheapest way to drop 10 lbs is to hit the gym, at least for me. 
hahler2
Extreme
Thanks for the quick replies guys. I kinda figured that it probably wouldn't be too hard to shed weight from the 4 strokes. It would definately be pretty hard for me to lose any amount of weight. If anything, I need to put weight on. I'm 6'2 and I only weigh about 170. I'm kinda thinking that if they are that easy to reduce the weight on (if you don't mind spending some money) I may go with the RX-1 just cause it would have more power. As I said, I guess I will just have to wait and see what 06 brings.
QCRider
TY 4 Stroke Master
hahler2 said:
There's a decent chance that '06 will bring a factory turbo RX-1 using the Vector Motor with a turbo... THAT WOULD ROCK. Put the Monoshock on it and a few more weight saving components and this thing could come in under 525 at 180 HP!! Spend all winter looking for Mach Z's to play with.
Vector1
Expert
I had an 04 F7SP last year, I did not have any problems with the sled, but I never felt right on it. After 80 miles I was done for the day. I now have the Vector and I could ride all day non-stop. Its handles the trails better and from the seat of the pants, its performance feels equal to the F7. I do ride hard, when the trails get rough I dont slow down much. I put on about 70 miles today with rough trails and did not get tired or never notice the weight. The rear, however, does bottom more than the F7. I bet the Mono rear is better.
Until now (700 miles), the Vector rides better than the Rx-1 and it's mono shock. Until now, the rx-1 is not delivering the confort ride I was expecting. It is stiff on small bumps. Still hoping to find a proper setting, witch I found on the Vector: smooth on small bumps and no bottoming on big ones.
