acpantera
Pro
Well, after a full season what do you think of your 05 RS. Did it live up to expectations? or did it leave you sour? Do you have a plan? like keep it, sell out, or trade it for another sled(what make and model) I had a great season, 2100 miles and I can't wait to ride it again next season and many more.
genesis
Extreme
well after about 1700 miles on a rs vector er,i can honestly say that it was the best sled i have ever owned. i really enjoyed this machine very much.
at first the engine brake effect was kinda strange.....but when i got use to it it was actually quite usefull. gas mileage was super and i really liked the bite of the ripsaw. only complaints are the annoying clutch rattle.....un-ergo...control switches and tunnel iceing. if i could keep this sled i would slap a turbo in her and run it into snow heaven
at first the engine brake effect was kinda strange.....but when i got use to it it was actually quite usefull. gas mileage was super and i really liked the bite of the ripsaw. only complaints are the annoying clutch rattle.....un-ergo...control switches and tunnel iceing. if i could keep this sled i would slap a turbo in her and run it into snow heaven
Blue Giant
Extreme
Based on all I had read about the RS Vectors and looking them over very carefully at all the sled shows last fall I was convinced that the new Yammi was for me. First and foremost was the fact that I had been interested in purchaseing a four stroke for a couple of years.
As far as living up to my expectations I was more than happy with the power and fuel econamy. I liked the ergo's as I am not sold on the Rev style riding position. The seat is lots comfortable and the controls work well and are easy to use. I put 2700 miles on it this past season.
Now here is what I'm not happy with. It took me most of the season to get the sled to handle and ride the way I wanted. The ride for the most part was ok and improved as the skid was broken in. Handling was another issue. These sleds come with a single 4' carbide(wtf) If this is supposed to be a performance sled, 4" of carbide won't cut it (pardon the pun). Regardless of what adjustments I made the sled either did not steer (pushed in the corners) or darted all over the trail. I tried a set of dual carbides which took care of the darting but left me with steering that was vague and not alway's predictable. I then tried a set of 8" single carbides and continued to adjust the suspension until I finally was happy with the results. Good, predictable cornering and little, if any, darting.
I have read all the suspension and darting fixes on this site and even tried the shim under the ski spindle bushing.
The track noise and howl also detracts from the enjoyment of driving this sled. Towards the end of the season I could feel a vibration in the drive at low speeds. I would find out why when I summerized it. Though out the season I had to return to my dealer to have the tors problem looked after (they replaced all thre carbs) to have the guages checked (they fog up on the inside in cold weather) and still do, And have them adjust the suspension.
I have summerized my sled and was not impressed to find that I had to remove the skid to grease it. Once it was removed I found that the four idler wheels were warped and the bearings were very rough. I have dropped the skid off to my dealer and am waiting for an answer as to what the fix is. They have had it a week now and I have not heard from them.
I was considering trading my wifes sled (2004 Venture) for a 2006 Vector (or possibly a Rage) however after everything I have read on this site I will be thinking long and hard about another Yamaha.
Overall I am happy with the Vector, but I'm not elated as some of the owners who's reviews I have read. Perhaps this is normal for a first model year sled, however I thought there was enough similarities with the RX1 that "bugs" would be kept to a minimum.
So based on all the accolades this sled received, based on last years test rides, I expected to be blown away with this sled and after parting with 13,000 dollars of my hard earned money I am niether blown away nor totally disappointed.
The good points, fuel economy, looks, sound, ego's, seat comfort, power and torque are all very good if not great!
The bad points, track howl, poor quality suspension wheels and bearings, premature rust on some of the parts, cheap carbides and Yamaha's attitude towards it's customers severely detract from what should be a top class sled.
I understand not all who read this will agree with me but this is my honest opinion and I must also add that on the last two rides this year I found the sled was finally handling the way I had expected it to from the begining.
Sorry for being so long winded, and yes I'm keeping the Vector!
As far as living up to my expectations I was more than happy with the power and fuel econamy. I liked the ergo's as I am not sold on the Rev style riding position. The seat is lots comfortable and the controls work well and are easy to use. I put 2700 miles on it this past season.
Now here is what I'm not happy with. It took me most of the season to get the sled to handle and ride the way I wanted. The ride for the most part was ok and improved as the skid was broken in. Handling was another issue. These sleds come with a single 4' carbide(wtf) If this is supposed to be a performance sled, 4" of carbide won't cut it (pardon the pun). Regardless of what adjustments I made the sled either did not steer (pushed in the corners) or darted all over the trail. I tried a set of dual carbides which took care of the darting but left me with steering that was vague and not alway's predictable. I then tried a set of 8" single carbides and continued to adjust the suspension until I finally was happy with the results. Good, predictable cornering and little, if any, darting.
I have read all the suspension and darting fixes on this site and even tried the shim under the ski spindle bushing.
The track noise and howl also detracts from the enjoyment of driving this sled. Towards the end of the season I could feel a vibration in the drive at low speeds. I would find out why when I summerized it. Though out the season I had to return to my dealer to have the tors problem looked after (they replaced all thre carbs) to have the guages checked (they fog up on the inside in cold weather) and still do, And have them adjust the suspension.
I have summerized my sled and was not impressed to find that I had to remove the skid to grease it. Once it was removed I found that the four idler wheels were warped and the bearings were very rough. I have dropped the skid off to my dealer and am waiting for an answer as to what the fix is. They have had it a week now and I have not heard from them.
I was considering trading my wifes sled (2004 Venture) for a 2006 Vector (or possibly a Rage) however after everything I have read on this site I will be thinking long and hard about another Yamaha.
Overall I am happy with the Vector, but I'm not elated as some of the owners who's reviews I have read. Perhaps this is normal for a first model year sled, however I thought there was enough similarities with the RX1 that "bugs" would be kept to a minimum.
So based on all the accolades this sled received, based on last years test rides, I expected to be blown away with this sled and after parting with 13,000 dollars of my hard earned money I am niether blown away nor totally disappointed.
The good points, fuel economy, looks, sound, ego's, seat comfort, power and torque are all very good if not great!
The bad points, track howl, poor quality suspension wheels and bearings, premature rust on some of the parts, cheap carbides and Yamaha's attitude towards it's customers severely detract from what should be a top class sled.
I understand not all who read this will agree with me but this is my honest opinion and I must also add that on the last two rides this year I found the sled was finally handling the way I had expected it to from the begining.
Sorry for being so long winded, and yes I'm keeping the Vector!
Steely Dan
Extreme
RS owners reviews
My wife and I both bought Rages last winter. We have been extremely happy with them. The powerband is exceptional and we didn't have any problems on the trail. Both sleds had tors problems but the dealer took care of them. We rode in conditons from-20 to 40 above with very consistent results. I would like to suggest to the previous posting that ownership of sleds is voluntary and if you are that unhappy with that overpriced sled maybe you should sell your Yamaha and buy a Cat, Ski-Doo or Polaris. I think that the opprtunity to compare sleds first hand like that would be invaluable. How much do you want for your sled?
My wife and I both bought Rages last winter. We have been extremely happy with them. The powerband is exceptional and we didn't have any problems on the trail. Both sleds had tors problems but the dealer took care of them. We rode in conditons from-20 to 40 above with very consistent results. I would like to suggest to the previous posting that ownership of sleds is voluntary and if you are that unhappy with that overpriced sled maybe you should sell your Yamaha and buy a Cat, Ski-Doo or Polaris. I think that the opprtunity to compare sleds first hand like that would be invaluable. How much do you want for your sled?
Phantom
Expert
Tfin
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
I ended up with 1671 miles on my Vector ER and absolutely LOVED this sled!
The power band is the thickest I've ever experienced, and the torque is amazing. Match that with the hook up of the 1.25" Ripsaw and the sleds ability to transfer weight, and you damn well better hang on when you mash the throttle.
The handling and ride were excellent.....ONCE I dialed it in for my weight and riding style. If left in the stock postision and you attempted to ride aggressively, it could be a handful. I removed the anti bottoming stoppers, dialed two more turns of transfer into the rods, and increased the spring preload of the front track shock by two turns. I left the rear torsion springs in the middle (stock) position. I also replaced the asignine stock carbides with a set of 6" Shaperbars (8" ones will go on for next season). I also studed the center belt only with 120 Woody's Megabites.
NOW.....the sled handles! I had absolutely no problems in staying right with REV's and F Cats in the tight twisties. This set up also alowed me to completely elliminate studder bumps, and suck up larger mogals with ease. I did install a Rox 2" articulating handle bar riser which allowed me to stand easier, and ride up on the tank more when riding aggressively.
As others have said, the gas mileage has been great (16-19 mpg depending on riding style and/or conditions). NO OIL!!! Need I say more?
I never experienced the TORS problem that others had, nor have I had any track howl issues. The only gripes I have is the clutch rattle. But this will be fixed with the shim kit. The limited storage sucks, but I will be getting a trunk bag for next season. I do occationally experience the ice build up, but it has yet to be a problem for me. The snow builds up in the tunnel and the ice forms after the sled has been sitting (over night). I did have the ability to keep my sled in a garage, but it wasn't heated. For the next ride, I would simply raise the rear end up, and slam it down onto the concrete floor several times. Then when I backed out of the garage, most of the ice would come out.
Yes, if you get stuck it is damn heavy! But as others have said, that is the only time I EVER noticed the extra weight.
I will defineately be keeping this sled for another season. I will be installing a marginal snow wheel kit for the track and replace the rear skid track shock (steel body) with a rebuildable clicker style shock. All in all, I couldn't be happier with my investment!
The power band is the thickest I've ever experienced, and the torque is amazing. Match that with the hook up of the 1.25" Ripsaw and the sleds ability to transfer weight, and you damn well better hang on when you mash the throttle.
The handling and ride were excellent.....ONCE I dialed it in for my weight and riding style. If left in the stock postision and you attempted to ride aggressively, it could be a handful. I removed the anti bottoming stoppers, dialed two more turns of transfer into the rods, and increased the spring preload of the front track shock by two turns. I left the rear torsion springs in the middle (stock) position. I also replaced the asignine stock carbides with a set of 6" Shaperbars (8" ones will go on for next season). I also studed the center belt only with 120 Woody's Megabites.
NOW.....the sled handles! I had absolutely no problems in staying right with REV's and F Cats in the tight twisties. This set up also alowed me to completely elliminate studder bumps, and suck up larger mogals with ease. I did install a Rox 2" articulating handle bar riser which allowed me to stand easier, and ride up on the tank more when riding aggressively.
As others have said, the gas mileage has been great (16-19 mpg depending on riding style and/or conditions). NO OIL!!! Need I say more?
I never experienced the TORS problem that others had, nor have I had any track howl issues. The only gripes I have is the clutch rattle. But this will be fixed with the shim kit. The limited storage sucks, but I will be getting a trunk bag for next season. I do occationally experience the ice build up, but it has yet to be a problem for me. The snow builds up in the tunnel and the ice forms after the sled has been sitting (over night). I did have the ability to keep my sled in a garage, but it wasn't heated. For the next ride, I would simply raise the rear end up, and slam it down onto the concrete floor several times. Then when I backed out of the garage, most of the ice would come out.
Yes, if you get stuck it is damn heavy! But as others have said, that is the only time I EVER noticed the extra weight.
I will defineately be keeping this sled for another season. I will be installing a marginal snow wheel kit for the track and replace the rear skid track shock (steel body) with a rebuildable clicker style shock. All in all, I couldn't be happier with my investment!
rear2high
Extreme
Tfin,did you ever have a darting problem and if you did what did you do to solve the problem. My vector will dart on hard trails the worst and I am running 6 inch 60* carbides. I am wondering if shims will help that much. My middle shock is also two turns tighter than stock. I am not running any studs but dont think that should make any difference since the rear end stays put.
Tfin
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
No, no darting problems at all.
I will be shimming my ski though just so the carbide wears evenly.
I did mess with my limiter straps once. I sucked them up one position from the loosest (stock) position. I've I've since put them back since it made the steering to heavy and cumbersom for my likes.
I will be shimming my ski though just so the carbide wears evenly.
I did mess with my limiter straps once. I sucked them up one position from the loosest (stock) position. I've I've since put them back since it made the steering to heavy and cumbersom for my likes.
Yama-Crazy
VIP Member
Absolutely LOVE this sled its totally made me a snowobiling nut! Fuel economy is double what I was getting with my 670mxz ski-dud thus doubling my riding range The torque is way better and the whole power band also and has more top end. This sled has revolutionized the way I feel about snowmobiling for me and others! 
rear2high
Extreme
I also have a new passion for snowmobiling because of this sled. I did not pick up my Vector until the end of february and still managed to put on 1250 miles .Ive rode cat for 14 years but have never wanted to ride as much as I do now. Its a sled thats so easy to ride, quiet so my head is not buzzing for an hour afterwards and no smell. Another thing is there is apsallutly no vibration. Theres no differance in the way the drive line feals. My cats and others I rode you always felt vibration, you did not even have to look at the speedo because you got to know the vibes at differant speeds. VERRY HAPPY!!! 
Yama-Crazy
VIP Member
Also I have noticed on the long straight aways this sled at 100mph is so smooth and steers so well (with the help of Bergstom carbides and shims)that I want to go alot faster. I can remember on some of the same trails with my Ski-dud 670mxz not even being able to look down at my speedo safely because it did not ride and handle near as smooth. 135mph with this chassis would not be a problem on a trail untill a deer jumps out in front of you! :shock: :ORC
twomorestrokes
TY 4 Stroke God
Absolutely my favorite sled yet. Same issues as most of you...clutch, idler wheels, gauge fog, track howl, but the positives far outweigh the negatives.
It's funny that when I complained about the track howl and reverberation after my first ride last December some told me to quit whining. Now it seems to be top on everyone's list.
It's funny that when I complained about the track howl and reverberation after my first ride last December some told me to quit whining. Now it seems to be top on everyone's list.
rear2high
Extreme
I do know also what the are talking about with the track howl, however its not an issue for me because it only shows up at about 50-60mph on hard icey trailk and my open riding I have here is ussually at about 80-95 mph. About the clutch noise I did have the O-ring kit put in mine and man what a differance. You have to feal it to see if its running compared to before.
twomorestrokes
TY 4 Stroke God
Can't wait to ride it next season with a quiet clutch. I'll be dropping it off at Nelson's for the warranty list soon.
Yama-Crazy
VIP Member
no track noise here that I have noticed...clutch is quieter since shims but not alot...everything else is awesome!