RS Vector LTX GT vs Apex LTX

[Irv]

Like has been mentioned, the drone of the Apex was enough for me not to consider one. My bud an an 08 40th that we switched one day. I hated the drone and he loved mine because it didn't have it. Oil changes, like what has already been mentioned, are far easier as well.
Meant to add. Is it not also true that the Vector's engine sits a little lower in the chassis which equates to a little better steering?

 

[Riceburner]

Meant to add. Is it not also true that the Vector's engine sits a little lower in the chassis ?

True.
The engine sits lower in the Vector so lower centre of Gravity and therefore better handling.
Not sure about better steering.

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Rode Attaks for 25,000 miles before this Vector and can say it's quite the copy cat on pulling thru trails in the mountains I ride. Matter of fact I took it out of S mode to T mode as it's way to punchy for my liking.

I'm about to do the same thing. Done all my small amount of riding in S mode, but I'm switching it to T as soon as it gets back from the doctor.

 

[theCATman]

That "punchy" feel is 98% in the primary spring rate being too high. There's no good reason for an almost 4,000 RPM engagement with these engines. You're losing low end power with the stock primary spring.

Put a soft start spring in from Travis at Barn of Parts and you'll love it. You'll gain another 1,500 rpms of useable torque down low.

The other 2% of the jerkiness is you trying to anticipate and compensate for the sudden engagement of the clutch at slow speeds.

 

[CaptCaper]

That "punchy" feel is 98% in the primary spring rate being too high. There's no good reason for an almost 4,000 RPM engagement with these engines. You're losing low end power with the stock primary spring.

Put a soft start spring in from Travis at Barn of Parts and you'll love it. You'll gain another 1,500 rpms of useable torque down low.

The other 2% of the jerkiness is you trying to anticipate and compensate for the sudden engagement of the clutch at slow speeds.

Thanks for the info. I find by using T mode it works awesome. Plenty of top end power but no sensitive throttle at lower speeds. My Attak was the same way. Love this new Vector XTX

 

[theCATman]

Yeah, the fly by wire system softens the throttle response in touring and eco modes.

I'd still recommend the other clutch spring. It's $35 well spent.

 

[Snorunner]

I ride mine in the touring mode. She rides in the entry mode. I picked out our first one for my Wife because of the programmable throttle and EPS.
We test rode a 2012 Apex LTX loved the steering but torque or handlebar pull was too much for her. Then I read about the 2016 Vector and the drive by wire. And so it began. Oil changes are easy. I even use a strap wrench on the filter that makes it easy to remove and tighten. Not looking forward to putting Skid plates on them but know they are necessary. Also agree that I should put the soft start clutch springs in them.

 

[CaptCaper]

I ride mine in the touring mode. She rides in the entry mode. I picked out our first one for my Wife because of the programmable throttle and EPS.
We test rode a 2012 Apex LTX loved the steering but torque or handlebar pull was too much for her. Then I read about the 2016 Vector and the drive by wire. And so it began. Oil changes are easy. I even use a strap wrench on the filter that makes it easy to remove and tighten. Not looking forward to putting Skid plates on them but know they are necessary. Also agree that I should put the soft start clutch springs in them.

I put a soft start spring in my wifes 2010 Vector. Wasn't a clear solve for the punch. Just cursing along at higher rpms and speeds it still has great throttle for those who can handle it. This 3 mode choice is the "cat's meow"

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Thanks for the info. I find by using T mode it works awesome. Plenty of top end power but no sensitive throttle at lower speeds. My Attak was the same way. Love this new Vector XTX

I had a comparably long ride today on a gorgeous winter day with plenty of trail snow, which over the last two winters is rare. I had my Vector in T mode the whole time. It was perfect, and I think that's where it's staying. Still gets up to 75 in mere seconds, which is the fastest I've had it, and don't really need to go faster, so I haven't tried. Even that's 5 mph faster than my jetski will go.

 

[theCATman]

Well.... I'm back on an Apex. Found a very nice, low mile '09 LTX-GT I couldn't pass up.

We finally got a good amount of snow here and all the trails in the counties around me are open, so I got to put a 100 miles on it today.

Just as I remember, gobs of power everywhere in the rev range, rides nice with a 136" skid, and drones like a MO-FO at certain speeds. Had to wear my earplugs like old times. Lol. But that liter 4 holer sounds soooooo good.

 

[CaptCaper]

Well.... I'm back on an Apex. Found a very nice, low mile '09 LTX-GT I couldn't pass up.

We finally got a good amount of snow here and all the trails in the counties around me are open, so I got to put a 100 miles on it today.

Just as I remember, gobs of power everywhere in the rev range, rides nice with a 136" skid, and drones like a MO-FO at certain speeds. Had to wear my earplugs like old times. Lol. But that liter 4 holer sounds soooooo good.

I bet you paid cheap. These machines are under rated. And can be had for short money. And I still feel they are a top machine for trail riding. And after riding 25,000 miles on 3 Attaks (1 9990 2 11000 3 5000 ) they never left me stranded. I sold them running strong and got a good return.

 

[CaptCaper]

I had a comparably long ride today on a gorgeous winter day with plenty of trail snow, which over the last two winters is rare. I had my Vector in T mode the whole time. It was perfect, and I think that's where it's staying. Still gets up to 75 in mere seconds, which is the fastest I've had it, and don't really need to go faster, so I haven't tried. Even that's 5 mph faster than my jetski will go.

I hear ya. I'm staying with T as well. I changed the oil today so easy to do. I'm amazed how Yamaha kept making little improvements all the time to these machines. The filter access door etc was so much better then the 2010 RS we owned.

 

[theCATman]

I bet you paid cheap. These machines are under rated. And can be had for short money. And I still feel they are a top machine for trail riding. And after riding 25,000 miles on 3 Attaks (1 9990 2 11000 3 5000 ) they never left me stranded. I sold them running strong and got a good return.

I gave $3500. According to KBB it trades for $3500 & retails for $5100, so $4400 average. So, I didn't steal it, but bought it right.

And yes, the Apex has now joined the Vector in being overlooked. The Sidewinder really snuffed out the Apex flame.

 

[CaptCaper]

I gave $3500. According to KBB it trades for $3500 & retails for $5100, so $4400 average. So, I didn't steal it, but bought it right.

And yes, the Apex has now joined the Vector in being overlooked. The Sidewinder really snuffed out the Apex flame.

I never rode a Sidewinder. Don't know what the X Apex guys that own them think but I am at the stage in my life I need cheap and reliable trail machine. Thus I bought a leftover 2016 RS XTX for $8600. I'm happy. And I have noticed how the Apex forum has dropped in postings for sure.

 

[steiner]

I gave $3500. According to KBB it trades for $3500 & retails for $5100, so $4400 average. So, I didn't steal it, but bought it right.

And yes, the Apex has now joined the Vector in being overlooked. The Sidewinder really snuffed out the Apex flame.

Yamaha snuffed the Apex flame a long time ago. 13 years of the same chassis and motor. New graphics and shock packages did not keep the Apex on top. Vector is in the same boat.
Lets face it. Vector and Apex are now in the same boat as the Vmax and 2stroke Viper SX. The diehards love them and that's about it.