Rx-1 Pros/Cons - About to purchase

[jmbones]

Hi Folks

I'm thinking of purchasing a 2003 RX-1 LE, silver, with 4200 miles. I'd like to know the pros and cons of this model year. Is there anything specific I should watch out for? Top speed?

Thanks!

Ps.. I'm moving from a 99 VMAX 500 SX to the RX-1.

 

[xprtrpr]

Well, I am not technically versed in the RX-1, but I have had an '03 for 3 years, and I just recently bought another '03 for the girlfriend this year. Since I am techincally challenged I have found maintenance on the 4stroke very easy, oil/filter changes are very easy. Couple of cons are the track, both of mine are stock finger tracks but they are both studded and have not have had much problem with traction. One of the major problems is that they are tippy, try to see if it has the upgraded links for added stability. Mine has the stock ones still, and I hav actually learned to deal with the instability in corners, but first couple of times it gave me a heart attack. If it is stock, don't expect to do too much boondocking, it's a very heavy sled, and I find that if I don't keep it riding on top of the powder it will sink and get stuck. I have since learned to be very cautious of where I stop. Some people have had issues with burning oil, but neither of mine have had that problem yet. The bigget comment I get all the time with both sleds are how quiet they are, and how much power they have. One more con, they are tanks, and can have issues with darting, so going out for a ride can be a workout, more so than the polaris that my girlfriend had. Oh, i guess you could say another con is the suspension, but honestly, I expect to get beat up the way I ride, so I don't complain too much about that. hope this helps, I guess the best testimony to the product is that I own two, and I bought the recent one a month ago

 

[jmbones]

Thanks. I'm told it has "updated front stabilzer kit", if that's what you're talking about? Also, I don't think I'm worried about suspension, most of the time I ride my 1979 Polaris TX 440, this RX-1 should be leaps and bounds above the TX.

 

[xprtrpr]

Well, that sounds like the updated links that a lot of people have put on their sleds, but I will let the experts tell you.

You mentioned top sped, Both mine are stock in clutching, and I have seen 98MPH (GPS) on the very few top speed runs I have done, I had to cut that one short, but seemed like there was more there. It's a fast sled, they are pretty good on gas, no more oil to carry around for long trips. For me, the thing that sold me on them were the 4 stroke aspect. No more smell permeating my clothes, and with some minor issues, fairly easy maintenance.

I would hope the suspension is better than your '79, but who knows lol, like I said it can be a rough ride, but I have no problem riding 30-45 MPH over the bumps, and it rides like a dream in the open fields when I can really open it up. I have always had a hard time "breaking" new trails, but we did 110 miles on a fresh batch 2 feet of snow, and once I figured out how to do it, I had no problem at all. My girlfriends biggest complaint is the darting, but I have Bergstrom skegs, and she has stock carbides still, so I am going to upgrade her carbides and see if that helps her out a little.

 

[Tom-RX1]

They are a good sled mine has 13,375 miles on it and still runs like new . I put a zx2 suspention on it this year . Now it is realy smooth . In the deep snow i run about 1/2 to 3/4 throttle and it goes through very well ease it up slowly and it will keep gaining speed .
Tom-RX1

 

[kinger]

Pros: reliable, best looking paint yamaha made (my opinion), speed, tq, fast fun sled.

Cons: Ride on proaction is so so, it will be a upgrade from your 79 but not as good as a newer polaris, cat, or doo. Most swap out to one of those skids if you want a nice plush ride, others say it rides ok. The seat is lower, I added a apex seat and feel it was the best mod, the 03 have progressive rate springs, smaller sway bar and shorter links so they can be tippy, best is to get some straight rate springs, adjust the preload so the a arms are level to the ground and go.

Really the handling and weight is about it and I don't have a issue with the weight, I don't notice it on the trail, off trail it takes a little muscle to horse around but hey I need the excercise. Sled is a steal for what you can get one for now days.

 

[BURMAD69]

If it still has the stock pro-action the ride wont be much better than your 99 however if you get it adjusted correctly it will be pretty decent Lazy Bastard has the best advice on adjusting a proaction skid. The Vmax chassis is still one of the flattest handeling machines on the market,The RX wont handle as flat but it will get your motor running with the extra ponies it has. Best upgrade is bigger sway bar,ECP kit,Expert skid,straight rate springs on front end.

 

[srxguy]

pros....you can add a turbo.....LOL

 

[dexter]

Kinger, I find it interesting you mention leveling the a arms to the ground to counter the tippy feeling..... Maybe I will try this... are you saying that I should play with the spring tension on the front till both arms are level with the ground? sounds like it will look like a lake racer when done.. doese it really help with the tip factor??

Pros: reliable, best looking paint yamaha made (my opinion), speed, tq, fast fun sled.

Cons: Ride on proaction is so so, it will be a upgrade from your 79 but not as good as a newer polaris, cat, or doo. Most swap out to one of those skids if you want a nice plush ride, others say it rides ok. The seat is lower, I added a apex seat and feel it was the best mod, the 03 have progressive rate springs, smaller sway bar and shorter links so they can be tippy, best is to get some straight rate springs, adjust the preload so the a arms are level to the ground and go.

Really the handling and weight is about it and I don't have a issue with the weight, I don't notice it on the trail, off trail it takes a little muscle to horse around but hey I need the excercise. Sled is a steal for what you can get one for now days.

 

[Convert]

Not sure what the front stabilizer kit consists of but here's what you need to fix the 03's

1. Longer Links 04's had them
2. Stiffer swaybar 12 or 13mm I went 13
3. Straight rate springs 03 had progressive I think they changed that in 04 also.
4. Set the spring preload on the front shocks so that preload is minimum (loosen the lock nut till you can just turn the spring by hand with the front end suspended)

One other critical thing to look for is the updated locking collar on the secondary also an 04 update.

 

[jmbones]

Thanks for all the tips and comments folks. Keep them coming!

By the way if anyone has the need for a mint 99 Vmax 500 SX two-smoke for a beginner, let me know.

 

[kinger]

Kinger, I find it interesting you mention leveling the a arms to the ground to counter the tippy feeling..... Maybe I will try this... are you saying that I should play with the spring tension on the front till both arms are level with the ground? sounds like it will look like a lake racer when done.. doese it really help with the tip factor??

Pros: reliable, best looking paint yamaha made (my opinion), speed, tq, fast fun sled.

Cons: Ride on proaction is so so, it will be a upgrade from your 79 but not as good as a newer polaris, cat, or doo. Most swap out to one of those skids if you want a nice plush ride, others say it rides ok. The seat is lower, I added a apex seat and feel it was the best mod, the 03 have progressive rate springs, smaller sway bar and shorter links so they can be tippy, best is to get some straight rate springs, adjust the preload so the a arms are level to the ground and go.

Really the handling and weight is about it and I don't have a issue with the weight, I don't notice it on the trail, off trail it takes a little muscle to horse around but hey I need the excercise. Sled is a steal for what you can get one for now days.

Yes reduce the spring preload till they are level and it will handle very nice.

 

[dexter]

thanks kinger!