ODogfromMA
Newbie
Been riding many years but this is my first Yamaha. I was sick and tired of the maintenance and reliability of SkiDoo and Polaris and I'm confident, from all the reading and research I've done that this 2010 Vector will spend more time on the trail than in the shop.
A couple of observations after my first 600 miles:
While it has good power, it doesn't have as much low end as I expected. Top end (acceleration from 60-90) is crazy good.
Doesn't feel top-heavy like my REV did.
After several miles of deep snow, the track was making a sound like a flat tire (thump, thump, thump). . .maybe too much snow/ice buildup? Is this typical?
Weight - yes it's friggin heavy, but, if you have one other guy to help you lift when you get stuck, it's not too bad. If you're alone you better be in good shape, because it's a bit$h if you're in deep. I'm very careful if I'm riding alone not to take any chances off trail.
Parking Brake - Am I the only one that forgets it's on every time!!!?? I wish there was a light or other mechanism to remind knuckleheads like me not to drive off with the PB on. Now I have to replace the belt . . dumbass . . .
question: During the season, and riding every week or 2, is there any need for StarTron or Stable gas/ethanol treatment? What about Drygas?
What is the end-of-season summerization process? I'm sure there's a link.
Anything else I should know, please pass along.
Thanks in advance.
A couple of observations after my first 600 miles:
While it has good power, it doesn't have as much low end as I expected. Top end (acceleration from 60-90) is crazy good.
Doesn't feel top-heavy like my REV did.
After several miles of deep snow, the track was making a sound like a flat tire (thump, thump, thump). . .maybe too much snow/ice buildup? Is this typical?
Weight - yes it's friggin heavy, but, if you have one other guy to help you lift when you get stuck, it's not too bad. If you're alone you better be in good shape, because it's a bit$h if you're in deep. I'm very careful if I'm riding alone not to take any chances off trail.
Parking Brake - Am I the only one that forgets it's on every time!!!?? I wish there was a light or other mechanism to remind knuckleheads like me not to drive off with the PB on. Now I have to replace the belt . . dumbass . . .
question: During the season, and riding every week or 2, is there any need for StarTron or Stable gas/ethanol treatment? What about Drygas?
What is the end-of-season summerization process? I'm sure there's a link.
Anything else I should know, please pass along.
Thanks in advance.
jlemieu1
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Re: Yamaha Newbie -RS Vector- with observations and question
Your not the only one. I used to pull this one all the time. The thing that helped me the most is that I painted the bottom side the brake lever with Blaze Orange paint to catch my eye. I was careful to not over paint it so you can't notice it when the lever is not engaged.
ODogfromMA said:Parking Brake - Am I the only one that forgets it's on every time!!!?? I wish there was a light or other mechanism to remind knuckleheads like me not to drive off with the PB on. Now I have to replace the belt . . dumbass . . .
Thanks in advance.
Your not the only one. I used to pull this one all the time. The thing that helped me the most is that I painted the bottom side the brake lever with Blaze Orange paint to catch my eye. I was careful to not over paint it so you can't notice it when the lever is not engaged.
Irv
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1995 XLT SP (Son's)
Re: Yamaha Newbie -RS Vector- with observations and question
I need to do that as well plus the reverse side of my reverse lever on my 95 XLT, definitely don't want my wife or son finding out the hard way it is in reverse!
jlemieu1 said:ODogfromMA said:Parking Brake - Am I the only one that forgets it's on every time!!!?? I wish there was a light or other mechanism to remind knuckleheads like me not to drive off with the PB on. Now I have to replace the belt . . dumbass . . .
Thanks in advance.
Your not the only one. I used to pull this one all the time. The thing that helped me the most is that I painted the bottom side the brake lever with Blaze Orange paint to catch my eye. I was careful to not over paint it so you can't notice it when the lever is not engaged.
I need to do that as well plus the reverse side of my reverse lever on my 95 XLT, definitely don't want my wife or son finding out the hard way it is in reverse!
CaptCaper
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- 2016 RS Vector XTX 1.25 Lug wifes..2013 RS Vector LTX.. 2003 600 VMax Past Machines 3-2007 Attaks 1-2010 Vector LTX.. sorry no Stinkdoos or poo's cats.
my dealer said no Heet additive. Just the Stabil Marine formula.
It probably is the belt that is thumping from leaving the parking brake on.
Our 2010 Vector LTX seems to have more bottom drone and vibration sounds then my Attak.
A real good sled though so enjoy it.
It probably is the belt that is thumping from leaving the parking brake on.
Our 2010 Vector LTX seems to have more bottom drone and vibration sounds then my Attak.
A real good sled though so enjoy it.
pantherfan89
Newbie
Yeah , The sled is heavy. I got my 2007 Vector stuck 1st time out, had my cell phone needed to call a friend , once bitten twice shy!! There is a ton of info on this site, there are some real common things to look out for with this sled . One is slide runner wear. Try to keep them cool as you can . Ive also have seen on here to run the track loose , but not too loose just more loose then Yamaha spec .
I dont get the thumping on my sled , but it appears maybe youve flat spotted the drive belt . I get a vibration down at the foot rests and handlebars slightly at around 20 to 30 mph. Could be my track needs to be loosened as well. And I have seen my sled heat up and spill coolant out , so its important to keep the feet rails cool. I dont know if the new 2010 Vectors heat up like mine does . ....but enjoy ...Its a great sled!!
I dont get the thumping on my sled , but it appears maybe youve flat spotted the drive belt . I get a vibration down at the foot rests and handlebars slightly at around 20 to 30 mph. Could be my track needs to be loosened as well. And I have seen my sled heat up and spill coolant out , so its important to keep the feet rails cool. I dont know if the new 2010 Vectors heat up like mine does . ....but enjoy ...Its a great sled!!
CaptCaper
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- 2016 RS Vector XTX 1.25 Lug wifes..2013 RS Vector LTX.. 2003 600 VMax Past Machines 3-2007 Attaks 1-2010 Vector LTX.. sorry no Stinkdoos or poo's cats.
Our 2010 RS LTX has 1400 this season and the slides still look good. Track,etc. is OEM specs.
MadMax
TY 4 Stroke Master
Star tron is the new kid on the block..... It can be used at every fill-up if it's very cold out... 2oz per 10 gals. For storage use double that.. Thia stuff is really better than the old style stabile... Our two local shops swear by it.. They sell mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnny bottles..The thumping could be a flat spot on the belt from leaving the brake on.......... If you have a spare put it on and see if it helps.. P.S. "DON"T" leave the brake on any more. 
MM.
MM.ODogfromMA
Newbie
Thanks everyone
