1996 yamaha vmax 500 xt

Yamaha is on the right track with its new Pro-Action Plus rear suspension system. It is a very good value in either the Vmax 500 XT or Vmax 600 XTguise. If you want to be long on comfort, the new Yamaha suspension is agreat choice.

We are pre-disposed to the Vmax 600 XT at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $6,499 (U.S.) - $500 more than the Vmax 500 XT. It reallydoesn't have much to do with the difference in engines. It has more to dowith the fact that we like the sportier, stiffer setup of the 600 XT's long-travelsuspension. And we like the fact that you get an adjustable strut with thebigger displacement model. Those are the key differences.

If you like a cushy ride and can live without the easy-to-adjust preload feature on the front strut, you'll love the Vmax 500 XT. Yamaha folks contendthat the buyer of the 500 series is more apt to seek greater comfort andnot be as concerned with a sporty (i.e., stiffer) ride. We'll buy that premise.If you buy the Vmax 500 XT it'll deliver the goods in the way of a veryplush ride.

The new Pro-Action Plus is top notch. Until we get a chance to spendsome time with a real production version, we'll still reserve a little judgmenton all of the new long-travel suspensions. But, at first blush, Yamaha appears to have produced a real winner. One of the things that we like about thenew Pro-Action Plus is the fact that it is true long travel. There are noimpediments to front arm travel with this suspension. You will get effectivesuspension action from the front suspension arm back to the rear. The frontarms collapse upward and are controlled via a gas-charged shock and, inthe 500 XT version, a softer rate spring than in the 600 XT model.

At the rear you'll find another gas-shock with coil-over spring. This shock is mounted nearly parallel to the slide rails to maximize the shock's piston stroke. Overall travel in the Pro-Action Plus is 10.5 inches. Andit works.

The smooth and effective method of suspension relies on establishing minimum friction. That's why you'll find bearings at all key pivot pointsas well as sealed needle bearings and lots of lubrication points as well.Yamaha engineers did their homework on this suspension and the ride reflectsit.

The shocks themselves reflect attention to detail. The bodies are made of lightweight aluminum, which shaves ounces off the suspension. In addition,the shocks are totally rebuildable if necessary. We don't imagine as many 500 XT riders will be doing their own shock rebuilding as might the 600XT owners. Not to worry, your Yamaha dealer should have the tools and knowledgeto remedy sagging shocks and get your ride back to like-new condition. That'sthe purpose of rebuildable shocks.

Our limited experience with this suspension leads us to believe that you may want to ride it for a little bit to get used to the feel and finetune it for the conditions that you are most likely to ride in. This is a rather sophisticated suspension and its idiosyncrasies have yet to belearned. Once dealers and consumers have spent time with it, we expect thatthey will find tuning shortcuts and real-world recommendations for specificriding conditions. We're certainly not denigrating Yamaha's testing, butwe firmly believe that consumers can find situations that not even researchand development computer programs couldn't envision. Such consumer-inducedsituations need solutions and we believe that snowmobilers and snowmobiledealers can arrive at them.

You can arrive at the satisfaction that the Yamaha Vmax 500 XT has agreat little powerplant. The 494cc liquid-cooled twin is a derivation ofthe larger displacement twin used in the Vmax 600. That means it has a digitalCD ignition for precision spark plug firing and a set of reed valves to maximize the fuel charge during the intake cycle. This engine was the basisfor last year's Yamaha Formula I effort. In stock form it is a solid performeron a par with the new Rotax 500 twin.

Part of that performance is directly attributable to the flat slide Mikunicarbs. The dual 36mm carbs are rack-mounted for an incredibly easy throttlepull. Yamaha also adds its own version of a progressive action on the throttlefor even quicker thumb action.

The infinitely variable hand and thumb warmers work exceptionally well,too. Yamaha has shot from having the worst hand and thumb warmers in thesport to having the best.

Another key comfort feature is the redesigned seat that is both thickerand softer. You'll also notice that is reshaped to accommodate more legroom. Overall it works very well, but we'll pick a nit or two and suggestthat snowmobile makers might consider adding side padding to the seats likethat found on the Indy XCR and Ski-Doo MX Z. It would be a nice touch.

Overall, though, our impression of the Vmax 500 XT is that it has allthe right "nice" touches. The evolution of the Vmax series hasbeen very impressive. Let's give Yamaha its credit. The new XT models arevery well done.

1996 VMAX 500 XT
 Engine Type: 494cc Liquid, 7 port, reed valve
Clutching
Drive: 3 Swing Arm
Driven: Torque sensing
Suspension
Front: Telescopic Strut; 7.2 in.
 Rear: Pro-Action Plus; 10.5 in.
Ski Stance: 40.0 in.
Overall Height: 44.5 in.
Overall Length: 109.4 in.
Fuel Capacity: 10 gal.
Offical Dry Weight: 507 lbs.
 Price US  $5,999.00
Key Features: Adjustable hand, thumb warmers, parking brake, autofuel shut-off, plastic ski skins. Optional: high or low windshield, electricstart, reverse.
Riding Impressions: It has the stability and ride of a high performancesled, but the manueverability of a sled 50 pounds lighter. This long-travelsuspension smooths the bumps; it doesn't beat them to death. - Steven Shore, test rider