1999 yamaha vmax 500 sx
Amsnow
They say imitation is the highest compliment. And although we thoroughly enjoyed the light, quick and responsive Vmax three cylinder models, we had hoped Yamaha would have offered a little something special in the new Vmax 500 SX. To our dismay, it turned out to be virtually the same as the Vmax 700 SX and Vmax 600 SX- identical ski stance, overall length and width.Basically, whether you're talking the 500, 600 or 700, the chassis and measurements are identical. The only difference comes in the powertrain.
The 500's front suspension provides seven inches of travel and the ProActionPlus SX rear setup offers eight inches. You'll also find the same aluminum-bodied, KYB high pressure gas shocks on the 500, as on the 600 and 700 versions.
The 500 SX uses the 494cc piston reed twin instead of the case reed triple.The twin features a matching 68mm bore and stroke. With its two-into-one exhaust system, you should enjoy a slight weight reduction from the triples with the extra cylinder and additional exhaust plumbing.
The triple swing arm clutching, similar to that used on the three cylinder engines, features engine-specific weights and springs. Standard chaincase gearing is lower on the twin.
Like its more powerful triple brothers, the 500 twin comes with a ventilated hydraulic disc brake. This exceptional brake, combined with the overall balance of the SX series, makes your riding experience more fun-filled.If you see yourself as a performance rider, you'll quickly surpass the 500's potential.
In our opinion, the chassis and suspensions exceed the capabilities of the two cylinder motor. If you can stand to work on the nuances of fast riding, the 500 SX will make you a better rider. But if your patience level is the same as ours, you'll be bored and want more power, more response.
The Yamaha Vmax SX setup is conducive to quick sports riding- the suspension grips the snow, smoothes the moguls and lets you maneuver quickly and easily on tight trails. Despite the smooth chassis in the 500, the triple power is smoother, but with the 500, you save nearly a grand in initial price.
Lest there be any doubt, the 500 SX is, in no uncertain terms, an SX with a smaller displacement twin cylinder motor. While we find absolutely nothing wrong with the 500 SX, we'd pony up the extra 900 bucks and get the super sweet Vmax 600 SX. We'd even consider plunking down a little bit more dough for the 700 SX.
Yamaha Vmax 500 SX
Overall Height: 42.7 inches
Overall Width: 46.1 inches
Weight: N/A
Ski Stance: 40.9 inches
Engine: 494cc, liquid-cooled, Yamaha built twin with piston reed
Exhaust: Tuned pipe
Clutch:
Drive: Yamaha 3-Arm
Driven: Yamaha
Suspension Travel:
Front: Trailing arm, KYB gas shocks, 7 in. travel
Rear: ProAction Plus SX, KYB shocks, 8 in. travel
Fuel Capacity: 12 gallons
Key Features: Nissin hydraulic brake, plastic skis, infinite adjustable hand/thumbwarmer
Retail Price: $5,599