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YamahaYamaha SX 500RUpshot: Yamaha aimed this sled at budget performance, not high performance.
Yamaha's SX 500R is a fun sled to ride. We'd be lying if we said otherwise. It may not be as snappy or fast as the other 500 single pipers on the market, but it is still a fun scooter to take through the big bumps.
Yamaha's ever-evolving ProAction suspensions gave the renamed SX-R sleds deep mogul capability last year. For this year, they only received fine tuning. Returning to the trails are Yamaha's Kayaba gas shocks, delivering nine inches of front end travel.
Out back, the Kayabas give the skidframe 11.5 inches of movement. Yamaha's full rate adjuster allows owners to change the shock and spring rate on the rear suspension without taking skin off their knuckles.
Overall, the SX 500R is one of the most comfortable sleds to sit on. The ergos are compact, the seat is plush and the suspensions work.