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First, the fuel-injected engine delivers the horses in a silky smooth manner, but with a lot of low-end kick as the torque from the 120 engine is substantial. This feels the quickest from a stop in this group, plus the Yamaha purrs better than any other 4-stroke.
Yamaha estimates this motor's power at close to 125 horses and based on past tests, we'll err on the high side, probably 127-128 ponies. We know from our Real World tests that it'll hit at least 94.63 mph across the lake and do the ¼-mile in 13.16 seconds, quite respectable.
Throttle response is immediate and Vector's throttle pull feels much easier and smoother than in the past due to a new throttle bearing being added. Yamaha also employs the same engine braking reduction system as on the Nytro, so the sled coasts more like a 2-stroke when you let off the gas.
Speaking of gas, we got 16.8 mpg in Real World testing, which was the best of the sleds we tested (although this was a pre-pro), the 600 E-TEC being right on its heels and best of the production sleds.
Vector's handling has improved too. The sled feels lighter, almost like it has power steering. If you felt the former Vector was too nose-heavy, you gotta try the 2010. Yamaha engineers have reworked the front suspension calibration, making it easy to throw into a corner with more control.
Certainly the sled runs flatter in most corners than its predecessor, although we noticed a touch more ski-lift in tight fast cornering than on the Z1 or GSX, but very controllable and predictable, a good combo if you're thrashing through turns.
Trail ride is even better than before, and it was always good. A new Mono Shock II rear suspension handles bumps, big and small and it rarely bottomed out. There are a bunch of changes underneather this sled, including new extrovert drivers, new track adjuster, needle bearings, new wheels and stronger rails. Yamaha also goes with a new track that's fully clipped with all open windows. The former track was 1/3 clipped and 2/3 open.
This sled's upright riding position is extremely comfortable and the seat is easy to move on yet soft, making this great on a long-distance ride.
Other improvements include a larger radiator to keep the sled from overheating, what had been a fairly common consumer complaint.
Up top there's a revamped gauge pod with fuel trip lightthat blinks on when you're low on gas and then measures how far you go after the warning so you can better figure your future fuel range. Yamaha swears it has improved the grip warmers too and adds an RCA-style plug and waterproof membrane in the seat cover.
Things we'd change? Well, we'd really like a totally new ski here to further cut darting. We had few problems in this test, but in icier conditions we've experienced more dart. Ski-Doo has figured this out and it's time Yamaha did too.
We'd also like push-button reverse like the Cat and Ski-Doo have, but then the price would likely go up. As it is, at $10,499, this is only slightly more than the GSX LE with its 2-stroke and has proven over time to be reliable and a solid value. Yamaha's fit and finish also remain best in the industry.