luxospeed

Yamaha RX-1 ER
While we are quick to give Yamaha credit for offering a nifty personal luxury speed sled in the RX-1, we appreciate the simple fact that the very nature of the four stroke RX-1 requires standard electric start. Reverse is optional, but a popular (if not "must have") choice with buyers

With a price tag over nine grand, the RX-1 should be expected to come with top line features as standard fare. It does. There are memory reset hand and thumbwarmers. Instead of automatically returning to the highest setting as last season, now when you switch off the sled, the settings return to where you last set them. Much less annoying.

This is just one of more than 100 changes from Year One. Yamaha's top performance machine is quicker accelerating thanks to a new Yamaha/Camoplast "RipSaw" aggressive grip track. It will also assist in slowing down this 140 horsepower sled via its inherent four stroke engine braking. Recalibrating the front suspension setup means flatter cornering. The larger diameter 2004 sway bar (11mm vs. last year's 10mm) and revised linkage controls body roll better.

With lighter upper arms, a bit of weight has been shed this year as well. That's two pounds total up front and you can deduct another three pounds at the rear with the lighter exhaust.

But let's face reality, a four stroke with four cylinders, each featuring five valves per cylinder, and overhead cams is not going to be as simple nor as light as a big bore twin. The RX-1 is not an old leaf sprung, single cylinder Enticer 250. So, get over it!
Enjoy the RX-1 for what it is- the best four stroke high performance snowmobile built to date. If you want your RX-1 to smoke the competition, call Bender Racing and order a turbo-kit. You see that's the beauty of this four-cylinder Yamaha. Under the hood is one of the best ever snowmobile engines to spin a centrifugal clutch. Enjoy this sled for the pure sophistication under the hood. Five valves per cylinder! You ain't got that in your Hemi! Liquid-cooled carbs to combat throttle icing. Easy breathing cross flow heads with intake from the front and exhaust out under the seat. Overhead cams. Double overhead cams, yet!

This sled will haul its ample self through the quarter mile in under 13 seconds. Give us a break. This is one terrific snowmobile!