under the radar

AmSnow.com is now SnoWest.com

Have you ever been the "new kid" on your grade school sports team? The one who isn't 6-foot-4 and obviously can't bench 300 lbs., but for some reason you're still smiling even though you were picked last?

Back in the day, it was because you knew you were faster, smarter or just a harder worker than 95% of the guys on the field.

You can get that same feeling today when you walk out to your group's pack of sleds. This time, it's because you were smart enough to buy a Ski-Doo GSX or Yamaha Vector.

GSX means "just sexy"
If you're thinking the GSX Limited is a grandpa's sled, then grandpa found himself one hot cougar! With the 156+ hp 800R engine, this thing will outrun just about any stock sled from the starting line to top end.

For 2008, the GSX Limited 800R shed 59 lbs. compared with the '07 GSX Limited 800. The only way any other sled could have achieved that kind of fast weight loss recently would have been to inadvertently toss a second rider off the back.

We won't pause too long on the fact that power on this TM-40 carbed engine was upped at least 15 horses from last year's GSX 800, but we do want to discuss how well this sled works in its new REV-XP chassis. This thing moves through curves and trails like an all-American running back slipping through tight seams in a Big Ten defense.

The GSX is a BMW on snow. It's complete with a 12v power outlet for your GPS, tunes or whatever other extras you want aboard. It's comfortable, with plenty of wind protection from its wind tunnel tested high-windshield, with flares along the bottom to keep your legs protected too. You get a Sport Tunnel Bag standard with GSX, which is a neat extra storage piece and it's installed easily with Doo's new attachment system. Plus, it can be interchanged with other carrying systems.

Electric start, reverse and fuel gauge are standard as well.

A BMW on snow wouldn't be complete without premium LCD gauges that project all the standard info plus top speed, top RPM, actual and average MPG, average speed and altitude. You can get the gauge with a compass and a multiple lap-recording mode as well. All this comes with a $10,349 (US) price tag.

To test the somewhat milder rear shock calibration on the SC-5 suspension, we ran the GSX through the same set of big bumps, back to back with its extreme brother, the Adrenaline. The only time we would choose the Adrenaline calibration was on the biggest G-bumps where the GSX-specific HPG-VR rear arm shock would bottom out. Through stutter bumps and anything but the biggest moguls, the GSX actually seemed faster, smoother and better able to hold the trail than the Adrenaline. You get a slightly smaller footprint with the new GSX, as it has a lighter 15x120x1.0-inch RipSaw track vs. last year's 15x121x1.0-incher, but the differences are negligible.

Last year, Ski-Doo claimed an optimistic 16.7 mpg out of its GSX 800. We don't expect an increase in mpg from the new 800R. Also, note this is a 91+ octane engine, so you'll be paying a little more at the pump, just like with a BMW.

2008 Ski-Doo GSX Limited 800R
Engine: 800R PowerTEK liquid twin 2-stroke w/3D RAVE
HP: 155.7*
Exhaust: Single tuned pipe
Ski Stance: 47 in.
Front Susp.: REV-XP w/HPG shocks
Rear Susp.: SC-5 w/HPG front and HPG-VR rear shock
Track: 15x120x1.0 in.
Fuel Tank: 10.6 gal.
Dry Weight: 455 lbs.
Price: $10,349 US/$13,249 CA
*Independent AmSnow/Dynoport test

Vector deserves more cred
Yamaha's new Vector GT - now in the Deltabox II chassis - still has the tried and true parallel 3-cylinder, 120-hp, 973cc liquid 4-stroke that has powered it since 2005. However, this Keihin carbed engine finally has a chassis that matches its smooth acceleration and longevity. Unlike many 4-strokes, the Vector does not have a gear reduction system, which saves parts and more importantly, for the big 4-stroke, weight.

Media and consumers have overlooked this sled because it's not a true big horsepower machine and isn't a snocross racer. However, you get a premium shock package, reliable 4-stroke engineering, rider forward ergos and Yamaha quality can be seen down to the perfect lines on side and hood panels. Electric start and mechanical reverse and a DC outlet are standard, all for $9,599 (US).

While it's true the Vector GT weighs 100 lbs. more than the GSX Limited in either the 800R or 600SDI packages, we're not sure buyers who are looking for luxury trail rides care about weight as much as the performance crowd. If you're more concerned with reliability and comfort, that's where Vector shines. Its tall cushy seat, big one-piece hooked handlebars and sporty yet warm mid-height windshield are evidence that Yamaha has clearly targeted its buyer.

The Vector GT gets the updated Mono Shock RA rear suspension that this year was recalibrated for better bottoming resistance. Vector also has a 1.25-inch lugged RipSaw track underneath it, which bites into loose snow better than the GSX's 1-incher.

There is no match to the smoothness of the new Vector's throttle pull, and shifting out at 8,500 rpm, you'll keep up with any other 120-horse sled. The deep seated engine and front suspension geometry combined with piggyback GYTR dual clicker shocks - 12 clicks of compression adjustment and 20 clicks of rebound damping - keep this sucker from fading and keep it flat as a Nebraska highway through the corners.

Another upside is that the Vector actually runs best on 87-octane fuel.

2008 Yamaha Vector GT
Engine: 973cc Genesis 120, 4-stroke liquid
HP: 118.8*
Exhaust: Dual rear 3-1-2
Ski Stance: 42.7 in.
Front Susp.: Independent double-wishbone w/40mm GYTR dual clicker HPG shocks
Rear Susp.: Mono Shock RA w/46mm KYB remote adjust
Track: 15x121x1.25-in. RipSaw
Fuel Tank: 10 gal.
Dry Weight: 577 lbs.
Price: $9,599 (std), $9,799 (40th Anniv. Graphics) US
*Independent AmSnow/Dynoport test

Front suspension tip
Yamaha suggests you lube each of the following front steering/suspension and rear suspension points every season or every 2,500 miles. (NOTE: Disassembly is required to grease many of these parts.)

Front:
• Steering Column/Bearings
• Collars
• Bushings
• Relay Arm
• Tie Rod Ends
• Steering Knuckle

Rear:
• Collars
• Bearings
• Rear Pivot Arm & Bracket
• Front Pivot Arm & Bracket

The end result
Both of these snowmobiles accomplish their mission: bringing the consumer a plush ride with outstanding trail performance. Obviously, the 800R version of the GSX is much quicker, but it's also about $750 more than the Vector GT. The 600SDI version of the GSX is $50 less than the Vector, but you get a lot more bang for your buck with the Vector GT than the GSX 600SDI. Quality workmanship and long-lasting reliability are second to none with the Vector GT. Ski-Doo's GSX is a close second, but raw power and snappy 2-stroke performance are definitely in Ski-Doo's favor.

Our performance choice would be the GSX with the 800R motor, simply because of the added ponies. This is Hemi-like engine performance in a luxury sled. But, we think the Vector GT beats the GSX's 600SDI version as far as total-sled-for-your-dollar is concerned, and it really is a better comparison because both are 120-horse sleds.