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Smooth powerI had a chance to try several new Genesis 120 powered sleds at the photo shoot in Idaho last March, and the power delivery was impressive. This engine hauls on the top end, yet is smooth and predictable with a linear buildup of torque as you apply the throttle. Yamaha has hit the target with its first snow-specific 4-stroke. It can take on the competition in the 120 hp class with confidence.
Is the Vector heavy? It doesn't feel that way, and the top-heavy feeling I found in the early RX-1 is gone due to the lower center of gravity and a moved up roll center caused by a different geometric configuration of the lower A-arm at the ski spindle.
One of the Vectors felt heavy on the skis and another was light, indicating that ski pressure can be dialed in with the new rear suspension to suit any size driver. The RS Rage with the 136-inch track and the Warrior suspension feels even lighter in front, to the point that I had to dial some ski-pressure back in. I liked the longer track model because it was easy to throw around and handled particularly well over stutter bumps. This is the model I'd prefer for my style of semi-aggressive Midwest trail riding although the Vector suspension works better over big moguls.
With the RX-1, Yamaha proved that 4-strokes can be exciting alternatives and with the new Vector 4-stroke Yamaha is placed very competitively in the major market segment. This model will no doubt find many converts to 4-stroke power and gives Yamaha a solid platform for future 4-stroke development.
This story ran in the November 2004 issue of American Snowmobiler magazine