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An interesting thing happened this year. When talking with Yamaha about our normal "You Asked" questions that we receive from online members, one of its reps blurted out "these questions sound exactly like the questions we got at the demo stops this spring on our Spring Power Tour."
Being the curious ones that we are, we took a look at the list Yamaha had of its most frequently asked new model questions, and indeed, they almost mirrored ours.
So, we decided to get the best of both worlds and took dozens of members' questions and intermixed them with the consumers' questions that Yamaha had from its demo rides. Then we had Yamaha engineers answer all of them!
Q: Why a 1050cc triple instead of a 900cc twin (2-450's)?
A: We built this engine to follow the International Snowmobile Racing (ISR) rule for snocross racing. The rule is written as a 3-cylinder, 1050cc 4-stroke, with no clutch gear reduction. We followed this rule so we could race a Nytro-based open mod sled in the WPSA snocross.
To cover the 900cc twin question: Vibration is a problem for big bore twins. By the time you counterbalance a 900cc twin, you take all of the throttle response away. The big counter balancer adds weight causing the engine weight to be as high as a 3-cylinder. It will also have lower rpm, causing the horsepower to be low. So there's no real advantage to a 900 twin.
Q: What is the FX Nytro's fuel economy?
A: Our testing data showed the FX Nytro about 1 mpg less than a Phazer. This will put it in the 17-19 mpg range. Note that conditions, trail type, style of riding and temperature significantly affect fuel economy.
Q: If the fuel injection computer calculates altitude and reads air temp, why doesn't the display show these?
A: Yamaha fuel injection systems use more accurate ways to calculate. We don't measure altitude, we measure barometric pressure. If you only measure altitude, you're not compensating for a high- or low-pressure weather pattern. Either will affect the setting. Yamaha's system measures air box temperature, not outside temperature. The reason is that under-hood temperatures change, and that changes your air box temperature. So measuring the air box temp is more accurate.
Q: What classes/series will the FX Nytro be allowed to race in?
A: Customers can race the new FX Nytro in the Stock 600 class in cross country, Open class in WPSA snocross and Stock 600S in grass drags.
Q: What is the main difference between the Dual Shock and the Dual Shock Pro?
A: The difference is the shocks. The dual shock suspension uses 40mm body, 14mm shaft, fully rebuildable, HPG shocks. The rear shock has compression clicker dampening. However, the Pro has 40mm bodied, 16mm, fully rebuildable, HPG shocks and both the center and rear shock have compression and rebound clicker adjustments.
Q: How close was last season's open mod sled to a production Nytro?
A: That sled started from a production-based FX Nytro prototype. It was surprising how stock our open mod sled was. Stock parts were used like the CF diecast side frames, bulkhead, tunnel, steering parts, primary clutch and electric start. What we learned is that the production Nytro will function extremely well for rough-trail customer.
Q: Will there be taller and wider windshields available for the FX Nytro?
A: Yamaha accessories have developed 3 different-shaped windshields. The first shape is a small version in 3 different colors. The second is a medium version that's wider than the stock windshield. The final is the tall version, which is 6 inches higher, and you can bolt on the extra, knee wind deflectors. The tall version offers excellent wind protection.
Q: Where is the storage on the FX Nytro?
A: Storage is under the hood, in the machine's nose. In addition, Yamaha has developed 39 hard parts for the new FX Nytro and the list is growing. A wide array of bags is available too.
Q: On Web forums such as those offered by
American Snowmobiler, there are a lot of comments about the monoshock rear suspension bottoming out easily. Have there been any updates to the '08 Mono Shock rear skid to help with bottoming?
A: For 2008, Yamaha has recalibrated all the Mono Shock rear suspensions. Testing shows this new setting maintains the best small bump compliance in the industry and improves anti-bottoming.
Q: Why are the running boards so wide on the Nytro chassis? Sidehilling is a problem.
A: All of the ergonomics of the new FX Nytro were designed to fit the needs of snocross and cross-country racing. During the testing process, we had retired snocross champ Jesse Strege verify all ergonomics of the new Nytro over dozens of test days before we finalized the unit.
Q: What is the weight savings on the FX Nytro? Nytro MTX?
A: Dry weight of the FX Nytro RTX with reverse is 520 lbs., which is 22 lbs. lighter than the 2007 Nytro ER it replaces. Estimated dry weight of the MTX with reverse is 553 lbs., which is 36 lbs. lighter than the 2007 Vector Mountain SE it replaces.
Additional Web only questionsQ: How much horsepower does the FX Nytro have?
A: American Snowmobiler dynoed an FX Nytro at Aaen Performance. That dyno showed 138.6 peak hp.
Find out more details on this dyno run here.
Q: Where can we demo ride the new models?
A: For the last few years Yamaha has had a strong demo program. Please go to
www.YamahaDemos.com to get the latest demo schedule.
Q: Will Yamaha offer a larger fuel tank for the FX Nytro or a tank that will strap to the rear area as an aftermarket product?
A: Keep checking
www.yamaha-motor.com for the latest accessory items.
Q: Why is the reverse mechanical on the FX Nytro instead of a push button?
A: The push button reverse system is only offered on the Phazer. The push button system wasn't designed to fit the new FX Nytro.