We awaited snow falls during many weeks and now, we can enjoy our sport in many regions of the Province of Québec. Of course, I have been able to start the trials of the 2012 Yamaha RS Vector L-TX and after more than 1 500 km, here are my first impressions.
At this time of winter, snow is less abundant than usual. Even so, trail conditions are so good in my region that I already have been able to enjoy snowmobiling in different trail conditions, under temperatures from 0 °C to -30 °C.
As I told you in my first article about these trials, I could not wait to test the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) of the RS Vector. This feature steals the show among snowmobilers when talking about the 2012 RS Vector line-up. However, we must not forget the other elements that make this snowmobile so pleasant to ride.
As soon as we leave on the RS Vector L-TX, we can notice that steering effort is quite reduced, even if the new ski keel is much deeper than it was on skis of previous years. Negotiating turns is easier mostly in sinuous trails, with a race-style riding. We truly feel that the front of the sled is much lighter, enabling the pilot to negotiate turns with less effort and more precision. The EPS calibration is very good since it is more activated at low speed and less activated at high speed. I must bring to your attention the important fact that the EPS does not get inactivated at high speed.
This way, the pilot feels much more confident, with less fatigue during longer rides, so that the riding experience is more pleasant…
This season I pilot a snowmobile equipped with the SnowTracker corrector blades and carbide runners. The handling of the RS Vector is precise and there is very low darting. In March 2011, I had the opportunity to test the same snowmobile model, without the SnowTrackers; the new design of the skis offers a good handling, but we had noticed some darting.
The Genesis 120 FI engine has been revised two years ago; now, it delivers very good performance and acceleration that made me grin from ear to ear on many occasions. The sound is exhilarating but less than the Apex sport engines.
The Mono-Shock RA rear suspension has been replaced by the Mono-Shock CK and I felt the same comfort. However, sometimes I wish I could adjust the suspension without having to get off the snowmobile. The front suspension is very efficient.
The 15 X 136 X 1,25 in. Camoplast RipSaw track provides a good traction to this snowmobile. The drive and driven clutches also do a very good job. Shiftings are very smooth even during quick starts.
The digital gauge displays easy-to-read data even when we are riding. Only one point bothers me : the small size of the buttons on the meters. The dual trip meters and the clock are very appreciated features. What would complete this digital gauge would be the addition of control buttons located on the handlebar.
Even if the Delta Box II chassis has been improved over the years, the riding position remains more traditional than other models on the market. However, this rider-forward posture is perfect for the longer rides on groomed trails. Personally, I like long rides of 400 to 500 km and on the RS Vector L-TX, I get good comfort along with good vision and it is easy to go quickly from sitting to standing on more sinuous trails. The hood and windshield combination provides a very good protection against wind and bad weather conditions.
Now, I am ready to go back on trail with this snowmobile and to continue the trials. In my next article, I will be presenting my season final report on the 2012 Yamaha RS Vector L-TX.
