Testing the 2015 Yamaha RS Vector L-TX

2015 Yamaha RS Vector L-TX
« The outstanding easy riding snowmobile »

We had the pleasure to go to SM Sport, 11337, boul. Valcartier, Québec, where Mr Francis Pierrel, Snowmobile Rental Manager, welcomed us warmly. Mr Mathieu Robitaille is in charge of the fleet that counts about 200 snowmobiles available for rent; he had prepared for us two brand new machines as requested by Mr Robert Bégin, one of SM Sport’s associates. Mathieu explained to us the characteristics of our Yamaha trial snowmobiles. Here are our two test pilots’ opinions after their ride of about 130 kilometers on federated trails in respect of snowmobile riding regulations, including speed limits.

The following elements have been evaluated :

-Riding, ergonomics
-Aesthetics, finish quality
-Engine, noise, fumes
-Track

Modification

No modifications have been brought to this 2015 YAMAHA RS VECTOR L-TX.

Riding

The manufacturer has classified this snowmobile in the « trail » category; it differs from the « cross country » APEX X-TX equipped with the same track length but with a more powerful engine than the engine of the VECTOR. As soon as you sit on this machine, you notice that the riding position is lower than what you see on other brands. Many pilots like the triangular design of the well-padded seat that provides a sporty type of riding with easy rider positioning. The 366 cm / 144 in. track of this 2015 RS VECTOR L-TX is not a nuisance to its handling; on the contrary, it improves its stability since the new TUNER skis do not require that you buy ski correctors. We did not experience any darting.

The suspension has an excellent travel and is well-balanced for trail snowmobiling.

Again, pilots are unanimous about the Electric Power Steering (EPS). It offers rides with minimal efforts all while keeping a linear stability on trail when you hold the handlebar by only one hand so that you can make hand signals to other snowmobilers. The lower part of your body and the upper part are very well protected against wind thanks to the design of the hood and the windshield. However, handlebar muffs are very appreciated under -20 °C. We think that Yamaha handlebar controls are the industry standard because of their location and their size. We like the variable dimming of the heat controls that are easy to operate. The digital odometer readout is large enough and easy to read at a glance. Handlebars are correctly adapted to our riding position. However, the location of the mirrors requires that the pilot takes his eyes away from the trail when he wants to look in the mirrors.

Aesthetics

Its style is still trendy, even if unchanged since 2008. No criticism to the japanese manufacturer in regards of finish quality. Your Yamaha dealer offers many graphic kits to customize your snowmobile.

Engine

Its 3-cylinder 4-stroke engine of 1049 cc is famous for its reliability; its produces a muffled sound right from the moment it starts up. The electronic fuel injection allows to get the most out of the power in a linear way at all engine speeds. The track was not very noisy, at any speed, despite the conditions of icy snow on trail due to wind and extreme cold.

Conclusion

This 2015 YAMAHA RS VECTOR L-TX is designed for pilots who like on-trail snowmobiling and occasional off-trail rides. Its riding experience is its most important asset. This is why we call it « The outstanding easy riding snowmobile ».

Motoneiges.ca / SledMagazine.com are sincerely thankful to

SM Sport
11337, boul. Valcartier
Québec G2A 2M4
1-866-874-6055
https://www.smsport.ca/fr/index.spy

Thanks to Kimpex for their appreciated collaboration.

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