Totallyamaha's 06 Ride Report

Written By: Tom Grawey aka MrSled

The new ’06 Yamaha sleds are a hit!  Totallyamaha was honored to be invited to test the ’06 demo sleds.  These highly expensive prototype sleds are not often available to the public to view and ride and we were in heaven to be able to experience such a great opportunity. Thanks Yamaha

The models that we were able to test ride were:

Apex GT

Apex RTX

Attak

Nytro

RS Vector GT

There were several other ’05 models for comparison.  They felt extremely dated after riding the ’06 models.

Totallyamaha’s test crew consisted of:

“MrSled” (Tom – 6’2”  250 lbs.)

“BlueByYou2000” (Matt – 6’0” 200 lbs.)

“NOSPRO” (Terry – 6’0” 240 lbs.)

“Budda2” (Jim – 5’10” 290 lbs.) not pictured

“Tork” (Mike – 6’2” 185 lbs.)

“SledderSteve” (Steve – 6’4” 250 lbs.)

Ride Fact:

The ’06 demo location was Minocqua, Wisconsin, at The Pointe. 

The temperature was a steady 27°.

The available trail conditions where hard packed lakes, tight, twisty-wooded trails, stutter bumps, and moguls.  As test riders, we were very fortunate to experience these new sleds over almost all the different types of terrain that you would come across in normal riding condition. In this review I will go over some of the features of the sleds and then on to our total impression.  We gave each of the sleds somewhat of a grade for the class they represent. (A is the best and F is the worst)

Standard Apex Facts and Features:
New Genesis 150FI engine, 4 cylinder 20 valve
Estimated 8 more peak HP
Incredible throttle response
Engine is estimated 7lbs lighter
EFI: New down draft design fuel injection, throttle body size increased from 37mm to 39mm, adjusts for altitude and temperature, no choke required.
New head casting, new intake porting, new exhaust porting, new cam timing, new sleeveless cylinders, new gear reduction ratio, new air box, new breather system etc…
Lighter crankshaft 2.3 lbs lighter
Lighter 4-2-1 exhaust with titanium headers. 1.1 lbs lighter
New radiator with fan
Deltabox II rider forward chassis (increased use of CF die casting)
New comfortable rider forward seating position.
Centered riding position allows for standard foot position and leaning off in corners or rear foot position for bump riding
Centralized engine and rider mass
Rider moved forward 6 inches
Tall handlebars with handlebar hooks
New taller seat with thicker foam
New rear seat storage
Wide Floorboards with Star Punch traction and traction rails
Designed for and easy transition from sitting to standing
New front suspension geometry based on 05 Vector 42.7”, shorter spindles, for flat handling
Monoshock Rear suspension
Small lightweight hood with quick release fasteners (est. 3 lbs lighter)
Titanium hood brackets
New magnesium chain case and chain case cover (est. 2lbs lighter)
New lighter battery and aluminum bracket (est. 5lbs lighter)
Rear LED taillight: Light and bright
New gauge with clock, larger display, and dual trip odometers
DC Outlet standard on all Apex models 

Major model improvements and estimated 11lbs lighter than 05 RX-1ER

5.5 Sled lengths in the 1/4 mile and 5 MPH on top end over the stock 05 RX1 ER

Apex overall Rider Review:

“The Apex sleds are leaps and bounds better then anything Yamaha has ever offered. Fantastic throttle response, great riding position, and endless power. You can feel the difference immediately when you grab a handful. THESE SLEDS RUN!!!” …BlueByYou2000 

 Over all the engine power, throttle response, zero vibration and sound was more then we ever expected. The throttle pull was easy, the acceleration was quick and smooth. It was so much more then the normal sweet feeling a Yamaha 4 stroke brings to the table. I really think Yamaha out did themselves.

With this sled being a preproduction sled, we felt it was not fair to judge the clutching even though the Apex felt very zippy and fun on the trail and lake top.

The rider forward ergonomics are stunning to say the least. We all came to the conclusion that we have never driven a sled that gives you that much complete confidence, control and flat feel going into the corners. “A++” Everyone's 1st impression is that it's a Rev style, but it's better than that. It has a natural sitting position feel that keeps your waist slightly above your knees or equal depending on your height. You can easily lean forward, slide back or stand to change rider positions easily as trail conditions change.

In all fairness again being a proto type hand built sled, the fit and finish and final seat padding was not up to full spec. The proto type trunk flap area is very spacious.  According to what we saw, the tool kit will now be stored in that new trunk space, but the final characteristics of the trunk flap have not been finalized.  Even with the seat not in its final production phase, it sure felt great and put the riders in a perfect sitting position to be able to shift the weight from tight twisty to standing in a split second. The gauge assembly is bar none the best in the industry. The handle bar hooks are great addition.  They actually made it fun to hang onto in the tight twistys.The new dual piston caliper found on the Apex is still top notch as it was on the 05 RX1 line-up.

Apex GT added features:
New GYT-R remote reservoir front shocks adjustable compression and adjustable rebound (improve handling, ride comfort, and fade resistant)
Ohlins EC rear suspension (adjustable compression and rebound damping)
Compression is adjustable by pushing a button on the gauge and then by using left handlebar warmer switch to adjust suspension on the fly.
Low chrome windscreen
Electric start and reverse standard

Ride: The New Electric Ohlins shocks and the GYT-R shock package works extremely well together. Going through stutters, swooping over high rolling hills, catching air and hitting the washed out 2 footer at the bottom of the hill, this sled will just eat the bumps. 

The only downfall was the windscreen that looks really awesome in person but the functionality is zero. Some of us found it to be extremely cold on the lake tops and open rail grades. The seats felt a little crowded for us tall guys but as I said earlier the seats are not production units. Over all the GT gets a grade of “A” for an outstanding over all package for the Trail Class and our rider's choice sled. 

Grading The Apex GT:

Apex RTX added features:
(the only Apex model without reverse)
Fox Float shocks: easy to adjust, 3 lbs lighter
The lightest Apex
Low red chrome windscreen
Also available in a reverse model

Ride: The RTX was a real close 2^nd for the rider's choice to the GT, giving it an overall grade of “A”. The sled just flat out rocks. The lighter weight of the sled was not very noticeable in any test condition we had. As far as suspension some of us had mixed feelings on the Fox Floats but that could have been due to set up. We felt the RTX should have a firmer seat then the GT due to the class of riders that it was designed for like the Nytro (Big Bump Rough Trail Riders). We also felt the windscreen on the RTX had the same function as the GT.

Grading The Apex RTX:

Attak (replaces 05 RX Warrior)
Apex Features plus:
All new Monoshock 136” rear suspension (estimated 12 Lbs lighter)
New mid height windshield
Major weight loss vs. 05 RX Warrior (estimated 23lbs lighter)

Ride:  After riding the Apex sport models, we were very impressed with the feel of the Attak’s 136 mono shock.  The new mono shock calibration is A-1 and really exceeded our expectations on how a 136 would ride.  Honestly, you can barely tell the difference from the 121 mono skid to the 136 other than it bridges more of the bumps and feels very sure-footed.  Even though you knew you were riding a 136 skid, it handled the tighter trails with ease and confidence.  The stock mid-height windshield surprisingly gives you very good wind protection over the less desirable low windshields of the Attak.

The only thing we didn’t care for was the proto type seat.  It felt a little short for taller riders. 

We give the 136 mono shock suspension an “A+”.  To date, it is the best skid Yamaha has ever produced.

Grading The Attak:

Vector standard facts and features (non reverse)
Genesis 120, 3 cylinder 900 engine
New Team Yamaha graphics
Electric start standard


Vector GT add features:
Mono shock RA rear suspension
New 4-piston brake and lightweight rotor
New light weight Magnesium chain case cover
Wide Floorboards with Star Punch traction and traction rails
New GYT-R remote reservoir front shocks adjustable compression and adjustable rebound
Custom handlebar bag with storage and GT logo
DC outlet
Premium graphics with chrome or red chrome windshield

Ride: The Vector GT was a huge surprise and far exceeded our expectations. We were all very shocked with the power of this sled.  With the addition of the mono shock in the rear and piggy back GYT-Rs up front and the sneaky fast 120 hp 4-stroke this sled is a sleeper.  It accelerates hard and fast and destroys any rough trails in its path along with its bigger 4-stroke Apex brother. 
 

Grading The Vector GT:

Rage
All new Mono shock 136” rear suspension (estimated 12 Lbs lighter)
New 4-piston brake and lightweight rotor
New light weight Magnesium chain case cover
Wide Floorboards with Star Punch traction and traction rails

Ride:  The Rage, with the addition of the new mono shock, also has a great feel—very similar to the Vector GT.  The mono shock 136 in this particular sled could use a little more set-up time.  It has a totally different feel than the other mono shock 136 skid.  The Rage was also very sneaky quick and very flat cornering.  We felt it fits perfect in the class it represents.

Grading The Rage:

Nytro
Pro Active CK rear suspension: Torsion spring with remote reservoir and clicker adjustment.
Fox Float shocks: easy to adjust, 3 lbs lighter
New 4-piston brake and lightweight rotor
New light weight Magnesium chain case cover
Wide Floorboards with Star Punch traction and traction rails
Tall firm seat with rear storage
Tall handlebars
Hand deflectors
Tuned for acceleration with aggressive clutching and gearing
Low sport windshield

 

Ride: “What a surprise. This sled was a blast to drive. But make no mistake, this is no cruiser. This thing wants to be ridden hard and you can tell as soon as you sit on it.” BlueByYou2000.

The  Nytro is a very aggressive snowcross sled with an extremely firm ride.  We all agreed that this sled was designed perfectly for the market segment that Yamaha was targeting.  The sled feels extremely light, very easy to stand up and take any jumps with.  All I can remember during the test session is looking back and seeing NosPro giving the thumbs up as he flew threw the ditches and over road crossings!!!

The Nytro is geared lower for a quick 0 to 60 pull.  It has a lower top end and is strictly, in our opinions, designed for ditch banging.  The harder you ride it—the more you smile. Also we were very shocked to see the awesome graphics consisting of flames and burning skulls.

Grading The Nytro:

Totallyamaha would like to thank Yamaha for inviting us to the ’06 demo ride.  We felt extremely honored and proud to have the opportunity to give our opinions.  We hope you will consider us again in the future.

Questions and Answers gathered prior to the ride from the website:

Q:  What are the handling characteristics between the Apex RTX and the Apex GT?

            A:  See Report

Q:  How much you like the ’06 Rage with the new 136” mono skid?

            A:  See Report—Mono shock completes the package.

Q:  How much lug you can fit under the Attak?

            A:  Same as the RX-1

Q:  Will there ever be a 1” ripsaw?

            A:  Not that we are aware of. 

Q:  What does the Apex ER do better or worse than the Apex GT?

            A:  There was no Apex ER for us to test.  But the Apex GT would have far more adjustability.

Q:  Will there be fuel injection on the Vector?

            A:  No fuel injection in the works for next year.

Q:  Can you give us a comparison of the new mono shock suspension compared to a well-tuned M-10?

            A:  For the money you would spend on the M-10, I think you would be very disappointed, because the mono shock weight transfers does not hurt the top speed and can eat up the moguls as good and, in some situations, better than the M-10.

Q:  Find out about oil changes.

            A:  Same as the RX-1.

Q:  How is the wind protection on these sleds?

            A:  The Apex GT, RTX and the Nytro look extremely cool, but have very cold windshield and can easily be upgraded to a mid-high.

Q:  Are the hand warmers any hotter?

            A:  They seem to be about the same as last year.

Q:  Is there any valving differences and spring differences between the different Apexes and between the Apex and the Attak?

            A:  Cannot answer this question because the final specs were not on the proto type sleds.

Q:  Is there storage in the seat?  How big?  And does the storage disappear under the hood?

            A:  Yes, there will be storage in the seat.  It looks to be about 1-1/2 times more than what you found in the past Yamaha seats.  The compartment under the hood no longer exists, but Yamaha will offer a Yamaha GYT accessory to put in its place.

Q:  Will the ’06 seat fit a ’05 Vector?

            A:  No.  There seems to be too many changes to the gas tank shroud and to the gas tank for installation or trading of the seats between the ’06 and ’05 Vector.

Q:  How do the sleds feel in corner exit and enter?  On those long sweeping corners?

            A:  This sled is by far the flattest sled I’ve ever ridden.  It rocks!

Q:  Is there any unstable feel due to sitting higher, not locked down in the seat, both cornering and accelerating/decelerating?

            A:  There is no unstable feel.  You can go through any trail condition with complete confidence and control