Re: Weight and power
The most powerful machine out there is the Arctic Cat Thundercat (2-stroke 1000 triple/triple), which makes 172 hp). However this is probably a good 50 lb heavier than the RX-1.
Yahama claims the RX1 weighs a few pounds less than the SRX triple triple (3 cylinders 3 pipes). The center of gravity they claim is fractionally lower and 2 inches further back (a major problem with the Arctic Cat 4-stroke I rented in Yellowstone). As the SRX is still one of the flatter-cornering sleds out there, this is excellent.
The weight is about 30 - 55 lb heavier than the competition 800 twins, if they were fitted with electric start. Putting a few gallons less in the tank (easy with better fuel consumption), and you could make a lot of ground up, especially as fuel is carried up high.
Yes, the competition 800s make 135 to 140 hp, but that is with optimal jetting, which is affected by altitude and temperature and the time of the day. Yam are also claiming 65% more low-rpm torque.
The current 700 Yammie Viper is a very competitive machine (some magazines rated it sled of the year), and the SRX still often gets a top-10 nomination, despite being virtually unchanged for years. The rear Pro-Action suspension still gets very good reviews, and the front-end on this machine has been totally redesigned, so that will hopefully bring the machine up to par with the competition.
Add to that Yahama's acknowledged best-in-class build quality, warranty and 4-stroke reliability and low maintenance, and I think they have a very compelling machine.
For me, I think I am going to replace my 700 XTC triple with one of these: little pollution and noise(yes, we are in danger of losing a lot of good riding areas because of 2-smoke noise and pollution), controls and layout, quality and warranty (my 700 has been totally reliable).
Better tank range means I don't have to spend anxious moments wondering if I am going to make the next gas stop. On the fun side, the lower center of gravity, superior trail power characteristics (low end torque is much more useful on the trail than top-end). The torque and clutch changes will hopefully overcome the notoriously conservative Yammie clutching of the past.
Arguably it has a class leading front suspension design, superior electrics and lights (I _really_ like good lights: some of the best riding is at night) to plug in radar detector, electric helmet shield, cell phone, suit, cat's pajamas and so on is great.
This is a great first try at a 4-stroke. There is a bunch of new stuff in this sled besides the motor, and it is all designed in from the start, unlike the doggy, slow, tippy Arctic Cat and Polaris 4-strokes.
If the greenies and EPA have their way, we will be lucky to be allowed to ride sleds at all. In fact, there is a strong possibility that Yellowstone NP and other areas will be 4-stroke only next year. Which would you rather ride: this or the 50hp / 600 lb / high-COG Cat?
In fact, I have a serious case of new sled lust starting right about now. Winter 2002 / 2003 is too far away....
