In other words, the new RS Vector is nothing more than a Yamaha Apex with a Genesis 120 engine instead of a 4-cylinder. Let me tell you that the riding dynamics delivered by the Deltabox II chassis and 973-cc, 3-cylinder engine are vastly improved -- much more than what I had expected. The new chassis makes the 2008 RS Vector just as surprising and exciting as Yamaha's newcomer of the year, the FX Nytro.

Don't forget to add the RS Vector to your shopping list.

Similar to the Apex (and quite different from the Nytro and Phazer), the riding position offered by the RS Vector LTX is higher and closer to the front than ever before, allowing optimum rider control and comfort on bumpy, winding trails. The new position actually offers an interesting balance between traditional snowmobiles and modern snocross-type machines.

The RS Vector LTX features a 15-inch longer track compared to the base model. This 136-inch track offers enhanced comfort on bumpy trails and improved grip in all conditions. Yamaha's most versatile sled can be ridden off the beaten trails... in regulated areas, of course.

Comfortable and sporty
The RS Vector LTX benefits from the excellent Mono-Shock RA 136 rear suspension. This well-designed system is easy to adjust on the fly thanks to a knob mounted on the left side of the tunnel. That's right: you don't have to stop on the side of the trail to fine-tune the suspension. And no tool is required, either! Up front are 36-mm HPG aluminum shocks with no bias towards ride or handling.

Overall, the suspension and the long track combine to make the RS Vector LTX surprisingly comfortable for a sporty snowmobile. Even on rough trails, the suspension never bottomed out, which says a lot about the quality of the shocks.

The front suspension allows optimum control.