We asked for it, we waited for it, and now… We got it! The Yamaha RS Vector GT is a sled that doesn’t get a lot of hype, even though it deserves it. There just seems to be so many other sleds out there that steal its thunder. Sleds like the Nytro, and Yamaha’s top dog the Apex, are easy to talk about and get excited over. As the marketing sun shines on these models, the Vector is quietly hanging out in the shade, and for those of us who take the time to look past the all the hoopla, we just might find the best all-around sled in the Yamaha fleet.

Yamaha made their first big change to the Vector in 2009, with a move into the same Delta Box II chassis and body work that was introduced with the Apex. Not only did this freshen the look by getting away from the RX1 styling, it also improved handling by bringing the rider into a slightly more forward riding position. In addition to the new body, the seat also made the Vector much more comfortable over long distances and helped the rider become an active part of the ride. These changes turned out to be just what the Vector needed, to give the sled a much more modern feel.

The only problem with these changes was how much attention it focused on the one missing link to truly make this sled into a modern machine… Electronic Fuel Injection!

For 2010, there must have been a lot of Yamaha faithful wishing on found pennies because finally, EFI has been added to the Genesis 120! The addition of EFI brings along all the usual suspects to the RS Vector like better cold starting, altitude compensation, crisper throttle response, and ease of operation. However, EFI also adds about 6 horsepower to the new Genesis 120 FI engine over the old 120, and improves fuel economy by about 5 miles per gallon. This is what they call having your cake and eating it too!

In reality, the new RS Vector is a tad quicker than the old model in head to head comparisons, and feels livelier through the seat of your pants. It doesn’t quite have the punch of its bigger brother the Apex, with its Genesis 150 FI, but will hold its own despite the horsepower difference, deep into the terminal velocity.

The news for 2010 doesn’t stop with EFI for the new RS Vector GT. Yamaha has been hard at work on the details that have taken this ride into the modern era. Yamaha’s unique E.B.R.S. or Engine Braking Reduction System has been added. This system allows a little bit of air to enter into the EFI system when you let go of the throttle. This takes away the abrupt transition from on-throttle to off-throttle that most 4-strokes suffer from. This “coasting” feeling is much more pleasing on the trail, and inspires a bit more confidence for the rider.

Other little differences include a new stator for more electrical output (+70W), and an RCA outlet for your heated visor, in addition to the automotive style 12 volt plug. Also taking advantage of the extra power are improved hand warmers, and the gauge package has been improved to include fuel trip and oil trip functions. The fuel trip keeps track of your mileage once fuel is low and the oil trip reminds you when it’s time to change the oil in the Genesis engine. Speaking of oil, Yamaha suggests you change the oil and filter after the first 500 mile break-in period, then oil every 2,500 miles, and filter every 12,000 miles after that!
   
Suspension on the 2010 RS Vector GT hasn’t escaped the attention of Yamaha’s team either, with the updated Monoshock II rear skid. This suspension allows the rider to dial adjust ride quality from firm to stiff, with the adjuster located down by your left ankle. This skid has the reputation of being butter smooth through just about any trail condition imaginable. This is fact not hype, and is better again this year with needle bearings on the front arm mounting points, and better maintenance ergonomics for 2010. The front suspension features aluminum piggy-back
HPG GYTR shocks with both compression and rebound
damping adjustments.  

Together, these suspensions offer one of the most adjustable setups in the industry, allowing you to fine-tune your RS Vector GT to your liking, or as trail conditions change. There is one drawback to the package and that’s the ability to get lost in the adjustments. Remember to talk to your dealer and jot down the starting suspension settings in a notebook or in the owner’s manual. This will allow you to get back to a base line setting if you loose your place with all the clicks and turns the Vector brings to the party.

The 2010 RS Vector GT isn’t for everyone, just like the FX Nytro isn’t for everybody. First and foremost the Vector is a trail machine, designed and built to perform in this category. Even then it can be distilled down even further. The best application for the RS Vector GT I can envision is long distance touring. The machine brings Yamaha’s reliability and economy to the trail, with a plush suspension and riding position for the long hauls. The machine is also easy to ride at normal speeds without having to hang off the sides to keep it flat and level. It becomes a bit of a workout as speeds increase, or trails tighten down, but I can’t think of a better sled to ride while touring the big trails of our country.

If you are the type of rider who puts on literally thousands of miles a year destination riding, and wants a machine to get him or her from point “A” to point “B” with 300 miles in the middle, the 2010 Yamaha RS Vector GT should be on your short list of sleds to check out!