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Pictures from www.yamaha-motor.com
According to Yamaha®, the all-new RX-1 is going to be the fastest production snowmachine for 2003. This bold statement is made possible by the redesigned 998cc Genesis Extreme engine found in the award-winning Yamaha® R1 motorcycle. This in-line, 20-valve, four-cylinder, 4-stroke engine, which Yamaha® calls "Hellaciously powerful," has an extremely broad powerband and produces an estimated 145-150 HP. Yamaha® also claims that this engine produces 65% more low-end torque than the competition 2-strokes. See HP and Torque charts.
The brand new Deltabox chassis of the RX-1 is computer designed to provide the strength and rigidity where needed and lighten the areas that are not under as much stress. 360 Degree View Of The RX-1
The fuel efficiency of the RX-1 is much better than most 2-stroke engines and is estimated at 20 MPG. The emissions of any 4-stroke engine are also much, much lower that any 2-stroke on the market.
The only problems with the RX-1 is the weight and price tag. The dry weight of the RX-1 is 555 pounds. Pretty high when you consider an additional 100 pounds for liquids and not to mention the weight of the rider. The price of the RX-1, just like the price of anything new and revolutionary, is pretty steep. The cost varies between $8,900 for the trail version (pictured above) and $9,500 for the mountain version, which will probably discourage some potential buyers.
Another potential problem down the road might be maintenance and parts costs. A typical 4-stroke engine has many more (expensive) moving parts than a 2-stroke one. 2-strokes engines, on the other hand, are generally simpler and maintenance is inexpensive.
Overall the RX-1 looks, and probably rides, like an awesome sled. Yamaha® has introduced another superior product that might change the way people look at 4-strokes applications in snowmachines.
Check out the complete specifications of the RX-1.