2008 Yamaha Lineup

Last and certainly not least we have Yamaha. The 4 stroke one and only. Yamaha took the pludge a few years back realizing that 4 strokes were the future and started coming out with some amazing sleds ever since.

This year we have 3 models. The 150hp Apex MTX, 130hp (dyno'd at 138) FX Nytro MTX, and the 80hp FX Phazer MTX. The Apex put Yamaha back onto the playing field in the mountain sled category, but its heavy weight put a burden on a lot of people. Sure people have turbo-charged them to god only needs horsepower levels, but still doesn't help with its nimbleness (is that a word?!) in the powder.

Enter today. The brand new 2008 FX Nytro MTX. Way, way lighter, its roughly 600 lbs WET. A brand new 4 stroke 1050cc engine, most torque of any Yamaha snowmobile engine ever made. The new light weight, rigid, rider forward FX Chassis. Sounds like a match made in heaven for me.

I got a chance to demo ride the Phazer and Nytro in West Yellowstone during the snowmobile expo. Here's a quick summary:

FX Phazer MTX:
Quick, Nimble, and feels light weight
No top end, but expected because of only the 80hp
still fun great handling, if i get my wife into sledding its what i'd buy her

Switched and I got on what i drove down for, FX Nytro MTX
FX Nytro MTX:
Torquey! Tons of it, they don't lie. Sled just wants to go
Also very nimble a lot like the Phazer, obviously not as light, but still rides light to me. (a lot compared to what i ride now: A/C 900 triple Powder Special)

Overall, as this was my first 4 stroke ride, I was very impressed with with the smoothness of the engines and love electric start. Never tried the reverse.
Build quality is top notch, probably the best in the industry.

Needless to say, I found my first brand new sled purchase. Its exactly what I've been waiting for. Power, Fun, Low Maintenance, Styling. We'll have a first look with video and up close pictures the moment it arrives at my local Yamaha dealership sometime this late summer, very early fall, followed by a full review with video after the first snow starts to fall. Not to mention accessory installs!

It's already shaping up to be a very exciting winter for all of us here.

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