All-New Nytro
The 2008 FX Nytro explodes out of Yamaha’s lineup in a way the that previous versions never did.
This machine comes in two trail versions: the FX Nytro and the FX Nytro R-TX. The R-TX uses higher-performance shocks in the suspension. They’re both categorized by Yamaha as “rough trail premium” machines.
We expected an expansion of the Phazer concept, and the FX Nytro is definitely the next step for Yamaha.
There are enough changes on this sled to call it an all-new machine. The sharp looks are Phazer With A Twist. It has the requisite exposed parts, high seating position, a narrow seat and the open-cockpit feel with a tiny windshield like the Phazer. The handguards are new for the Nytro and appear more functional.
Weight estimates on the R-TX are about 550 pounds wet/512 pounds dry. The Nytro R-TX with reverse is 560 pounds.
Even with the focus on shed pounds, this machine still has a durability focus. The front spindles are “beefier” but lighter than the Phazer and part of the sled’s testing took place on the snocross race track.
New Suspensions
The Nytro gets suspension upgrades, front and back. The front suspension was changed to provide flatter handling, mostly thanks to the torsion bar. The standard FX stock shocks are GYTR, which are longer than the predecessors. It’s a piggyback style with 15-click compression and 20-click rebound adjustments. The R-TX model uses Fox FLOAT shocks.
It’s the new rear suspension that really caught our attention. It’s a dual-shock rear suspension that was purpose-built for snocross racing. It uses SOQI aluminum high pressure gas shocks with an 18-click compression adjustment. This suspension does not use a limiter strap. It’s performance is much closer to what we’re looking for, as it’s no secret that this has been Yamaha’s weakest area.
Powerplant
The new Nytro has a 1050 cc, 130 hp fuel-injected four-stroke triple. It has no gear reduction, a dry sump oil system and runs on 87 octane pump gas. The fuel injection is a Mikuni closed-loop system. It gets an estimated 1 mpg less than the Phazer.
The engine is a claimed 11 pounds lighter than the Genesis 120 engine and early reports give it 14 more horsepower.
There’s no turbo on this engine, but the go-fast types will be interested to note that there’s an outer bearing on the lower gear for an aftermarket turbo addition.
Then we tried it for ourselves. They’re right, it’s a rocket. It’s responsive, it’s fast and a new engine brake reduction system (similar to the one Arctic Cat uses on its Z1 engine) makes for smooth transitions. All in all, the engine provided a rush.
A New Vector
The RS Vector moves to the Apex’s Deltabox II chassis for 2008. It’s a much higher feel than the previous models, and brings the machine fully into the Yamaha fold in terms of ergos. It’s weight is about the same as an Apex.
It’s not an Apex, however, It uses a carbed version of the Genesis 120 for a lower pricepoint.
Other features on the improved RS Vector include tall, wide, hooked handlebars; an integrated airbox/hood; an LED taillight, rear storage; and a quick-release hood and bodywork.
Features carried over from the 2007 model include the Mono Shock RA rear suspension, standard electric start and reverse, KYB aluminum front shocks and the Camoplast Rip Saw track.
The Rest Of The ’08 News
Some of the consolidation and change in Yamaha’s 2008 lineup has to do with names. RTX = the rough-trail segment; LTX = the 136-inch-track models; MTX = the mountain sleds; and GT = the groomed trail machines.
The Attak is now the Apex LTX — the name change was made, in part, because of Honda’s trademark on the same moniker in Europe. The RS Vector LTX replaces the Rage. The Phazer FX is now the Phazer RTX.
Several models can come wearing Yamaha’s birthday suit: special 40th anniversary graphics. This white-and-red retro graphics harken back to the Canadian SRX model. It’s available on the Apex GT, the Apex MTX SE, the FX Nytro RT-X, the FX Nytro MT-X and the RS Vector GT.
The Phazer has become more modest for 2008, with its exposed sides now covered with a panel. The panels, located underneath the seat, are made of plastic. They’re also on the new Nytro models.
The Apex GT and LTX GT now use the Ohlins dual clicker shocks in the front suspension. The use of the rear suspension’s electronically controlled Ohlins Mono Shock EC 136 has expanded to the LTX GT, and still includes the Apex GT. This shock package is a part of the company’s 40th anniversary celebration.