Segment:
High-performance touring/cross-country snowmobile.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast riders seeking reliable performance and capable all-around snowmobiling.
Key Competitors:
Ski-Doo Grand Touring, Arctic Cat Z1 Touring, Polaris Switchback.
Vehicle Positioning:
Yamaha's premium four-stroke, three-cylinder powerplant offered a blend of smooth power delivery, excellent fuel economy, and reduced emissions compared to two-stroke counterparts, making it ideal for long-distance riding and demanding conditions.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides essential technical data and step-by-step instructions for owners and technicians to maintain and repair their 2008-2009 Yamaha RS Vector, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, starting system, engine diagnostics.
Drivetrain Systems:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) system, drive clutch, driven clutch, chaincase, drive axle, track system, suspension (front and rear).
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, instrumentation, battery, charging system, ECU (Engine Control Unit), sensors, ignition components.
Chassis And Body:
Frame, body panels, seating, handlebars, steering system, braking system, skis, tunnel, running boards, heat exchangers.
Maintenance Procedures:
Regular scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustments, clutch inspection and cleaning, spark plug service, coolant checks.
Repair Procedures:
Complete engine rebuilds, transmission component replacement, suspension repairs, electrical troubleshooting and component replacement, body panel repairs.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common problems, symptom-based diagnostics, error code interpretation, component testing procedures.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic adjustments and routine maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain overhauls and advanced electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Four-stroke, DOHC, 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Engine Displacement:
998cc
Bore X Stroke:
72.0 mm x 70.1 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Horsepower Est:
120-130 hp (varies by specific tune and region)
Torque Est:
N/A (Specific figures not readily available for all models, but torque delivery is smooth and broad)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (EFI) with dual throttle bodies
Fuel Type Required:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Cooling Method:
Liquid-cooled
Lubrication Type:
Wet sump with oil filter
Exhaust Type:
Catalytic converter equipped, silenced muffler
Transmission Type:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Clutches:
Yamaha Genuine (YZ) Drive Clutch and Driven Clutch
Gear Selection:
Forward, Neutral, Reverse (F-N-R)
Chaincase Oil Type:
Yamaha Hi-Output Gear Oil 80W-90 (or equivalent)
Chaincase Oil Capacity:
Approximately 250 ml (refer to manual for exact capacity)
Length Est:
Approx. 118 inches (3000 mm)
Width Est:
Approx. 48 inches (1219 mm)
Height Est:
Approx. 47 inches (1194 mm)
Dry Weight Est:
Approx. 600-630 lbs (272-286 kg)
Ski Stance:
Adjustable (typically 42 inches)
Storage Capacity:
Rear storage rack, under-seat storage, glove box.
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Snowmobiles are not subjected to standardized crash testing like passenger vehicles).
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brake, rear
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, taillight, brake light.
Throttle Safety:
Thumb throttle with safety interlock.
Kill Switch:
Engine stop switch (lanyard type).
Instrumentation Panel:
Digital/Analog combination display with speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature, odometer, trip meter, clock, diagnostic indicator lights.
Efi System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) for precise fuel metering, improved throttle response, and emissions control.
Diagnostic Ports:
On-board diagnostic system with potential interface for diagnostic tools (details in manual).
Initial Break In:
Refer to specific break-in procedure in the owner's manual for optimal engine seating (typically involves varied RPM and load).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 1,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. (Refer to manual for exact mileage/hours).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; typically every 2,000-3,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Clutch Inspection:
Regular inspection of drive and driven clutches for belt wear, roller condition, and proper engagement/disengagement.
Engine Oil Type:
Yamalube 4-stroke Snowmobile Oil (or equivalent SAE 10W-40 Synthetic or Mineral based for snowmobiles).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.8 Liters (4.0 US Quarts) with filter change. (Refer to manual for exact capacity).
Coolant Type:
Yamaha Genuine All-Weather Coolant (or equivalent permanent type antifreeze/coolant with 50/50 mix of distilled water).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Drive belt wear (due to high mileage or abuse), clutch roller wear, suspension bushings.
Potential Issues Requiring Attention:
Check for exhaust leaks, proper fuel injector function, and ensure cooling system is free of debris. Occasional issues with TPS (Throttle Position Sensor) calibration.
Brand Focus:
Yamaha has a long-standing reputation for building reliable, high-quality four-stroke engines across its product lines, including motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles.
Predecessors:
The RS Vector lineage evolved from Yamaha's earlier four-stroke snowmobiles, with a focus on refinement, efficiency, and comfort.
Key Innovations:
Introduction of the Genesis 1000FI engine platform, known for its smooth power, fuel efficiency, and lower emissions.
Manufacturing Location:
Yamaha Motor Corporation, Iwata, Japan (and potentially North American assembly plants)
Industry Accolades:
Yamaha snowmobiles, particularly those with the Genesis engine, have consistently received praise for their reliability, smooth power delivery, and fuel efficiency from industry publications and riders alike.
Rider Reviews:
Generally highly rated for comfort, handling, and the benefits of the four-stroke engine in its class. Riders appreciate the torque and fuel range.
