i was thinking of buying an Rx1 a while ago then after doing research and looking at the price i think a srx is the way to go. a new rx1 goes for like 12 500 where you you can get a 2001 or 2002 srx for like 6000- 7000. i was just wondering what was the best year for the SRX.

Mcfly, it's real hard for me to give an impartial answer to this one... :D But, here's my 2 cents...

Pretty much all years share the same mechanical and chassis components, aside from a few minor changes. The 2000 and up have the blue belly pan and dual headlights, which IMO looks better. 2002 adds the anti-detonation system which could certainly eliminate the possibility of a melt-down (and give you some piece of mind) assuming you're going to do the odd WOT run... :undercover:

I've heard of crank problems on the 1998's, but I do not know that this is a fact or one of those nasty rumours. Better to avoid the first year model rather than test it out.

I see you're up here in Canada, so you don't have to try and find a machine with the superior Ohlins shocks... they all came that way up here.

Given that there's not been a lot of changes from year to year, I'd be more concerned with find a low mile 'gem' than a specific year. Either way, you're buying a legendary machine with great looks, great power, great handling and....... suspension??? Well, 3 out of 4 ain't bad.

Yes you are right my 98 had a bad crank. I Put a 2001 rear skid in my 98 the later year rear suspensions are better transfer.

The bad crank thing on the 98 is real but I would expect that anybody who has one would have had it corrected by now. Another thing on the 98 was bad engineering on the ski spindle, which also likely would have been corrected by a dealer (unless you run across one that's never had to be in for servicing over the last six years - in which case it's likely got some kind of magic cloud around it anyway).

I love my 99, can't think of a bad thing to say about it. Someday I'll have to buy newer, less mileage. My understanding is that they all go about the same, it's just a matter of whether you've got a hot one or not. Is there much to choose from between the 2001 vs. 2002 is what I'm wondering.

Originally posted by blue thunder@Sep 5 2004, 01:21 PM
...Is there much to choose from between the 2001 vs. 2002 is what I'm wondering....
343549



The only difference that I'm aware of is the DCS (Detonation Control System), which retards the timing if it senses you're about to have a melt-down. A nice feature, no doubt, but if you're a guy who keeps it relatively stock, probably not a necessity. I mean, how many Yammies have you seen being towed home?? :D

I love my 98 SRX only draw back is single beam headlight,my suggestion is to go with the dual beam big difference.But any year are strong runners.Try to get one who is still a virgin that way u don't get caught in other peoples nightmare,that's why I would never sell mine it's crossed between a yammie & a cat.....Nobody would ever buy that.......... :D :thumbsup:

A friend has the 2002. He swears by it. Best sled he's ever owned. He put a ripsaw track on it last year and loves it.

I have a '98 SRX and Love it to death! It's just flat out an amazing sled in stock form for a 700. Stock vs. Stock it will beat all 700's and many 800's.

Stock Horsepower:

1998-1999 138HP
2000-2002 145HP

'98- Black bellypan. Single headlight.

'99- Same looks as '98 just blue bellypan (I think).No major tech advances maybe just a few tweeks here and there.

'00- New decals, dual Headlights, more HP.

'01- I think about the same, maybe a few tweeks. The '01 holds the fastest 1/4 mile time ever for a box stock sled, regardless of engine cc's at 12.003 seconds!

'02- DCS(Detonation Control System) Nice feature to have, sled is the same otherwise I believe.

Suspension and weight was probably changed somewhat also with each new year.

You will LOVE the SRX. Even if you want to leave it stock I would Long Travel the Rear Suspension. Just my opinion. It's not bad at all though, I just like it a bit higher.

P.S. - Almost all Cranks on the '98 SRX are fixed but if you get the sled's VIN number I believe Yamaha can tell you if it has been serviced or not.

P.S. - Almost all Cranks on the '98 SRX are fixed but if you get the sled's VIN number I believe Yamaha can tell you if it has been serviced or not.


Yep they have records of that. Don't forget to have the ski spindles checked (visually) while you're at it (if you go with the 98).


The SRX is seriously cool. It's nice to have a sled that has more guts than you do.