BroncoDave
New member
I need the advice of you TY people. I've been a Yamaha 2-stroke MC devotee for a long time ('84-'85 RZ-350's particularly), but a Polaris guy on snow for reasons that seemed rather obvious until about 1997. I twisted the crank in my old Polaris on Monday, and having long desired a 2-stroke triple I'm looking at the SX and SRX. Polaris bailed early on triples so when I compare a '97 or '98 Polaris Ultra to the 700 SX or SRX, well the Ultra pales in comparison. The question is, which one do I want? The SX or SRX? That's where I hope you can educate me in all things Yamaha 2-stroke triple.
I do most of my riding in Michigan's UP; primarily trail riding but I love to play in the powder when I can and don't want to have to avoid jumps for fear of breaking something.
As for the motor, I want some serious grunt coming out of slow corners. Obviously the top end isn't likely to be a problem, but I'm concerned about throttle response and low-speed grunt. I assume the sound will be sublime - I can't wait.
When it comes to suspension, I want it to go where it's pointed even at high speed - slot car style - so these 15" travel Sno X suspensions really aren't my cup of tea, but like everyone else I also want to be able to ride when the groomers are broken.
So, which sled has the best throttle response and low end grunt - SX or SRX? Which sled handles the best? Which sled is the best mogul eliminator? Are there years to avoid or particular years that are best? Based on looks I think I like the 1999 and 2000 models the best. What are the common failure modes to look for? When do the bottom and top ends go south (and which one goes first?). Are there certain options that are considered must have that I should hold out for?
Basically I'm looking for a buyer's guide to Yamaha 2-stroke triples. Any and all information will be greatly appreciated and applied to the impending purchase of my next sled.
Thanks for taking time to give me your input!
I do most of my riding in Michigan's UP; primarily trail riding but I love to play in the powder when I can and don't want to have to avoid jumps for fear of breaking something.
As for the motor, I want some serious grunt coming out of slow corners. Obviously the top end isn't likely to be a problem, but I'm concerned about throttle response and low-speed grunt. I assume the sound will be sublime - I can't wait.
When it comes to suspension, I want it to go where it's pointed even at high speed - slot car style - so these 15" travel Sno X suspensions really aren't my cup of tea, but like everyone else I also want to be able to ride when the groomers are broken.
So, which sled has the best throttle response and low end grunt - SX or SRX? Which sled handles the best? Which sled is the best mogul eliminator? Are there years to avoid or particular years that are best? Based on looks I think I like the 1999 and 2000 models the best. What are the common failure modes to look for? When do the bottom and top ends go south (and which one goes first?). Are there certain options that are considered must have that I should hold out for?
Basically I'm looking for a buyer's guide to Yamaha 2-stroke triples. Any and all information will be greatly appreciated and applied to the impending purchase of my next sled.
Thanks for taking time to give me your input!
tripple_tripple01
New member
well my personal choice is the srx, but if you want a clean 97 sx 700 with ohlins, my friend has one for sale, new track with 144 studs, bender clutch kit and silencer. also bender transfer rods. the sled is in lower michigan, it has just over 3700 miles on it and he is asking 2800 for it
aSRX600guy
New member
sounds like you'd be happiest on a viper. the srx is fine in the rough stuff, although that is its shortest point. 2000 on srx will have a better headlight, and a little more power.
on all these yamis look for a busted w arm (front arm in rear suspension) and keep the suspension set to minimal weigth trasfer for a better ride and to keep the W arm alive.
I believe a 2000 srx has 145hp vs 117 for a 700 sx
on all these yamis look for a busted w arm (front arm in rear suspension) and keep the suspension set to minimal weigth trasfer for a better ride and to keep the W arm alive.
I believe a 2000 srx has 145hp vs 117 for a 700 sx
SRXSRULE
New member
- Joined
- May 2, 2003
- Messages
- 338
I agree....find a 02 Viper. They go pretty cheap these days, you should find something nice for 3,000. Dont worry about milage, the motors last for ever in stock form. Hp on a 98-99 SRX 700 135-138... 00-02 SRX 142-145... 1997-04 SX 700 110-112... 02-04 Viper 120-122 hp. ===SRXSRULE===
I would suggest the sx (97-99) or a 2000or 2001 sxr - both choose the 700 engine
This motor is more reliable than the srx or the viper, and is very light.
The sx/sxr weigh in the high 400's and the viper is around 530 and the xrx even more. Again, the sx/sxr motors are bulletproof and if you need more power a set of triple pipes will bring you in around 140hp with like stock reliability
vote 1 - sx/sxr
#2: srx
#3: Viper
Good luck
This motor is more reliable than the srx or the viper, and is very light.
The sx/sxr weigh in the high 400's and the viper is around 530 and the xrx even more. Again, the sx/sxr motors are bulletproof and if you need more power a set of triple pipes will bring you in around 140hp with like stock reliability
vote 1 - sx/sxr
#2: srx
#3: Viper
Good luck
tripple_tripple01
New member
hey bronco, i just talked to my friend and he said 2500 for his 97 sx
BroncoDave
New member
Wow, thanks for all the great info! I've learned more in 20 minutes on this forum than I have in a weekend of surfing aimlessly.
BroncoDave
New member
Hey Triple, thanks for the lead but I like the blue so much better I think I'll hold out for it.
aSRX600guy
New member
the only reliability problem with the srx/viper has to do with some people and the power valves, never a problem for me running yamalube (the cheap stuff)