What to look for in a Viper.

akrievins

akrievins

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Okay guys, I'm going to be looking at Vipers this weekend. Is there anything I should look for when buying one of these sleds. My ideal Viper would be Blue, Electric Start and Reverse, but I don't know too much about the different models, and I'd have to see the sled to know what it has on it. I'm going to try to get an 03 or newer, but will be looking at 02's as well. I'm looking to spend 5000 at the max, and I'm going to try to get a sled with under 4000 kms.
The SXViper is my favourite sled of all sleds out there, and I've wanted one for over a year now. Looks like I'm finally going to pull the trigger and retire the ole' Phazer to my younger brother. At least it'll stay in the family.
Any comments, suggestions, tips would be appreciated.
 

I would look for a viper that has an 1-1/4" track on it. Stock was a 1", doesn't due justice with the horsepower to have a 1". On the 2002 models maybe newer, make sure you look under the rear suspension to make sure there isn't any cracks on the H arm. I heard about some probs with that. Also ask if the any recalls have been done on that particular year you are looking at. My 2002 needed the fuel pump fixed so it wouldn't freeze up, and some other things that weren't such a big deal. Just use your best judgement and have fun looking. Don't go throwing money down on the first one you see. It doesn't hurt to browse and take your time! :letitsnow
 
mostly, updated shocks, to tell if your 02 has them, look at the center shock, if it has a straight rate spring on it, it most likely has the updated shocks. for 5k you can find some with expert x rear skid it them. stay away from piped vipers, if you want more power, buy an srx and long travel it. as for tracks, tracks are very cheap, buy the sled knowing that you will put the correct track in it and sell whatever is in it. install a 9830 1in track with 168studs, outside pattern, use stock skis with arctic cat offset dualies.
 
Electric start and reverse is a must for me now, exspecailly after owning 2 without it. I dont know if you can get that in blue though, only if someone put it on aftermarket... maybe in o4 they did going with the viper S as there standard sled in black

Things i noticed with mine with the track... if you do find one with a 1.25" track make sure they did the right things under the tunnel first to make sure it wasn't rubbing against the tunnel protectors or heat exchanger protectors and chewing up the track. Try to find one without studs in my opinion, then if you want to stud it do it after, and with the 1.25" track its tricky not to hit anything!
 
03 and newer would be a good start and all STOCK. Add the extras yourself to customize it to you. I like the c&a skis and they work well on the viper with 6" shaper bars. Also, 144 woodys down the center help the traction.
Original owner is best in most cases. Good luck on your find.
 
The 04 Viper S didnt come with reverse or electric start . I guess yamaha thought the ripsaw and Ohlins on the front were more important . i love my S but I wish it had reverse, thats my only complaint I guess .
 
Reverse isn't that big of a deal, nice but not necessary. Electric start - more problems than it's worth, the Viper starts pretty easy IMO.
 
i have not had a problem with my electric start or reverse yet my viper is blue and has elec and reverse i bought it red and then bought a blue hood seat and ski loops for the same price i sod my red things for it is a great sled it spins terrible though unless you put a different track in it like others have said the shocks are a big deal. mine are not updated and it does take a toll on you after a couple days of hard riding
 
Incredible Info guys. I really do hope to find a stock used Viper. It would be nice if the shocks were already updated though. I swear I've seen blue Vipers with Electric Start and Reverse... myabe 04's? The one I was hoping for has been sold, so now I'm off to a dealership in Toronto to check out their Vipers.
 
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