kf2003
New member
OK, First I would like to say this site is top notch with tons of info. Second I am considering purchasing an 03 viper for $2500.00 has 3500 miles on it. Owner says he has never cleaned the power valves but if I come look at it and they need parts we can work something out. SO, I currently have an 02 ZR600 that My wife wants, will I be dissapointed with the performance and handling of the viper (be honest) 
. It seems like everyone here really likes their sleds and there are tons of options for upgrades. Also will this 03 need new shocks since they are the origional. For all intensive purposes I just like the looks of the viper, and this web site has so much great info.
Thanks,
. It seems like everyone here really likes their sleds and there are tons of options for upgrades. Also will this 03 need new shocks since they are the origional. For all intensive purposes I just like the looks of the viper, and this web site has so much great info.Thanks,
Carioca_Jr
New member
No powervalves cleaned? ever? thats a little iffy. but i know they can be fixed.
i have an 04 ER.(electric start + reverse )
your shocks shouldn't have to be redone, mine are still perfect. for that price thats really good, because i got mine with 11000 KMS on it i bought it with just over 10000,for 2600, and it has to be the best ride ever. i went from a 06 renegade rev. to this beast
the power is a little bit more instant with my triple. and i like the handling and performance. plus the triples sound way better!
But also, on the weekend i kept up with a 1000 mach z twin. so i cant say much
the only thing i wish to do is put a seat riser, bar risers, and some new springs.
ask the people who have had problems with there powervalves. i sure havent had problems. ( yet )
just maintain your powervalves, keep your clutches clean, and it will give you the best ride ever.
i have an 04 ER.(electric start + reverse )
your shocks shouldn't have to be redone, mine are still perfect. for that price thats really good, because i got mine with 11000 KMS on it i bought it with just over 10000,for 2600, and it has to be the best ride ever. i went from a 06 renegade rev. to this beast
the power is a little bit more instant with my triple. and i like the handling and performance. plus the triples sound way better!
But also, on the weekend i kept up with a 1000 mach z twin. so i cant say much
the only thing i wish to do is put a seat riser, bar risers, and some new springs.
ask the people who have had problems with there powervalves. i sure havent had problems. ( yet )
just maintain your powervalves, keep your clutches clean, and it will give you the best ride ever.
MountainRx1
New member
Go for it, love my Viper. You would probably want to take it to your dealer to have the power valves cleaned.
dcstewart77
New member
I have both an 02 and 03 non-ER vipers. My brother got back into riding this season and bought a 01 ZR600. He rode it for a few weekends, and after trying one of my vipers, sold it and bought a 02 viper.
Here are the pros and cons of either sled:
zr600
Pros
-handles better than a viper, feels more planted. Handles bumpy corners better.
-rear suspension much better.
Cons
-build quality is not that great.
-engine vibrates alot (clutch parts need more frequent maintenance).
-gas mileage is not that great.
Viper
Pros
-build quality
-engine is very smooth.
-great fuel economy if you are easy on the throttle (easily 33% better than a zr600)
-the 03 have a good camoplast track
Cons
-doesn't handle as well, not terrible, but certainly not as good.
-rear suspension is not that great. Especially if the 03 you are looking at is a non-ER (the ER's came with a softer front and rear shock package compared to an 02, the non-ER's only had the softer front shocks). I had the rears of my 03 revalved by Pioneer Performance this year, a definate improvement, but still not that great. In fact I recently purchased a arctic cat rear skid that I will install this summer.
I've always though that arctic cat has great inovations (front a-arm suspension, ETT tunnel, etc, etc) but the execution is lacking.
Hope this helps. Any other questions just ask.
Here are the pros and cons of either sled:
zr600
Pros
-handles better than a viper, feels more planted. Handles bumpy corners better.
-rear suspension much better.
Cons
-build quality is not that great.
-engine vibrates alot (clutch parts need more frequent maintenance).
-gas mileage is not that great.
Viper
Pros
-build quality
-engine is very smooth.
-great fuel economy if you are easy on the throttle (easily 33% better than a zr600)
-the 03 have a good camoplast track
Cons
-doesn't handle as well, not terrible, but certainly not as good.
-rear suspension is not that great. Especially if the 03 you are looking at is a non-ER (the ER's came with a softer front and rear shock package compared to an 02, the non-ER's only had the softer front shocks). I had the rears of my 03 revalved by Pioneer Performance this year, a definate improvement, but still not that great. In fact I recently purchased a arctic cat rear skid that I will install this summer.
I've always though that arctic cat has great inovations (front a-arm suspension, ETT tunnel, etc, etc) but the execution is lacking.
Hope this helps. Any other questions just ask.
xsivhp
Active member
04 Viper S - 4000 miles - I never cleaned the power valves. Buddy's uncle has a 02 - cleaned the powervalves at 6800 - clean. I think the PV thing depends on how you are riding it.
Vipers are great sleds - I like mine alot. I'm on my second one.
Vipers are great sleds - I like mine alot. I'm on my second one.
My brother inlaw has a ZR600. I let him ride the viper and he loves it. He said it handles better than the ZR and is a lot smoother. He said the viper is more comfortable and stable at higher speed than the ZR. I've never ridden the ZR so i cant speek from excperiance. Just going from what he said. The viper definatly has more power. I can pull away on him at any speed and keep up in the twisties no problem. Just watching him ride there is a lot of ski lift in the corners. The viper stay's more planted. My viper has the ohlin shocks though. Could be the difference.
I have a ridding buddy whose son had a zr 600, and he bought a viper for himself. the zr now sits, cause they bought another viper. I really loved mine, some day i wish i had it to ditchbang on. Maxdlx
nodoo_s
New member
i have an 02 and an 04 viper, i had another 02 before that. i cant seem to part with them. the 04 is the wifes and she loves it. i will tell you that the 04 feels totally different in ride then the 02 and 03 viper. if it hasnt been done just change the track on the 02 to a camo 9860 1.25 or a ripsaw and put some new skis on it and it will handle excellent. my wifes 04 has simmons and a ripsaw and that sled just rails.
S.S.Viper
New member
I got a buddy that rides a ZL600 and a 600 couger...he refuses to ride mine...but he's always curious...asking about ride...Quietness..speed etc..but he's noticed definetly about fuel economy...basically I filled once and they filled up twice during our ride..he was scratching his head...Personally I think once he rides my viper..he'll get the itch again to move to a newer machine...he's not poised to invest just yet...
Just my 2cents...I looove my Vipe...but after riding a Rev...I know in 2 years I'll start getting curious about testing Yamaha latests 4strokers...in due time..
Just my 2cents...I looove my Vipe...but after riding a Rev...I know in 2 years I'll start getting curious about testing Yamaha latests 4strokers...in due time..
SRX RIDER
New member
You really can't go wrong with a Viper. Any area it lacks in can be easily improved. We have an 02' and an 04' and they are both fabulous machines. Great fuel/oil mileage, stable flat handling, awesome styling, SMOOTH power and RELIABLE.
xsivhp said:
ditto... i have 2500 problem free miles on my 02 and I've cleaned them one time. I've checked them each season and they were clean other than the one time. I considered going with a newer sled, but since adding the seat and handlebar riser, i no longer have that urge. The risers dramatically change the sled.
Last edited:
akrievins
New member
As for top end speed... The Viper wins hands down!
pipdviper
Member
I would NOT EVER get rid of my Viper !!! I've rode a lot of sleds and this is my favorite. I will eventually get a newer sled but the wife already knows the day that happens I'll be owninng 2 Yamahas , The viper and a newer Yami !!
The biggest issue with the Viper is a rear-skid swap away from fixing. See Sno-Xr's post about putting a Cat skid in one. That is a really nice sled, and the skids can be found for $300.
Other than that it is a great sled that does a lot of things really well.
Other than that it is a great sled that does a lot of things really well.