Thinking about buying a viper

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paf7efi

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Feb 2, 2008
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Just sold my F7 and I ride with a buddy who has an '02 viper...really like the reliability, looks, and performance of the viper. I've done some research on this site and I'd like to find an '04 viper s.

I want reverse though...can reverse be installed on this model? If so does it have to be installed by a dealer?

Thanks for the help...
 
Reverse can be installed in a Viper S. The kit is in the $500-600 range, but if you order from port Yamaha, you will get 16% off.
That being said, my last sled had reverse, my Viper does not. I do not really miss it.
If I had it, I would use it, but it's no big deal that i don't.
2datrl
 
Any riders here that have time on both the '04 S model and the '02/'03 Vipers...sounds like the S model with the Ohlin's really makes a difference on the trails.

The F7 is quick and handles OK...I'm looking for a reliable trail sled (value) and the '02 viper really impressed me, my buddy has ~8500 miles and the only issue he's seen is a frozen fuel pump which he has since fixed with the mod from this site. That sled runs really smooth...I don't need to be the fastest on the lake, I want a sled I can rack up the miles with.
 
if you do get a viper, i would think about getting a rear heat exchanger help with cooling. dont quote me on this but i think one off an SRX will work, ask SRXSPEC
 
04 vipers shouldn't have cooling issues. Even the 02's were ok if you left them stock.

I've had quite a bit of expirience switching between my viper(ER not S) and my friends F5. The viper doesn't ride as well but it handles better, is a whole lot more reliable and i've been getting double the fuel/oil mileage. Plus those F cats feel like a fan cooled sled on bottom end. Over 7000 miles on both my 02 and 04 with the only problems being broken w arms.
 
What is the W arm?

I wasn't satisfied with the reliability of the F7...the viper ran through the twisties a lot better, I like the sound, smoothness, and the fit/finish of the viper way better.

How much ride difference between the S and the ER? From what I've read the S is nice...
 
I like the Ohlins on the S a lot - my dad's 02 ER rides just like my S though, can't really tel the difference. Oh wait! :) That's because he has Ohlins in the front, too! ;)!
 
Forgot to say - reverse is nice, don't let it spoil a good deal though.
 

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paf7efi said:
What is the W arm?

I wasn't satisfied with the reliability of the F7...the viper ran through the twisties a lot better, I like the sound, smoothness, and the fit/finish of the viper way better.

How much ride difference between the S and the ER? From what I've read the S is nice...
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The W arm is the front arm of the rear suspension. They WILL break. Its just a matter of time. Our worst one was at 4 thousand miles and the best one lasted 8 thousand. You can get them welded up so they last a long time though. And i've never been stranded by one breaking, you just have to limp home.

I can't comment on if the ohlins are worth it but when I had to choose between the ER and the S, I valued reverse a whole lot more. For 7 grand i'm not turning the damn thing by hand.
 
I has the S and it was a great trail sled,very reliable.I rode mine pretty hard and never broke the w arm.The Ohlins are awsome.When the trails get real rough,a few clicks on the Ohlins makes a huge difference.They should of put them in the rear too.
 
The S is most certainly a nicer sled than the earlier Vipers. The combination of the better shocks and softer pleated seat make for a better ride. The DCS and updated warmer controls are a nice feature too. S will also have rear cooler from factory. Biggest hitch with the S is what you need to do to stud the the 1.25" Ripsaw.
 
blueblooded said:
Yea,instead of putting in the smaller drivers i went with a studded 1" track.
Click to expand...

Certainly a viable option to 8 tooth drivers and a regearing. A lot of decent 1" tracks out there these days too. I haven't decided what route I'm going with on my wifes yet. All I know is that it's a superior ride compared to my 02'!
 
OK another question...just found what seems to be a screamin deal on an '05 Venom ER. Like I said before I don't need to be the fastest but I want to rack up the miles...how is the Venom as far as the suspension? Can it be made to ride as good as the Viper? Sounds like the reliability will be as good but I don't want to put up with poor ride due to crummy shocks etc. on the venom.

What do you guys think?

BTW I really like the info on this site...
 
the venom is basiaclly a viper with a 600cc non powervale motor and cheaper non-rebuildable steel body shocks. it can be made to ride like a viper but when the shocks go you will be searching for a set from a viper to put on.

lots of little tweaks availible as well for the red head 600cc motor that are cheap and it still stays reliable.

pm venommod and ask him how he likes his.
 
I bought a 02 Viper it has ran great for me since I bought it. just a little regular maintnence. It is a short track but it is a blast playing in the powder. My Buddies liked it better than his F 7 And was thinking about jumping over to the the blue. :2strokes: :yam:
 
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Almost 22,000 klm's of hard riding and no broken suspension pieces.No real problems of any kind until a couple of weeks ago when the jackshaft broke.I got the updated shocks for my 02,ran them for one season and then went back to the stock ones.Liked the handling better.
 
Oh yea, reverse is nice - but you can add it to an S - mine has it and I lived without it, but it's nice to have.
 
paf7efi said:
OK another question...just found what seems to be a screamin deal on an '05 Venom ER. Like I said before I don't need to be the fastest but I want to rack up the miles...how is the Venom as far as the suspension? Can it be made to ride as good as the Viper? Sounds like the reliability will be as good but I don't want to put up with poor ride due to crummy shocks etc. on the venom.

What do you guys think?

BTW I really like the info on this site...
Click to expand...


I think you would be happier with the viper.You can find a nice viper fairly cheap if your take your time a look,espeacially this time of year.
 
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