Viper Questions

M

mikerx

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Jul 8, 2008
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46
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53
Location
Kitchener, Ontario
I am looking at purchasing a Viper for the winter. I had an 03 RX-1 for the last three years and wasn't too happy with the handling/balance of the sled. I was wondering if there are any big differences between the 02, 03 and 04 Viper models. There seems to be alot of 02's for sale but if the 03's are much better I might hold out for a deal. I know by 05 alot of the RX problems were ironed out since 03 was the first model year. I don't want to be in the same boat with a Viper!! :letitsnow
 
Nothing wrong with an 03 Viper, but the 04 Viper S was the best. On the 03s the fuel pump needs to be shimmed up from the tunnel, water pumps tends to drip (mechanical seal), stock track is garbage, stocks were stiff (most dealers swapped them out), W-arm on the pro-action tends to crack (all models do), and you should look into a rear exchanger if you ride in marginal snow.

I'm sure I missed something, but I can't remember what it is.
 
The issues listed for the 03 are actually for the 02 - The 03s were decent sleds, but the 2004 "S" is the best.
 
I have an 02 ER with just shy of 13,000 miles and has been a great sled. Get the shocks recharged to your weight and just do regular maintenance and you would be fine! Sled handles well and is light weight but very stable feel on the trail.
Blue
 
I think the '04's went to dcs and they moved the hand/thumb warmer controls up onto the handlebars.

Really not sure about this one, but there was a new skid made somewhere around this time frame too, did the '04 Vipers get one?
 
'04 vipers had the rx1 handlebars i believe with the same ergos. they also came with a 1-1/4 ripswas i believe. i thought the padding in the seat was changed too.
 
xsivhp said:
The issues listed for the 03 are actually for the 02 - The 03s were decent sleds, but the 2004 "S" is the best.
Click to expand...
Really? Every issue I posted existed on my 03, with the possible exception of the stiff shocks.
 
bluebullet said:
I have an 02 ER with just shy of 13,000 miles and has been a great sled. Get the shocks recharged to your weight and just do regular maintenance and you would be fine! Sled handles well and is light weight but very stable feel on the trail.
Blue
Click to expand...

Thats only a 12 hr. car ride and 680 miles away!!!! I'm trying to find something close by with reasonable kms (under 4000 miles) that won't give me too much trouble. I'm hoping for an 03 or 04 Viper for under $4000.00.
I am 2 hrs from the Bluewater and Peace bridges but have never brought a sled across the border so I don't know all the tricks. ;)!
 
mod-it said:
I think the '04's went to dcs and they moved the hand/thumb warmer controls up onto the handlebars.

Really not sure about this one, but there was a new skid made somewhere around this time frame too, did the '04 Vipers get one?
Click to expand...


What is DCS????
 
detonation stupid system lolll..it control the detonation..backoff timing if motor detonate
 
I just bought a 2004 viper s with 2900 miles for $2500 on ebay, so they are out there. My uncle has a 03 and he was sitting on mine and tought the seat softer than his.
 
2002's and the 2003's were basicly the same except for:
-03's didn't need the fuel pump update(plugging the bottom vent on fuel pump with silicone)
-changed the track to a 1"Camoplast Conical predator (like the RX-1)
-seat cover material changed (looked like tiny little holes in vinyl)
-Changed the valving in the shocks(from 02'stiff specs)
-maybe other little detail differences ??

2004's Changed:
- full size rear heat exchanger (srx style)
-changed handwarmer controls to handle bars (rx-1 style)
-I think gauge face changed too(style)
-added DCS to the engine
-supposed to have steel bodied variable rate rear main shock ?
-Optional "Viper S" model with:
Front Ohlins piggyback clicker shocks- cool
Ripsaw 1-1/4" track, deleted tunnel protectors/exchanger protectors for taller track - NO STUDS according to Yamaha- ?????
NO- special rear shocks to work in conjunction with the ohlins front shocks ??? still the coolest viper made.....

Hope this helps.
 
I found this one but I think the price is too steep for the miles on it. Comments????


2004 YAMAHA VIPER S - 700cc Triple "S" package (Ohlins shocks, rip saw track etc.). Sled has DCS to prevent engine damage. Orig. owner with 4500 miles, very clean, very reliable. Comes with manual and cover. $5,000.00. obo. ALLISTON. Tel: 705-434-4554
 
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