kart74
New member
So I have my 04 Viper S still. Was up north last weekend on perfectly hard flat trails, and I wouldn't have traded anyone for their sled. It is awesome on the groomed trails. Super fast and fun to ride. But then there is the rest of the year where most of the time I am riding trails that are not perfectly groomed and get a lot of abuse. The viper still handles them ok, but if it gets too bumpy it is no longer too fun. So that has got me thinking about what sled to get next! I saw a 08 anniversary edition apex while up north and I really liked it. I have never rode one of the 4 strokes and I am really reluctant to get one. I love the 2 strokes! but eventually I am either going to have to go 4, or just to a different brand. So just curious what people have moved to from their vipers, and how they like them. I like fast riding with good cornering. Not much for the off trails stuff, or the rough riding as much.
383stroker
New member
I went from 2000 srx with a viper skid in it to an 06 attak. I love 2 strokes but having a 4 stroke not sure I would go back. Don't have to carry oil, worry about bad fuel and better gas mileage. Just seems like the way to go.
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mile9c1
New member
If you love your two stroke then just update the skid and maybe the seat, and it'll be a ton more comfortable on rough trails. I just bought an Apex (and I have a Viper) and my friends refuse to ride the Apex, lol. They're arctic cat punks but the Apex is very heavy compared to a Viper, I don't care what others may say. It takes more effort to ride and the tanks don't last any longer.
What you get next is up to you, but I do have to say I also have a soft spot for those anniversary Apexs. I spent some time on my friends Apex RTX, and while still not used to the handling or engine bracking, it rode a firm cloud, and "FELT" 10 times faster than my SRX (we found out later it wasn't)The pull was awsome. Exhaust note was addictive.
kunomofo
Member
I have an 01 SRX and an 02 Viper with an M-10 (all under 5K miles) - but I was starting to "look" at the new vipers....but the price....ahhh the price.
shaggyzr2
Active member
The 4 stroke sleds are nice but I don't think I could ever get used to the sound, they sound just like my street bike and not a sled! lol. I'd upgrade suspension before I'd go with a 4 stroke.
sgauthier
Member
I've got an srx ( its not the viper s but close enough) and I was in the same boat 3 years ago. Bought my apex XTX and love it. I can't sit and ride the srx for long anymore, my knees ache after a few miles. i now have the apex handling great, although nothing like the srx but close. You forget about the handling difference when the trails get rough. Love the sound of both sleds. If you can I would suggest buying the apex with the eps.
just got off a apex gt , rode 300 miles on the weekend with it, its a good sled till it gets rough, you will then understand how heavy it will be. In the groomed sections and fields it was a caddy to ride no doubt. Great power and good gas mpg. It all seemed good till I switched off with the guy riding the new rush 800 polaris. I had to consistantly wait up for everyone at the stop signs, you get that far ahead not even trying to ride hard. The suspension on those is unbeliveable! you cant even feel the bumps and it flys like a dirtbike.
The apex is a great sled but it cant compare to newer technology, as cant the old srx,viper,sxr pro action sleds.
If yamaha and polaris would have merged on a sled like the nytro engine in that rush frame youd have a untouchable machine. The back end was butt ugly but you can get used to it once you ride it....lol
I am looking forward to riding the new viper, then I will know if the cat chassis is what would be good for me.
honestly, the very best thing you can do if you want a new sled is to ride one for a hour in the trails, you need to ride it as you normally do... not in a flat field or parking lot. Throw your leg over any brand you like and compare, this is the best way to know what your going to like.
I know this wont be popular but its the truth.
The apex is a great sled but it cant compare to newer technology, as cant the old srx,viper,sxr pro action sleds.
If yamaha and polaris would have merged on a sled like the nytro engine in that rush frame youd have a untouchable machine. The back end was butt ugly but you can get used to it once you ride it....lol
I am looking forward to riding the new viper, then I will know if the cat chassis is what would be good for me.
honestly, the very best thing you can do if you want a new sled is to ride one for a hour in the trails, you need to ride it as you normally do... not in a flat field or parking lot. Throw your leg over any brand you like and compare, this is the best way to know what your going to like.
I know this wont be popular but its the truth.
kunomofo
Member
you made me look - WOW that sleds sounds sick. oh oh.
I test ran a newer Attack. I thought this was the sled for me in the future, wrong. I was sorrely disappointed, the power was great but the ability to float in the snow was nearly non existant. Plus it just felt nose heavy, very heavy. This is compaired to a long track Viper and Sxr. Next to test is a Polaris Indy 600 and 800. Not fond of the Rush look, but maybe I should try that also.
Don you wont have to worry about looking at the rear end, UNLESS your chasing it, now the guy following you is another story... Sorry had to chime.
ya, they are butt ugly out back but once you ride it, it doesnt seem to matter....lol.
set it up(spin dial on shocks by hand-simple as heck) for a little less then you actually weigh and ride it like you stole it and see what your opinion is.
apex was great till it was nasty out, then I understand why yamaha put power steering on them.
I bleed yamaha, dont get me wrong, I will always have a viper and a srx 2 smoke in my shop but I also am not blinded by faith and can see a good thing when I feel it first hand.
set it up(spin dial on shocks by hand-simple as heck) for a little less then you actually weigh and ride it like you stole it and see what your opinion is.
apex was great till it was nasty out, then I understand why yamaha put power steering on them.
I bleed yamaha, dont get me wrong, I will always have a viper and a srx 2 smoke in my shop but I also am not blinded by faith and can see a good thing when I feel it first hand.