This year I have gotten many miles on the ole Yamahas, Nearly 1,500 already and many more to come. Plus this year I have had to oppertunitly to ride several differant sleds, Specifically the new Yamaha Viper XTX 137? and the Polaris Pro R 121. Both are very nice machines. I have been comparing these machines to our built to suit Vipers and SXR's. We do alot of two tracking and groomed trail running, but the two tracks and powerlines are our favorites. The Polaris is Sooo nice, but seems heavy to move around. The power output of the 800 is perfect. The nimbleness is great. The down side, I think the rear of the machine is butt ugly. Now for the 2015 Viper. Now comparing this sled to our Viper with 8 tooth drivers and 1.375 track, Boss Seats with 136 SC3 skid. The 4 stroke Viper output seems to be strong on the bottom but nill in the middle, top end it will pass the 2 stroke Viper, but only around 90 mph. Oh, this is in deep snow around 18" on a lake, Similar to depth we ride in on trails. Ok. The 15 viper seems heavy and moves around alot, I believe this is due to the high handlebars and higher center of gravity. The 15 Viper floated good on the snow but not as well as out 02 Viper. Take off, was nearly dead even, for about 100 ft then the 02 pulled ahead by about 3 sled lengths to almost 75-80 mph, after 90 mph which was all the 02 had in the deep snow, the 15 Viper pulled ahead and continued to run up to 95. Now remember this is not hard pack, but fresh 18" of snow on a large lake. I like the power of the Polaris, I wished I could have run the same test as we did with the 15 Viper.
Now, I don't have the money for two new Vipers, but I could get two 08 Nytro's XTX then set up with a deeper track stud it and adjust skids to our liking.
I guess I am asking, most of our sleds are getting up to almost 10,000 miles, one already has. Is it time to switch to a 4 stroke or keep riding the 2 strokes? The New Viper is nice, but I did not get the Wow effect I was hoping for. The type of riding we do, the ole 2 strokes are holding there own easily. Dependability goes along way with me. and so far none have left us stranded ever. Hmmmm
Now, I don't have the money for two new Vipers, but I could get two 08 Nytro's XTX then set up with a deeper track stud it and adjust skids to our liking.
I guess I am asking, most of our sleds are getting up to almost 10,000 miles, one already has. Is it time to switch to a 4 stroke or keep riding the 2 strokes? The New Viper is nice, but I did not get the Wow effect I was hoping for. The type of riding we do, the ole 2 strokes are holding there own easily. Dependability goes along way with me. and so far none have left us stranded ever. Hmmmm
super1c
Super Moderator
Al you and i are in the same boat. I also ride similar conditions and i am also in the market for a updated sled. But the problem at this point is my "made to suit" vipers do everything i need and more that a new one can. It is one of those things i will get yet as far as a new sled and it will be a yamaha, just not sure how long to wait yet. I also have rode the new viper and my friends nytro xtx's and to be honest myself and my group i ride with are very sad the nytro is discontinued as i like the powerband and ride better then the new viper. That nytro just has a tourque thats hare do beat. For now the ol vipers will fill us with fun and big smiles every weekend, but i do look forward to the day i bring home a new yamaha.
I have been looking hard at the Nytro XTX. Prices are reasonable, but I want to put some miles on one before I drop 7 to 8k