2002 Viper to Nytro XTX

[Acnas1]

Thinking of selling my 2002 Viper and going to a 2009 Nytro XTX. Anything to expect before I do this? Things to look for "issues" with the Nytro? All the ones for sale have different skis on them?? How different is it going to be going from a Viper 2 stroke to this? I Love the look of the new Viper but the price tag is out of my reach. Thanks for any feedback.

 

[13NytroXTX]

Your viper will probably handle better but I think the nytro will be better at just about everything else. I rode my dad's 04 viper last year and could not wait to get back on my xtx.

 

[Acnas1]

How is the top end or getting to top end? Viper is fun but time for change, tired of sitting on the ground. Bought it new in 02 and been riding it since. 6500 trouble free miles.

 

[timebomb]

Nytros don't have much of a top end but they get they're quick and pull like a freight train! 95 mph on the dream meter is kinda the norm what everyone sees. Aftermarket skis are a must to get them to steer. Lucky for you that you found one with different skis on it. Mine had the stock skis on it and 400 miles on it. Don't know how the previous owner got it to steer. Power wise the vipers run like 119-120 ish and the Nytros are in the high 135-138 ish and a ton of torque. The Nytros require more driver input to get it to rail unlike the vipers where u could just point it and it went(miss my viper sometimes, that thing railed on the trails). Hope this helps. Feel free to ask me anything. I used to have a 02 viper that I bought new and put 8800 trouble free miles on and now have a 2011 Nytro

 

[Acnas1]

Is 8400 miles on a nytro anything to worry about? Just hope front end and rear skid is tight. Also clutches and chaincase! Is there must have mods for the Nytro?

 

[Snowman871]

I'm on season 2 with my 09 XTX with mods listed below in my sig. I'm loving it so far.

- Sled has a ton of torque, most my 2 stroke friends are jealous
- Sled likes to be rode hard and seems to have better trail manners than when I ride it half heartedly
- Curve skis help with steering but it is still hard. Suspension setup is a work in progress.
- Heard compaints about crappy hand warmers, the Yamaheaters are awesome and will cook your hands off
- Heard complaints about traction with the stock 1.25 Ripsaw, the 1.75 Backcountry traction is awesome (on trail and off)
- Heard complaints on steerting positioning, OFT relocator and riser works great for me
- Roll over valve for when I fall off or tip over

Issues I've had

- Code 43 (Issues with mechanical fuel pump relay) which almost left me stranded when my fuel pump was stuck on and would have drained my battery. Bought the solid state relay to fix this.
- Tunnel icing. Kick the boards during rides and use a rubber mallet after things freeze up before the next ride. I intend to do some sort of block of plate in the future.
- "Harsh" clutch engagement - fun at times but with the torque you don't need the higher engagement as it can make loading and other slow speed manuvering a little touchy.
- Had the reverse lever freeze up a couple times after powder riding (see below)
- Had quite a bit of snow get through some of the stock vents after powder riding (need some mesh covers)

Other than a few minor things I only have 3 simple words

 

[timebomb]

Yeah the clutch engagement is a little harsh. I find it a pain when stopping and then crossing a road. Hard to feather the throttle. 8400 miles on these motors is nothing. I would try to find one with less but that's just me. I like the used "like new" deals.

 

[poor farmer/logger]

I've got a 98 700 XTC that I road for years without any trouble. Still have it too. Picked up a good used XTX just over a year ago. There's times I wish I had the 98 but not to often. I could ride it a little bit faster then the nytro on smooth trails when I first got the nytro. A year later and I think I've got it close now. If I put some more money into it I think I could get it faster. If the trails get chopy I can ride faster with the nytro. With my heavy figure(lol) I do tend to bottom out some but with some more money that can be fixed. The Nytro does and will take more body language and effort to ride then the viper. First time I tried to side hill my my nytro I almost rolled it.lol.. Now that I've gotten used to it I actually find it fairly nimble.

In some ways I've found that my 98 was actually more reliable. Never really turned a wrench on it aside from regular maintenance and it never left me anywhere. Nytro has a few quirks that can leave you hanging once in a while. With the new relays that has taken part of the trouble out though. Things like ball joints and bushings tend to wear out quicker on the nytro. Once you put oil lite bushings in the front though that kind of finishes that task off. Sliders can be a problem on the nytro but wiht taller wheels and dupoint sliders they last a long time. They are a bit spendy though. UP here I think they run around 150 for a set.

One think I don't like about the nytro is the ice build up in the front end. The tunnel doesn't bother me but the front end just seems to pack full of snow even though I have everything sealed up as best as I can. I have my tunell protectors removed and the ice buildup really isn't that bad. With the exception of the front around the drivers there's hardly every anything in there.

Could go on but I've typed enough to bore most anyone so I'll give up for now.lol.. Any questions just ask.

Ryan

 

[Snowman871]

8400 miles is a fair amount but I wouldn't worry about it like a 2 stroke. Big thing in my mind is the level of maintenance above and beyond some of the other routine stuff, which if not done could add up. As long as the oil is changed the motor should be just fine but I would be looking at the following: front ent bushings, drive line bearings/chain/gears, skid rails/bolt holes/wheel bearings, exhaust donuts, clutch wear items, etc.

Other items could include: air filter, drive belt, spark plugs, carbides, skis, track, slides, etc.

 

[Beenba]

at that mileage I would be more concerned with A-arm bushings, the shape of the skid, suspension/shocks, and bearings. ^basically what he said lol

I just rolled over 12,000km (7400mi) and shes a champ! I might change the plugs for the first time, next year lol.

 

[loudelectronics]

If you spend a few bucks on the nytro's suspension it goes a very long ways.

Changing the front geometry and adding good shocks like Elka Stage 5 will make it a very planted sled and no inside ski lift.

I only have experience with the Skinz 4.5" forward kit but for instance I ran the 39" wide kit with no sway bar, Elka Stage 5 (they come tuned for weight and riding style), MTX skis. With this setup on my 162 SE I could charge the trail at faster speeds than I could my stock XTX with Fox Evol X. I can carry more speed into the corners with no lift and charge out faster. It is remarkable the difference even with no sway bar and narrower stance. I could only imagine what the 42" kit would be like. Not fun off trail as it would be so stable to throw a sled around but stick really well on trail.

The shocks go a very long way as with the Elkas, they are tuned for you. You can also adjust ride height with out affecting compression and rebound unlike the Fox shocks. The A arms really give you more control and more predictable and the MTX skis just hold a line very well even in the softest snow. Even though they are mountain skis, they work incredibly well on trail.

So take a risk on the Nytro. You will never want to go back. If there is something you do not like, it is very easy to change.