2014-2018 understanding the Viper

[rbell14]

I have been sitting on the fence now a few years racking up miles on my nytro. The only thing I have to add is - although the nytro is far from perfect, it worked. Everyone I have come in contact with a viper has had major issue with it. They commute regularly to their dealer looking for a fix. With winters that are insanely short, this is no way to be. Other than a starter relay, and rad fan relay the nytro just worked.

Not producing that motor with a Yamaha ECU was criminal. Cat has been chasing their tail every year reflashing and hoping for the best. Would like to get into this chassis but waiting for them to get it right. They ruined an opportunity to make a fabulous sled that can do everything the nytro couldn't and vector for that matter.

Still waiting.
MS

Be careful what you read. Sometimes issues get over marketed on the forum as nobody talks as much about the good stuff on Vipers. I left the Nytro for the Viper and it was a huge improvement. Chassis hands down is best! Gigantic improvement over the Nytro IMO. Just logged 600+ miles in Keweenaw and have over 3300k on sled with no issues at all. (Except changed tri-hub which is a poor design). Good luck with your decision.

 

[Dano]

Guess the first red flag was monitoring Yelowknifes poor experience with the 14 Viper. I've also test rode a demo 7000 cat back in 14 and mapping was off then and thought it would be cleaned up, turned out not to be the case. Seeing the Viper improve through time, it starts to get more interesting. With my recent experience riding a Sidewinder LE, it seems the egos and suspension calibration is done right, but I don't need a turbo nor the added weight and complexity. Kind of disappointed the 18 Viper didn't get the newer plastics the Sidewinder has, but guess thats really just cosmetics. Maybe easier to get a new non-current that way. I'll keep it on the shopping list for now.
thx for the replies

Dan

 

[cannondale27]

I hear you.Viper could use that plastic,ECU and about 20-30hp! Wonder if it would sell enough?

 

[Sevey]

Be careful what you read. Sometimes issues get over marketed on the forum as nobody talks as much about the good stuff on Vipers. I left the Nytro for the Viper and it was a huge improvement. Chassis hands down is best! Gigantic improvement over the Nytro IMO. Just logged 600+ miles in Keweenaw and have over 3300k on sled with no issues at all. (Except changed tri-hub which is a poor design). God luck with your decision.

I am encouraged hearing about people that have had good experiences. its just that the half a dozen people around me with them have had everything from starters go, chain case issues, reverse actuators, exhausts blowing out the bottom and relay issues - oh and I forgot about a handful of trihubs failing. I had one friend where all this happened to his sled.

Would not argue with you about the chassis. Its solid and drives great. Just make the motor unit work like it should. Also too bad about the plastics, seemed logical to mate them to both sleds.

I don't really need a turbo sled. That kind of hp would likely get me in trouble, and I also don't know if I need the complexity and maintenance of it. Tough to justify spending north of $17k on a sled. Don't forget Canadians love paying more for things up here. lol. I have had 6 good rides this year on the nytro, would feel ill having close to 20 large tied up in something getting such little use.

MS

 

[blueironranger]

Only know a few people IRL with Vipers, all 14's, and the only issue one had was the hot start problem which the 15' flash fixed and he hasn't suffered any backfire/starter issues. Nothing "new and flashy" for 18' made my decision easy, going to take my pick of a left over 14' xtx or 15'mtx this week, wish I could find a 15' xtx leftover as I prefer the short mountain seat. I came home with my Phazer when I went to purchase a Nytro in 09', just didn't like front heavy feel and twitchy handling. After putting some miles on a Viper it's everything I hoped the Nytro would have been. The COTC "clutching on the cheap" on a Viper that I rode seemed to give it that "Nytro" punch that they lack out of the box.

 

[savageman69]

im with rbell14 have 10,000kms on my 14 and had no failures, its been rock solid and rides amazing. I couldnt be happier still runs like day 1..never blown a belt ive not had one single moment of down time or trail side work. No starting issues as well.

 

[DJ Hennessy]

I just finished a 800km trip up in Cochrane, ON with 2 sidewinders and 2 vipers in the group, one viper being mine. I bought a 2016 new none current from dealer 4 weeks ago and now have a little over 1000kms total on it. No issues what so ever, I love the comfort and ride of this machine! I still have my 06 Apex RTX, which has quite a bit more speed and punch to it, but my knees were killing me on it and I wanted something I could keep up with my buddies on while in the bush... The other viper in the group has just north of 6000kms and we changed the belt on it only to prevent having to possibly change it on the trail. These machines are really easy on belts and very reliable. The only relay issues are from freezing, but if you relocate your fuse box for easy access, just pop it out and bring it with you at night. Would recommend this sled to anyone!

 

[sxr70001]

3500 miles on my 14 Viper now. It has never left me stranded or had anything but routine maintenance. I love it more every time I ride it, just point and shoot and it goes wherever I want it to.

 

[ViperBill]

Over 7000 mi on my 14rtx chain case bearings and a broken sway bar I did upgrade the rear suspension been a Polaris guy since 94 and am very glad I bought the viper would do it again in a second

 

[Mills]

Buy the Viper and then a stage 3 or 4 Ulmer update kit and never look back. It will have the power and pull of a Nytro and handling/ride the Nytro only wished it could match but never attain. I just parked my Nytro and bought a new '14 hold over Viper RTX SE for $6500. I pick up the Ulmer kit at Hay Days this fall.

 

[savageman69]

I just finished a 800km trip up in Cochrane, ON with 2 sidewinders and 2 vipers in the group, one viper being mine. I bought a 2016 new none current from dealer 4 weeks ago and now have a little over 1000kms total on it. No issues what so ever, I love the comfort and ride of this machine! I still have my 06 Apex RTX, which has quite a bit more speed and punch to it, but my knees were killing me on it and I wanted something I could keep up with my buddies on while in the bush... The other viper in the group has just north of 6000kms and we changed the belt on it only to prevent having to possibly change it on the trail. These machines are really easy on belts and very reliable. The only relay issues are from freezing, but if you relocate your fuse box for easy access, just pop it out and bring it with you at night. Would recommend this sled to anyone!

i wonder why i never have issues...ive never even opened my fuse box

 

[cannondale27]

i wonder why i never have issues...ive never even opened my fuse box

I never have either but mine is either outside all the time or in heated shop till ridden. I agree the condensation from big temp changes really messes with relays and electrical connections.

 

[savageman69]

I never have either but mine is either outside all the time or in heated shop till ridden. I agree the condensation from big temp changes really messes with relays and electrical connections.

yah mine stays in the trailer all the time so maybe thats it...its in the temp all the time

 

[Mike P]

I don't know who started the Nytro is faster than Viper Rumor. Its a Bunch of Bull. Only Nytros that are faster are modded. Stock for stock mod for mod and track for track they are equal speed or dang close. Nytro just seems faster because of body position and you are always tense from fear of the next quirky maneuver the thing is going to do! The Vipers have had refinements since intro. Different Jackshafts,different shock valving and shocks,skid geometry changes,ECU flashes,skis and even the new motor in 16. Most of these were successful and improved sled.Some like skis,Loss of RR skid in LE,16 motor with bad rods and were not always successful. Do your homework its all here. Still love my 14!

Well stated.

 

[Mike P]

I have been sitting on the fence now a few years racking up miles on my nytro. The only thing I have to add is - although the nytro is far from perfect, it worked. Everyone I have come in contact with a viper has had major issue with it. They commute regularly to their dealer looking for a fix. With winters that are insanely short, this is no way to be. Other than a starter relay, and rad fan relay the nytro just worked.

Not producing that motor with a Yamaha ECU was criminal. Cat has been chasing their tail every year reflashing and hoping for the best. Would like to get into this chassis but waiting for them to get it right. They ruined an opportunity to make a fabulous sled that can do everything the nytro couldn't and vector for that matter.

Still waiting.
MS

"Everyone I have come in contact with a viper has had major issue with it."

I can say that I personally have NOT had any of the issues and/or problems that have been discussed on this forum. My SR Viper 2014 R-TX has been very reliable. Cannodale really said it best, Love my Viper.
"Everyone", seems a little harsh. I would agree some what with the ECU from CAT on a Yamaha triple.