YamaHank
Extreme
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- 2018 SR Viper RTX
In the market for a new viper. Not seeing any threads nor online reviews on the base model RTX and LTX. I’m thinking it’s a good value and a quick/easy project to upgrade the basic stock front shocks. I have a couple questions if anyone can help me out:
1. Safe to assume that all the kinks of the bad rods and warm start issues of the past are non-existent on the 2018 engines?
2. Thoughts on the rear suspension in general and more specifically weight transfer - I had a 14 LTX-SE that would not pick up the skis and trench in the powder so I sold it. I do ride mostly trail but want some lift for the few times I go off trail. Do you guys think that an RTX will still provide more weight transfer than the LTX of the past or have they finally recalibrated the rear suspension on the LTX to allow for more transfer? I don’t want to get into swapping nor recalibrating the rear shocks.
I love this motor and live in fear of it being replaced by an NA/998. I want to snag a freshy before they potentially go away.
Any other thoughts or info on the 2018 base models welcome - seems to be nothing else on here regarding these models.
1. Safe to assume that all the kinks of the bad rods and warm start issues of the past are non-existent on the 2018 engines?
2. Thoughts on the rear suspension in general and more specifically weight transfer - I had a 14 LTX-SE that would not pick up the skis and trench in the powder so I sold it. I do ride mostly trail but want some lift for the few times I go off trail. Do you guys think that an RTX will still provide more weight transfer than the LTX of the past or have they finally recalibrated the rear suspension on the LTX to allow for more transfer? I don’t want to get into swapping nor recalibrating the rear shocks.
I love this motor and live in fear of it being replaced by an NA/998. I want to snag a freshy before they potentially go away.
Any other thoughts or info on the 2018 base models welcome - seems to be nothing else on here regarding these models.


- Joined
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- 2020 Sidewinder SRX
I heard some ramblings that you still can not boost the newer Vipers.. I am not 100% on this but thought I would mention that.


According to Allen Ulmer the 16.5,17 and 18’s all have the same weaker rods and cannot add Turbo. Engine is same cc but your fear is here already. Get a early 16. Last of the best.
YamaHank
Extreme
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2013
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- Location
- Boston, MA
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- USA
- Snowmobile
- 2018 SR Viper RTX
If true, would that be potentially problematic running stock/non-turbo? Adding boost is not my intention. This may be a 1-year sled or kept as a buddy sled as there is a good chance I’ll spring order a SW.


Get warranty.If true, would that be potentially problematic running stock/non-turbo? Adding boost is not my intention. This may be a 1-year sled or kept as a buddy sled as there is a good chance I’ll spring order a SW.


murdered141
Snow Punisher
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- Yamaha sr viper 15 ltx dx, mpi 190 turbo, straight line header, 38" mtx front end, mtx steering, mtx seat, xtx 141" skid and 2.25" power claw track
2019 sidewinder xtx le, sleeping for now
Here's a thought, you can prolly pickup a leftover 17 side winder cheaper than a 18 viper, throw a clutch kit in it and enjoy with warranty.


Transfer and shock valving has improved greatly since your old Viper but a LTX still does not transfer as much as a RTX unless suspension is modded. Thats by design.