Couple of SRViper XTX questions from a new guy

[Northlander]

Hi all. I am new to this forum. I was planning on upgrading my 2012 Ski doo 600 backcountry to an 800 this fall. However, the Yamaha's really caught my eye and I absolutely would like to ditch the 2 stroke for a 4 stroke. I have been looking around a bit at the SRViper XTX models. I found a a clean 2014 for a very good price. About 7,000 miles on it. Warranty through 12/2019. I have been doing a fair amount of reading this afternoon, but I have been a Ski doo guy for the last 20 years, so my knowledge of these is really limited, so I am going to ask some dumb questions and some you might be tired of, so bear with me

Engine longevity - how does 7K miles stack up. What is the realistic lifspan?
2014 specific issues I should look for or ask about?
Trail handling and off trail capability? I guess especially if any of you guys came from a Ski Doo?

Anything else I should know?

Thanks in advance

 

[jlevandoski]

Welcome Northlander!

Having the warranty through 2019 is fantastic regardless of manufacturer, but ask any questions you might have.

Engine longevity (7,000 mi) - these sleds will last forever. The mileage that you're looking at isn't much for these Yamaha's at all.
2014 issues - I have a 2014 XTX SE and have had 0 issues with the snowmobile since I purchased it. All of the updates were performed and the sled is an absolute riot.
Trail handling - I never had any trail issues with the snowmobile. The steering is a little on the heavy side, but switching out the front spring for a stiffer spring remedies this issue. Off trail this snowmobile is relentless. I buried the thing off the edge of a trail. All I had to do was rock the sled and push and it pulled right out. No digging around or lifting out a heavy rear suspension.

 

[swampcat]

Engine life ? Nick Keller put 99,956 miles on his 2010 Vector. Off trail ? Depending on how deep the FRESH snow is, some wide skis make a HUGE difference.

 

[Pstn head]

It's a no brainer, I've rode ski doo's for 12 years and the only thing I regret is that I rode them that long, I don't have the xtx but my buddy does. I have the rtx dx coming from a nytro and both are great. Yamaha sleds Imo are a little above the rest. I'm not trying to bash them, it's just my experience.

 

[Yamadog]

Welcome from a guy just north of you in Coon Rapids. I have 2 xtx's and have many buddies that have not yet converted to Yamaha but give me time. I had 9 guys out late last season in the UP and had my XTX's and both my Pro S 800 and Pro R 800's. They all were fighting to ride my Vipers now granted my 14 was at 252 hp then with 13#'s of boost and the 15 was bone stock. I have ridden many viper LTX's and RTX's and I believe the XTX with a little work is an even better trail burner and way better when going off trail.

The 15 stock was every bit as fast from 0 to 80 in many drag races and a bit faster on lakes with deeper unpacked snow. They were all on 14 and 15 800 doo's. After 80 they could blow by me or who ever was on it. but it has not been clutched yet and no changes were made from the dealer setup. I am 53 with bad discs, hips and knees and still can ride these on a 400 mile day. I cannot ride 10 on a ski doo due to the rider position.

I can only say buy one and ride it then look on here or contact one of us to discuss what you want to be better. There are many things you can do for free or very cheap to help suspension, clutching and other little issues. Stingray, Nos-Pro and Cannondale are 3 of the best resources on here along with MRSled "THE GRAND POOBAH"!

All you will need is a larger helmet to fit the permanent grin and ear plugs to squelch the YAMAHOOS you scream in your helmet.

This is the 14 with the switch at 9#'s of boost or about 210 hp on a 34 deg day and it was raining on a very rough trail and it was greasy.

 

[pjabas]

Hey, northlander

I live close to you, lived in PL for couple years, I have a 14 xtx ask away all the guys on here will help you

 

[NOS-PRO]

As an XTX owner myself....it's by far the best sled I have ever owned

 

[nherbst454]

I came off a 600 SDI MXZ X and have to say this thing is superior for off trail (of course going to a 141 from a 121 helped) and the engine life is part of what promoted me to go Yamaha. I blew my Doo up at 8500 miles and the guys I ride with all ride Yamaha and have had them over 20,000 miles and still run fine. All sleds require maintenance on suspension, clutching, and track but the engine is rock solid and has been a real difference for me.

 

[Northlander]

Great feedback guys. Much appreciated.
The 4 stroke longevity is what really intrigues me. On good snow years, I ride 2k-3K miles. I'm tires of paying $10,000 plus for a sled and in 2 years and 5K miles it is entering that questionable area. Might go to 10K miles or might burn down tomorrow.

I need to go and look closer at one. The seating position also is a big factor. Like Yamadog pointed out for him, the Yamaha seating position works for him. Right now, the Ski Doo position works great for me. I'm also one of "those old guys" at 50 with a lousy back too.

I'm sure I will have a few questions as I go. Again, thanks much.

 

[pjabas]

Heck, Swing swing on down some time. My xtx is sitting there as put my a arms on it, ill answer your questions best i can

 

[nherbst454]

Great feedback guys. Much appreciated.
The 4 stroke longevity is what really intrigues me. On good snow years, I ride 2k-3K miles. I'm tires of paying $10,000 plus for a sled and in 2 years and 5K miles it is entering that questionable area. Might go to 10K miles or might burn down tomorrow.

I need to go and look closer at one. The seating position also is a big factor. Like Yamadog pointed out for him, the Yamaha seating position works for him. Right now, the Ski Doo position works great for me. I'm also one of "those old guys" at 50 with a lousy back too.

I'm sure I will have a few questions as I go. Again, thanks much.

If you want to see mine I'm in Woodbury

 

[Northlander]

Heck, Swing swing on down some time. My xtx is sitting there as put my a arms on it, ill answer your questions best i can

I will probably take you up on that next week sometime. Thanks!

 

[NOS-PRO]

Best thing is to sit on one like these guys are offering and better yet take one for a ride. I myself am 46 and find myself feeling 20 years younger on this sled.

Bewteen a lot of us here...everyone wants their sled to perform/ride a certain way. I like mine to ride like a couch, turn on a dime in the twisties, be very nimble off-trail and thru the trees but then run like a scared rabbit down the trail. I believe I found a combination that works

That being said, post your questions here of how you ride, everyone here will help you set yours up or could even let you try theirs like members here have offered.

 

[Yamadog]

Best thing is to sit on one like these guys are offering and better yet take one for a ride. I myself am 46 and find myself feeling 20 years younger on this sled.

Bewteen a lot of us here...everyone wants their sled to perform/ride a certain way. I like mine to ride like a couch, turn on a dime in the twisties, be very nimble off-trail and thru the trees but then run like a scared rabbit down the trail. I believe I found a combination that works

That being said, post your questions here of how you ride, everyone here will help you set yours up or could even let you try theirs like members here have offered.

He may be 46 but he can still rock the dinosaur suit LOL

 

[yamadoo]

As an XTX owner myself....it's by far the best sled I have ever owned

Come on Terry how do you really feel? Lol