Here's a question that hasn't been asked...is the SW a trail sled or just a rocket!

[4strokeluvr111]

My 14 Vector LTX just isn't a fit for the kind of trails I ride. Too heavy, can't ride aggressively in the twisties because it's just such a load. Trails I ride are 70% twisty and 30% open and straight. Also, I'm 57 and not as spry as some of you young folks on here! LOL!

A Viper isn't for me because of the "fuel" issues. If they'd only come up with a MAP that works, I want a better handling sled so that leaves me with a short track SW as my only option.

I won't mod it at all! No helix's, clutch weights, MAPS or anything other than maybe skis. I will keep it bone stock.

So does this sled handle well on the trails in northern Wisconsin? I've heard and read about heavy steering. I think I can adjust the rear skid as well as ski springs to get rid of that. I'm just a trail cruiser....nothing more.

 

[roweboat70]

My 14 Vector LTX just isn't a fit for the kind of trails I ride. Too heavy, can't ride aggressively in the twisties because it's just such a load. Trails I ride are 70% twisty and 30% open and straight. Also, I'm 57 and not as spry as some of you young folks on here! LOL!

A Viper isn't for me because of the "fuel" issues. If they'd only come up with a MAP that works, I want a better handling sled so that leaves me with a short track SW as my only option.

I won't mod it at all! No helix's, clutch weights, MAPS or anything other than maybe skis. I will keep it bone stock.

So does this sled handle well on the trails in northern Wisconsin? I've heard and read about heavy steering. I think I can adjust the rear skid as well as ski springs to get rid of that. I'm just a trail cruiser....nothing more.

I'm a trail rider also, generally put on 5000km or 3000 miles a year on. Coming from a Yamaha Attak/Apex, bought a SW and now have approx 1900 miles on it. Just got back from Quebec did 500km one day of tight bush riding with 2x 600 Skidoo gades, 1 yamaha vector, 2x 600 Polaris and the SW handled well enough to keep up, no problem.

If your finding the vector difficult in the twisties, I would recommend test riding a SW before buying one. Given your a 4 stroke guy, I know its blasphemy, but a Skidoo 900 ACE might be the ticket. My wife has a 900 ACE and it handles really well, easy on fuel, light, and very quiet.

The SW is fine in the twisted stuff, but you need to work at it.
I love my SW, but if your 70% twisty trail and your finding the vector heavy, the SW might not be your best choice.

 

[Pstn head]

Keep the speeds at a manageable clip, but of course quicker than most other sleds, because you can, and it'll be fine. The problem is this sled is "sneaky fast" ( quote from my buddy ) great handling sled and a Rocket.

 

[geez150]

Coming off a 2015 800 renegade, I really am impressed with the handling of my 2017 zr 9000. Mine does have the 137 track, don't think I will ever go back to a short track. Here is Western NY we have a mix of tight woods that connects to farm fields or old rail beds and at 450 miles I have issues on any trails this far.

 

[fatchance]

I think the LTX LE is the best of both worlds......rocket and great trail sled. The QS3r's eat up the bumps. It is by far the most comfortable sled i have been on and we have all tags in our group.

 

[STAIN]

My 14 Vector LTX just isn't a fit for the kind of trails I ride. Too heavy, can't ride aggressively in the twisties because it's just such a load. Trails I ride are 70% twisty and 30% open and straight. Also, I'm 57 and not as spry as some of you young folks on here! LOL!

A Viper isn't for me because of the "fuel" issues. If they'd only come up with a MAP that works, I want a better handling sled so that leaves me with a short track SW as my only option.

I won't mod it at all! No helix's, clutch weights, MAPS or anything other than maybe skis. I will keep it bone stock.

So does this sled handle well on the trails in northern Wisconsin? I've heard and read about heavy steering. I think I can adjust the rear skid as well as ski springs to get rid of that. I'm just a trail cruiser....nothing more.

What are the Viper "fuel" issues?

 

[snowbeast]

Coming off a 2015 800 renegade, I really am impressed with the handling of my 2017 zr 9000. Mine does have the 137 track, don't think I will ever go back to a short track. Here is Western NY we have a mix of tight woods that connects to farm fields or old rail beds and at 450 miles I have issues on any trails this far.

Did you mean your sled is a turd in your trails,or its a weapon in them,the way you stated your last 450 miles with issues,it sounds like you don't like it,but I may be wrong.

 

[snowbeast]

My 14 Vector LTX just isn't a fit for the kind of trails I ride. Too heavy, can't ride aggressively in the twisties because it's just such a load. Trails I ride are 70% twisty and 30% open and straight. Also, I'm 57 and not as spry as some of you young folks on here! LOL!

A Viper isn't for me because of the "fuel" issues. If they'd only come up with a MAP that works, I want a better handling sled so that leaves me with a short track SW as my only option.

I won't mod it at all! No helix's, clutch weights, MAPS or anything other than maybe skis. I will keep it bone stock.

So does this sled handle well on the trails in northern Wisconsin? I've heard and read about heavy steering. I think I can adjust the rear skid as well as ski springs to get rid of that. I'm just a trail cruiser....nothing more.

I wish I could answer 100% from my owne le sled,but I cant,sense it got wrecked on dec.7th and no parts,but judging from my sons ltx-se I drove for its first 80 miles,i would say yes,here in maine where we ride,southern Aroostook,our trails are wqindy and hilly and some wide fast roads to mix it up,and it accells perfectly in all areas of them,and back than it was bone stock,still is,except for 144 studs,other than that 100% stock,and it has run 122,123 and 125 speedo,and now has 300 miles on it.

 

[mooser17]

Well I have a sw ltx le 137, and it has incredible power fast yes. Very quiet and smooth low engagement.
Now is it a nice trail sled no. It's heavy steering , ok on fuel till you get on lakes or long straight trails which it just eats the fuel!. 60 miles =22.6litres . And was riding with a 850 do n apex which both used 18litres in 60 miles. And a 1200 do which burned 15.4litres. Seat is awful! Very uncomfortable. Shocks all on lightest setting and still stiff as hell. Not a enjoyable machine to ride. Imo if you want a nice trail sled go to skidoo that's what I came off and boy do i miss it. Wish I has test drove one of these sw because it was not what I expected. A 1200 or 900 skidoo is a awesome sled for where you ride. These sw are gd for speed.

 

[lockburner2000]

900 ace LOL not even close to being in the same league as a Vector far as power and responsiveness.

 

[Mighty]

Compared to a Vector, the SW is a jewel. Compared to a light weight Doo, not so much. I had a 2015 Renegade XRS for comparison which in ride and handling there really is none. Would I go back to a Doo? Nope, unless they maybe turbo'ed the 1200

 

[Motorhead]

My 14 Vector LTX just isn't a fit for the kind of trails I ride. Too heavy, can't ride aggressively in the twisties because it's just such a load. Trails I ride are 70% twisty and 30% open and straight. Also, I'm 57 and not as spry as some of you young folks on here! LOL!

A Viper isn't for me because of the "fuel" issues. If they'd only come up with a MAP that works, I want a better handling sled so that leaves me with a short track SW as my only option.

I won't mod it at all! No helix's, clutch weights, MAPS or anything other than maybe skis. I will keep it bone stock.

So does this sled handle well on the trails in northern Wisconsin? I've heard and read about heavy steering. I think I can adjust the rear skid as well as ski springs to get rid of that. I'm just a trail cruiser....nothing more.

 

[Motorhead]

Dependent upon the size trails for sure and the skis that you put on it. On big trails it shines for sure, it handles good and takes on rough trails pretty well. It is a heavy steering sled period but the power is amazing for a stocker.
On small trails it does not shine for me. Just to heavy for that and you cannot use the power. I guess this is where the lighter sleds rule, small trails and off trail riding. I do neither of those!! But do not forget about 4 stroke reliability, that is impossible to do with 2 strokes for me! Ask me why???

 

[hibshman25]

My 14 Vector LTX just isn't a fit for the kind of trails I ride. Too heavy, can't ride aggressively in the twisties because it's just such a load. Trails I ride are 70% twisty and 30% open and straight. Also, I'm 57 and not as spry as some of you young folks on here! LOL!

A Viper isn't for me because of the "fuel" issues. If they'd only come up with a MAP that works, I want a better handling sled so that leaves me with a short track SW as my only option.

I won't mod it at all! No helix's, clutch weights, MAPS or anything other than maybe skis. I will keep it bone stock.

So does this sled handle well on the trails in northern Wisconsin? I've heard and read about heavy steering. I think I can adjust the rear skid as well as ski springs to get rid of that. I'm just a trail cruiser....nothing more.

You really need to put snow trackers on single keel skis and try that. It will handle the twisties light years better than tuners and Dooley runners on single keel ski. Yes the vector is heavier but the eps washes that out. With all my background and knowledge with the Yamaha sleds if I could only own one sled for groomed trail riding it would be the EPS vector Ltx with wrp seat and snow trackers.

 

[1100saber]

I think sidewinder is great for types of trails I run. I'm boosted and still excellent fuel economy. I've owned xp, 1200, axys, xf 8000, etc. I like turbo 4 strokes for the northern ontario trails I ride. Sure I feel the weight when trails get really twisty...but nobody is ever waiting for me and the next stop. The tuner skis need to go immediately if you ride in anything other than rock hard groomed trails