Looking at buying a viper

[Morgan C89]

Looking at upgrading to a viper from my nytro and was just wondering if there were any years that were better than others. My uncle has a 15 and is constantly worried about his starter, is 14 or 16 better for that issue?
Any input is greatly appreciated

 

[murdered141]

I have a 15 with 3300 miles and no starter issues or anything else for that matter, still running the factory trihub,and I ride hard on and off trail.

 

[Studroes144]

Looking at upgrading to a viper from my nytro and was just wondering if there were any years that were better than others. My uncle has a 15 and is constantly worried about his starter, is 14 or 16 better for that issue?
Any input is greatly appreciated

Total toss up, I have a 14 that hasn't started good since day 1, starter gave out at 3000 miles. My buddy has a 14 cat 7000 that has started perfect every time. His starter gave out at 700 miles. If you never plan to put a turbo on I'd be looking at a 2016 and just make sure you have a good warranty.

 

[swamp hog]

I have a 2014 10,000 miles and no issues. Starter kick back once and a while. Blew front rest shock at 9000 miles. Added turbo with 7000 miles. Be a great sled. Will put on another 4000 miles this year and will deal it. Sidewinder next or a Pro S

 

[murdered141]

The hot no start issue was known to be only on the 14', as far as the starter kickbacks, allot of that is operator error, meaning letting go of the key right before it starts, I know it shouldn't be but that's the case, I used to turn the key and wait till the fuel pump pressurized the fuel system and started fine, but now I don't even wait and it starts even better.

 

[Yamadog]

Well the starter kickback is not all operator error! But can be dealt with by getting an evo flash if you happen to get a 15 with that problem. My 15 would cut out the starter with the key twisted to the max when the sled thought it was started then try to re engage without ever moving the key. But after the flash and turbo install it has never done that again.

 

[Harvest1121]

I have 6500 miles on my 2015 never an issue with the starter

 

[cannondale27]

There was a poll of the members here I don't remember the exact results but it was less than 10% failure rate. Not going to Sugar Coat it though. It's very bad if it happens and if you don't want to take chances the correct way to fix it involves engine removal and oil pump inspection. Quick easy fix is under 2 hrs. But think about how many OTHER things that could go wrong. We must do our best to prevent anything from going wrong but to dwell on it and let it ruin our enjoyment of this great hobby would just be crazy. Also and probably most important is Yamaha has your back. They have been covering this even out of warrantee. To me the factor that would encourage me to upgrade in years would be the excellent shock packages the 16's and I assume 17's have. The new engine and drivetrain parts are all bonus. Over 8000mi on my 14 and never left me stranded.

 

[cannondale27]

Well the starter kickback is not all operator error! But can be dealt with by getting an evo flash if you happen to get a 15 with that problem. My 15 would cut out the starter with the key twisted to the max when the sled thought it was started then try to re engage without ever moving the key. But after the flash and turbo install it has never done that again.

Starter is always engaged with the motor even when it's running with key off. There is no Bendix. If starter ever stopped there was a electrical issue that caused voltage loss to the starter. Or it just wasn't able to turn the motor over for some reason. The starter system. Everything is totally independent of the ECU.

 

[CooperT]

16' with no problems yet. 100mph out of the box. There were a couple days in a row it was hard to start in the morning but that was pushin -30. What sled isnt hard to start in that weather?

 

[benjamingvsu]

My 14 has had no issues in 3500+ miles, except trihub failure last ride of last year. You can get a 15 now for 8500 new, an absolute steal in my opinion! In the us anyway, but I see you are in canada.