Looking for advice...

[RTYsxv]

Hey guys, looking for some honest opinions. I know many of you have spent a lot of time working with the Nytro chassis.

I'm living in MN right now but I'm moving out to Colorado this summer to start a new job. Right now I have a short track Nytro RTX that I really like - I've never had a sled that's as much fun as that one in the rough stuff. But as much as I like my RTX, it's not going to get me anywhere in the mountains. I need to get a legitimate mountain sled if I stay in the sport, and I don't want more than about $8500 total invested.

So the way I see it, I have a couple options:

1. Make a mountain sled out of my RTX, mainly putting in a 153" Cat float skid and a good track, redo the front suspension, change skis, extrovert drivers, re-gear, re-clutch. I love project sled builds and the Cat Float Skid thread really has me interested.

2. Buy a modded Nytro MTX: There are boosted Nytros with all the good mountain mods selling in the $8-10,000 range...it's a buyer's market for sure!

3. Buy a 2 stroke 800. There are lots of deals out there on the 2012 Cat Proclimbs and 2011-2012 Pro-RMKs. And if I stepped down to something like a 2010 M8, the cost really goes down. I'm really not interested in Cat's 4 stroke - too expensive.


I'm not an experienced mountain rider by any means, but I've been out to the Black Hills and I know a thing or two about handling a sled offtrail. I'm also only about 160 lbs. Does a modded Nytro handle in the trees or will it just wear me out? I don't want a heavy, high-centered sled holding me back - I can feel these characteristics in my short track RTX. I'm interested to hear if a different suspension/other mods can make this less of an issue. I want a sled that I can throw around in the powder and carve in the trees. That, to me, is the most fun.

If I pick up one of the new 2 strokes, I know I'm on a sled that's at the very top of the industry for mountain performance and handling. I love Yamaha, but I've really been impressed by the other 3. That, to me, might be worth the step down in quality. I know Cat has a solid 800 motor and I'd be more comfortable with its reliability than Polaris or Ski-doo. I'm not afraid to work on a sled or fix it so it works right, as long as I don't have to dump a ton of money into it.

Bottom line is this: Does a modded Nytro approach the capabilities of the new 2 strokes? I'm not convinced I want to dump money into modding a Yamaha if I'll have more fun on a bone stock 2 stroke - especially if it doesn't have any resale value (as shown by all the cheap Yamahas on snowest).

 

[raginyamaha]

The tunnel on the 08 is too deep for deep snow riding youd be better suited getting a newer model mtx...

 

[hugger70mtnmax]

I think one thing to consider is the fact that when you go somewhere to ride you are investing a lot of time and money to do so. Do you want to make said investment with the worry that your sled will leave you with problems after you make that trip out.

A boosted Nytro will do very well and take you places a stock two stroke can't go. The weight difference really only becomes evident in poor snow conditions.

 

[RTYsxv]

I won't be living far from the mountains, so investing in a trip really isn't that big of a deal. If I'm not climbing, does boost really matter? I'm more concerned with sidehilling and maneuvering in the more technical stuff, where I need a sled that responds easily to rider input. I used to have a 153" Apex, and I loved the sled but it took so much work to throw it around. I always thought if I was about 50 lbs heavier and taller I could really make that sled work. I guess that's what I'm afraid of with a Nytro, especially if I'm a beginner in the mountains.

Thanks for the replies

 

[RTYsxv]

Made the decision - picked up a Proclimb M800 153". Found a dealer willing to give me enough money for my short track Nytro on trade. Might have to spend a few $ on clutch fixes, but Cat's got the best 800 2 stroke motor out there IMO.

I'm still a Yamaha fan, and since they are working with Cat now, I'm basically still a Yamaha owner?

Thanks for the PMs and input

 

[LSXM3]

You will love the chassis but hate the engine in comparison to the nytro, be sure to get the racewerks or similar front bumper to protect that expensive front end. let us know what you think after you get some seat time!

 

[Alatalo]

Good choice, it looks like a 2015 SR Viper MTX with a funny paint job and a smelly engine...?

Don't forget to install an anti-stab kit, various reports indicate it is needed.

 

[linemech31]

Nice looking ride

 

[akvector]

definately add anti stabs cat even sells them as a factory accessory. I rode one this year has a horrible throttle lag off bottom end. It may have been just the sled I rode. It would not go right away when the flipper was squeezed.

It needs mountain skis in my opinion as well.

 

[RTYsxv]

Spent about a half hour riding around the other day...so far it's good. I feel like I can climb or jump over anything with the sled...makes me feel like I'm Chris Burandt or something I found it very easy to get comfortable on this thing, and it was pretty forgiving. The chassis is definitely responsive. I'm excited to get it out in the mountains next winter and find some trees to carve through.

The 800 H.O. definitely doesn't have the snappy torque or throttle response my Nytro did, and that took some getting used to. But once you get into the powerband it pulls really hard...typical of any two stroke motor I guess.

I won't be riding it any more this season, and I'm looking forward to giving it a real test out west next winter.