Looking to upgrade my Viper to 4 Stroke

[Blue Dave]

Whichever Yamaha 4 stroke you purchase you will have engine braking. You will get used to the engine braking and use it to your advantage when cornering.

Like Theblackbullet said, my riding buddies also have a hard time following me on a twisty trail as I hardly use my brake so they do not get many brake light warnings from me on the corners.

 

[Grimm]

If at all possible, you should really take a test drive on an RX1 first. By all accounts, I hear that those Vipers were rockets and railed around the corners. You won't get that type of handling on the first generation four strokes, and you may then wish you never let your Viper go. The four strokes are definitely more comfy for leg room, however it is at the expense of being top heavy.

 

[Mighty]

The 05 had the tallest seat of the RX series, Yamaha added foam each year. I too am 6'2" 225 and didn't mind the seat height but came across a good deal on a Apex Mountain seat which was not only taller than an RX seat but firmer then a standard Apex seat. You can also sell your 05 seat to an 03-04 owner and recoup some of your money. Owning several of both 121 and 136, I vote to pass on it and look for a 136.

 

[yamafreak]

i would say save a few extra bucks and get a attak. (apex with a 136" track)

 

[steiner]

I went from a slightly modded Viper to an Attak. The main reasons I choose the Attak was:
1. 136 skid for comfort in the trails.
2. Seating position. Years of standing between the pipes in hockey have not been kind to me knees.
3. Fuel injection. Cycle the key and walk inside while the sled warms up. Tuneability of the EFI system for more power if I want.
4. Ease of the maintianence in the mono skid
5. It just looks darn cool

I find it easier to work on the clutches and chain case areas with the removable panels vs the hood design. My biggest beef with the Apex/Attak design is the amount of parts needed to be removed to get to the battery or oil filter.
I have driven a 03 and 04 RX1's that my buddies own. They are nice as well but still prefer my Attak ergo's.

 

[tomstoy2]

Thanks to all, great advise and really good info. I'm hoping to test the RX1 this week before we loose our snow.

 

[sledneck22]

I would just like to add that I had a SRX years ago before switching to an Apex. I am 6'3" so my knees were allways bent way over and it killed when riding my SRX. I took my buddies RX-1 out for a few different rides and found the seat height not near enough different for my knees to continually not suffer. When I tried the apex, my knees would ride an nothing less than a 90 deg angle which helped a ton.
If you worry about your knees wearing out while riding, I would suggest not going with an RX-1.

 

[Blue Dave]

I had a Viper with triple pipes before buying my Apex. I loved that sled as it was fast as hell and cornered like it was on rails. However it was getting up there in the miles and it was time for something new.

I have owned about a dozen new Yamaha sleds over the years and I had never even considered another brand but by '07 I had to buy a four stroke if I wanted to stay on a Yamaha.

The first time out on my new Apex I thought I had made a huge mistake and was ready to ask my dealer if he would trade me back my Viper. I absolutely hated my new Apex!

However after spending the time required to properly set up the suspension, and most importantly to get used to the higher seating position and engine braking, I eventually came to love this sled and I would never go back!

My point is to keep this in mind when test driving your first four stroke after being used to the older Yamaha's as it will take a little time to adapt and to also find the right set-up adjustments for you and your riding style. Good Luck!

 

[Chasx7]

I went from an 02 Viper to an 08 Apex GT I found as a leftover in 09. Great sled. My Viper was basically stock. Biggest differences you will notice is the engine braking (which is awesome once you get use to it), the power and the higher center of gravity. Oh and I forgot its alot easier on the knees.
I was a bit nervous going to 4 stroke but it was a great move. That motor pulls real hard and has alot of top end. Real fun to ride. Good luck.

 

[Murse]

faster and much better on fuel plus no adding oil every ride.

 

[Fullback]

I have an 04 Viper S with Ohlins all around and my modded 03 RX1.
The Viper is more fun through the tight trails in the woods.
For everything else the RX1 rules.
My mods are below.
The Apex seat is a great upgrade for sure.
Your knees will love you for it!

 

[polarisconvert]

I have an 05 RX1 that I bought in 2006. It has been a great sled other than the common suspension problems. The choke does not bother me at all. I have extra foam in the seat and I think it sits fine. I am your age with not so good knees. I think the price is good and that it won't last long. With clutching and jetting these sleds run very well. Good luck