New to me sled suggestions

[mercer1932]

I'm looking to move into something a bit newer, currently riding a 1999 Phazer 500. I've only owned 2 strokes: Entices, Ovations, pogo and trailing arm Phazers indys. I was thinking of moving up to a newer sled, being a 4 stroke, I don't know much about the different models. What would be best for mostly field/trail ridding.

Was thinking of going with 136 inch track since the 4 strokes are a bit heavier.

Anyone able to help brake down the different models and what they are best for?

 

[Snowaddict]

I'm looking to move into something a bit newer, currently riding a 1999 Phazer 500. I've only owned 2 strokes: Entices, Ovations, pogo and trailing arm Phazers indys. I was thinking of moving up to a newer sled, being a 4 stroke, I don't know much about the different models. What would be best for mostly field/trail ridding.

Was thinking of going with 136 inch track since the 4 strokes are a bit heavier.

Anyone able to help brake down the different models and what they are best for?

There are a lot more questions to answer for what might be options for you, such as what is your budget? My Yamaha career began with a 1995 pogo stick Vmax 500. I then went to a '99 SRX, '05 RX-1, '06 Apex RTX, and now a '17 Sidewinder LTX-LE. The switch to a 4 stroke was great. I still have the Apex as a back up. Also, have a '15 Viper. The Sidewinder has been good to me, but others have had some issues. There have been fixes, however, which you can read on here. Can't speak to the newer ones but assume the original issues have been addressed. We also had owned an '09 Vector, which was a good machine. The Viper has given us fits at times, but those issues have been addressed in newer models. If Yamaha hadn't got out of the sled market, I would be looking at a newer Sidewinder (or it's replacement) again.
A good trail machine is what you mentioned. The 137 is a good length, and has been a good transition for me. I would consider a shorty 129 too, however. It's a big upgrade from a 121 even. Again, depending on your budget, that will dictate the model years you would be looking at. If I was on a limited budget and just looking for a nice trail rider, I would consider a Vector (or an Apex if you want the extra power.) If you can afford something newer, but not brand new, I would consider a Viper (newer than a '15 tho.) If you want the king of the lake in Yamahas, then a Sidewinder will fit the bill. Hopefully, this helps. Good luck on your purchase. Check out each individual forum for best input on each model. The Sidewinder forum here is actually one of the most active ones.

 

[74Nitro]

I'm looking to move into something a bit newer, currently riding a 1999 Phazer 500. I've only owned 2 strokes: Entices, Ovations, pogo and trailing arm Phazers indys. I was thinking of moving up to a newer sled, being a 4 stroke, I don't know much about the different models. What would be best for mostly field/trail ridding.

Was thinking of going with 136 inch track since the 4 strokes are a bit heavier.

Anyone able to help brake down the different models and what they are best for?

Do you have a budget?

 

[mercer1932]

There are a lot more questions to answer for what might be options for you, such as what is your budget? My Yamaha career began with a 1995 pogo stick Vmax 500. I then went to a '99 SRX, '05 RX-1, '06 Apex RTX, and now a '17 Sidewinder LTX-LE. The switch to a 4 stroke was great. I still have the Apex as a back up. Also, have a '15 Viper. The Sidewinder has been good to me, but others have had some issues. There have been fixes, however, which you can read on here. Can't speak to the newer ones but assume the original issues have been addressed. We also had owned an '09 Vector, which was a good machine. The Viper has given us fits at times, but those issues have been addressed in newer models. If Yamaha hadn't got out of the sled market, I would be looking at a newer Sidewinder (or it's replacement) again.
A good trail machine is what you mentioned. The 137 is a good length, and has been a good transition for me. I would consider a shorty 129 too, however. It's a big upgrade from a 121 even. Again, depending on your budget, that will dictate the model years you would be looking at. If I was on a limited budget and just looking for a nice trail rider, I would consider a Vector (or an Apex if you want the extra power.) If you can afford something newer, but not brand new, I would consider a Viper (newer than a '15 tho.) If you want the king of the lake in Yamahas, then a Sidewinder will fit the bill. Hopefully, this helps. Good luck on your purchase. Check out each individual forum for best input on each model. The Sidewinder forum here is actually one of the most active ones.

I was thinking 3-6k range. Don't think a sidewinder would fit that range. Are there any differences between the vector and the apex? What about the rx1?

 

[Teamblue4]

11-18 Apex's are the best trail sled in the market, oil changes and a little grease, very low maintenance,

 

[Snowaddict]

I was thinking 3-6k range. Don't think a sidewinder would fit that range. Are there any differences between the vector and the apex? What about the rx1?

Apex is 4 cyl (1000 class) and vector is 3 (700 class.) Both engines are solid. Depends on how fast you want to go. Lol. Little maintenance as stated above.

 

[74Nitro]

If you're looking for rider comfort, better handling and suspension, find a clean Viper or Cat 7000

 

[biffdotorg]

I was thinking 3-6k range. Don't think a sidewinder would fit that range. Are there any differences between the vector and the apex? What about the rx1?

Early Vipers are falling in that $4000-$6000 range in my region (US dollars) Canadian dollars would be tough.

If you can stick to the higher end of that budget, 2011+ Apex are falling into that range, and will get you EPS. Or a 2012+ Vector will have EPS. It's worth stretching your budget if at all possible.

If you are wanted to go lower, try to stay in the EFI version of the Vector at least. I do believe that is 2010 and above. Great trail sleds and no carbs to deal with. But again, go EPS if possible. If wanting in that $3-4K range, you are gonna get RX sleds and four stroke Phazers. Phazer is whole different animal, I won't badmouth one, as I put over 4500 miles on one, but it's totally different than anything you have owned. Great engine though!

Good luck

 

[Snowaddict]

Early Vipers are falling in that $4000-$6000 range in my region (US dollars) Canadian dollars would be tough.

If you can stick to the higher end of that budget, 2011+ Apex are falling into that range, and will get you EPS. Or a 2012+ Vector will have EPS. It's worth stretching your budget if at all possible.

If you are wanted to go lower, try to stay in the EFI version of the Vector at least. I do believe that is 2010 and above. Great trail sleds and no carbs to deal with. But again, go EPS if possible. If wanting in that $3-4K range, you are gonna get RX sleds and four stroke Phazers. Phazer is whole different animal, I won't badmouth one, as I put over 4500 miles on one, but it's totally different than anything you have owned. Great engine though!

Good luck

Agree about EFI for Vector. Ours was a 2009 carbed and a challenge to start at times, esp when firing it up for the first time of the season. That was pretty much the only complaint I have about it. Great engine and better upgrade from the previous year's versions. An EPS version is a great addition too. Never had a phazer, but rode one. It is an entirely different animal. Lots of low end grunt.