Question for ex-Apex owners who are now new Viper owners

[sfraser]

I have been driving a 06 since Apex for the past 7 years. It's time for me to trade up to something new. The Viper has really intrigued me since it's introduction last spring. I decided to give it a year and let them iron out any of the "nerdlies" that arose. I have been watching this forum pretty close and have been pleasantly surprised at the lack of serious issue's. There have certainly been some irritating issues for new owners yes, but nothing that can't be fixed by dealer training, a ECU flash or more diligent QC as riders and Engineers get more butt time on the sled . I will likely pull the trigger on a spring order.
Question: when I sat on the sled (LTX-SE 137) at the dealers over xmas vacation the 1st thing i noticed were my knee's hitting the cab/cowling. Most comments i see are positive towards the sleds riding ergonomics, but i am concerned the knee issue may be come uncomfortable after a while? Now that you guys have had 4-6 weeks of seat time what is the consensus regarding the knee rubbing? This question is for everyone, but in particular ex-Apex owners. BTW i am 6 ft tall.

thanks Guy's/Gal's enjoy the season.

Scott

 

[Apex1958]

I am 5' 10" and my knees don't touch at all, my dealer adjusted the handle bars to my riding stile. I bought the Viper because I have leg issues and the seating position is safer for me when I ride if not for that I would have stayed with the APEX for witch I still have one.

 

[skidooslayer687]

I'm 6' as well, and have no issues at all with riding this chassis all day long. Knees aren't sore at all, now others might chime in and say there knees bug them but I think a lot has to do with how you ride. I can say that ill be getting a pair of the skinz knee pads at some point but that's more or less because the gf likes to hop on and come out which pushes me ahead on the seat more.

 

[STENOD]

Coming off an 06 Apex GT. Loving the seating position of the sled. 760 miles so far. Haven't even noticed my knees close to the panels. i am 5'10"

Sled is very comfortable compared to an apex.. so much easier to stand up over a big bump

 

[meklke]

I'm 6'2 and come from an 08 Apex. I have not had knee rubbing issues and love the rider position. So far I think tke sled is great. The only part of the Apex that is better is the power IMHO.

 

[Nytros rule]

I'm 6' as well, and have no issues at all with riding this chassis all day long. Knees aren't sore at all, now others might chime in and say there knees bug them but I think a lot has to do with how you ride. I can say that ill be getting a pair of the skinz knee pads at some point but that's more or less because the gf likes to hop on and come out which pushes me ahead on the seat more.

At least on this sled you have the option of adding a two up and it'll be more comfortable for both of you.

 

[davey]

it all dépends where u like to sit. i am 6,4 if we are riding aggresaive my knees are banging since i like to sit up at the tank. if we are just cruising no issue, but a little farther stretched out.

 

[NOS-PRO]

I'm 6 even and love the way I sit on the Viper. My knees have bumped the panels off trail, but nothing to make me complain about it. On trail riding, best position sitting for me

 

[Nytro40th]

I love the rider positioning on this sled and my knees do not even touch the panels, I am 6'1. I ordered knee pads for the sled but do not see the need for them and never installed them.

 

[allyammies]

I've got a nice round shape an it is very comfortable for me.

 

[RXVIPER]

I love the riding position of this sled ,amazing on and off the trail ,I have been riding Yamaha sleds for 32 years and you can ride all day long without complaining, truly is an amazing sled.

 

[bigdog_mike]

knee pads

I added the knee pads as I like to get up on the front of the seat to corner aggressively and no aftermarket pads were available at the time that I ordered so I purchased the Yamaha/Arcticat knee pads...only thing that bugged me was the cheesey plastic rivets that came with them, toss them into the garage and use real rivets

 

[Studroes144]

I'm coming off an 06 apex and I don't have any complaint at all. The viper is far superior than the apex in all aspects of riding. The 2012 procross cats I've rode I hit my knees all the time just the extra cushion added to the seat on the viper keeps it so you don't hit your knees. I haven't had any issues at all with hitting my knees and have rode both off trail and on trail, everything from smooth flat trails to 3 foot moguls. You won't regret going to the viper. 650 miles with no issues at all

 

[sk-rx1]

I tried to do some comparisons at my dealer between a Viper and a new Apex. Measured with no rider so things may vary a bit but what I found is that the Viper seat was about 1/2 inch higher than the Apex sitting on the showroom floor. But the Viper footrests were 1 1/2 to 2 inches lower than the Apex. I believe that's what makes the Viper fit me at 6' 3 " much better and makes it easier for me to put weight on my feet when cornering.

 

[newtron]

I had the Yamaha knee pads but your knees are on the outside of the knee pad when you are riding aggressive. Useless is you ask me.

Ordered a pair of skinz protective gear knee pads and they are perfect.