Replacing Apex RTX with Venture GT - thoughts?

[redrx1rkt]

The absolute earliest this would happen would be 2012, let me start off by saying that. I like the give these types of decisions a lot of thought with a lot of input from a variety of sources.

Even though I have spent a fortune on keeping up with various issues with my 2006 Apex RTX, it is a great sled. Great ride, great handling (with the Curve skis), great power. I am not a super fast rider...I probably go 60-70 on wide straightaways, 40-50 in the turns. When I ride by myself (about 1/2 the miles I ride are by myself) I go slower. I ride near home (between Rochester and Syracuse on decent trails with grooming), Tug Hill (not on weekends) and Old Forge mostly. I would say that I ride on moderately bumpy or worse trails 1/3 of the time.

I was thinking about buying a Venture GT as my next sled. I like the thought of a plush ride on a day cruiser. I like the thought of being able to take my girlfriend for a ride once or twice per year, maybe a trip to Quebec. She does not ride more often than that. I also would like to take the kids once in a while.

Concerns: It's an old man sled and I am 34. I worry about such a long track when I ride in thin conditions. I worry about being able to drive fast (45+ mph) through the trails in Old Forge, for example, when I want to, and keep up with the other guys. I dont think this sled will fit on my 10' long Triton trailer with a cap.

Please share your thoughts...would love to hear from people who own/have owned big sleds like the Venture GT with a similar riding style and needs as mine...

Thanks in advance...

 

[snerkman]

Even tho you're 34, you're driving habits are more like that of an "old man" - no offense. I think from what you describe, that you would like the Venture. But you will not be keeping up with anybody on that sled. I rode last year - before I bought my Apex - with two friends. Me on my '99 Poo XLT Touring (600), one buddy on a '00 Cat ZL550 and the third on a ('05 I think) Venture. He couldn't come close to keeping up with us if we didn't wait on him. He couldn't find much over 75 on the speedo where my XLT will hit 90. The XLT, being only a 133" also handles fairly nice for a 2-up. He did, however, burn a lot less gas! I still have my 2-up for going into our camp pulling a sled, and taking the gf for a ride.

 

[redrx1rkt]

Snerkman - thanks for the input. The '05 Venture is an older style machine with low seat and handlebars. The new Venture GT is built on the Apex chassis with rider forward and a higher seat, so it would probably be a little better than the regular Venture.

The Venture GT is definitely more versatile - tons of storage, two seats (but it has a flip forward seat backrest for the driver when he's alone). However, that long track makes me nervous. I wonder if I would've cooked my slides last Thursday on the Hill when we were running through thin snow cover and a hard base. Also, I wonder how the handling would be...?

I rode a Venture GT at the Old Forge SnoFest last season. What a smooth, quiet ride. However, in some bumps, that big sled began to buck like a horse and wonder if it would be difficult to control in rough conditions. Also, I am 6'1", and like every other Yamaha, it seems to be built for riders 6'0" and under. The driver's seat is a little short and I found myself sitting on the backrest that separates the driver and passenger seating areas.

I rode a Ski Doo Grand Touring 1200 4 Tec, and it didnt ride quite as well as the Venture GT, but the seat was more comfortable and the power was equivalent. Also, it has a 136" track, not a 144". It seems to be a sled better for my overall needs. It only has one major problem - its a Ski Doo.

 

[snerkman]

Snerkman - thanks for the input. The '05 Venture is an older style machine with low seat and handlebars. The new Venture GT is built on the Apex chassis with rider forward and a higher seat, so it would probably be a little better than the regular Venture.

The Venture GT is definitely more versatile - tons of storage, two seats (but it has a flip forward seat backrest for the driver when he's alone). However, that long track makes me nervous. I wonder if I would've cooked my slides last Thursday on the Hill when we were running through thin snow cover and a hard base. Also, I wonder how the handling would be...?

I rode a Venture GT at the Old Forge SnoFest last season. What a smooth, quiet ride. However, in some bumps, that big sled began to buck like a horse and wonder if it would be difficult to control in rough conditions. Also, I am 6'1", and like every other Yamaha, it seems to be built for riders 6'0" and under. The driver's seat is a little short and I found myself sitting on the backrest that separates the driver and passenger seating areas.

I rode a Ski Doo Grand Touring 1200 4 Tec, and it didnt ride quite as well as the Venture GT, but the seat was more comfortable and the power was equivalent. Also, it has a 136" track, not a 144". It seems to be a sled better for my overall needs. It only has one major problem - its a Ski Doo.

Being a Doo isn't a problem. I'd love to still be on one if they made one that fit my needs. But the Apex is closer to what I want.

I didn't realize the GT was on a different chassis than the Venture. I see it also has the 1049cc fuelie rather than the 973cc carbed motor. That may make it somewhat more desirable.

 

[morrisond]

What's wrong with a Venture? I've had a few over the years(in between F1000's, Rev's, Crossfire 8's) and never had a problem keeping up with anything.

How is a Venture 4 stroke or GT different from an Apex/Vector other than the extra weight of the seat on the back and the extra springs in the skids, which in the real world other than maybe 2% of the time is even noticeable?

The big benefit is the 144" track which you can't get on a Apex/Vector that everyone is asking for.

In fact Ventures are what got me on to to Long tracks in the first place, much more stable on Junky trails as less pitching at full bore, given the longer wheel base, plus they don't look that Dorky with big/warm windshields. I love passing Rev's on the trails while riding them. The other big benefit of the 144" is awesome traction and more important much better brakeing, you can go a lot deeper into corners than 121's.

While waiting for the Apex replacement(will only buy if it's 144") my project sled for this year is an 05 Venture 4 stroke (I have kids so I need something with a hitch as well to tow them around) that I boiught cheap that I put a wide front end on and stiff swaybar, Gas Shocks from an Apex, 2" seat lift using custom built blocks under the rear of the seat, and an Excell Header to give it 6+hp. I thought of a GT but don't like how short the seat is, or the higher ride height, as I don't think it will handle as well. Although I would have liked the fuelie motor, but the Excell Exhaust gives me similar power.

The way I look at it is I now have a nice 144" 4 stroke sled that many are looking for with a great front end. I have a Nytro FX as well and just don't like how it works on groomed trails.

144" 4 strokes Rule! As the only way to get that right now is a Venture without heavy modding, so be it, plus you get the extra seat and the Hitch.

I say go for it.

 

[redrx1rkt]

Morrisond -

Thanks for your input. What about riding a 144" track on thin snow conditions, which is a reality around some of the time?

Also, how do these big sleds handle moguls? I read a post last year from a Venture GT owner about how when this big cat gets bouncing, its hard to get her under control without a lot of muscle.

Will your Venture fit on a 10' trailer with a cap?

 

[morrisond]

Just put some more wheels on it if you get a lot of wear.

If it's normal trail chop 6"-18" I say your faster on a 144" as you bridge the gaps.

As usual a lot can be cured with more throttle, just fly over the top, you don't get pitched as much either as your butt isn't over the rear axle

If your riding Moguls on a ski hill then a light sled may be better.