Seriously think about going to an SR Viper

[Semifreak]

Hi guys!
I'm seriously thinking of going to an SR viper XTX from my Phazer rtx. However, I've haven't even tried sitting on one. I really love the Phazer, light nimble and gets me where I want to go. For this season I went with a 136 extension and a freeride track. Which I haven't even tried. However I want to be able to have a passenger once in a while and the Phazers seat is just horrible on long trips. Is it any one of you Phazer users who had a chance to try it and have anything to say about it?
I'm asking you here, since I really like the nimble Phazer and I won't trade it unless it's atleast similar in that matter. I must mention that the Nytro felt too heavy for me to be happy with, so I'm hoping it is atleast better than that. On trail doesn't bother me but it the powder it's crucial I think that it feels lighter and that the seat cushion is atleast softer than the Phazer. Preferably closer to the Nytros

So what do you think, save or trade?
Thanks for taking your time

/ Andy

 

[blueironranger]

The Viper is a lot more of a "bigger" phazer than what the nytro was. The Viper feels very similar to my Phazer and just as easy to toss around, but I've only got to put about 50 miles on a dealer demo unit so I didn't get a full feel for the sled. My only complaints were my Knees hitting the panels at the front of the seat, and I couldn't get the front end to "stick" in corners as well as my phazer does. BUT I test rode the XTX model which doesn't have a coupled skid.

 

[Wannaviper]

I have an 09 Phazer GT that my grandson rides, and I know what you mean about it being a light and nimble sled. I am now the proud owner of a 2015 DX LTX (137") and it is a blast to ride. It is obviously a lot heavier than the Phazer, but it doesn't feel it when you are riding it. With its low end power, it feels very light, and very nimble; it goes off the top of the bumps like a rocket. BTW, when my grandson's Phazer broke down on Sunday, he rode my wife's Vector, and she rode double with me on the Viper. Not something I would want to do without a 2-up seat on a regular basis, but we did 25 miles of rough trails without ever bottoming out, in relative comfort. The DX LTX is an amazing sled!

 

[MikeWalters]

Dunno. If you like your phazer, keep it! I ride 2-up frequently, so I bought the quick-on/off 2-up seat. Works great! and its off in 1 minute if you arent using it. https://www.alssnowmobile.com/PRODUCT.ASPX?pn_deptid=519

 

[cannondale27]

I spent sometime last weekend riding Phazer again. It sure brings back great memories and is fun as heck! Mine rocks through the big stuff as well as my Viper except the Viper front end is soooo much better geometry. Got to be on your toes with Phazer. Viper is easy and waaay faster! Never get rid of my Phazer but I would much rather ride my Viper. I will definitly ride Phazer more often to experience it again though and it has become my daughters and sledless buddies sled to ride. My buddy this weekend was hitting the "Wall" blamed his out of shape and lack of will on Phazer and really crappy trails so I let him ride my Viper. Funny thing is he could not keep up even on Viper. The Phazer still rocks and has humbled many. But its much easier to do that on Viper. If you can!

 

[NOS-PRO]

Adding my .02 cents here as I am a Viper, Nytro and presently now a Phazer owner. All 3 have there own character of being a great 4 stroke sled.

My Viper XTX - When I rode the prototypes I was amazed at the un-coupled suspension how it works....but you are right. In order to have the front end stay down you need quite a bit of air in the rear float. But rght now mine handles like a dream, fast as hell and corners perfectly. Some things to remember tho..... If you want speed you will need to clutch it, otherwise if you don't ride 90 all the time you will be very happy with it stock. This IS the best sled I have ever owned! The seating on it is perfect! Yes, my knees are close to the plastic but I never notice them hitting. Rode a friends who has knee pads and I felt very secure on his Viper. Only change I recommend is a slightly taller risor if you are 5'10" or above.

My Nytro - Rode the prototypes before I got my RTX Nytro and they rocked! But when I got mine from my dealer....what a disappointment. They changed so much that it took me 3 months to figure out a suspension setup to make it ride my way. But since then it's been a very fun machine and one not to mess with Seating is a little like the Viper but my Butt sits a tad bit lower than the Phazer and Viper. Knees are close to the panels here also. Recommend once again a taller risor for comfort.

My Phazer - 2007 with 2,200 miles. Just picked it up Sunday so it's new to me like your Viper would be new to you. Power.....it's snappy, but I see fading tail-lights in the future....LOL. Already put a clutch kit in to bring engagement down and get a little more excitement out of it. This Phazer is really tippy compared to the other 2 sleds and just like everything I will need to play with suspension settings to get it my way. The steering on this thing is looser than a $5 dollar hooker in Vegas....but UPBushman is going to help me with this issue

I would say if you can afford the new Viper, go for it! It's definitley a sled that is very fun and really a joy on the trails!

 

[yzf1999]

I had the first year (2007) Phazer FX (called RTX in 2008)...To me if it had 25 more horse power it would be the perfect sled. I loved the ergonomics and handling...I now ride a 2015 viper LTX SE... there is a night and day difference in these two sleds. The phazer will out handle the viper hands down...but the viper will out run the Phazer and out comfort the Phazer. Basically you have to choose if you want to ride a motocross bike or a sport cruiser..

 

[Semifreak]

Wow! Thanks for all the input, really amazing to hear about the details and such great comparison. Really awesome! I think, since my Phazer already went up from 18.5 mpg to like 16-17 with the clutch kit, I think it's about he same in fuel economy too. I actually got 16.8 mpg from a rental Nytro XTX even though I faced some low speed crawling with a slipping belt. So I guess it's possible too with the viper. And the bigger fuel tank is really something I missed with the Phazer I must say. And like you said, sure it's fun bursting down the trail in 45-65 mph and corner like it's on rails (SLP PP with 6" carbides). But at the end of the day, a sled that is somewhat more comfortable and easier to ride is going to give you another day of riding, not leave you exhausted from all the darting . I have like 150 miles to the closest Yamaha center who sells snowmobiles but I will certainly go and have a look and feel what I think of it. Maybe even a test ride. And we will see, either both sleds of just the viper with the add on seat. And once again, thanks for the amazing input. It's priceless, especially for me who has a 5 hour journey (both ways) to check it out.

Best regards, Andy

 

[yamahaguy]

We are on XTX Vipers now but came from Phazers. Just like you the most important things to me is the sled being nimble and easy to toss around thats # 1. On paper the Viper is heaver then the Phazer but you just don't feel that extra extra weight. I can toss it around just as easy. It feels lite. We only got about 400 miles on the new Vipers and it's all been 98% boondocking and I am loving it! Seat is tall like the Phazer but its very comfortable for a all day ride. Just get your shocks set up right and take off the sway bar and the viper will do anything you ask off trail . We dont have good snow yet but here's some video from the last few weeks. Buy a Viper! I think you love it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuQ5rjFDd70

 

[porkchop]

After I trashed the Phazer last season I got an '09 Nytro RTX (with some goodies installed) 347 miles, $5300.
Added a WRP seat, perfect.
Never gonna look back at that Phazer....
I sank a lot of $$$ into that thing trying/ fixing different stuff & never got the good feeling ride I have with the Nytro, I don't miss the tippyness at all.
Totally different, yes. Heavier, yes but the right set up has you cornering on rails fine, 130hp has a feel of instant power thru most of the range.

I couldn't afford a Viper, my buddy has a '14 & it's a nice ride / good handling with the same motor as mine.