So, should I buy a sidewinder??

[SumpBuster]

This wasn't the plan, as I love my Apex with hygear susp., curve skis, wrp seat, ripsaw 2, etc etc and it rides and handles very well. But my son and son in law want to buy my Vector and Apex, so they will still be in the family. They want me to get a sidewinder, and I'm thinking about it. Most say you need the longer tracked versions, but I haven't done a lot of research. We still ride fast...bumps (g outs aren't fun on the apex, but much better), mostly trails, big long fields around home, 200 mile days....we run them and don't let the grass grow.
But never liked cats, mostly due to quality issues.
Any thoughts on what I should get?
Before I appoint a special counsel to investigate Yammy/Cat collusion...lol!

 

[icebreaker]

This wasn't the plan, as I love my Apex with hygear susp., curve skis, wrp seat, ripsaw 2, etc etc and it rides and handles very well. But my son and son in law want to buy my Vector and Apex, so they will still be in the family. They want me to get a sidewinder, and I'm thinking about it. Most say you need the longer tracked versions, but I haven't done a lot of research. We still ride fast...bumps (g outs aren't fun on the apex, but much better), mostly trails, big long fields around home, 200 mile days....we run them and don't let the grass grow.
But never liked cats, mostly due to quality issues.
Any thoughts on what I should get?
Before I appoint a special counsel to investigate Yammy/Cat collusion...lol!

Good luck deciding. I am on the fence also. I like my apex but there are times I wish I had a smaller sled and a sidewinder just dosen't do it for me yet, maybe with power steering.

 

[SumpBuster]

Good luck deciding. I am on the fence also. I like my apex but there are times I wish I had a smaller sled and a sidewinder just dosen't do it for me yet, maybe with power steering.

I've had guys tell me the procross chassis really works well, and the 3 cyl. turbo is very controllable in, say, a tight woods trail. My apex is a handfull sometimes in the woods, with my current clutching.... a little jumpy...lol!

 

[KnappAttack]

I sure like mine. One ride on my buds convinced me, couldn't believe it after owning a 2012 ProCross turbo and absolutely hating that thing. I've loved my 1200 NA and turbo Doos since 09, rode a 850 and was not impressed with the changes. Tried an Apex in there with power steering after owing about 24 Yamaha four-strokes prior to that and know I'd never go back to a Yamaha Apex after the 1200 Doo, but the Winder has me stoked again. Its heavier then the 1200's by a bunch, yet but carries it well. Actually rides better than and out handles it. It's a far cry better than an apex IMO. I think I'd give up riding if I had to go back to an Apex, but that four cylinder, there is nothing better for a NA four-stroke engine than that.

I don't like the fact its a Cat chassis, but they sure have improved it since bringing it out that's for sure.

 

[DMCTurbo]

I love the pro cross chassis, dial it in to to the way you ride and you'll never look back. I swapped with my buddy last year and took his apex, couldn't wait to get back on the winder...

 

[**sj**]

having owned a 12 apex and jumping on either a doo chassis or the procross chassis,,,and then having to get back on the apex....well...felt like it was a dinosaur ...not knocking the ape...last of the japanese built quality...but function wise the procross is so much better everywhere...about the only time Id say the apex wins ...is those who hyper mile due to its limited maintenance needs and again jap built dependability

 

[SumpBuster]

I sure like mine. One ride on my buds convinced me, couldn't believe it after owning a 2012 ProCross turbo and absolutely hating that thing. I've loved my 1200 NA and turbo Doos since 09, rode a 850 and was not impressed with the changes. Tried an Apex in there with power steering after owing about 24 Yamaha four-strokes prior to that and know I'd never go back to a Yamaha Apex after the 1200 Doo, but the Winder has me stoked again. Its heavier then the 1200's by a bunch, yet but carries it well. Actually rides better than and out handles it. It's a far cry better than an apex IMO. I think I'd give up riding if I had to go back to an Apex, but that four cylinder, there is nothing better for a NA four-stroke engine than that.

I don't like the fact its a Cat chassis, but they sure have improved it since bringing it out that's for sure.

Thanks, that is good input, since you've ridden others that I would consider, being a former doo rider. Handling and predictability are important, and weight doesn't concern me. If I get stuck I get the youngens to dig me out, or sit there til spring! That's how it felt in the rx1's!

 

[yamadoo]

I rode a few Winders last year - from stock to 270 hp- and they are quiet(when stock), smooth, powerful and handle well and feel light.
I miss power when on my Viper -to many years on an Apex- but love the position ride and handling >3000 miles.
I ended up with a new to me Apex XTX which I am sure I will love BUT it was 10 Grand less than the winder and that was the decision maker for me. I know some of my DIE HARD Apex buddies would never go the Catmaha / Turbo / winder path -I would and likely will in the future.
When I drove the stock LE I thought it the most refined sled I had ever ridden and yet as powerful and fast as one could want. I will have one some day if I am Blessed with health and resources.
So Yes you should go Winder if it fits your needs. My 2 cents.
Yamadoo

 

[budman 1000]

big mile days I found my Sidewinder is way better than my apex, its more comfortable, smoother , warmer and has way more power. I miss the 4 cylinder engine and response, but that's where it ends. Steering effort I can't hardly tell the difference between the 2. On my Sidewinder it was easy to set up cargo/luggage options and we all know what that is like on an Apex, its doable but not ideal.
So my vote is Sidewinder all the way!

 

[SumpBuster]

I rode a few Winders last year - from stock to 270 hp- and they are quiet(when stock), smooth, powerful and handle well and feel light.
I miss power when on my Viper -to many years on an Apex- but love the position ride and handling >3000 miles.
I ended up with a new to me Apex XTX which I am sure I will love BUT it was 10 Grand less than the winder and that was the decision maker for me. I know some of my DIE HARD Apex buddies would never go the Catmaha / Turbo / winder path -I would and likely will in the future.
When I drove the stock LE I thought it the most refined sled I had ever ridden and yet as powerful and fast as one could want. I will have one some day if I am Blessed with health and resources.
So Yes you should go Winder if it fits your needs. My 2 cents.
Yamadoo

Thanks! I'm not getting any younger, so the opportunity is now. I actually have my apex to where people who didn't like it before (except the motor....no one doesnt love that motor!) now do...best it's ever been.

 

[SumpBuster]

big mile days I found my Sidewinder is way better than my apex, its more comfortable, smoother , warmer and has way more power. I miss the 4 cylinder engine and response, but that's where it ends. Steering effort I can't hardly tell the difference between the 2. On my Sidewinder it was easy to set up cargo/luggage options and we all know what that is like on an Apex, its doable but not ideal.
So my vote is Sidewinder all the way!

Yeah, the Apex is chilly below zero, that's for sure. And I could use a little less low end response, but still desire big power. Sound's like it's calling me....

 

[yamadoo]

Hey even the winder wont run well or long on Maui or the Big island! Just noticed your message.

 

[Doc Harley]

IDK.....my life hasn't changed. Keeping it real.

Just happy to ride.

 

[TheWraith]

The apex is far behind the sidewinder. The engineers had much input in the finish and quality of finished product. Just get the winder and be happy

 

[krm]

Get the 129 if you can find one .I now have an le 137 and wish i would have gotten the 129 as the 129 seems to transfer better .Low engagement set up ,you'd be good to go .