So, should I buy a sidewinder??

[SumpBuster]

I don't care what a sled in the HP department has anymore as it has GOT to be the right choice of sled for what your really (honestly) are going to do with it. For me it really depends on who ya are sort of and where your at in life with the sport... and there are a lot of guys that belong on a SW I guess as long with any sled they respect the speed and power. I could at this point in my life afford any sled so money is not the issue ( not rich by any means) its all about having all you need. The SW is a awesome sled but I would rather be on a new viper with a 137 or even the 144 for what I do anymore. I ride only in the UP and have lots of trails where ya can let a SW rip but a viper can fill my thrill for that small percentage ya do that.... For instance, I just bought ski doo 900 ace renegade for my wife for a many reasons ... It has a great proven motor, three power modes, over 20mpg!, Fly by wire throttle for a effortless lever feel, you can rotate it 180' to use with index finger, a learning key for new and young riders, 0-60+ is just as quick as most anything out there, Rides great and she is excited about riding still after her 30 yrs in the sport because the sled has and does everything she now feels is important.. sorry for the long post just trying to help on making a choice as it will cost you money and disappointment if you don't look at a lot of factors... Sound like you have spent the time thinking now go out and buy!!! I am trying to wear out my apex as I think the viper LE 137 is my retirement gift!

I'm not a lake racer, but like many, I want it all...the perfect sled, so to say. I do not need to be the fastest, in fact it's fun harassing guys I rode with with a smaller well set up sled, when I had a 500 mxz. I want as much useable power, for low end, wide open fields, and something that's happy and handles in tight rutted woods. To me, the pro cross chassis looks very strong up front, especially compared to ski doo. Around here, you might hit something unexpected...a frozen rut, buried stump, even going slow. A friend was doing 5 mph and twisted and bent his Rev chassis last winter, going through a ditch. Not to say this pro cross chassis wont, but it's a much heavier sled, ans seems built to take it. And from switching from decades with ski doo, to yamaha, and never once not being able to ride...turn key and go, maybe I'm spoiled, but their engines have been excellent for me, day after day. Chassis and suspensions needed some work..lol.
Anyway, I'll find out when snow flies. Thanks.

 

[SumpBuster]

Congrats! Enjoy the new ride!

Thank you! Feel younger already! LOL!

 

[krm]

Congrats on new sled .Too bad you couldn't find an le as they ride o so nice .

 

[SumpBuster]

Congrats on new sled .Too bad you couldn't find an le as they ride o so nice .

thank you! I'm pretty sure this will do fine. I always tinkered with suspensions, and worst comes to worst, I'll buy the upgraded shocks, or something better, if need be, once I get everything out of these. I tend not to believe every thing I read, and I've heard many times these shocks, or those shocks are the best thing since sliced bread. I will find out myself...LOL! Hammering bumps ( we tend not to belabor the process....get through them asap to the next nice section)my main concern is control and bottoming.
Hygear has done some great shock tuning for me.
Skis are my main concern. I'm suspicious about the tuners, but have a set of curves ready to go.

 

[hibshman25]

You win! Blue/white LTX se 137 from Aaron, at Excell!
But I keep my apex!

What are the odds that I stopped at Excell to pick up some sleds Friday and you are writing the check to make it official! ha. Nice seeing and chatting with you again.

 

[SumpBuster]

What are the odds that I stopped at Excell to pick up some sleds Friday and you are writing the check to make it official! ha. Nice seeing and chatting with you again.

Same here Travis...a pleasant surprise!!
It even snowed a little on my way there...hopefully a good omen!

The odds? About the same as me ever conciously, fully aware of, non-dementia, buying a (partial) Cat! My wife is still busting on me about it! All in good fun though.

 

[ricardo]

You are correct about the tuners; nothing but frustration. Get rid of them sooner rather than later.

 

[PigeonLake]

I need to mention it is the smoothest easy handling sled at low speeds too. With the right skis

 

[SumpBuster]

I don't get it either. The thing I'm happiest about with the SideWinder is the fact it will keep the inside ski down in a corner and keep the ski lift to a min under power without loosing ride quality. I tried in vain for years to get this on my turbo 1200 and could never get it where I was happy with the ride quality and lessened ski lift together.

I think people are so used to the way the Doo's work they think that's the way it should or needs to be. I want my skis on the ground and in control of the machine myself too.

If you like the pulling the skis all the time just get rid of the transfer blocks and shaft and loosen the limiter. It's pretty easy to make it a wheelie machine if that's what you prefer.

That seems to be true. All my doos would pick the inside ski, so I'd make it predictable. So far, with 55 miles on the sw on 2 inche's of destroyed snow over a mile of mowed grass (ps, love flail mowers vs. bush hog!), I think my lap times are better with the curves from my apex, but I softened the front too much and now the inside ski pops on left handers, more than right handers. But Im grabbing the ground so I know the curves will be even better filled with snow. The tuners work decent on the apex, surprisingly. I think I violated the manual. Digital tach can't keep up with the sled!!!LOL!

 

[SumpBuster]

I need to mention it is the smoothest easy handling sled at low speeds too. With the right skis

It is amazingly smooth...I can back this thing into the garage without throwing stones out the belly pan!