Thinking about an upgrade - need advise

[Metallicat]

My '08 Vector has been nearly flawless during the 13,000 miles I have put on it. It really has been a great sled and I will never sell it, but am looking for something with a bit more "fun factor" and am not sure which way to go. What complicates the matter is that my kids are about the the age where they can start riding with me so it would be convenient to have a sled with a 2-up seat. Even more concerning is the fact that when I went to move my sled over 1" on the trailer, I threw out my back while trying to lift up the front end. I am not sure how much longer I will be able to keep lifting heavy sleds around. I had 2 compressed discs in my back a couple of years ago and agitated it again. But I do not think I want to go back to a 2s sled.

Considerations: budget is 3-5k

Can I mod an Apex for a reasonable price with a 2-up seat? Decent, used Apex models are in my price range.

Should I consider a 4s Viper? I gave up on Cat before purchasing my Vector. Not sure I want to go back.

A fuel injected Vector? Not interested in the Ventures with the torsion skid.

Ideally an Apex with an M-10 and a 2 rider seat.

I have a year to think about this.

 

[20/80]

There is a aftermarket two up seat for the Apex, but I would be looking at a xtx model or a Apex with a long track to put on a two up seat.

 

[SqueezeER]

My '08 Vector has been nearly flawless during the 13,000 miles I have put on it. It really has been a great sled and I will never sell it, but am looking for something with a bit more "fun factor" and am not sure which way to go. What complicates the matter is that my kids are about the the age where they can start riding with me so it would be convenient to have a sled with a 2-up seat. Even more concerning is the fact that when I went to move my sled over 1" on the trailer, I threw out my back while trying to lift up the front end. I am not sure how much longer I will be able to keep lifting heavy sleds around. I had 2 compressed discs in my back a couple of years ago and agitated it again. But I do not think I want to go back to a 2s sled.

Considerations: budget is 3-5k

Can I mod an Apex for a reasonable price with a 2-up seat? Decent, used Apex models are in my price range.

Should I consider a 4s Viper? I gave up on Cat before purchasing my Vector. Not sure I want to go back.

A fuel injected Vector? Not interested in the Ventures with the torsion skid.

Ideally an Apex with an M-10 and a 2 rider seat.

I have a year to think about this.

Vipers are still 500+ lbs. If you want a light sled, buy a 2 stroke.

 

[maim]

i know the 13+ vectors and ventures both have eps and are fuel injected from 2010 at least.

i would consider the dedicated 2 up 1st as when the kids get bigger, the mods to get it to carry affect the one up performance.

 

[Metallicat]

Vipers are still 500+ lbs. If you want a light sled, buy a 2 stroke.

I mostly ride with all 600's. Edge, Fusion, IQ, Pro-Ride and Axys sleds.

 

[Metallicat]

There is a aftermarket two up seat for the Apex, but I would be looking at a xtx model or a Apex with a long track to put on a two up seat.

That may be the way to go.

 

[Viper_Dave]

Have you ridden a fuel injected Venture. My 09 rides as well as any sled I've ridden, and with the upgrade to EPS, it's very easy to steer. I've had kids, my wife, and on one trip gave an emergency ride of around 80 miles to a 180 lb. teenage r. Don't sell the Venture short without trying one.

 

[STAIN]

None of the sleds you listed seem to meet your criteria. 2 -up capable and light rarely go together. An Apex with an m-10 and a two up would be decent but hardly light. At that point I would look for a venture. The 3 cylinder is arguably a better all around snowmobile motor.

 

[KnappAttack]

Easy,
Ski-Doo 1200. Fun, light four-stroke, reliable and powerful. I ALWAYS came home with a smile on my face with a 1200 Doo. And you can get a two up seat for it too.

Apex is a tank and not much fun, I can't even lift the back-end never mind the front. You really wouldn't want a Viper for reliability.

 

[Metallicat]

Thank you all for your thoughtful input. I have a lot to consider. I am only 48 years of age and hate dealing with back issues now, but the last ride just about killed me. I had to roll off of my sled to dismount.

 

[20/80]

I hope you get your back issues fixed up, if you get a chance try a test drive on a rider forward sled and see if that helps with your back, I am leaning more towards comfort and fuel mileage these days, the need for speed is for the younger crowd now, don't get me wrong I love my Apex and rides good with the crowd I hang with, but I can't help but look at other options suited to my riding style the last few years.

 

[Metallicat]

Ok, after thoughtful consideration I have devised a low-cost plan to keep me in the sport and happy. I need to replace the seat on my sled with something. Ideally a 2-up from perhaps a wrecked Venture at BOP. Something not too expensive. I have a 10, 8, and 2 year old, and we are saving for their college funds.

I was looking at my old posts on here, going back to 2008, and I realized something. My sled with the 8DN belt was much faster on top end than it is with the Carlisle belts I have been using for the past 10 years. RPM's are perfect, but I dug up some posts on this site between Mike and Dan, and there does exist good evidence that the 8DN is overall a better belt for performance. So I think that is one of the reasons why my sled struggles on top end compared to what I used to experience (104-112 speedo). Now more like 98-102 with the Carlisle.