Viper (136) vs. 14 Vector LTX

[4strokeluvr111]

I'm looking for some honest input on the differences I will find in the long run between a long track Viper and my current 14 Vector LTX.

I'm looking for honesty please.....not "the Viper is the greatest sled since sliced bread" kind of talk. Some of you know me from the RS Vector and other forums and know I tell it like it it. Maybe I'm honest to a fault?

Anyways.....I've watched the Viper forum since Day 1 and at one time swore I'd never own one because of the problems y'all have had and seem to continue to have.

My Vector LTX feels like a tank and I almost hate the seating position (too low and mushy). I can fix the seat but I can't fix the TANK feeling. If I was running the grades and forest roads of the UP all the time the sled would be fine, but I don't.

I'm not a tinkerer (clutches, exhaust, etc.) and pretty much leave the sled bone stock from a performance standpoint. If the sled does 90mph out of the crate I'm OK with that and I'm not going to chase down the extra 5 or 10mph that could be had.

EDIT - I am a trail rider and a trail rider only. Would get whatever version that has all the goodies on it. Would add the tallest windshield available. I like to ride a "couch"....not a tightly sprung ditchbanger sled.

So....are most of the early problems with the Viper fixed or do I stay away? I'm not one to buy a first year sled so anything new for 2017 will not be on my list.

Thanks for taking time to comment.....I'll read them all!

 

[Wannaviper]

I came to my '15 Viper LTX DX after four years and 5,000 miles on a 2011 Vector LTX. I loved my Vector, and bought my wife a '13 Vector LTX with power steering that she loves as well. 200+ mile days on nicely groomed trails were easy on the Vector, but when the trails got beat up, so did I. I rode the Viper and the riding position sold me on the sled. Now, after 2,300 miles on the Viper, I would have a hard time going back to the Vector. We went out last week in early season conditions and badly beaten up trails. My buddy, riding a Vector LTX, is 15 years younger than me, and my grandson riding a Phazer XTX is 50 years younger. Guess who the only one who wasn't sore the next morning was? Find a LTX DX and ride it, it is the only way you will know for sure.

 

[Curtis Chambers]

I have never owned a vector but my father in law (70 years old) loves his. I found riding position was not quite as nice as my 15 viper and handling I didn't find as good either. I would say depends on what your riding style is. Vector is a well built machine. Viper is very fun and I also rode 250 miles with wanting more. I have not had any problem (knock on wood) with mine.

 

[murdered141]

I have a 15 ltx dx with 1500 mile's on it and no issue's so far, most faults got resolved for the 2015 model, I love mine , best riding and handling Yamaha yet.

 

[BAKOWBOY]

X2 here, I also have 2015 LTX-DX with 1,500 miles on it ... luv it luv it .... really no issue's. Did put on Curves skis on it last week.... first ride on them next week in MUNISING .......can't wait.

 

[Newyamahaowner]

I have a 15 xtx se and was mint last year. First 30 km this year and the chain case bearing went bad causing major damage to the cover and chain case. Yamaha is denying the clam sayings it's wear and tear. One year old and needs major work. I can't say I would recommend anyone get one. Ask me last year and it would have been a different story

 

[murdered141]

I have a 15 xtx se and was mint last year. First 30 km this year and the chain case bearing went bad causing major damage to the cover and chain case. Yamaha is denying the clam sayings it's wear and tear. One year old and needs major work. I can't say I would recommend anyone get one. Ask me last year and it would have been a different story View attachment 114196

Some people have issues some don't, until Yamaha comes out with an a all new all Yamaha sled, that's the chance we have to take.

 

[4strokeluvr111]

I have a 15 xtx se and was mint last year. First 30 km this year and the chain case bearing went bad causing major damage to the cover and chain case. Yamaha is denying the clam sayings it's wear and tear. One year old and needs major work.

If I bought an extended warranty and Yamaha still said this was wear and tear I'd go postal.

 

[Pstn head]

Personally maybe the vector, sounds like your more conserned about quality and reliability. On my nitro never was conserned about anything, the viper I'm riding I'm just not that confident, other than a couple kick backs it's been good "knock on wood". Also some of the assembly and ease of parts access for replacement just bugs me.

 

[09nytro]

I have a 15 xtx se and was mint last year. First 30 km this year and the chain case bearing went bad causing major damage to the cover and chain case. Yamaha is denying the clam sayings it's wear and tear. One year old and needs major work. I can't say I would recommend anyone get one. Ask me last year and it would have been a different story View attachment 114196

Take it to another dealer ... It should be covered for sure ... Maybe the clip that holds the bottom gears on broke

 

[4strokeluvr111]

sounds like your more conserned about quality and reliability.

You nailed it when you said RELIABILITY.

 

[Allan]

I have a 15 xtx se and was mint last year. First 30 km this year and the chain case bearing went bad causing major damage to the cover and chain case. Yamaha is denying the clam sayings it's wear and tear. One year old and needs major work. I can't say I would recommend anyone get one. Ask me last year and it would have been a different story View attachment 114196

Is the sled still under warranty?

 

[hibshman25]

Ran a 14 viper and a 12 EPS vector last season. My vector was custom with a 144 xtx rear skid in it. Viper was also xtx. Riding position was better on the viper but a wrp seat on the vector would bring them almost level. My vector with slim jims actually handled extremely well and could run right with my viper on trails. If I only owned one sled it would be a vector for the peace of mind in reliability. I always take a spare sled when we go riding as I just don't entirely trust the viper yet. Build quality is superior on a japan sled versus the viper. The viper feels raw, where as a vector is refined and smooth. I'm running viper again this year, but have a custom mono shock 11 nytro that will be in trailer for every trip just in case!

 

[Newyamahaowner]

Is the sled still under warranty?

Yes the extended warranty

 

[TD Max]

Yes the extended warranty

How many miles? was the chaincase serviced or ever apart for any reason?