bluesman
Extreme
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2011
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- Location
- New Hampshire
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- USA
- Snowmobile
- 09 Nytro XTX
I was able to test ride a Viper LTX SE and DX this past weekend and the conditions were ungroomed and loose at the Demo day in NH.
I had just ridden several Skidoos, a short and long track, and then I rode the Vipers. I was surprized at how the sled seemed like it couldn't seem to hook up and get traction!
I loved everything else about the sled, but it just didnt want to hook up. This was all repetitively low speed twisty riding. Not sure how the suspensions were set up but I noticed it on both sleds. I am very seriously considering placing a spring order for an LTX-LE and I am wondering if this is a normal handling characteristic of the 137 vipers? It makes me want to consider the STX 137" with the 1.6" track, but I really don't want t go that route. I am a groomed twisty trail rider.
I would appreciate experienced input
I had just ridden several Skidoos, a short and long track, and then I rode the Vipers. I was surprized at how the sled seemed like it couldn't seem to hook up and get traction!
I loved everything else about the sled, but it just didnt want to hook up. This was all repetitively low speed twisty riding. Not sure how the suspensions were set up but I noticed it on both sleds. I am very seriously considering placing a spring order for an LTX-LE and I am wondering if this is a normal handling characteristic of the 137 vipers? It makes me want to consider the STX 137" with the 1.6" track, but I really don't want t go that route. I am a groomed twisty trail rider.
I would appreciate experienced input
SnoNinja
aka "Plan B"
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2015
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- Snowmobile
- 2015 Viper LTX-LE
2016 Vector LE For my Bride
2007 Phazer GT, 136" Stretch.
2002 SXR600 (still own)
1997 SX600 (sold)
1997 XT500 (sold)
2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000XRS
2006 Dodge Charger RT - Top Banana Daytona
Bluesman:
I run a '15 LTX-LE with the 1.25" Ripsaw II and found that the only time I really have trouble on hook-up is stabbing the gas from a stop. I ride mostly trail and off-trail power lines and pipelines. On take off in loose conditions I too will blow the track and bump the rev limiter. Part of it is the track, part of it is the clutching in stock form, and part of it is conditions. The clutching on these high torque sleds leads to instant track speed when you stab the gas, and something's gotta give. Usually the track breaks loose. I have watched the guys on the Turbo XTX's with the 1.6 cobra and they too blow out the track on some conditions. This can be reduced some with smoothing out the clutching engagement so there isn't so much "nothing then everything" on takeoff, and also by adjusting your riding style to work with the sled. Same reason Nascars guys roll into the gas comming out of the corners instead of stabbing the gas. One other thing though, I cannot get my sled to slide through the corners unless it's nothing but ice. It is very predicatble and once you learn the characteristics it is a riot in the twisties.
I have been pretty impressed with the capabilities of the 1.25" LTX-LE even in the deep stuff. Yes I can get it stuck in deep back country riding, but overall, if you respect the limitations of the 1.25" track, it will hang in with the deeper lug track XTX sleds.
If I were you and really wanted an LTX-LE for its features, I would ask the dealer to get a 1.6 cobra (maybe even and ice attack if you want more on the icy conditions) and swap it out and then sell your 1.25" as a take-off. I have done that before and found that that you can recoupe most of the cost for the new track when you sell the old one. You can find the standard cobra 137 1.6's for about $550 in places.
Hope that helps you
I run a '15 LTX-LE with the 1.25" Ripsaw II and found that the only time I really have trouble on hook-up is stabbing the gas from a stop. I ride mostly trail and off-trail power lines and pipelines. On take off in loose conditions I too will blow the track and bump the rev limiter. Part of it is the track, part of it is the clutching in stock form, and part of it is conditions. The clutching on these high torque sleds leads to instant track speed when you stab the gas, and something's gotta give. Usually the track breaks loose. I have watched the guys on the Turbo XTX's with the 1.6 cobra and they too blow out the track on some conditions. This can be reduced some with smoothing out the clutching engagement so there isn't so much "nothing then everything" on takeoff, and also by adjusting your riding style to work with the sled. Same reason Nascars guys roll into the gas comming out of the corners instead of stabbing the gas. One other thing though, I cannot get my sled to slide through the corners unless it's nothing but ice. It is very predicatble and once you learn the characteristics it is a riot in the twisties.
I have been pretty impressed with the capabilities of the 1.25" LTX-LE even in the deep stuff. Yes I can get it stuck in deep back country riding, but overall, if you respect the limitations of the 1.25" track, it will hang in with the deeper lug track XTX sleds.
If I were you and really wanted an LTX-LE for its features, I would ask the dealer to get a 1.6 cobra (maybe even and ice attack if you want more on the icy conditions) and swap it out and then sell your 1.25" as a take-off. I have done that before and found that that you can recoupe most of the cost for the new track when you sell the old one. You can find the standard cobra 137 1.6's for about $550 in places.
Hope that helps you
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I have the original Slipsaw track on the Renegade and hate it. Slipsaw II is supposed to be better.
My plan for next season is to do the Ice attak XT or possibly something with a bit taller lug.
As for the spin, the Viper TQ just overpowers the non aggressive track
My plan for next season is to do the Ice attak XT or possibly something with a bit taller lug.
As for the spin, the Viper TQ just overpowers the non aggressive track
it is a product of both the poor bite of the ripsaw and the fact theat the LTX suspension needs to be set for each rider so that transfer is achieved. The motor is so torquey at low end if there is no transfer the track is just spun. The real diff on the ripsaw II is the outside lugs are angled to allow for the rear end to be swept through a turn. I had one on my Polaris Axys Pro S 800 and hated it. With no studs and 8" bars up front the sled drove sideways through every turn.
