Viper 2016 or 2017

[Crazy Canuk]

Been a rider for quite some time. Have an RS Venture that the wife and I two-up on. She wants here own sled and says she likes the Venture and wants to keep that herself (she is 5' 100 lbs). I would think she would want something a little smaller and more nimble but she doesn't really push the sled into the corners or anything and this will get me a new one.

I am looking at the SR Viper STX-DX137. There are a couple of 16s still available at reasonable prices. Are there any differences/upgrades to go to a '17? It doesn't appear like much other than the colour from what I can tell. I do mostly trail riding and some lakes with minimal back country. I figure this sled will give me the best of everything for what I do and from what I have read they are pretty comfortable and reliable. Any input is appreciated.

 

[hibshman25]

There's been talk about a new ECU on the 17's. Don't think there has been any confirmation of this yet. Something changed as the 17's no longer have an O2 sensor. The Vipers have always been plagued with starting and idling issues.

 

[super1c]

The ECU is not new, still old cat one. But it must have a different writing because of the o2 sensor missing. I know both my 16 and 17 have no starting issues but the 17 idles smooth as silk and the 16 does hunt a bit but not bad. In fact if i wasnt looking for it probably wouldnt notice. Unless you can get a 17LE model with the premium shock package and all the bags save your money and get a 16. I can not see any other changes between the 2 and the dealer (who are top notch) did not point out any other differences. The shocks on the 16 ride great right out of the box and are not stiff like the previous years, seem to have gotten the valving right in 16.

 

[RTX]

If you ever intend to turbo it or even resell it go with the 17.
Some of the 16 models had issues with rods when turbocharged.
Not everyone, but some guys are scared of the unknown with the 16 model motor. It could make reselling difficult if things dont pan out as they should.
From what i have read, It appears yamaha will be standing behind these motors, but why even get involved in that potential nightmare when you have other options available.
Just my opinion.

 

[ctdmax]

The ECU is not new, still old cat one. But it must have a different writing because of the o2 sensor missing. I know both my 16 and 17 have no starting issues but the 17 idles smooth as silk and the 16 does hunt a bit but not bad. In fact if i wasnt looking for it probably wouldnt notice. Unless you can get a 17LE model with the premium shock package and all the bags save your money and get a 16. I can not see any other changes between the 2 and the dealer (who are top notch) did not point out any other differences. The shocks on the 16 ride great right out of the box and are not stiff like the previous years, seem to have gotten the valving right in 16.

Considering getting the same sled your wife has for my wife...Only problem I'm having is she has ridden nothing but Ski Doo and is worried it will not be as comfortable..how is the seating position and does she feel comfortable riding long trips on it?

 

[Crazy Canuk]

Ended up getting the 2017. Only problem I have is the lack of snow.

 

[alexm2816]

If you ever intend to turbo it or even resell it go with the 17.
Some of the 16 models had issues with rods when turbocharged.
Not everyone, but some guys are scared of the unknown with the 16 model motor. It could make reselling difficult if things dont pan out as they should.
From what i have read, It appears yamaha will be standing behind these motors, but why even get involved in that potential nightmare when you have other options available.
Just my opinion.

Depends on the savings! For $3k if I didn't intend to turbo I would go ahead and grab a '16. Buy low. Speculation about the motor issues will never be as negative as it is right now. Having your heart set on a specific model will limit the deal you likely find though. Happy buying.

Looks like a slick sled! Do your snow dance.

 

[yamamarc]

Been a rider for quite some time. Have an RS Venture that the wife and I two-up on. She wants here own sled and says she likes the Venture and wants to keep that herself (she is 5' 100 lbs). I would think she would want something a little smaller and more nimble but she doesn't really push the sled into the corners or anything and this will get me a new one.

I am looking at the SR Viper STX-DX137. There are a couple of 16s still available at reasonable prices. Are there any differences/upgrades to go to a '17? It doesn't appear like much other than the colour from what I can tell. I do mostly trail riding and some lakes with minimal back country. I figure this sled will give me the best of everything for what I do and from what I have read they are pretty comfortable and reliable. Any input is appreciated.

Hey I owned a venture before the viper funny but wife liked it as your wife does! she ended up with a zr7000 (arctic cat /viper)
we own a viper and zr(same machine) but cause I'm a yammy guy she chose ac...lol (both 2014) now after 5000km myself and wife love the machine 0 issues

 

[Crazy Canuk]

Nice. The winds of change have blown a bit at our house and it looks as though she will be getting a 17 Renegade Adrenaline 900 ACE. I would prefer Yammi but there is nothing that really fits her well and she hates the seats on any Viper I have had her sit on. When I was chatting with the dealer when I picked up the new toy this weekend, I mentioned that it is really too bad Yamaha didn't have a chassis that fit between the Phazer and the Viper.

Although I know I am in the wrong place to ask, from the research I have done, the Gade Adrenaline seems to be a good fit for her. It is warm, the 900 will have enough power to get her out of trouble, is lighter and steers easy and the 137 should give her some comfort on the bumps. Plus she likes the seat and says the black will go well with her pink riding gear which we all know is a priority haha.