Viper BTX Opinions

[murdered141]

Very easy upgrade.

It works on the vertical mtx/btx steering post too, but you'll need the extra upper bushing, I did it on mine this year and Love it.

 

[NLSledder]

Thanks guys. All good things to know if i decide to go with the BTX.

 

[NLSledder]

Hey Guys,
Never ended up going with the btx. Was set on one but unfortunately I could not work out a deal I was happy with at the dealer.

I did however find a 2016 153 mtx with the 2.6 powerclaw that has just 1300 km on it. Would this be too much sled for the trail riding I do? It's the same length as the btx but I am worried about that deep lug track for crossover use. I know engine cooling isn't an issue like other 2 stroke mountain sleds. I was thinking about just running the powerclaw with scratchers at all times on trail for now, and replacing with a 1.75 or 2.25 if it wears out.

 

[PeeWee86]

If you find yourself doing a significant amount of trail riding I would pass on the MTX and look for another BTX. Don’t underestimate the difference in stability between the 36” front end on the MTX versus the 40” front end with a sway bar that is on the BTX. The MTX’s are geared for a top speed of about 70 to 75 miles an hour and clutched for 10,000 feet of elevation. Are you confident in your abilities to make the necessary changes?

I built a Viper BTX before they existed. I started with a ‘16 141 MTX that came with the 40” front end. I switched out the track for a 1.75” and put in proper clutching and gearing. My build has been a fantastic all-around crossover sled. I expect that the Viper BTX would be as well. The stock float shocks that come on many of the Yamahas are another issue that probably would need to be addressed for a good riding trail sled. I have changed out my rear shock to a Zbroz x2 coil-over and added EVOL’s to the front shocks. Highly recommended if it is within the budget.

As much as I love my sled I’m not sure if I would go through the cost and headaches of building it all over again. I also don’t think I would rate my sled nearly as high if it had a 36” front end.

 

[greenenvy1]

What gearing did you go with? Thanks

If you find yourself doing a significant amount of trail riding I would pass on the MTX and look for another BTX. Don’t underestimate the difference in stability between the 36” front end on the MTX versus the 40” front end with a sway bar that is on the BTX. The MTX’s are geared for a top speed of about 70 to 75 miles an hour and clutched for 10,000 feet of elevation. Are you confident in your abilities to make the necessary changes?

I built a Viper BTX before they existed. I started with a ‘16 141 MTX that came with the 40” front end. I switched out the track for a 1.75” and put in proper clutching and gearing. My build has been a fantastic all-around crossover sled. I expect that the Viper BTX would be as well. The stock float shocks that come on many of the Yamahas are another issue that probably would need to be addressed for a good riding trail sled. I have changed out my rear shock to a Zbroz x2 coil-over and added EVOL’s to the front shocks. Highly recommended if it is within the budget.

As much as I love my sled I’m not sure if I would go through the cost and headaches of building it all over again. I also don’t think I would rate my sled nearly as high if it had a 36” front end.

 

[blueironranger]

Converting and XTX to a short BTX would be easier than converting an MTX to a BTX. What you really want is a 141 MTX or 141 XTX LE. A buddy of mine trail rides his MTX 153 quite a bit, and with scratchers the slides actually last a decent amount of time, his lugs are getting curled though. 40" arms are available cheap on the used market, I've seen complete sets of Pre-16 'arms (trail spindle) with spindles and tie rods for 300$ I spent a lot of time debating between an XTX and MTX to build my version of BTX, and found a nice XTX to build. Plan on 40" arms with trail spindles and a 1.75 backcountry down the road but it works pretty good as is with the 42" front and cobra track.

 

[PeeWee86]

What gearing did you go with? Thanks

I went with 22/48 with a 90p chain and 8 tooth drivers. With an Ulmer machined driven clutch it is good for just shy of 100mph. Triple digits may be a possibility if conditions are right. My gearing is better for off trail boondocking and easier on the belt than the taller 21/41 XTX gearing. On the trail the engine weight is noticeable coming in to the corners but the pull coming out of the corners more than makes up for it. The corner exit acceleration is stronger than most 800 two strokes that I have driven.