Well, finally had a chance to ride a Viper LTX and XTX. Even though the ride was only about 7 miles, which is hardly enough time to get comfortable with any sled, it was still an enjoyable experience. The chassis on both models felt firmly planted in the corners with the XTX having a bit of push. Steering was light and predictable with minimal body english unlike our Nytro's. However, I was saddened by the lack of power this combination has. Both Viper models felt way down on horse power and seriously lacking on the giggle factor of the Nytro. Seating position was high on the sled which made the transition to standing easier, but leg contact on the mid shin is going to be a problem for taller riders. The exhaust note coming from up front is a bit different and I did notice that on the XTXs' lower white plastic cowling a significant yellow stain from the exhaust. The instrument panel placement could be a bit higher as it was difficult to see over the handle bars while seated, but still manageable. The added heated seat on the LTX was a nice feature to keep the bottom side warm and would be a great option for other Yamaha models for those really cold mornings. All said and done I think Yamaha has a nice platform to build on with the Viper. It does address the the handling problems of the Nytro, but in my option traded off on the power and the "seat of the pants" fun factor the Nytro gives.
herndonp
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Thanks for the great review, but I will stick with the my Nytro and fun factor.
Pete
Pete
jonnytro
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herndonp said:
x2
Sevey
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Also made it to a demo ride today and rode the Viper Se (129") and the LTX(137").
Only ran them about 20km so it was hardly enough to claim being an expert .
First off - the sled felt lighter in the front end, even though under the hood is the same engine as the nytro and they both weigh about the same, it definitely steered and felt nimble in the front end.
Cornering was flat. With a better ski and some tweeking of the suspension this thing could be quite deadly. Jumped on an Apex and it was amazing how stable the Viper was in the same corners and terrain vs that chasis - tons of inside ski lift and real choppy on the corner. Viper took it way smoother. The engine in the Apex is another story, that powerplant is insane.....
Good standing to sitting ergos. Easy sled to hug the console when cornering. Fit my form pretty good. 5'11", 180lbs.
Engine felt good but never got to wind it up.
Was surprised that there wasnt as big a difference between the two track lenghts as I would have thought. Trails were rough, so it was a good day to hammer the bumps. Both seemed to roll over them pretty good, but could not proclaim one was far superior than the other. Obviously I was anticipating the 137 to be way better.
I was impressed. Will see what the future holds.
MS
Only ran them about 20km so it was hardly enough to claim being an expert .
First off - the sled felt lighter in the front end, even though under the hood is the same engine as the nytro and they both weigh about the same, it definitely steered and felt nimble in the front end.
Cornering was flat. With a better ski and some tweeking of the suspension this thing could be quite deadly. Jumped on an Apex and it was amazing how stable the Viper was in the same corners and terrain vs that chasis - tons of inside ski lift and real choppy on the corner. Viper took it way smoother. The engine in the Apex is another story, that powerplant is insane.....
Good standing to sitting ergos. Easy sled to hug the console when cornering. Fit my form pretty good. 5'11", 180lbs.
Engine felt good but never got to wind it up.
Was surprised that there wasnt as big a difference between the two track lenghts as I would have thought. Trails were rough, so it was a good day to hammer the bumps. Both seemed to roll over them pretty good, but could not proclaim one was far superior than the other. Obviously I was anticipating the 137 to be way better.
I was impressed. Will see what the future holds.
MS
