Viper LTX or XF 8000

[Studroes144]

I struggled with the same choice between sleds. However I was debating between the procross 800 and a new nytro xtx. This was a month or two before the viper release. Glad I didn't jump for either cuz I ordered the viper as soon as spring order prices were released from my dealer. The dealer where I ordered my viper through sells both cat and yammi and they had access to one of the prototypes for a few days this past spring. They were able to do some head to head field testing between the viper and a totally stock 2012 f800. They ran multiple 800-1000 feet drag runs and every time they said both sleds would come out dead even until 75-80 and then the 800 would slowly creep away. This to me sounded very impressive considering there is a pretty big margine in hp numbers on the viper obviously has more weight. I personally drove the viper and loved the power but it did seem to fall off on top end..well after some seat time and getting comfortable I noticed that it was revving to 9200 rpm. I believe peak hp is at 8800 on that engine so with the clutching being off that much and the f800 being spot on u can bet the viper would be there all the way with any 800 even with 15-20 less hp. Goes to show that you can't base it all on numbers and certainly can't make a final judgement just on the protos cuz the truth of it is, those sleds are made to test that type of stuff so that all final adjustments can be made on the actual production sleds. Not to mention 8-10 mpg from the 800 and 16-18 mpg on the viper..plus no injector oil. The choice was simple to me. Don't be concerned with hp numbers, the production vipers will no doubt be at the top with all the 800 2 strokes in performance and above and beyond any sled in reliability.

 

[MCApex44]

I agree with that guy right there^^^! I was in the same boat with my decision but i was actually coming off a Nytro xtx. i also was considering the 2013+ Cat 800 and also the 800etec...I liked the r-motion and linq system but in the end I couldn't see spending $11,000+ on a sled and not trust the engine. For the 2013 Cat 800 my local dealer had one for $10,600 but on top of that it needed updates and labor was $4-500 on top of that (updates that were unproven at that). I didn't pay much more than that for the Viper. I plan on riding the Viper for 3-4yrs and then give it to the wife which will replace her 2007 F8 and let her put another 4-5yrs on it.

 

[Studroes144]

I feel that same way you do. In 3-4 years my viper will be replacing my wife's Phazer. Hopefully by then they r building a viper with factory BOOST! Not sure if this has been discussed yet or not but my preseason price for my sled was $10,849. That is for a blue ltx se. When my dealer told me that I pulled out the $500 cash and signed away and had no concerns at all and after roughly 7 months I am still as confident in the sled now as I was then. When I signed the papers on it there wasn't even any talk of when the demo rides were so I purchased without really any knowledge of the sled at all other than the fact the the leading 4stroke engine in the industry is plant in one of if not the best chassis out there right now. I'm i die hard yamaha rider! Owned the first year rx-1, first year apex and first year nytro. My experience with all of those was great because with every new model they kept bringing something new to the table. The rx1 had that awesome sounding and very powerful 4 cylinder that we all fell in love with. The apex had that same engine but with more responsive with the fuel injection and the rider forward design just like the people wanted. Then the nytro came along and offered all the same power as the apex but in a lighter more nimble chassis. Yamaha has been doing everything the consumers have asked for and I have never been let down by first year sleds and I am 100% confident the viper will be the same way for every lucky person that gets their hands on one. Don't be fooled by weight numbers or hp numbers. Yamaha has been able to compete in every aspect of the sport since they released the 4 stroke engines and they have done it with sleds that are more refined and finished than competitors sleds will reach in 3 years prior to that. Until you actually own a yamaha sled and can get a full riding season on one you can't understand what makes them so great. The fact of TRUE gas and go and minimal maintenance is what keeps me going back to yamaha every time and even more so now that they have that same bullet proof engine in a chassis that I can push hard every time I ride. Viper vs XF? I choose viper for those reasons

 

[bleedyamaha]

knee pads

I havent heard much about knee pads. Some of you have had a chance to ride the Viper. What are your thoughts on the forward seat positioning and having the knees up against the sides. Is it going to be something I will want to order.

 

[wot-75]

Re: knee pads

I havent heard much about knee pads. Some of you have had a chance to ride the Viper. What are your thoughts on the forward seat positioning and having the knees up against the sides. Is it going to be something I will want to order.

100% YES! SPG makes a pretty kick #*$&@ set.. just got mine in yesterday.

http://www.skinzprotectivegear.com/snow ... epads.html

 

[Studroes144]

Unless you stand up 99.9% of the time then in my opinion knee pads r a necessity. That will be my first purchase. I did a 20 min demo with decent riding conditions and my knees were sore the rest of the day.

 

[bleedyamaha]

sold

Thank you guys so much. Going to get some. Xmas is coming early for me

 

[skidooslayer687]

So I take it the AC ones fit the Viper perfect then?

 

[wot-75]

So I take it the AC ones fit the Viper perfect then?

According to SPG, yes.

They are the same part #:

http://www.marshalldistributing.com/fil ... ual/#938/z

FYI, only your dealer can order from the Marshall's catalog.