MADDOG24
Expert
Total Miles 2200
Previous Sled 2006 RTX Apex for comparison
The more miles I put on the Viper, the more I enjoy riding it. Corner to corner, this sled is a rocket. It handles amazing, rides great and i never get tire riding it. The ride is much improved after softening the rear suspension. The engine is still loosening up and getting faster. The RPM's are raising to the point of needing some clutching changes.
In comparison to the Apex , I find the Viper to be much better built for a first year sled.
Items that I had to replace on the Viper:
1) Broken Primary Spring
Items I had to replace on the Apex:
1) all the Bogey wheels
2) Handle Bars ( original didn't put out heat )
3) hyfax
4) Fuel pump relay
5) RA dial adjust cable
6) Rear suspension arm ( inop grease zirk ) bad welds)
I did have the reverse update done on the Viper at the end of season, even though I had zero issues with mine.
After taking a good look at he Viper and comparing it to the Apex, the Viper weathered the first year WAY better than the Apex. The Apex , after the first season showed a lot more wear and tear than the Viper. The front end was very loose on the Apex ( front bushings worn out ) Paint was chipped on the front A arms. The rear suspension was full of rust and paint chips on the Apex. I also had some track rub on the Apex ( was common). Steering also had a lot more steering slop than that of the Viper. The paint where your foot sits was already wearing through on the Apex. Yes , the plastic panels and fasteners are better quality on the Apex. The Apex was also starting to backfire, the beginning of the end of the first set of Y pipes and exhaust donuts that went out on the Apex. The Viper painted suspension parts looks a ton better.
In review, the Viper has exceeded my expectations. I rode more 200 mile + days this season on the Viper than I ever did on the Apex. The Viper is just plain fun to ride. The riding position is perfect for me and my style of riding.
There is some top end speed left out there in the clutching to be found ( as others have noted) . I have no doubt, that Yamaha will fix the hot start issue.( I had this pop up once in my final 500 mile ride.)
Previous Sled 2006 RTX Apex for comparison
The more miles I put on the Viper, the more I enjoy riding it. Corner to corner, this sled is a rocket. It handles amazing, rides great and i never get tire riding it. The ride is much improved after softening the rear suspension. The engine is still loosening up and getting faster. The RPM's are raising to the point of needing some clutching changes.
In comparison to the Apex , I find the Viper to be much better built for a first year sled.
Items that I had to replace on the Viper:
1) Broken Primary Spring
Items I had to replace on the Apex:
1) all the Bogey wheels
2) Handle Bars ( original didn't put out heat )
3) hyfax
4) Fuel pump relay
5) RA dial adjust cable
6) Rear suspension arm ( inop grease zirk ) bad welds)
I did have the reverse update done on the Viper at the end of season, even though I had zero issues with mine.
After taking a good look at he Viper and comparing it to the Apex, the Viper weathered the first year WAY better than the Apex. The Apex , after the first season showed a lot more wear and tear than the Viper. The front end was very loose on the Apex ( front bushings worn out ) Paint was chipped on the front A arms. The rear suspension was full of rust and paint chips on the Apex. I also had some track rub on the Apex ( was common). Steering also had a lot more steering slop than that of the Viper. The paint where your foot sits was already wearing through on the Apex. Yes , the plastic panels and fasteners are better quality on the Apex. The Apex was also starting to backfire, the beginning of the end of the first set of Y pipes and exhaust donuts that went out on the Apex. The Viper painted suspension parts looks a ton better.
In review, the Viper has exceeded my expectations. I rode more 200 mile + days this season on the Viper than I ever did on the Apex. The Viper is just plain fun to ride. The riding position is perfect for me and my style of riding.
There is some top end speed left out there in the clutching to be found ( as others have noted) . I have no doubt, that Yamaha will fix the hot start issue.( I had this pop up once in my final 500 mile ride.)
