Viper or Apex?

[Tc_027]

I'll start this off by staying yes, I know, they are very different sleds.
Although I haven't owned a Yamaha since the Sr-V was being made I'm ready to rejoin the family.
The idea of NOT having to rebuild another engine is pretty enticing.
I've spent the last few years mainly riding dirt and I really miss the snow so I'll be back next season!
We want to get back into big mile days (250-400) so I want something comfortable yet with decent power and top end. My last sled was an F7 efi and I'd like something comparable in the fun factor. I'm a little worried about the Viper since everything I see says it tops out around 100mph and I'd like more...
The Apex has the power & top end but I'm not sure about the ride and comfort for long days...
I'm thinking used for either of them: Viper would be 2012-2014 and Apex 2010-2013.
Thanks

 

[snobill]

Apex is a high mile cruiser best trail sled out there and tons of power !

 

[Teamblue4]

Apex.................

 

[yama_rider]

The Viper came out in 2014, not 2012, also the "newer style" Apex came out in 2011. IMO, the Viper would have a higher fun factor but the Apex has the arm stretching power with big top end and is probably a better trail sled.

 

[InRBigness]

The viper has great power and with a turbo its sick. I prefer the rider forward position. I found the Apex seat position too low although I did like the power. It felt heavy to me. I ended up with a viper. Both are in my opinion very good. The fan boys will say you need to get an all made in Japan Apex and that an Arctic Cat Viper is not a real Yamaha, but in reality you need to get what makes you happy.

 

[Yamadog]

I have had 5 rx's, 3 Apex and 2 attacks but my 53 year old body will not allow me to ride the Apex chassis anymore. I rode Polaris Pro R 800' for 4 yrs and then bought a Viper XTX. after a list of things that happened that is too long to list here I know have 2 of them. the 15 is turbo'd with 7 & 10.5#'s of boost and is the most wicked thing I have ever ridden and is still comfortable enough that I can ride 400 miles in a day and still walk to dinner. The 14 has been converted into a drag sled and will be running about 7 events this season and will be out on a lake near you to kick some XF 1100 turbo butt.

It all comes down to what your body and wallet can take. The Apex is fun but a turbo viper is hilarious!!! If you go the viper route and are thinking of adding a turbo find a 2015 or 14 not the 16's they changed the motors and have weak rods in them.

 

[tomanytoyz]

Apex ! You can always improve it for you. I have no experience with the new Viper ,looks good and rides good from what I'm hearing . Power Apex is like a snow motorcycle .

 

[Sevey]

I think it comes down to which chassis is more comfortable. Apex has awesome power. Viper is no slow poke but the 1049 does not produce a ton of top end speed. If you are primarily a sit down rider - then Apex. If you like a more rider forward sled and prefer to stand occasionally - then consider the Viper. Big weight difference between the two as well.
MS

 

[Tc_027]

Thanks for the replies and info.
I appreciate it!
I have a few concerns with both:
The weight of the Apex concerns me.
As does the rear suspension.
How does it compare to others out there?
I've always ridden in Quebec and although the grooming is great the volume of sleds on them some days means it's a bumpy day.
As for the Viper I'm wondering about the power and top end speed.
My F7 was a rocket and it could give any production sled of its Era a run for its money well past triple digits...
I haven't seen any real solutions to gaining more top speed while keeping the great acceleration it's known for.

 

[snobill]

The apex don't feel heavy unless you get stuck then they all do but on trails it's awesome stock don't need to add anything

 

[4strokeluvr111]

The apex don't feel heavy......

I totally disagree with your comment and fully understand where the OP is coming from. Maybe if you're a big guy (6-3 250#), a little younger with muscles, the Apex/Vector in it's current form won't feel heavy. But I'm 56 yr old, 5-11 205# and not muscular in my arms and shoulders. If I'm riding straight fast trails my Vector LTX is OK. Get into any kinds of twisties and I'm wishing for a different, lighter sled. My sled controls ME....and I want it to be the other way around again. I know I'm not 36 years old anymore but c'mon. You can't argue against the laws of physics.

But a stock Viper on the supertrails of Quebec? Turbo'd yes....stock no.

 

[InRBigness]

Viper is actually very quick. One first must remember that the speeds quoted by people are real not Dream-O-Meter numbers. The Viper gauge has consistently shown to be within 1 mph on both GPS and radar.

That being said: Turbo a viper and you will be amazed. I can routinely hit 170K and still have more to give if my Nads were a bit bigger. And getting there is ridiculously fast.

 

[canadian nytro]

Had a 2009 Nytro with the higher seating position that the Viper is like correct me if I'm wrong. I now have a 2011 Apex SE 128" and absolutely love the thing it might be heavy but the power steering takes care of that it rails in the tight trails the thing flat out works. On the lake it is hard to beat only thing that will touch it is a turbo cat or a apex xtx for stock sleds! But the truth is I love the sled the most for how well it rat races down the trails is works awesome. I hear guys complain about the seating position but it works great for me I'm 6'1" and 210lb's it's not out of the norm for our group to ride 500+km's a day for 3-4 days in a row and I'm not the one in camp who's tired complaining about a heavy sled!

The other thing people ask me is why I drive a old man's sled or that thing hasn't changed in 10 years! The truth is cause I've ridden most new sleds and I just love the APEX it works! The one downfall is off trail the XTX might solve that problem but it wouldn't be as nimble in the tight stuff so for me its a apex shorty.

So my long winded vote is for the APEX! I ride mostly in the Northeastern side of Algonquin Park and Northern Ontario, and Western Quebec just in case that matters

 

[snobill]

I totally disagree with your comment and fully understand where the OP is coming from. Maybe if you're a big guy (6-3 250#), a little younger with muscles, the Apex/Vector in it's current form won't feel heavy. But I'm 56 yr old, 5-11 205# and not muscular in my arms and shoulders. If I'm riding straight fast trails my Vector LTX is OK. Get into any kinds of twisties and I'm wishing for a different, lighter sled. My sled controls ME....and I want it to be the other way around again. I know I'm not 36 years old anymore but c'mon. You can't argue against the laws of physics.

But a stock Viper on the supertrails of Quebec? Turbo'd yes....stock no.

I'm 5'11 and 194 pounds and most of that is beer 40 years old and I don't have power steering and still love it and I'm sure it's even better with power steering

 

[Redbeard]

Tc, I can't comment on a Viper (no experience), but if you opt for an Apex, find a 2011+ model with power steering, 128 track and standard mono rear suspension. The power steering really does make that much of a difference in the way it makes this sled feel. I will say, however; my buddy has a 2013 Vector LTX and it doesn't have to take a back seat on power or ride comfort! It also has power steering...great sled...good value!

As mentioned above, get what's right for you!