Viper or Apex?

[4strokeluvr111]

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

I wish there was more POWER in my power steering on my 14. I rode a 2012 Vector shorty and it feels like there's 50% more power in the system vs. mine.

 

[Tc_027]

I appreciate the feedback.
I need to go test ride them both and see how they feel.
I'm glad the Apex is getting some love: it has an amazing powerplant!

 

[Mileage Quest]

Viper eats the big bumps with easy... lacks the power and seams twitchy as the speeds reach triple digits... it's very cold especially on long cold days with high speed running

Apex with power steering is great for long hauls until the bumps get real big then you notice the weight and seating position

Either way you most likely wont find the perfect sled... and should plan to spend some cash on upgrades...

If you choose the Viper you wont be happy with power... so you add a turbo and have the added probably that things could go very wrong engine wise... Don't forget about having to run premium fuel which is very critical with turbo setups... new windshield and stuff to stay warm... plus the minor fixes the come standard on new model sleds

If you choose the Apex be sure to get one with power steering... I opted for the XTX 144 to help bridge the bigger bumps... so far stock the rear skid is a minus on the small stuff but takes the bigger stuff better then my dads mono 136... There are fixes for the rear skid and a seat kit that people claim helps with rider position...

I am like you... I ride big miles and stay mostly toward groomed trails so I opted for an Apex and figured I'd spend my extra money making the sled handle the way I want; as apposed to getting one that handled good but if I wanted to make it faster I'd lose reliability... If I was a boondocker, mountian guy, ditch banger, or hang around the town and play kind of guy... hands down Viper

 

[BIG BLACK WARRIOR]

I had 2011 Apex SE, but now have a 2015 XF7000 Cat(as you probably know, same as a Viper, except for the clutching and a few other minor things). I would go with the Apex hands down. Way more power with the Apex. Viper/ 7000 will give you a slightly better ride, but not by much. With the power steering, my Apex would handle a tight corner better then the 7000 does if the trails are in good shape. In the rough stuff in the corners, the 7000 has the edge. I weigh 250 lbs, 6' tall, and 62 years old. I really miss my Apex. I think my relationship with the 7000 will be short lived. Top speed, by my GPS on my Apex was 109 MPH. Similar conditions on my 7000 has Been 87 MPH. 22 MPH slower. If you buy a 2011 Apex or newer, they have power steering, and you will not get tired, unless you are riding all moguled out trails. Just my opinions. I am more tired riding my 7000 after a 150 mile day, then I was on my Apex. I just bought the Cat as a left over at the beginning of this season, and because of a low snow year so far in NY, I only have 900 miles on my 7000. Maybe it will get faster with time.

 

[Curtis Chambers]

My father in law has vector ( same chassis as apex) no way could I drive it through the bushes like my viper . The rider forward position is much better ( for me) and more fun factor. Yes not as fast as apex. Depends on the preferences and riding style. But it's not as slow as some people make it out to be with a few upgrades.