bottom line they ALL have the strong point and week points. I don't think u can buy a bad new sled now days. unless u make the mistake of buying any brands new model . that is just stupid. history has showed any one who has played this game for any amount of time this fact time and time again.
I am a 3rd yr model guy my self. the last yr of a run is always the preferred option for me
I am a 3rd yr model guy my self. the last yr of a run is always the preferred option for me
momoney2123
New member
have u had a chance to ride an XS etec, XR 4 tec or a viper? . If you like 4 stroke, I wouldnt over look the XR. Many people on dootalk own or have owned both XR and viper and like the XR over the viper. The etecs are very refined, and the 14 800etec is the best trail sled ive ever ridden. The 14 etecs were the best to date and the 15 models are supposedly better yet. If u can find a good deal on one you wont be disapointed, i promise you that. Below is a link of people to have owned both yamacat and 1200.
http://www.dootalk.com/forums/topic/924737-doo-renegade-1200-x-vs-cat-xf-7000/page-2
This year I followed in Banks93 footsteps. I spring ordered a 15 Renegade X with the 800 motor. This will be my first Doo that I have ever owned. Last year I had too many issues with my Viper! Some of the issues were due to the fact that I had a turbo on it but the chain coming off multiple times, hard starting, and gauge lights not working are issues that caused me to jump ship. Like Banks93 said if you want to be able to run or beat 800's you will need to shell out $4K+ on the Viper. Time will tell if I made a good choice or not....
F
fusion
Guest
Doo E-Tek for me. I'd like a 4-Tek but don't know where I'm gonna find one for decent bucks.
I had no idea about the Viper - wow. I'll wait till Jan - Feb. if I have to, something I've never done.
I had no idea about the Viper - wow. I'll wait till Jan - Feb. if I have to, something I've never done.
eagle1
Well-known member
Before I made decision I'd get out and demo one first before I listen to all keyboard jockeys.
Like Ezra said they all make good sleds, all about what you want.
Engine has great throttle response and pull but just not gonna have top end of 800. All around good trail sled and sounds like there getting mapping worked out.
Another bonus it runs on reg 87 octane. Also compare belt prices, not sure on Vipers. Yamaha's were always pretty reasonable compared to rest.
Like Ezra said they all make good sleds, all about what you want.
Engine has great throttle response and pull but just not gonna have top end of 800. All around good trail sled and sounds like there getting mapping worked out.
Another bonus it runs on reg 87 octane. Also compare belt prices, not sure on Vipers. Yamaha's were always pretty reasonable compared to rest.
snobuilder
Well-known member
If your goal is to top end an etek 8 you can do it for around $4K on an Apex....In fact most won't line up on the lake with one.
That same Apex is also a great "trail sled", (especially w/Ohlins) which covers about 90% of the sledding population IMO. But enough talk about old iron ...unless you want a REAL Yamaha, that is.
If you want a real slice of trail riding heaven, you can sling your butt over a 2011 or newer Apex that sports a few extra ponies, power steering and the sweetest exhaust tone ever to come out of a snowmachine for a discounted price of around $11K brand new.
I've been married to Yamaha for over 10 yrs. but I started an affair with a light weight POO last season and will be on the FIRST YEAR AXYS 8 this year while Yamaha continues their fling with Cat.
I am biding my time with slim hope to see if Yamaha introduces a new "all Yamaha" sled for 2016.
We may seek counseling at that point and try to mend our union.
That same Apex is also a great "trail sled", (especially w/Ohlins) which covers about 90% of the sledding population IMO. But enough talk about old iron ...unless you want a REAL Yamaha, that is.
If you want a real slice of trail riding heaven, you can sling your butt over a 2011 or newer Apex that sports a few extra ponies, power steering and the sweetest exhaust tone ever to come out of a snowmachine for a discounted price of around $11K brand new.
I've been married to Yamaha for over 10 yrs. but I started an affair with a light weight POO last season and will be on the FIRST YEAR AXYS 8 this year while Yamaha continues their fling with Cat.
I am biding my time with slim hope to see if Yamaha introduces a new "all Yamaha" sled for 2016.
We may seek counseling at that point and try to mend our union.
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Eagle1 is correct that you should demo the sled before pulling the trigger. However, how many of the 29 replies are from actual Viper owners like the topic reads?? I really liked the looks and handling of my 14 Viper ltx. Maybe the 1st year "bugs" are gone now??? However, if you are looking for a sled that will beat a stock 600 (yes I said 600!) doo with over 10,000 miles the stock Viper sees the doos rear bumper from my experience on lake runs last year.
Hopefully my remarks can help anyone looking to buy a Viper so they know what they might be dealing with. I not trying to start a which sled is the fastest thread!
Hopefully my remarks can help anyone looking to buy a Viper so they know what they might be dealing with. I not trying to start a which sled is the fastest thread!
snobuilder
Well-known member
Not to hijack the tread anymore than it is already, but guess who also joined Cat in the crazy high priced sled belt coalition this year?....yes, that's right....the Poo AXYS needs a $260.00 belt for some unknown reason.
Just curious but what are you Doo guys paying and does Doo have a common belt like Yamaha has had for many years that fits most models?
Just curious but what are you Doo guys paying and does Doo have a common belt like Yamaha has had for many years that fits most models?
momoney2123
New member
BRP belt is 120-130 for 800 etec. pending dealer discounts I paid just over 100 for a spare, but a lot of people like the gates and dayco belts for the 800etec, they run around 80-90.
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snobuilder
Well-known member
yep,...a lot of us are waiting for Gates to release their AXYS belt.
snobuilder
Well-known member
OK..sorry for helping with the hijack
.I rode a new Viper LTX several times last season and it was nice....kind of like Vector nice for trail riding.
The owner of the viper is a lifelong Yamaha guy and went from Yam 2 stroke to a couple years on the Vector and then last year the Viper.
His Viper has been back for small problems way more than any previous Yamahas he has had....or I have had....or any of the 10 or so other Yamaha owners in our group has had.
In my book, a trip back to the dealer is a trip back, no matter how big or small.....a real pain!
The Doo owners can't say enough about how nice their sleds are....I haven't been on a new etec but I believe the r motion rear suspension is the best in the biz right now.
AND I haven't heard of BRP telling their owners to come back and get the proper pistons installed in their motors for the past 2 years either....so maybe the 8 is finally fixed....only time will tell.
BUT I also think Doo owners are a bit more tight lipped about their small problems than other brand owners.
.I rode a new Viper LTX several times last season and it was nice....kind of like Vector nice for trail riding.
The owner of the viper is a lifelong Yamaha guy and went from Yam 2 stroke to a couple years on the Vector and then last year the Viper.
His Viper has been back for small problems way more than any previous Yamahas he has had....or I have had....or any of the 10 or so other Yamaha owners in our group has had.
In my book, a trip back to the dealer is a trip back, no matter how big or small.....a real pain!
The Doo owners can't say enough about how nice their sleds are....I haven't been on a new etec but I believe the r motion rear suspension is the best in the biz right now.
AND I haven't heard of BRP telling their owners to come back and get the proper pistons installed in their motors for the past 2 years either....so maybe the 8 is finally fixed....only time will tell.
BUT I also think Doo owners are a bit more tight lipped about their small problems than other brand owners.
groomerdriver
New member
I guess I'm a "keyboard jockey" and nothing that I have experienced in person or read by reputable people on the web means anything. OK.
IMO - demo rides are bordering on a waste of time because one can tweak the beejesus out of a sled to make it ride and feel completely different. To me, there is no "one size fits all" setting on sleds nowadays. I can cite examples based on personal experience but won't bother wasting my time because I'm a keyboard jockey.
snobuilder
Well-known member
LOL....Groomer driver/jockey!!!
Got to agree...unless I get a demo sled for at least a couple hours....on my own.... without some factory demo ride group leader....I doubt I am getting any better info than a mag or buddy might give except for actual power output.
i think back a couple years ago when we got on the 2014 Cats for a demo session inda UP and encountered 2 groomers in 10 miles.....LOL....dang them sleds rode smooth!!!
Got to agree...unless I get a demo sled for at least a couple hours....on my own.... without some factory demo ride group leader....I doubt I am getting any better info than a mag or buddy might give except for actual power output.
i think back a couple years ago when we got on the 2014 Cats for a demo session inda UP and encountered 2 groomers in 10 miles.....LOL....dang them sleds rode smooth!!!
snobuilder
Well-known member
I failed to mention one real nice difference between the yamacat and yamahas especially in real cold conditions....there is a notable lack of ice build up on the Vipers rear suspension from the exhaust on the true Yammie 4 strokes.
It can be nasty!...Last season proved that time and again!
It can be nasty!...Last season proved that time and again!
indy_500
Well-known member
Its been a long time since, but I rode my buddy's viper for 20 miles. I don't remember much but what sticks in my mind is how low on power it was. Side by side my geared down 05 switchback 600 smoked it off the line and up top. I couldn't get his viper over 82 mph, it was a 141" x1.6" fwiw, felt like I was riding a 500.