I own a 2014 Viper XTX. Put 1600 miles on it last year.
Here's my take: The hot restart problem on the Viper was just poor engineering. The re-flash should not have been necessary. This is basic stuff. If there's a problem in development and test, it needs to be considered statistically significant, but design engineers aren't trained in statistics so they don't see that an anomaly in development is a warning of a potential widespread production fault. They didn't overlook it, they just ignored it and hoped it would be OK. They rushed the release and sent sleds out the door knowing full well they weren't yet dialed in. I'm an engineer and I know how this goes. I see it almost every day. It was a choice, not a mistake. So mine is still waiting for the reflash or whatever it is they're doing.
Second, loose nut in the steering column caused loose steering. That's was just sloppy, undisciplined assembly. You have to tighten stuff when you put things together. Train the production people and hold them accountable.
The ride quality of the XTX skid is pretty lousy. Tried everything. Installed Hygear linkage kit, and hoping this will improve things.
It's annoying that it won't build oil pressure after you tip it over to make a suspension adjustment. Probably have to install a roll over valve with re-prime kit.
Stock skis and runners make the sled darty. Slim Jim Dually's fixed that.
A Nytro will absolutely lay waste to a Viper. That part was disappointing.
So that's the bad. The good is that I love the ride, and once the engine starts, it is flawless. The torque is what makes it fun. It's heavier and that sucks off trail, but on trail it is absolutely superior. I can stay in the throttle and don't have the nagging thought in the back of my head telling me I should back off before I blow it up like I did on every 2-stroke that I've ever had. Real or not, it makes the ride less stressful for me. It's great on gas, and I always have extra money in my pocket after a long weekend of riding. No oil use, no smoke, no smell. Pull up to the pumps, throw in the cheapest fuel they've got, go get a coffee, and watch while everyone else waits in line for premium. I have kids going into college and this was my last sled purchase for the next 15,000 miles of my snowmobiling life, so I need it to last. I can do maintenance and replace a lot of parts, but I'd rather not have to get nervous that I need to top end the motor at 5000 miles like I did on every other 2 stroke I've ever had.
My buddy has an AC XF 800 High Country. Same chassis and suspension more or less, but his has a 800 EFI 2stroke and a mountain lug 141" track. On the trail, mine is smoother, calmer, slightly slower on top end, comparable to 60mph or so in a drag race, but uses way less fuel and no oil. My cost to ride is half of his, and my range is way better. Off trail it's no contest, the 2-stroke is lighter and he has serious track under his. Now he installed a Y-pipe and a bunch of other hp stuff, so pretty sure he'll kick my butt. Other than a turbo or the as yet unproven and stupid expensive exhaust systems, I'm kinda stuck where I'm at but frankly I'm happy with the power anyway.
I like my Viper and I have absolutely no buyers remorse. I'd buy one again without hesitation.
