Which sled? 2015 Viper R-TX SE, or 2014 ZR9000 LTD

[lofsfire]

Well I'm thinking about a new sled but not sure which sled? 2015 Viper R-TX SE, or a 2014 ZR9000 LTD. The 9000 would be nice for top speed the guys I ride with have Apex's. However my 2000 mxz 700 kept up well this year. But they obviously had me on the lakes.

I want something reliable. I want to be able to take my kids out when its just me if need be. Clutch and belt stories for some 9000 do not seem to be the best plus the its premium gas. The 9000 is $270 cheaper than the new but only 1yr warranty. I can add a 5yr warranty that would make it $1000 more.
To top it off I have not been able to ride either. The viper seems to be the better choice but I'm worried that I'm spending all this money and won't be happy with it in the end. What the top speed looking like on the viper?

For the guys that snow check, since I'm looking at a standard model and don't care about the Apr rates. Is the warranty the only reason to buy now? Are the warranties included in the fall too? Any other info and thoughts is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[buddah2]

.......To top it off I have not been able to ride either. The viper seems to be the better choice but I'm worried that I'm spending all this money and won't be happy with it in the end. What the top speed looking like on the viper?

First off, you're really talking two different animals here. Aimed at different markets/riders. With regard to your riding buds being on Apexes......(and before I mention this, I know the backlash against spending additional money to make a sled perform) Hindle is offering a full custom exhaust for the Viper......combine that with clutching and a PCV for fuel mapping and you're right in the ballpark with an Apex power-wise and dollars wise.......155 for the Viper vs. 160 for the Apex.....BUT the Viper will be something on the order of 150 lbs lighter than the Apex so performance difference should be negligible......AND that would still be running regular gas vs. premium ("recommended") for the Apex. YMMV

 

[switch07]

I think the Yamaha extended warranty is only on spring order for $200 for an extra 2years for a total of 5 years. After spring order I think the price goes up. I ordered 2 Vipers, L-TX DX, over the AC XF 7000 LXR based on the excellent warranty from Yamaha. Also, after talking to Kip on the differences between the two sleds, plus the warranty, it was a no brainer for me. When my wife sat on the Viper and said, "this is what I want", I said "ok honey". I always do what wifey says, so I bought two, lol. Good luck in your decision...

 

[ezra]

well I was looking in to the viper a bit only because the temptation of 300 hp+ cheep would be just to much for me to Handel and the warranty would be void before snow even hit.
I know plenty of guys ridding the 14 cat that have yet to blow a belt and 2 of those guys are heavy mod and have come in a close 2nd to Glenn Hall a few times this season . and still no belts.
I know of 1 13 with just a 3 program box no head bolts nothing. 6k mi on it guy rides trails 90% and bar racing when opportunity arises no blown belts yet but on his 4th just because it gets a new one every 2k.
all what u want IMHO the turbo is way way more fun to ride even stock if u like that feeling of 180hpon tap at all times .
the Yamaha is also fun but jumping from 1 to the other and back it is a no brainier what one is more exciting.

 

[eagle1]

I'd stick with viper or 7000 cat. Bet Cat has leftover 7000 be able get deals on.

 

[chad66]

Yea that's a not a comparison we see too often, both good sleds yet very different. Viper has good low/mid range with a top end that is hidden until you get a couple thousand miles on the motor. Turbo will stretch your arms right off the bat. If you get to the Keweenaw anymore this year we have a Viper RTX SE that you are welcome to take for a short test drive, no short track Turbo's though.

Chad@M&M

 

[lofsfire]

Thanks for all the help I think the Vipers' are coming out on top especially with the warranty being only 200 for total five years. My salesman at the dealer gave me some wrong information about the warranty but after calling back and talking to the owner (just because he happened to answer the phone.) He said the salesman made a mistake and it was only 200 more if bought during the spring promotion. Also thanks to the guys a PMed me and gave me all the other information.

By the way thanks Chad for the offer wish I was up that way more often, but I don't think I'll make it up there this year.

 

[G]

If you want to play with Apexes buy the 9000. By the time you break in a Viper (2000 miles - at least half a season) and buy a turbo for a Viper ($4000 bucks) you will have a lot more in the Viper and the warranty you are concerned about could be void. And the Cat will still be about 50 lbs lighter. If you stay with a stock Viper you will have a hard time getting 100mph at least until you get a bunch of miles on it. Stock Apexes will go about 115.

 

[whitedust]

Yea that's a not a comparison we see too often, both good sleds yet very different. Viper has good low/mid range with a top end that is hidden until you get a couple thousand miles on the motor. Turbo will stretch your arms right off the bat. If you get to the Keweenaw anymore this year we have a Viper RTX SE that you are welcome to take for a short test drive, no short track Turbo's though.

Chad@M&M

X2 same way I felt strange mix & need to make HP choice & then look apples to apples.

 

[chad66]

If you want to play with Apexes buy the 9000. By the time you break in a Viper (2000 miles - at least half a season) and buy a turbo for a Viper ($4000 bucks) you will have a lot more in the Viper and the warranty you are concerned about could be void. And the Cat will still be about 50 lbs lighter. If you stay with a stock Viper you will have a hard time getting 100mph at least until you get a bunch of miles on it. Stock Apexes will go about 115.

The cat will be 50lbs. lighter than a viper? Just making sure I understand you correctly. Cuz even with a turbo kit I'm pretty sure the Viper is lighter than the 9000. Maybe even close to equal but it sure aint 50lbs heavier.

Chad@M&M