Looking for advice on new sleds
 

I know, i know, thinking about this probably makes most of you sick to your stomach but i need advice. Alright, I know it's almost boating season (here) and has been other places but, I have two weeks before I snow check a new sled. Here are my two options. Yamaha viper ltx (137") or the ski doo renagade x 800 (137"). I have been a die hard yamaha fan my whole life but, I have been out of the sled scene for a few years and after this past winter, I will not sit around like that again. I haven't even been on the newer rider forward style sled so I really am going into this blind, besides for knowing yamaha has always been reliable and a nice machine. I am an aggressive trail rider that occasionally likes to hop off into some powder too. I know some of you guys are die hard sled rippers!

I think either chassis is a good choice, the Yamaha is the Arctic Cat procross chassis which came out in 2012 and a couple years earlier in Snocross, it is a great chassis for trails, light weight comfortable and very maneuverable, also comes with a 3 tear warranty.

Some nice things about the 4 stoke is no need for 2 stroke oil and no oil smell, the engine appears to be very very reliable, same engine as the Nytro.

For all out top end the 800 is going to be faster due to more hp,, the Viper is closer to a 2 stroke 600 hp., the Viper engine is for quick and peppy and a riot to ride, I have ridden it a couple time during demo's, have the same chassis in a Arctic Cat turbo.

I have no seat time on the doo.

I place to explore for more info is http://www.hardcoresledder.com/index.php

Thanks jwool I appreciate the feedback.

A lot of people jumping over to Polaris last few years. They are making some killer stuff right now !

Too bad you didn't get a chance to try a few sleds this winter.

Anyhow, I guess it really depends on how aggressive of a rider you are and what type trails you are on. That said, I don't know of any real agressive riders in my area with Yamaha's. Just older bigger mile riders that go out for a few days on time.

Lots of good sleds out there from all manufacturers currently.

I know I hate making purchases without being able to test them out but I thing I'm leaning towards the renegade for the type of riding we do. When it gets rough we run harder. :coolcowboy:

I'm with ya Joe. It's been a couple years for me too and I'm looking again. A few buddies who are hard-core sledders have ridden the new Viper and were more than impressed. The old heavy 4-stroke for old men theory is gone.
" That said, I don't know of any real agressive riders in my area with Yamaha's. Just older bigger mile riders that go out for a few days on time."
But every other brand seems to know what a Yamaha looks like from the back, because they just go without looking like you are racing, and they keep going! It would make it nice if you could test drive them like a car, especially since they cost about as much.

Keep us updated--with pics

Renagade x 800 all the way. Snow check it and get the 4 yr warranty to boot this year! A fellow rider snow checked one last year, got on about 1k miles this season. Only complaint was the low windshield. His cheek got frost bit a couple times pretty bad. Or get the new 174" if you really want to play in the powder. I dont think the new 174 would even fit on my trailer!!

You dont want a YamaCat.....

I've ridden both chassis and basically had the same decision you are about to make this year. Personally, I am in LOVE with 4 strokes...between both my wife's Yami Vectors, and now my 1200 Doos, I have almost 20,000 trouble-free miles on them since 2008.

Rode the Viper LTX and really liked it...the suspension works REALLY well, and it handles a lot lighter than it actually is. I was coming off a 2010 Doo 1200 TnT (121"), and am very partial to the handling on the Doo, but I REALLY like the Viper/Vector motor...that thing just rips...awesome throttle response and a big powerband for only 135 hp. I rode a buddy's 2013 1200 Renegade with the R-motion rear, and was WAY impressed. I decided to go with the 1200 Renegade for myself, just because it cornered better than the Yammi (it pushed a bit in the corners...could be setup, but I've read a lot about people having to add a bunch of carbide to make them turn...typical Yammi). I really love the sled...BUT, I think I might end up buying the Viper next season for my wife...so I can have fun on either one!

Thanks for all the info fellas. Man, this is gonna be a tough decision. I wish I would have had the chance to ride them but, the opportunity never came, not to mention I waited too long to decide on getting one.

i have a 2013 800 etec r motion renegade and love it. my buddy has the 2014 800 etec X pkg renegade and i couldnt believe how much better it rode over my 2013 non X pkg. i vote SKIDOO

I'm a Polaris blowhard, but I honestly feel if you do on and off trail, getting a Skidoo or Polaris 136" crossover will put big smiles on your face. Big ! As mentioned before, get rid of the stupid low windshields that come on them stock and get a good height one - frostbite is very real and the factory low shields are a guarantee to get you it.

Amazing after a good winter how many people get back to sledding. It's good to see ! I would have no enjoyment in life without a sled or boat. And yes, I have done a good amount of years with out each, and it was no friggen good. Give me liquid and frozen snow, and I'm good.

How are guys getting frostbite? Open face with googles? I wear full shield helmets and never really had issues with fogging or icing. I. Can't imagine ridding with open face in the middle of the night -20 degrees going 80mph! That's just me though.

I would go yamaha solely for the reliability...there have been A LOT of issues with the other 3 manufacturers in the past few years. Get on hardcoresledder.com and read up. There are a lot of yam haters out there, but truth is they are by far the most reliable and with riding seasons so short why take a chance on something that may or may not have issues.

And here we go....

Remember, we are all azzholes with opinions. LOL.

Thus is where I just flip a coin

I rode in -20 multiple times this year with an open face helmet and a mid-height windshield without issue. Key is a good balaclava (Klim!) and a good goggle/helmet fitment. I'm running a 509 Carbon helmet with Castle goggles...which for SOME reason fit better than the 509 Aviator goggles I have!

As for reliability...few sleds can touch the 1200 Doo over the past couple years. I have a bunch of friends with them...we all love them.

Ski-Doo all the way. I actually work for a powersports dealer here in OH. Yamaha is very reliable hands down. But if you want to do any kind of technical riding the doo is so much more nimble in tight spots. I sell both manufacturers and my biggest ***** about the Yamaha is they are just heavy sleds. I ride hard through the trails and like to get out and play in some deep snow and with my doo I can throw it around when ever and where ever I want with plenty of two stroke power!

with the snow check program you can get an extra year of warranty taking it to 4 years witch is awesome or a couple of other options if you want.

My 800 XRS, just sno checked a 2015.....is there anything else?

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Ski-doo - Light, nimble, reliable (don't listen to Yamaha guys)highest resale value (its not even close), best suspension period, most accessories, parts channel, easy to move when you are done with it. A few clutch mods, studs, and a gear will have an etec 800 walking everything you race, and pulling your arms corner to corner.

Polaris would be a close second for my riding style, but the resale on a Polaris scares me. They are hard to sell, and for little money.

A/C- not even an option for me. However for lake racing the 1100 turbo is hard to beat. Just make sure you Loctite everything when you take delivery. AC under engineers their fasteners.

Yamaha- Maybe in Minnesota, where the trails are paved and 24 hr groomed. But not for tight, bumpy, curvy trails. The engine will run forever, but so will my Massey Ferguson tractor, doesn't mean it is fun! The Yamaha/ AC Viper is down on power for the market it is chasing.....but I like the direction!

Doo is dialed i buy a new 800 etex 137 track every year ( average 4k in miles no problems ) The 2014 800 etec with a 137 track will eat any 4 stroke alive on the trails , 3 of my buddies went from the 4 stroke back to the 2 stroke after riding mine. no comparison on the trails plus MAJOR weight savings adds up on a 400 mile day . My last 3 sleds i oil/gas/grease and run the piss out of it with no problems . I rode artic crap for 10 years before switching over.

It does all depend on your riding style. I ride alot of Canada and open running trails, and I can tell you that no 800 Ski Doo is keepeing up with my Turbo. It is even great in the tighter trails. All kinds of sleds are made for all the different riders out there. Trying them and seeing which one fits best is the way to go, but without that option it can be tough. 4 strokes are gaining a larger part of the market. Even Ski Doo came out with a 3rd 4 stroke engine last year. 4 strokes also hold their value very well. I love the performance, mileage and ease of the 4 stroke. If riding a lot of tight trails, than a lighter 2 stoke might be in order.

I just bought a Yamaha Nitro and I LOVE it. I would never go back to a 2 stroke. Yes it's a little heavier but I'm very pleased with the suspension and the power is great. It has 135 hp and gets up & goes. I really like the riding position too. I took it to the trails several times this winter and it performed great. My whole thing is reliability and with Yamaha, you can't beat it.

You are correct about riding them all, everyone has a different style. I have a motocross back ground, so my style is different than most. If I rode Canada I would be on an 1100 turbo, no question. But for the same I do most of my riding in southern tug hill and tug hill, the turbo doesn't have a chance against my XRS in that area, even an RR version. You should really try a skidoo R-motion suspension with the KYB-40 shocks. There is not a bump or whoop on the trail that will make you slow down. Full throttle acceleration and hard breaking through huge bumps and the sled still tracks straight.

The skidoo 1200 4 stroke in stock form is a turd. And all four strokes still suffer from balance and transfer issues compared to a 2 stroke in bumpy trails,

I too rode motocross for years and even had a supercross track built on my property. Maybe that is why I like nicer trails now! lol My body went through it enough then! I am a big guy 6'6" and 260lbs so the weight of the Turbo I like. I can throw it around and it takes the abuse when I ride it hard in the messy stuff. Then when on the lake it has some incredible legs....

On a side note, I plan on maybe trying to have the boat poker run on Sacandaga again this summer. I will let you know if I do. You should get some boats together and come out to our pond with or without the run.

I am with on the 1100 turbo, yea its a heavier sled due to the engine, but in the procoross chassis it handles lighter than it is, it is great in the tight twisties and has incredibly legs for straights, I have yet in all my 3,800 miles I put on this chassis have had some one in a lighter 2 stroke get close enough and attempt to pass, and 75% or more of my riding is tight trails.
I rode the Yamaha Viper like I said, and I think its an awesome set up, but after spending time on the 1100 turbo which will stretch your arms at any speed when you hit the throttle, I found the Viper to be a bit more laxed on the climb from 50 mph up, which if I didn't spend so much time in the 1100 turbo I may not of even noticed.
It seems some will tell you what not to buy with out any experience the the model.

I agree with the light feel. It doesn't feel as heavy as it is in the procross chassis and people are surprised when they can't catch me in the twisties either. I had a 2011 Turbo as well and it did feel heavier in the trails, but this Procross chassis is completely different. I have the non turbo version as well for the girlfriend - spare and it is a great sled, but nothing earth shattering to ride. Mine does have the Turbo Dynamics program etc in it and so far I love it (3500 miles). Nothing like feeling the pull of a boosted 4 stroke. And it is very nimble in the trails as well. I have had F8's, D&D F1000's, etc.. and after riding this Turbo would not go back to a 2 stroke for my main sled. My buddy has the new Viper (a yamaha guy) and he rode mine this winter and he already spring ordered a new Turbo for next year. He still swears at me for having him try my sled. He said he was very happy with his until he tried mine. lol

He has face helmet (BRP Modular). The problem is the windshield is SO low that with wind from it hits you right smack dab in the center of your chest and up. Between the wind coming up threw the bottom of the helmet and where ever else it is coming in his left cheek got bit.

Compaired to mine 04 (04-05)Renegade the wind from the whield lands right around the center of my helmet.
When is it 32 degrees and frezzing rain we had a problem with icing in Hurley, Wi this year :lolhit: . Went 5 maybe 10 miles after the first bar(Mercer) and said F*** that lets sit in the bar till it turns to snow. Couldn't see crap threw our shelds

doo all the way, there is a reason there is alotta yellow out there!

Your right. There are more Chevy cavaliers out there than Ferraris so guess I should get rid of the Ferrari and get a cavalier. I will also get rid of the Rolex and get me a timex. It must be better.

lol, I guess the same logic does not always apply, thanks evil!

You are opinionated !

We all know Polaris rules !

ha,ha,ha,ha,ha - joking.....kind of...lol.

BTW: I'd love to have 1100 Turbo and 800 Pro-R !

Just like I'd love to have a 31 DCB Widebody, a 50ft Cig, a big toon, and a small CC.

No vehicle does it all.....most of us get what makes us most happy within our budget.

That depends on where we ride (boats or sleds) and what means most to us.

If you're only considering skidoo and yamaha, I would buy a skidoo this year due to the fact that they redesigned the front suspension and r-motion rear suspension is fantastic. I just sold my 2012 XRS this year. I also am a die-hard yamaha guy and my good friend who owns a dealership told me when they merged with arctic cat, yamaha promised them new models within four to five years. I have a feeling yamaha will be coming out with a new model in 2016. But, if you plan on keeping the snowmobile for ten years, you can't go wrong with the viper. But if you're like myself and you get a new sled every two or three years, I would buy the skidoo this year. Happy shopping!

Bryan

Snotrax TV rated the Arctic Cat Eltigre sled of the year, which is the procross chassis same as the Yamaha Viper.

http://www.snowtraxtv.com/videoportal/index.asp?id=29

Everything has a purpose and everyone likes things for different reasons.... Just because you drive a Prius I won't hold it against you... Well sorta.. lol

Why u picking on my tow vehicle!!! :lolhit:

I was giving you the benefit of the doubt... I actually thought you were driving an old pacer....

lmao

Love it. A sled topic on a boating forum. Sledding in B.C. Is unreal. Sooooo many places to go. I would recommend the new Skidoo T3 163. Ride a 13 XM 154 with a Silber Turbo. Ya!!!