It’s been four model years since Yamaha and Arctic Cat entered into a manufacturer’s agreement to share engine and chassis technology.
We think it might be time for a freshening of the Viper to keep the burners hot and buyers interested in getting into Yamaha showrooms.
So, do we think the Viper will get any updates for 2018? Well, with the blockbuster release of the SideWinder this year, we can’t help but think some of its technology might transfer over to the Viper.
Here are some possibilities:
First, The Viper needs to use new bodywork with the easy-remove panels the SideWinder has (but not necessarily the exact copy of the S-Winder).
Next, now that Yamaha has developed a roller secondary for the SideWinder, it needs to be used on the Viper – and what a performance difference it would make!
Finally, the Viper should get Yamaha’s YCCT electronic throttle control used on the Vector the last two years.
The above three upgrades would breathe fresh life into the Viper and put the spotlight on what has become Yamaha’s biggest seller.
