2002 yamaha sxviper er

The industry seems to be spending more time and effort than usual time to bolster the image of the power cruiser class. Not to be left behind, Yamaha offers the Viper ER to the mix as a luxury-minded sled with top shelf performance.

Everything we liked about the blue Viper holds true for the red one. Its power package is smooth and quick. The whole drivetrain seems to be in tune with itself, delivering the kind of efficient acceleration that will keep the undersized and out-powered Viper competitive with the bigger 800 twin class in short bursts.

"The electric start and reverse on the red Viper worked as expected," commented Test Rider Doug Erickson. "I don't think that, aside from maybe a touch of performance at high speeds, there's really any noticeable difference in riding [between the blue and red Vipers].

So for those who want the comfort of having electric start and reverse, rest assured that the red Viper will please you and still handle like the blue one. You don't give up anything in ride and handling."

Like its blue counterpart, the Viper ER uses Yamaha's new Forced Air Induction system to pressurize the zone around the airbox at speed.

Yamaha reps tell us it is good for about three additional horsepower on top of the low to mid-120 hp the engine produces. Our recent dyno test on the new engine showed a fantastically broad torque plateau of 76 foot pounds from 7100 rpm up to 8300. That will allow consumers to get off then back on the power without skipping a beat. The sled is almost always running at its peak torque.

The SXViper ER lists at $7,599. It tips the scales at 509 factory pounds. By comparison, the blue Viper comes in 20 pounds and $200 lighter.