a) I meant it "only" address the power issue...not that it "barely" addresses the power issue....to clarify that. I.E. weight, handling, engine braking, inability to roll-over, etc are all still notable outstanding issues regardless of the turbo kit.
b) Kinda using "boosted" as a catch-all there. Isn't that $2K turbo kit fairly modest in its boost and hp levels/capabilities? That's the impression I was under....maybe I'm wrong. If relatively modest, does it actually overcome the extra weight for the power/weight ratio to be comparable/superior to the 2S? Honest question....I don't know.
c) Even if it squeeks out a power advantage over a 2S....does that make it an overall better choice/package? Particularly if devoting said $2K to spend improving your 2S? Realistically more like a $2,500 to $3K difference....as there IS a $300-$500 MSRP premium for a Viper 162 (depending on model) vs a Pro 163...plus the turbo kit....plus you can't really ride one in the mountains safely without a rollover kit.
SORRY!
My Bad.
Misunderstood what you were saying.
Yes, the 2K boost kit is pretty modest, I think they aim for 6lbs ?
But its not much work to run those numbers up higher if someone wanted to. The base kit is easily expandable if someone wants to run 10lbs without doing any engine mods.
Your honest question:
Does the added power OVERCOME the weight?
I don't think it does yet.
I think it makes a HUGE difference in leveling the playing field.
Without boost, you have a "heavy" 700cc equivalent sled.
With Boost you have a sled,
with the right rider, that should be able to go toe to toe with the Pro or XM.
I think my experience last winter on the forum ride at Togwotee is very illustrative of what we are talking about.
My son (22yrs old) and I both ride boosted Nytros.
On the last forum ride his sled was down hard with a punctured heat exchanger, which for a Nytro required a major teardown of the whole sled.
So I got him a 2014 Ski-Do XM to ride for the weekend.
My Son suffers from a spinal condition called "Scheurman's Kyphosis" which causes a curvature of his spine. As a result at the end of along hard day of riding,
he HURTS sometimes almost to the point of being debilitated the next day or two.
His comment at Togwotee after spending the day on the XM was that he "
Hurt Less".
Not that he was suddenly able to do things and go places he couldn't on the boosted Nytro, but that it took less effort, which meant that his back hurt less.
And I think that is the real key on the total weight issue.
The right rider with the right body size and muscle makeup can make the 4-strokes do amazing things. But it requires MORE EFFORT. the lighter 2-stroke does the same thing, but requires LESS EFFORT to achieve it.
