Bender Racing SXViper Single Exhaust

The Yamaha SXViper is one of the quietest two-stroke snowmobiles ever built by anyone, and 2004 brought us the addition of the detonation control system (DCS) to the super-smooth 700 triple. About the biggest complaint was the lack of power for a 700 two-stroke, and the nose-heavy nature of the SXViper when compared to the likes of an XC, REV or Firecat.
We turned to Bender Racing for a quick and easy method of getting rid of some weight, adding some power, and giving the Viper more of a sound without making it loud. We were very picky in this regard, we wanted to keep it quiet.
The Bender single exhaust consists of a lightweight “Viper 4x4 Single” pipe and a “Power Pack QST” canister silencer of good volume, helping to make this one of the quietest aftermarket exhaust systems we’ve ever used. Installation is neat and clean, with good fit and adequate support. The silencer has a durable nickel plating that resists rust and corrosion, and the single pipe comes in hi-temp black.
Overall we measured a weight loss of over 11 pounds, with slightly more than three pounds of reduction from the single pipe and just over eight pounds less on the silencer alone! On the dyno there was at most a couple of horse difference up top, nothing huge but we really didn’t expect much in terms of peak power changes.
In the field, and more noticeable, was a quicker accelerating engine, with more of a performance difference through the midrange than up on top end. Corner to corner acceleration was where you felt it most. The noise level was louder than stock, but it should be right there at the 78 dB limit; it is for sure quieter than many OEM stock sleds of ‘97-‘98 vintage. If this Viper is too loud, then so are a large number of stock sleds from a few years ago. We rode it in Wisconsin and never got a second glance. The exhaust just sounds better, not too loud with a sweet note that lets you know there’s an engine in there.
This system does not have the aluminum pipe shield found on the stock pipe, so it does act “cold” for a short while until the pipe temperature stabilizes. Nothing to worry about, but it’s not like you can fire it up and have the exact same consistency as the stocker. Clutching changes required are minimal, as the power is so very close to stock, a bit more flyweight should be added or a complete clutch kit to complete the package.
Jetting changes are also minimal, if needed at all. We performed air correction rather than mess with the three carbs, opening up the intake until the DCS light came on, so we knew we were on the edge. It really ran great right on that edge, and the DCS would flash anytime we entered the world of detonation so we could ride in confidence. The stock Viper is over-fueled, so you’ll get better performance by following the included instructions.
Bottom line, you reduce the weight by over 11 pounds, the sound quality isn’t as docile as stock, and there is a modest performance improvement. If more power is what you want, then consider Bender’s awesome set of triple pipes (+30 HP) for the Viper, but then you’re back to the noise issue again due to the small silencers used on the triple pipes.
The Bender Racing Single Pipe Exhaust system sells for $310, and the Power Pak QST silencer goes for $250. Either of these products can be used by themselves with the remaining stock component, or be installed together as we did. Also consider their clutching packages designed for this set-up, as well as other modifications they’ve found to work well in combination with this system. Contact Bender Racing at their new location by calling 585-937-6829 or visit their on-line ordering at www.benderracing.com