2021 Riot X review | Alpha skid on trail | Quick Drive

[@staticstang]

I actually prefer the vertical steering on my High Country compared to riding a buddies ZR. It’s a bunch of fun off trail. Now I gotta decide whether to buy the 21 Riot X or a new inline sled trailer. First world problems. Lol.

[@Revrider550]

I could see that! Its just a bigger difference than I expected kind of forgot about it until I got on the sled. Haha I hear ya! I've been in need of a new trailer as well for a long time but it's hard to give up the chance for a new sled for one.

[@ADVENTURESThisWay]

No Problem buddy! The Riot X is a different animal for sure, a learning curve for on trail riding BUT definitely be a blast off trail!!

[@williamvigneault1888]

You should still get decent cooling with a large track as long as you still have a full tunnel and/or snow flap. Slider wear will be quite a bit higher in those conditions though over your normal 1.25” trail track unless you run front and rear scratchers. Heavy front end is on most if not all Cat chassis including the Yamaha’s. Stems from spindle design. You can get 90• attachment plates for tie rods that loosen up steering significantly. (Brings the tie-rod further off the spindle giving you more leverage). Been waiting to see if this sled was trail-able or not though since it’s release, thank you for the video!! Lol enjoyed the watch. You can see it’s overall slightly more roll-like behaviour but nothing near to what I was expecting. As you say though - sway bars to do a lot for that.

[@jeffclasen2544]

I rode the red XCR there and was pretty impressed with it. Closest ride to my R XC.

[@turnerkoenigs9518]

Your gauge will tell you the number to if you hold the button.

[@KcYukon]

Would it do trails all day or just burn through sliders is the real question......?

[@imprezagm4]

I was torn between the 2021 riot x and the polaris sks. I ended up going with the sks mostly because my dealer was offering an additional discount as well as the 4 year standard warranty included.

[@Revrider550]

Cant blame ya. That's a tough deal to pass up. SKS should be awesome for you though. Super capable sled.

[@hike2]

Looks like yours was set up for off trail? Bet you would have been much more comfortable if you just got 24” of fresh powder!

[@hawki5120]

I know they claim it's a crossover but that looks like it would be way more fun in some deep powder. As far as the bars go that's going to personal preference more then a overall pro or con.

[@Revrider550]

Agreed. Seems like competition for the SKS 155 and Backcountry xrs 154 I'd be lying if I said I wasnt curious going into it how the Alpha skid would handle on trails though. Definitely livable. I agree I could easily see getting used to the vertical steering post and I'm sure it's a benefit off trail. This was just my first experience with it and it was a bigger difference than I had expected going into it.

[@hawki5120]

@@Revrider550 I wouldn't have been shocked if you said it was miserable on the trail so livable is kind of a win. Still if trail was what I primarily did I think I would look for something else. I really like your reviews.

[@dsm091]

How do you youngins stand on those trail sleds?

[@clarknawrocki9718]

If it doesn't overheat in those conditions you shouldn't have anything to worry about because it looks pretty warm those trails are in bad shape

[@jeffclasen2544]

I was there Saturday morning, was wondering if I was going to bump into you.

[@Revrider550]

Sorry I miss ya! I did my demo rides Friday hoping to beat the lines. The XCR is a fun machine! Always cool to see what the other brands have competition wise.

[@murdered1415]

What the name of the music playing towards the end when your looking at both sleds inside?

[@Revrider550]

Tell Me Something New (Tigerblood Jewel Remix)

[@807tv5]

Standing next to the Riot x 146 and the Alpha hardcore 154, did you really notice much of a difference in the chassis length? I want to get the riot x but cannot stand the full tunnel heat exchanger. The amount of ice build up is ridiculous on the tunnel and it wears/destroys your lugs once it freezes. Pretty much need to carry a rubber mallet around with you when riding.

[@Revrider550]

Yeah the Riot X seems significantly shorter even over a regular Riot. It looks more like a 141 length wise than a 146. I hear ya I've had a lot of ice build up on my riot over the season definitely seems like a big characteristic of these sleds.

[@steveneckels999]

Thinking about a Getting a Riot, just wondering if you think the steering is harder then Polaris?

[@Revrider550]

Steering effort is about the same with both sleds. The Riot does have a lot more feedback through the bars when hitting moguls, trail chatter, etc.

[@KotaBearTV]

Omg they brought the riot x!!!!

[@johnstjean1422]

Do you think it stable for jumping/wheeling and what top end speed do think this sled can do around 160k/km ?

[@Revrider550]

Wheeling yes but for jumping I'd be worried about bending the rail. I've seen some guys do it in the mountains and for typical crossover riding I imagine it would be even higher risk if you come up short in less snow. There is a stiffening kit for the alpha rail I believe so I'd look into that if you do plan to get one. I forgot to keep an eye on top speed so unfortunately I'm not sure on that. Mid range felt strong though!

[@807tv5]

Top speed will be roughly the same as the High Country's. It's 19/50 gearing so it will do roughly 80 mph.

[@Michael426]

You’re so lucky you have demo rides in your area, only one Polaris dealer does demo rides near me and We have dealers for all four. Kinda bullshit not how they charge so much for these machines and don’t push for dealers to have demo days. Not that it woulda changed my mind cause got must for my money with Polaris IMO but be nice for the option.

[@AceHardy]

📝

[@actionjack84]

ARE The Blast M Alpha and Riot X Alpha actually the same skid????

[@Revrider550]

Looks like there are some variations. I cant seem to find a definitive word on if they're the same. Length is the same mounting positions for the shocks look the same however the Riot X seems to have a cut out in the middle of the skid that the Blast does not.

[@billmustardproductions9443]

X is based on the Ascender chassis not the Blast one. The X is essentially a Hardcore with a different seat, tank, wider front and a swaybar. The base riot and X are so different that they really should have given the x a totally different name.

[@V842-i1s]

What day were you up?

[@Revrider550]

Friday and Saturday left Sunday morning. Trails got a little too chewed up Saturday to justify a ride Sunday for me.

[@V842-i1s]

Revrider550 on Saturday did you see the destroyed 900 turbo XRS

[@bryce8174]

Need to find a Yamaha demo ride

[@williamvigneault1888]

Bryce817 not enough units sold... super tough to find demo rides with yammy’s. Dealers can’t even get their mechanics and salesmen on demos and are limited to very very few numbers just due to their lack of sled sales compared to all other companies. Probably because if you can live with green, you can get the identical sled at Arctic Cat for $2,500-$6,000 cheaper. That being said you can also see exactly what the Yamahas would feel like if you jump on the Arctic Cat four strokes at their demo days and then if you like, go purchase a Yamaha if you’re brand loyal enough to spend that much more money. It’s sad opening a Yamaha up and seeing the Arctic Cat stamps everywhere. Heck, buy a Thundercat, replace the ski tips, snow flap and decals and you have yourself the worlds most inexpensive SRX!

[@bryce8174]

@@williamvigneault1888 I have a Yamaha Viper. Switching to Polaris after demo riding them

[@williamvigneault1888]

Bryce817 yeah they’re a nice ride. Just pay attention to front shocks and jack shaft bearings. Have heard of many people on demo sleds because they’ve blown a bearing or a shock that took a bunch of other shit out with it and are getting their sled fixed. I know they’ve all got their own issues I just get nervous of those with issues that can leave you on trail.

[@davethompson4995]

great content!

[@Revrider550]

Thank you!

[@Trooperx86]

I can't believe they are grooming that lol. the groomers in Michigan would be like nope

[@JoeTeer]

Grooming icy dirt 🤣