woodynh
Newbie
Bought a 06 Apex GT end of last season. Before the snow hits I want to get it setup so I will be happy with it.
I just posted about the suspension and will be doing something there. So besides suspension what other improvements can people recommend. I don't need any more speed this is my trail sled. I got a Mach Z with a Crankshop 1100 for the lake.
From reading posts it seems I will need to do something with the skis. I got a pair of C&As in the garage. I am debating on whether I should put those on or just get some of the dartless add ons for the stock skis. Any input on this is appreciated.
Also thinking maybe a 12 mm or 13 mm stabilizer bar. Is this needed and recommended or are people happy with the stock bar? I have read about the 13mm stabilizer bar but is anybody running the 12 mm bar and like it better as a compromise?
Any other recommended improvements to make me happy with the sled?
Here is some information about my sleds and riding style so you have an idea of what I am hoping to get out of this sled. I have never ridden an Apex and have no idea what to expect other then what I have read on this forum.
I am coming off a Cat T660 ST last year which turned me on to the 4 stroke. It was a good all around sled but pushed way too much for my liking, was a little under powered and definately could not take a beating when the trails got rough. The previous 4 years I rode a REV 600 SDI and was very happy with that sled. I also during that time had a ZR 900 and ProX 700 for backup sleds. Loved the power and handling of the 900 but not the ride in the rough. The ProX was a good combination of a little bit of everything but relibility and gas mileage.
I ride mostly smaller trails on the weekends with a lot of moguls by the end of the day. I ride hard but don't beat the sled and myself to death. I am over 40 and can't take a beating like I use to.
Thanks for the input guys.
I just posted about the suspension and will be doing something there. So besides suspension what other improvements can people recommend. I don't need any more speed this is my trail sled. I got a Mach Z with a Crankshop 1100 for the lake.
From reading posts it seems I will need to do something with the skis. I got a pair of C&As in the garage. I am debating on whether I should put those on or just get some of the dartless add ons for the stock skis. Any input on this is appreciated.
Also thinking maybe a 12 mm or 13 mm stabilizer bar. Is this needed and recommended or are people happy with the stock bar? I have read about the 13mm stabilizer bar but is anybody running the 12 mm bar and like it better as a compromise?
Any other recommended improvements to make me happy with the sled?
Here is some information about my sleds and riding style so you have an idea of what I am hoping to get out of this sled. I have never ridden an Apex and have no idea what to expect other then what I have read on this forum.
I am coming off a Cat T660 ST last year which turned me on to the 4 stroke. It was a good all around sled but pushed way too much for my liking, was a little under powered and definately could not take a beating when the trails got rough. The previous 4 years I rode a REV 600 SDI and was very happy with that sled. I also during that time had a ZR 900 and ProX 700 for backup sleds. Loved the power and handling of the 900 but not the ride in the rough. The ProX was a good combination of a little bit of everything but relibility and gas mileage.
I ride mostly smaller trails on the weekends with a lot of moguls by the end of the day. I ride hard but don't beat the sled and myself to death. I am over 40 and can't take a beating like I use to.
Thanks for the input guys.
schmeg
Expert
Shime the aft side of the rubber grommets under the spindles to get the ski's to not put so much pressure on the fronts. Run some Shapers of Bergstoms for carbide, check ski alignment, Set track to 5/8ths sag, make sure belt is good, or install a new 8dn belt, clean sheaves, set the deflection, grease up the jackshaft bearing and driveshaft bearing, service chaincase, and check chain tension. Cut a slit in the dipstick rubber grommet between the channels so the chaincase vents properly. Set rear shock pre-load or sag.
Get the sled up to snuff, set it up well, then ride it before you spend a lot of cash. Then figure out what you want to improve, if anything. There are lots of things you can buy that will make differences, at a cost.
Get the sled up to snuff, set it up well, then ride it before you spend a lot of cash. Then figure out what you want to improve, if anything. There are lots of things you can buy that will make differences, at a cost.
tkuss
TY 4 Stroke Junkie
I would ditch the stock skis and put those C&A's on. I love my C&A's.
shanksyamaha
TY 4 Stroke Guru
I think all you really need to worry about is strengthening the suspension and installing those C&A skis. I also have not ridden my apex yet but I rode polaris for 16 years or so before I bought an 05 RX-1 and I will never go back. I ride long distances, sometimes alone late at night and I dont want to walk. I walked several times due to polaris failure. I walked once with my RX-1 due to rear suspension failure (the original 05 monoshock suspension was total junk. They strengthened it in 06 and its still not up to snuff)
I hate having down time during winter so I, like you, like to have everything setup before the season... do all the regular maintanance (fluids,slides,etc...) and ride her...
I hate having down time during winter so I, like you, like to have everything setup before the season... do all the regular maintanance (fluids,slides,etc...) and ride her...
JERSEYJOE
Expert
JUST MY 2 CENTS
Lots of good stuff here. I also have an 06 and here is what I did to make it a lot better. In stock form it will dart badly. If you are over 200 lbs I would send the rear shock to Pioneer and have him revalve it and install the next stiffer spring. Then install the 13 mm sway bar. Also take the tension off the front springs until the A Arms are parallel to the ground. Then pull up the limiter strap 1 hole. The Install shims in the rear of the ski saddle to take the weight off the front part of the ski. Look at your ski runners. If they are like 90% of stock Yamaha's the front portion of carbide is most likely flat while the rear portion is still sharp. There is too much weight bias on the front half of the ski. This causes the darting. If you do these things the sled will be transformed into a great sled. Not a ditch banger , but a sled you can ride all day without getting tired of trying to keep in on the trail and keep it from rolling in every corner.
Lots of good stuff here. I also have an 06 and here is what I did to make it a lot better. In stock form it will dart badly. If you are over 200 lbs I would send the rear shock to Pioneer and have him revalve it and install the next stiffer spring. Then install the 13 mm sway bar. Also take the tension off the front springs until the A Arms are parallel to the ground. Then pull up the limiter strap 1 hole. The Install shims in the rear of the ski saddle to take the weight off the front part of the ski. Look at your ski runners. If they are like 90% of stock Yamaha's the front portion of carbide is most likely flat while the rear portion is still sharp. There is too much weight bias on the front half of the ski. This causes the darting. If you do these things the sled will be transformed into a great sled. Not a ditch banger , but a sled you can ride all day without getting tired of trying to keep in on the trail and keep it from rolling in every corner.
trailmarker
Extreme
what jersey joe said was a good start. go up 2 sizes on the spring, get a pair of snowtrackers on your stock skies. get a wider ski if you do any off trail. one of the guys (welterracer?) has a suspension beef up kit...get it now before the snow flies ! check the posts for larger track wheels with replacable bearings. add in a few extra wheels(low snow) front and mid, there are posts on that also. make sure to zip tie your ec shock cable. add a 4th rear wheel. check all your rear suspension bolts frequently, mine loose up all the time and i blue lock tight them. the suspension is the week point
bwilly
Veteran
Love this site!!! This forum is why I just switched to Yammi, with confidence. Question though, I just bought a '09 Apex LTX GT. Are some of the above mods already done by Yamaha? The reason I ask is that I was checking into the ski shimming and according to the pics in the ski shimming post, mine seems OK. When sitting on the floor, the front of the carbides are about 3/8" up. Also, my A-arms are parallel with the floor. Sway bar, not sure.
snowbeast
TY 4 Stroke God
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apexgt 06
Look the suspension over carefully,the 06 gt had some updates done to it,but the most apparent thing is the stiffing of the rear suspension,and welding of any cracks if it has them,check at brian welter for beefing up that skid and powdercoating it,and send your rear elec shock out for a dulerate revalve job,i just did all three of mine,had carver performance do mine,i have the 07 apexgt,so not so differant than yours and my riding bud just sold his 06 apexgt w/9,000 miles on it and besides the skid breaking and the wire ripping out to the rear shock,they have a better way of routing it now,but do the revalve at least if the skid does not need any updating. I had my front gyts done so i would not have to add the extra stiff swaybar,as i have used them before and just does not completely fix the problem,just a band aid,much like just a bigger coil spring with out the revalve,as for the skis well i have had usi triple2,simmons,and stock,the stock are ok if you shim them and dont overdo it with carbide,or overstud the track,set up your transfer rod correctly and it will handle much better also,leave the limiter straps stock until you do some other things first,drop the top gear to the 23 attak gear and add some weight to the primary and you will love it.
Look the suspension over carefully,the 06 gt had some updates done to it,but the most apparent thing is the stiffing of the rear suspension,and welding of any cracks if it has them,check at brian welter for beefing up that skid and powdercoating it,and send your rear elec shock out for a dulerate revalve job,i just did all three of mine,had carver performance do mine,i have the 07 apexgt,so not so differant than yours and my riding bud just sold his 06 apexgt w/9,000 miles on it and besides the skid breaking and the wire ripping out to the rear shock,they have a better way of routing it now,but do the revalve at least if the skid does not need any updating. I had my front gyts done so i would not have to add the extra stiff swaybar,as i have used them before and just does not completely fix the problem,just a band aid,much like just a bigger coil spring with out the revalve,as for the skis well i have had usi triple2,simmons,and stock,the stock are ok if you shim them and dont overdo it with carbide,or overstud the track,set up your transfer rod correctly and it will handle much better also,leave the limiter straps stock until you do some other things first,drop the top gear to the 23 attak gear and add some weight to the primary and you will love it.
