07 Apex snapped steering stem?

[pokeyjoe]

I have (had) a 07 Apex RTX with 2600 miles on it. A couple months ago, while entering an easy right turn on a groomed trail, I noticed the handlebars were being pulled to the right but the skies stayed straight. I knew that wasn't good and as soon as I let off the gas, there was a "pop" in the handlebars and they went floppy. My hand hit the kill switch and since I didn't have anything to hold on to, I was launched off the sled and unfortunately into a tree. Luckily, I'll heal but my season is done. As for the sled... that's up in the air. The problem was the upper steering stem. Apparently, there is a cheesy bushing that the upper stem bracket is welded onto. The risers bolt onto that and, at least on my sled, there is only a quarter inch of the stem pipe that was actually solid to take the weight and force of steering the sled.

Has anyone had similar problems with their steering stem? Is this a serious problem that Yamaha should address or is mine one of the rare instances? I love Yamaha and the Apex but I don't want to see anyone hurt or killed over something like this.

 

[yamadog1]

part

i would think this is rare for this to happen with all the sleds out, but
i would call yamaha and send picture to them, if it's a problem we all should know. please do for everyone that rides yamaha.

 

[welterracer]

Freak accident..

Ive never heard of this happening before..

 

[yamaslob]

I would call yamaha for sure. Thats just scary

 

[nate007]

Please take this to your dealer, and ask that you be present when the area Yamaha rep looks at it.

 

[giddy up go]

I'm going out to check mine out in the morning. If you are thinking about parting it out P.M me.

 

[sxrjackson]

Was this sled ever rolled before this incident?any body ever try to straighten bars on the sled? Are you the orig. owner? I have repaired many apexs that have had the bars bent back,never seen one come apart like that one. Its never a good idea to straighten anything to do with steering componets always eror on the safe side and replace.

 

[pokeyjoe]

I am the original owner and took care of that sled better than myself. Never rolled or smucked and aside from the damage to the top during the accident, there's not a scratch on it. The only rides it has gone on were long hauls on groomed trails. Never off trail. I did notice that the handlebars were drifting to the right as compared to the skies early in the year but somehow it straightened itself out. Then snap! To me, that upper stem just seems way too weak for a sled of this size. I have taken it to a dealer and he doesn't know what to think so, as far as Yamaha is concerned, it's still under investigation. Maybe it's time to get a little pushy?

 

[KevinS]

I snapped mine off with my leg. Nosedived into a ditch and went over the top. My upper shin took out the steering post. snapped right off. Looks to be the same spot. Ripped off the gauge pod and windshield as well.

Kevin

 

[flyingpig]

Thanks for pointing this out! Everyone should check to make sure there are no cracks in theirs! Maybe a sticky warning should be posted for everyone to check this out!

 

[niko]

Wow i would think yamaha's alarm bells will be ringing over this one. Thats a part that should of been made out of chrome molly not mid steel.
I'll be remaking mine as soon as im back home in oz.
To have two snap like that is a bad sign!! Heads up guys and check your steering.

 

[niko]

Wow i would think yamaha's alarm bells will be ringing over this one. Thats a part that should of been made out of chrome molly not mid steel.
I'll be remaking mine as soon as im back home in oz.
To have two snap like that is a bad sign!! Heads up guys and check your steering.