10,000 Mile 2006 Apex ER Review

[iasledder]

I reported on it earlier in this post, but for my riding the ZX2 has it nailed. I did find that the original suspension spring for my weight dressed, 195 lbs, was too stiff. Got the next softer spring from the factory, perfect for me. No bottoming in the G's and takes the studders like not there. Well you know they're there but not a problem. My SlyDogs help to soften the vibration from the studders as well, but believe the SLP Staightline on my wife's previous 600 Edge did better. Her sled that replaces the Edge, 600 IQ, is not as good as either the Edge or Apex. Actually the Edge was the best handling and I believe probably due to its ride height and lower center of gravity than the rider forward sleds. Granted the rider forward for most riding conditions is more comfortable, always compromises. The Mono was great on a flat groomed trail, big surprise.

 

[Grunter]

How did you find the Ulmer box?

 

[mdkuni]

How did you find the Ulmer box?

Seat of the pants is too hard to tell. She has a little more of a growl to her at lower speeds but I do not notice any gains especially without a side by side comparison. Not doubting Ulmer at all, it is just the gain with an air box mod is small enough that it will most likely not be felt.

 

[apex yooper]

problems

I would be ashamed to brag about having the problems some of you have had. I had had about the same experience at 9,000 miles that twins has had. Mostly normal maintenance, except for the donut problem.

I would switch brands if i
I had half the problems MD has had.

$3,000 in repairs is good??

 

[mr. shide]

I have rode nothing but yamaha's. I have had an rx-1 and a warrior and am now on an 02 viper. thinking of getting an apex/attak next year but after hearing all the crap that is breaking and going out on these sleds I'm having 2nd thoughts. Whats the deal, fit and finish and durability is supposed to be what yamaha is all about. my viper has 6,500 miles on it and I havent had near the problems you guys are having. I do a ton of prevent maint. so maybe that helps. I ride incredibly hard too. yeah Ive replaced a few bearings and idler wheels and a y-pipe but other than that the sled still runs and handles great. I could drop some coin and replace bushings and rebuild shocks I guess. But a driveshaft bearing going out twice in 8,500 miles, thats crap. I try and needle grease all the bearings I can get to. I dont know what to do as for my next sled??? guess I have a while to research it huh?!

 

[apex yooper]

Yami

shide,

Most of us have had hardly any problems. You can't go wrong.

 

[mr. shide]

thats good to hear, I want to stick with yamaha but am starting to become a little annoyed at the little flaws that they cant seem to get fixed. I'm gonna do a lot of research and keep an open mind. I really like the 15-17mpg, no oil, engine durability, etc!

 

[THKSNOW]

Quad & Mr. Shide & other 2-strokers on the "4-Stroke Fence":

First of all I have only 4,200 miles on my 06 Attak (2.2 seasons) - trouble free with the exception of some wheels. IMHO these sleds (4-strokes) are better built, more comfortable to ride and have LESS issues than ANY two-smoke generally speaking. After riding 10,000+ miles on my 2002 Viper, now after owning the Attak, I could NEVER go back to it, I'd quit riding if I had to ride the Viper again.

You don't hear from most (majority) of the 4-stroke owners on sites like this. Like me, they are not going to post a report "Nothing Wrong With My sled again this month... " Most of the owners who post are only reporting problems, they are NOT the majority and some are self admittingly VERY hard on their sleds. Also, when you are reading some of the complaints read between the lines: did they bring some (not all) of the problems on themselves by making major mods to there sleds? At your next trail stop ask the 4-stroke riders if the issues or maintenance on there sled is better or worse then their prior 2-strokes.

If and when you buy, look for a used sled that still has a warranty, if you buy new, buy the extra 4 years. Well worth it IF you happen to get a sled that does have issues.

With the miles you guys are piling up (Quad now at 10,000) you're gonna have to be looking at shelling out some ca$h soon, at least new rings and probably pistons too; otherwise run the risk of a burn down. A 4 -stroke with the same miles is just getting broke in...LOL

THKSNOW

 

[mdkuni]

This is how I look at it. If you are going to buy a Yamaha four stroke and not pound through moguls with it and ride smooth trails expect very little problems.

If you are going to use this sled to run moguls and put high mileage in those conditions then expect lots of problems. These sleds can not withstand the constant stress. Your exhaust and suspension will break on a regular basis and your hands will be cold while trying to fix it. On the bright side you will still have the monster power from the Genesis engine!

Why did Hondo not experience many problems? He is running SMOOTH Canada trails with nearly perfect conditions.

Why do I have and continue to have problems? I am running 6-12" moguls every weekend for hundreds of miles and the Apex's can not hold up to these conditions in stock form.

 

[apex yooper]

Kuni,

That's funny. How did a Venture run 10,000 miles with no major problems, and set a guiness word record for most miles in 2 months.

My 06 has over 9,000 miles with no problems except for normal maintenence, and cracked exhaust being the only problem. All the other brands were having major problems and recalls. Anyone that won't admitt that Yamaha has the most dependable sleds, is not paying attention.

 

[mdkuni]

Kuni,

That's funny. How did a Venture run 10,000 miles with no major problems, and set a guiness word record for most miles in 2 months.

My 06 has over 9,000 miles with no problems except for normal maintenence, and cracked exhaust being the only problem. All the other brands were having major problems and recalls. Anyone that won't admitt that Yamaha has the most dependable sleds, is not paying attention.

apex yooper, you have made the mistake of not reading my post correctly just as you have done in another thread.

If you are going to buy a Yamaha four stroke and not pound through moguls with it and ride smooth trails expect very little problems.

Why did Hondo not experience many problems? He is running SMOOTH Canada trails with nearly perfect conditions.

Please note the word NOT.

Please "pay attention" before posting.

One more thing. I never stated Yamaha was not dependable, I simply stated facts (backed by pages of posts on here). There are not many that bleed as blue as I do, you are disagreeing with the wrong guy. I still ride Yamaha for a reason.

 

[apex yooper]

Sorry kuni,
When you said suspension, and exhaust will break on a regular basis I just don't think this is accurate. It isn't that I didn't read it correctly. I have never heard anyone else say that.

You sound like you know how to set up a suspension for rough trails.

 

[mdkuni]

Sorry kuni,
When you said suspension, and exhaust will break on a regular basis I just don't think this is accurate. It isn't that I didn't read it correctly. I have never heard anyone else say that.

You sound like you know how to set up a suspension for rough trails.

Do a search. Again, I said exhaust and suspenion for those that ride beat up trails over long distances. No one can dispute that. The way you ride and the fact you live in the UP are two way different things compared to how I ride and where I live. I am sure we have two different definitions of rough trail. :exc:



Moving on.

 

[apex yooper]

Kuni,
Houghton Lake has rough trails?? I just talked to a rider today that was raving about the grooming there. The few times I've been there, I thought they were good.

I am in the youpee now, but I am almost your neighbor. I live in Marion. I would like to meet you in Leota some time. We could have a duel. LOL.

Email me some time when you can ride to Leota. Yooperone@copper.net

I'm retired, so I can ride anytime, unless I'm in Munising. I'll bring a tow rope, so I can pull you, when your suspension breaks.

I had breakfast with Buddah this morning.

Yooper

 

[Yamanator]

Kuni,
Houghton Lake has rough trails?? I just talked to a rider today that was raving about the grooming there. The few times I've been there, I thought they were good.

I am in the youpee now, but I am almost your neighbor. I live in Marion. I would like to meet you in Leota some time. We could have a duel. LOL.

Email me some time when you can ride to Leota. Yooperone@copper.net

I'm retired, so I can ride anytime, unless I'm in Munising. I'll bring a tow rope, so I can pull you, when your suspension breaks.

I had breakfast with Buddah this morning.

Yooper

Yooper, if you are who I think you are (first name Carston or Carson something like that) first off let me just say, if you want to duel MDKuni my money will be on him. This guy is 25 years old and weighs in at about 160 pounds and will hand you your ARSS..... I live in Houghton Lk on the weekends and ride with Mark and this boy flat out gets on with it in the trails. You would not be able to hang with him and that much I know for sure, so I will step up here and say for whatever amount you want to challenge him for on his piece of chit APEX WITH REAR SUSPENSION BREAKS, I will put up just to watch him rip you a new one. The reason I know this is because I have owned a place in Trout lk for 5 years and have now been in Houghton Lk for 5 years, and the trails you ride are like freaking glass compared to what we ride. You should know this coming from Marion, and by the way, how did I know your first name?
Because I am the guy who drove to your house and bought your 2000 SRX, REMEMBER ME, yeah I tried to talk to you a couple of times on here before and it was like you didn't have a clue as to who I was and you didn't have the time of day for me. Well, Kuni and I have the time for you, we can make it to Leota in about 30 minute's from my house in Prudenville and would love to meet you there, let me know how much, and when, and we will be there. By the way, I am riding my wifes 700SXR until I get my sled done, but would love to ride with an old retired guy such as yourself who rides flat trails all day long just to see if you could hang with my 45 year old 255 pound arss in the trails, DON'T THINK SOOOOOOOO.


Maybe before you tee off on someone you should ALWAYS reread their post, just so you don't misunderstand anything.




and if you are NOT Carson or Carston please disregard all of the above..