10,000 Mile 2006 Apex ER Review

[Yamidave]

Well, I finally rolled the 10,000 miles mark on my 2006 Apex ER. This sled really is a blast to ride. Even after 10,000 miles the motor is still just as strong as the day I first rode her.

The throttle response still amazes me every time I let her rip. There is not enough good things to say about this motor. Not having to carry oil is a great thing. I average about two oil changes a year and they take me about 30 minutes to complete.

Things I have changed on the sled include:
13mm sway bar
Revalved mono shock with big boy spring
Heat Loc's for the hand warmers
Removed side panel bolts and replaced them with socket head bolt for easier access
ROX 2.5" riser
Skid plate

The Apex in my opinion has three major design flaws. Exhaust components (wear out quickly), rear suspension, and hand warmers (still cold on cold days, even with the Heat Loc's).

My riding style is extremely aggressive. No major jumps, just hard fast runs though the trail no matter how bumpy it gets. Yamaha knows (after Corey Davidson tried to run the mono), and I know this skid will not work for aggressive riders. So that leaves me between a rock and a hard place. I have broken many suspension components and will not even bother to get into what was replaced. I have a ZX2 on the way and hope to have my suspension issues solved.

This is the list of the major things I have had replaced and at what mileage:

4,599 Drive shaft bearing
4,864 Exhaust donuts and y pipes
6,530 New Predator track (stock Ripsaw wore out)
6,530 New chain
8,167 Muffler (developed a leak)
8,167 Drive shaft bearing
8,167 Secondary ramps
8,167 Primary sheaves
8,167, 9,000, 10,200 Rubber spacers on limiter strap rod
8,167 Front bushings replaced with Ulmer's kit
8,167 Front shocks rebuilt
8,167 Seat developed a small rip in the front right corner. Local upholstery shop repaired using the existing material
xxxx Track clips have been replaced 5 times. Twice on the Ripsaw and three times on the Predator.
8,900 Drive axle snapped in half
9,500 Right side headlight pod mount cracked in half
9,800 Exhaust donuts and y pipes
10,200 Snow flap and mounting bracket


I am still trying to get a set of skis dialed in. I have used USI Project X, Tripple Threats, and Slydog's race skis. I think I may end up going back to my Project X skis as they are VERY predictable skis and the only reason I changed was because of steering effort. You can go into a corner with these skis and know you will come out of it fast and sharp. All of my setup will change with the new skid I am sure. So I will start over.

I have had quite a bit of downtime with my sled. Most issues being suspension failures and I know I must contribute this to my riding style. Yamaha has stood behind their product and taken care of my issues. Y.E.S. is truly a great thing. I hope to keep this sled until I see the 20,000 mile mark before I sell it.

The sled, 3 years after it's release, still gets looks on the trail. It just looks and sounds awesome. People still come up to me and want to know about it.

Engine braking is not an issue. After learning to ride the sled you use the braking to your advantage.

Bottom line, there are issues with this sled that need attention yesterday. But, riding long days has never been more enjoyable and more exciting. Here is to another 10,000 miles!

My wife rides same sled, 10500 miles. Problem is the electric shock. Not working, has an open circuit somewhere. $2100 for new one! Really? Had shock for 06 attak rebuilt by performance plus in penn. any suggestions?

 

[Big Block Bill]

My wife rides same sled, 10500 miles. Problem is the electric shock. Not working, has an open circuit somewhere. $2100 for new one! Really? Had shock for 06 attak rebuilt by performance plus in penn. any suggestions?

Send it to Ohlins USA in Hendersonville, North Carolina. They just updated the electrical cap, resealed it, changed the oil and replaced the piston bands for $240.00
Bill

 

[sledhead700]

Awesome Machine, I ride a 2006 RTX, Basically all same issues as yours,routine maintenace in my eyes!
I have new issue at 12500 miles , Gravelly Shaft-Assy Bearing.
The bearing behind primary clutch is noisey and should be replaced.
Has anyone else experienced this, our am I one of the first?
Looking for any tips out there!

 

[CaptCaper]

I'd change the drive shaft as well since folks here had them snap at 10k miles...you can go oem for that year or get a kit or the parts to upgrade to the thicker/heavier ones yami now makes if you ride fast and hard.