2006 Apex XTX +

[VX1R]

I wanted to share my experience this season with my '06 Apex GT that's been transformed into my own version of an XTX. Since this sled is the first year of the Apex based platform it doesn't have the lastest and greatest features like EPS and EXUP but it does show that with some mods to an older sled you can still have some fun on the slightly older iron.

Here's a list of some of the changes that have been made to the sled:

1. Pioneer Performance Front Wideing Kit. I installed this kit a few years ago. It increases the ski stance from the stock 42" out to 45". It's also about 3 lbs. lighter than the stock A-arms. I'm not sure if Pioneer still has these kits available or not, but it really has made a difference in improving the handling on the sled. You can rail the corners and the added straight line stability at high speeds in nice. I've had zero problems with this kit. Also running a 13mm sway bar.

2. Fox Float X Evol Shocks. I had these custom built a few years ago before Fox had these shocks available for the Apexes. I've since upgraded them with the Kashima coated bodies. With the clicker adjustable low and high speed compresssion damping and the clicker adjustable rebound damping you can really fine tune these shocks. Being able to adjust the air pressure in both the main and evol chamber gives you even greater fine tuning adjustability. I'm very pleased with the ride quallity of these shocks. They are extremely plush feeling and still offer great control and handling.

3. Slydog Trail Skis and Bergstrom 8" Triple Point Carbides. I've had great handling results with these skis and carbides. I also have shimmed the skis to provide a neutral front/rear balance and run the Bergstrom ski savers. With some fine tuning of both the front and rear suspension you can have great front end bite with minimal ski pressure. My shoulders don't hurt afer a brisk paced 200 mile day due to the light steering effort.

4. Yamaha XTX 144" Skid. I really like what the 144" length does for the Apex. The increase in traction gives great acceleration along with bridging the bumps. I've installed the Dupont hyfax along with swapping out the stock wheels with Excell wheels and also added a additional set of small wheels at the front bend of the rails. I also added some extra wheels behind the rear bump stops. So far the hyfax wear has been very minimal and even this season along the whole length of the rails. I did notice that some TY members were having some problems with limiter straps breaking on both the Nytro and Apex XTX skids. I doubled up the limiter straps according to another members advice and haven't had a problem. I keep on eye on the limiters before every ride and so far I haven't seen any signs of wear or breakage on them.

5. Ohlins 46PRX shocks on skid. I got these from TY member Bjowett. They have clicker adjustable low and high speed compression damping along with clicker adjustable rebound damping. I really like the adjustability to fine tune the ride as conditions change along with no shock fade. I also replaced the rear stock torsion springs with some titanium springs that I had on another Yamaha torsion style skid. This spring has a higher rating than the stock spring and has worked out great with this shock/skid set up. I also replaced the torsion spring adjuster block with a billet X-Click adjuster that has 4 positions to set preload vs. the stock plastic 3 position adjuster block to fine tune the preload.

6. Star Suspension XTX Linkage Kit and Star Rear Shock Pull Rods. This kit has really improved the weight transfer of the XTX skid along with greatly improving the stutter bump compliance. It has also helped eliminate most of the rear sag issues that the XTX skid is known for. I really like the transfer with this kit when accelerating and also the rear to front transfer when lifting the throttle for some extra ski bite coming into a corner. By adjusting the air pressure in the Fox shocks to allow the a-arms to be slightly higher than parallel with the ground the steering and handling has greatly improved with no loss in comfort. The Star rear shock pull rods are nice and beefy and are a nice replacement for the stock steel rods.

7. Camoplast 1.5" Lug Crossover Track. I installed this track over the stock 1.25" Ripsaw that comes with the XTX. I chose this track after reading some reviews from fellow TY members. I don't run studs and in the conditions that I ride in, mosty hardpack with some off trail it has been a excellent track choice for this sled. Absolutely no tailwagging or fishtailing on a high speed hardpack or loose straight stretch and awesome grip on acceleration. You still need to watch yourself in icy conditions but I love this track for most every condition.

8. Muffinworks 144 Tunnel Extension. I've worked with Jason at Muffinworks on a few other extensions in the past and their extensions always fit perfectly and look nicer than the stock Yamaha extensions. They also use a thicker gauge aluminum than the stock extension for extra strength.

9. Heel Clicker 2-Speed Weights. This is the first year that I've tried these weights and I'm extremely impressed with them. Thanks to some fellow TY members who posted some of their set ups using these weights I was able to get them fine tuned for this sled with minimal tuning. With my current set up it's got a nice low engagement speed with awesome acceleration and top end pull. There is a very noticeable change in the performance of the sled with these weights compared to the stock clutch set up. I've found a 23/40 gearing ratio to be perfect for my set up.

10. Yamaha Tunnel Support Brackets. These really help strenghten the tunnel/running boards from flexing. Some older Apexes have developed problems with heat exchanger cracking do to running board flex and these brackets totally eliminate the flex that causes the cracks. They also have some needed added traction grips on the running boards.

Everyone has there own likes and dislikes in what kind of skid and track length is best for them in the conditions that they ride in. Some will like the scapel like handling of a 121" or 128" Apex with the mono skid, and the plushness that the mono skid will give. My wife drives a 136" Apex with a mono skid that has a Ohlins shock with the PDS mod. That skid can be set up for a super plush ride. We've been tuning on that sled for years and it's hard to beat it for a super smooth ride.

The 144" XTX skid will be slightly firmer than the mono skid from my experience, but can give some extra benefits that the mono skid can't give lilke bridging the bumps better and some extra control when the speeds get higher, in addition to the extra traction and floatation. You're going to give up some of the razor sharp handling, but in my humble opinion it's hard to beat the complete package that a Apex XTX delivers, especially with a few other mods to the sled/skid. I love this motor/skid combo. Kudos to Yamaha for coming up with the XTX Apex package.

Here's a few pics of how the sled turned out:

 

[yamadog1]

sled

looks great you must enjoy working on them, you are the man in my book. you must of spent a ton of money. you only live once so giver, good job VX1R.

 

[APEX 06]

Very nice looking sled great job

 

[icebreaker]

I have a question about the star upgrade set up. I struggle with to much weight transfer on my xtx even at the minimum setting on the transfer rods and tightened up limiter strap. I am afraid if I go with this set up I might have to much transfer for my liking. I drive on very hard pack trails witch this sled really hooks up and that makes it ski lift to much especially on throttle. I have it where I like it now but I am looking for improved ride buy using the star setup but worry about to much transfer.

 

[VX1R]

I have a question about the star upgrade set up. I struggle with to much weight transfer on my xtx even at the minimum setting on the transfer rods and tightened up limiter strap. I am afraid if I go with this set up I might have to much transfer for my liking. I drive on very hard pack trails witch this sled really hooks up and that makes it ski lift to much especially on throttle. I have it where I like it now but I am looking for improved ride buy using the star setup but worry about to much transfer.

Sorry I hadn't replied any sooner but I've been out riding with my wife the last week and just saw your question about the Star kit and weight transfer on the XTX skid.

I installed the Star Kit right from the start with this XTX skid so I don't have any experience riding my sled without the kit. What I can tell you is the reason that I installed the kit was because the two Apex XTX's that I had a chance to ride didn't seem to have the transfer that I wanted. Both sleds had stock tracks without any studs.

The Star kit gives me just the right amount of transfer that I was looking for even with the limiter strap set in the longest position. With the Ohlin's shock set up in my skid along with the ride improvement of the Star kit I couldn't be happier with the ride and handling.

From what you've described with the weight transfer on your XTX at your current settings I don't think that you would be happy with the Star kit, as it's only going to give you more transfer. Is your track studded? When you mentioned that you're getting too much ski lift now under throttle is it happening when you hole shot to start out or lifting coming out of a corner, or both? Neither one of the stock Apex XTX's that I drove last year did this. It sounds like you've made the correct adjustments to decrease the weight transfer on your skid.

The set up instructions with the Star kit recommend that you lower the spring tension on the ski shocks to a minimum preload to lower the front for better handling. I've been able to really dial in the handling with the Fox ski shocks on my sled, but the same should be easily done with the stock shocks by adjusting the spring tension.

 

[CaptCaper]

Were did you get the skid ? will it bolt right in?

 

[VX1R]

Were did you get the skid ? will it bolt right in?

I picked up a brand new take off skid from someone who was installing a different skid in their XTX. It's not a direct bolt in as it does require different mounting positions in the tunnel. The stock tunnel mounting plates have to be removed and replaced with the XTX mounting plates. It's not a very difficult DIY project to tackle. If you're thinking of installing a XTX skid in your Apex I could provide you with some tips and measurements if you find a skid to use.

 

[CaptCaper]

Thanks...If and when I find a skid.

 

[Scooter02]

The two VX1Rs are my favorite sleds, especially the red one. I wish I could build one half as cool.

 

[VX1R]

Thanks Scooter02. I kind of like the red one too, but my wife still likes her blue version with the 136" Ohliln's mono skid.

It's tough to beat the Apex motor in whatever flavor you like. Short track, long track, no other motor can compare.

Vroom vroom.

 

[JJ racing]

I wanted to share my experience this season with my '06 Apex GT that's been transformed into my own version of an XTX. Since this sled is the first year of the Apex based platform it doesn't have the lastest and greatest features like EPS and EXUP but it does show that with some mods to an older sled you can still have some fun on the slightly older iron.

Here's a list of some of the changes that have been made to the sled:

1. Pioneer Performance Front Wideing Kit. I installed this kit a few years ago. It increases the ski stance from the stock 42" out to 45". It's also about 3 lbs. lighter than the stock A-arms. I'm not sure if Pioneer still has these kits available or not, but it really has made a difference in improving the handling on the sled. You can rail the corners and the added straight line stability at high speeds in nice. I've had zero problems with this kit. Also running a 13mm sway bar.

2. Fox Float X Evol Shocks. I had these custom built a few years ago before Fox had these shocks available for the Apexes. I've since upgraded them with the Kashima coated bodies. With the clicker adjustable low and high speed compresssion damping and the clicker adjustable rebound damping you can really fine tune these shocks. Being able to adjust the air pressure in both the main and evol chamber gives you even greater fine tuning adjustability. I'm very pleased with the ride quallity of these shocks. They are extremely plush feeling and still offer great control and handling.

3. Slydog Trail Skis and Bergstrom 8" Triple Point Carbides. I've had great handling results with these skis and carbides. I also have shimmed the skis to provide a neutral front/rear balance and run the Bergstrom ski savers. With some fine tuning of both the front and rear suspension you can have great front end bite with minimal ski pressure. My shoulders don't hurt afer a brisk paced 200 mile day due to the light steering effort.

4. Yamaha XTX 144" Skid. I really like what the 144" length does for the Apex. The increase in traction gives great acceleration along with bridging the bumps. I've installed the Dupont hyfax along with swapping out the stock wheels with Excell wheels and also added a additional set of small wheels at the front bend of the rails. I also added some extra wheels behind the rear bump stops. So far the hyfax wear has been very minimal and even this season along the whole length of the rails. I did notice that some TY members were having some problems with limiter straps breaking on both the Nytro and Apex XTX skids. I doubled up the limiter straps according to another members advice and haven't had a problem. I keep on eye on the limiters before every ride and so far I haven't seen any signs of wear or breakage on them.

5. Ohlins 46PRX shocks on skid. I got these from TY member Bjowett. They have clicker adjustable low and high speed compression damping along with clicker adjustable rebound damping. I really like the adjustability to fine tune the ride as conditions change along with no shock fade. I also replaced the rear stock torsion springs with some titanium springs that I had on another Yamaha torsion style skid. This spring has a higher rating than the stock spring and has worked out great with this shock/skid set up. I also replaced the torsion spring adjuster block with a billet X-Click adjuster that has 4 positions to set preload vs. the stock plastic 3 position adjuster block to fine tune the preload.

6. Star Suspension XTX Linkage Kit and Star Rear Shock Pull Rods. This kit has really improved the weight transfer of the XTX skid along with greatly improving the stutter bump compliance. It has also helped eliminate most of the rear sag issues that the XTX skid is known for. I really like the transfer with this kit when accelerating and also the rear to front transfer when lifting the throttle for some extra ski bite coming into a corner. By adjusting the air pressure in the Fox shocks to allow the a-arms to be slightly higher than parallel with the ground the steering and handling has greatly improved with no loss in comfort. The Star rear shock pull rods are nice and beefy and are a nice replacement for the stock steel rods.

7. Camoplast 1.5" Lug Crossover Track. I installed this track over the stock 1.25" Ripsaw that comes with the XTX. I chose this track after reading some reviews from fellow TY members. I don't run studs and in the conditions that I ride in, mosty hardpack with some off trail it has been a excellent track choice for this sled. Absolutely no tailwagging or fishtailing on a high speed hardpack or loose straight stretch and awesome grip on acceleration. You still need to watch yourself in icy conditions but I love this track for most every condition.

8. Muffinworks 144 Tunnel Extension. I've worked with Jason at Muffinworks on a few other extensions in the past and their extensions always fit perfectly and look nicer than the stock Yamaha extensions. They also use a thicker gauge aluminum than the stock extension for extra strength.

9. Heel Clicker 2-Speed Weights. This is the first year that I've tried these weights and I'm extremely impressed with them. Thanks to some fellow TY members who posted some of their set ups using these weights I was able to get them fine tuned for this sled with minimal tuning. With my current set up it's got a nice low engagement speed with awesome acceleration and top end pull. There is a very noticeable change in the performance of the sled with these weights compared to the stock clutch set up. I've found a 23/40 gearing ratio to be perfect for my set up.

10. Yamaha Tunnel Support Brackets. These really help strenghten the tunnel/running boards from flexing. Some older Apexes have developed problems with heat exchanger cracking do to running board flex and these brackets totally eliminate the flex that causes the cracks. They also have some needed added traction grips on the running boards.

Everyone has there own likes and dislikes in what kind of skid and track length is best for them in the conditions that they ride in. Some will like the scapel like handling of a 121" or 128" Apex with the mono skid, and the plushness that the mono skid will give. My wife drives a 136" Apex with a mono skid that has a Ohlins shock with the PDS mod. That skid can be set up for a super plush ride. We've been tuning on that sled for years and it's hard to beat it for a super smooth ride.

The 144" XTX skid will be slightly firmer than the mono skid from my experience, but can give some extra benefits that the mono skid can't give lilke bridging the bumps better and some extra control when the speeds get higher, in addition to the extra traction and floatation. You're going to give up some of the razor sharp handling, but in my humble opinion it's hard to beat the complete package that a Apex XTX delivers, especially with a few other mods to the sled/skid. I love this motor/skid combo. Kudos to Yamaha for coming up with the XTX Apex package.

Here's a few pics of how the sled turned out:[/QUOTE

Thanks Scooter02. I kind of like the red one too, but my wife still likes her blue version with the 136" Ohliln's mono skid.

It's tough to beat the Apex motor in whatever flavor you like. Short track, long track, no other motor can compare.

Vroom vroom.

very Nice job... Im looking to install a xtx 144" on my 2007 apex.. Looking for tips on what you think.. CaN I USE the existing rear mount bracket of the 2007 and maybe change the front hole location? Thanks

 

[journeyman]

Great looking and one of a kind! Gotta love the detail!

 

[VX1R]

Wow, an old post still lives! Thanks guys. We're still driving and enjoying the VX1R's. It's hard to believe that these sleds are 10 years old. I still keep up with the maintenance every year and their good to go every season. We'll be up in the UP over Valentines weekend. Nothing beats romance like sledding!
Vroom vroom!

 

[Vector LTX GT 08]

I wanted to share my experience this season with my '06 Apex GT that's been transformed into my own version of an XTX. Since this sled is the first year of the Apex based platform it doesn't have the lastest and greatest features like EPS and EXUP but it does show that with some mods to an older sled you can still have some fun on the slightly older iron.

Here's a list of some of the changes that have been made to the sled:

1. Pioneer Performance Front Wideing Kit. I installed this kit a few years ago. It increases the ski stance from the stock 42" out to 45". It's also about 3 lbs. lighter than the stock A-arms. I'm not sure if Pioneer still has these kits available or not, but it really has made a difference in improving the handling on the sled. You can rail the corners and the added straight line stability at high speeds in nice. I've had zero problems with this kit. Also running a 13mm sway bar.

2. Fox Float X Evol Shocks. I had these custom built a few years ago before Fox had these shocks available for the Apexes. I've since upgraded them with the Kashima coated bodies. With the clicker adjustable low and high speed compresssion damping and the clicker adjustable rebound damping you can really fine tune these shocks. Being able to adjust the air pressure in both the main and evol chamber gives you even greater fine tuning adjustability. I'm very pleased with the ride quallity of these shocks. They are extremely plush feeling and still offer great control and handling.

3. Slydog Trail Skis and Bergstrom 8" Triple Point Carbides. I've had great handling results with these skis and carbides. I also have shimmed the skis to provide a neutral front/rear balance and run the Bergstrom ski savers. With some fine tuning of both the front and rear suspension you can have great front end bite with minimal ski pressure. My shoulders don't hurt afer a brisk paced 200 mile day due to the light steering effort.

4. Yamaha XTX 144" Skid. I really like what the 144" length does for the Apex. The increase in traction gives great acceleration along with bridging the bumps. I've installed the Dupont hyfax along with swapping out the stock wheels with Excell wheels and also added a additional set of small wheels at the front bend of the rails. I also added some extra wheels behind the rear bump stops. So far the hyfax wear has been very minimal and even this season along the whole length of the rails. I did notice that some TY members were having some problems with limiter straps breaking on both the Nytro and Apex XTX skids. I doubled up the limiter straps according to another members advice and haven't had a problem. I keep on eye on the limiters before every ride and so far I haven't seen any signs of wear or breakage on them.

5. Ohlins 46PRX shocks on skid. I got these from TY member Bjowett. They have clicker adjustable low and high speed compression damping along with clicker adjustable rebound damping. I really like the adjustability to fine tune the ride as conditions change along with no shock fade. I also replaced the rear stock torsion springs with some titanium springs that I had on another Yamaha torsion style skid. This spring has a higher rating than the stock spring and has worked out great with this shock/skid set up. I also replaced the torsion spring adjuster block with a billet X-Click adjuster that has 4 positions to set preload vs. the stock plastic 3 position adjuster block to fine tune the preload.

6. Star Suspension XTX Linkage Kit and Star Rear Shock Pull Rods. This kit has really improved the weight transfer of the XTX skid along with greatly improving the stutter bump compliance. It has also helped eliminate most of the rear sag issues that the XTX skid is known for. I really like the transfer with this kit when accelerating and also the rear to front transfer when lifting the throttle for some extra ski bite coming into a corner. By adjusting the air pressure in the Fox shocks to allow the a-arms to be slightly higher than parallel with the ground the steering and handling has greatly improved with no loss in comfort. The Star rear shock pull rods are nice and beefy and are a nice replacement for the stock steel rods.

7. Camoplast 1.5" Lug Crossover Track. I installed this track over the stock 1.25" Ripsaw that comes with the XTX. I chose this track after reading some reviews from fellow TY members. I don't run studs and in the conditions that I ride in, mosty hardpack with some off trail it has been a excellent track choice for this sled. Absolutely no tailwagging or fishtailing on a high speed hardpack or loose straight stretch and awesome grip on acceleration. You still need to watch yourself in icy conditions but I love this track for most every condition.

8. Muffinworks 144 Tunnel Extension. I've worked with Jason at Muffinworks on a few other extensions in the past and their extensions always fit perfectly and look nicer than the stock Yamaha extensions. They also use a thicker gauge aluminum than the stock extension for extra strength.

9. Heel Clicker 2-Speed Weights. This is the first year that I've tried these weights and I'm extremely impressed with them. Thanks to some fellow TY members who posted some of their set ups using these weights I was able to get them fine tuned for this sled with minimal tuning. With my current set up it's got a nice low engagement speed with awesome acceleration and top end pull. There is a very noticeable change in the performance of the sled with these weights compared to the stock clutch set up. I've found a 23/40 gearing ratio to be perfect for my set up.

10. Yamaha Tunnel Support Brackets. These really help strenghten the tunnel/running boards from flexing. Some older Apexes have developed problems with heat exchanger cracking do to running board flex and these brackets totally eliminate the flex that causes the cracks. They also have some needed added traction grips on the running boards.

Everyone has there own likes and dislikes in what kind of skid and track length is best for them in the conditions that they ride in. Some will like the scapel like handling of a 121" or 128" Apex with the mono skid, and the plushness that the mono skid will give. My wife drives a 136" Apex with a mono skid that has a Ohlins shock with the PDS mod. That skid can be set up for a super plush ride. We've been tuning on that sled for years and it's hard to beat it for a super smooth ride.

The 144" XTX skid will be slightly firmer than the mono skid from my experience, but can give some extra benefits that the mono skid can't give lilke bridging the bumps better and some extra control when the speeds get higher, in addition to the extra traction and floatation. You're going to give up some of the razor sharp handling, but in my humble opinion it's hard to beat the complete package that a Apex XTX delivers, especially with a few other mods to the sled/skid. I love this motor/skid combo. Kudos to Yamaha for coming up with the XTX Apex package.

Here's a few pics of how the sled turned out:

I was wondering, what xtx skid did you use? An apex xtx, or a nytro xtx? I have been thinking about this upgrade, and was wondering, what you had to do to make the xtx skid work. Like did you have to change the brackets in the tunnel? Thanks

 

[VX1R]

I was wondering, what xtx skid did you use? An apex xtx, or a nytro xtx? I have been thinking about this upgrade, and was wondering, what you had to do to make the xtx skid work. Like did you have to change the brackets in the tunnel? Thanks

I used a take off Nytro XTX skid. I'm pretty sure that either an Apex XTX or Nytro XTX skid will work the same, just different torsion springs and shocks.

It's been a few years since I did the skid swap. I know for sure that I had to change the rear arm mounting brackets to the XTX style brackets, and I'm pretty sure that I was able to use the stock mono skid front mounting plates but had to relocate them.
Overall it wasn't too difficult of a job. I really like the longer XTX skid in the Apex chassis.