I went from '08 800r renegade to apex xtx. I think yamaha should have gone 4 inches instead of a 2 rise on the seat. Skis suck. darting is an issue don't let them fool you. Some people seem to put up with it, but I want zero darting. I tried shimming and old set of ski protectors from Bergstrom (where the hell is he anyway) and this improved the darting immensely. I put on a set of simmons skis and this sled is now a dream to ride. zero darting and as fast as you want in corners. no ski lift and the rear end will break away (just what I like).
The renegade is slightly better in the bumps at speed and off trail. the apex xtx is not an off trail machine but probably the best trail machine (properly set up) I weigh about 200. Throttle response is amazing. If you come across a rise or bump at any speed you just give the throttle a shot and the machine just flys over. At 25mph hitting the throttle on a bump will lift the front end as high as you want.
I would compare this sled to a formula race car. refined, high reving, and nimble. I only notice the weight difference (renegade to apex) if you have to manhandle the sled. I can pick the front end of a renegade with ease and almost broke my back on the apex. easily 150 to 200 lbs heavier. At the end of a couple 150 mile days I was not tired at all on the apex, although I do get tired of the constant engine drone. I will fix that with my ipod.
I just had first service (500 miles) and the cost was $300 (yikes). They want $150 just for an oil change that I will do myself now on. The other issue was studding the track. With everything I read on totally yamaha I had a prestudded track installed (ice ripper xt). this is the same as a 1.25 ripsaw but with about 300 studs embedded in the track lugs. I am sure regular studs would be fine but went with prestudded. the cost was about $250 more but worth it not to worry about damaging the expensive exhaust system.
So why did a buy an apex xtx
1. reliability (the engine on my 800R blew within 1000 miles - no reason. I have friends that are always worrying or repairs their 2 stroke engines)
2. power steering which has proved it to be amazing. Better feedback with the simmons skis on.
3. most powerful normally asperated 4 stroke. I did look at the AC's z1 turbo but there were just too many issues to me (not to mention the new f series is just fugly)
4. reliabilty. Did I already list this. Really, first tune-up at 40000 kms.
What I don't like
1. where they put the oil filter. I guess there is a kit to make it more accessable, but why didn't they just include this.
2. Crappy skis (no surprises there from what I have heard)
3. Engine drone. AC/DC will fix that.
4. Engine braking elimination. I have ridden older apexes and I like the engine braking. You don't want engine braking? don't let the throttle off completely! I seem to use the brakes constantly on this sled. The renegade had more engine braking. If you let the gas off completely when decending a steep hill the sled actually feels like hitting the brakes on glare ice in a car. I found if I keep the drive clutch engaged that this helps and provides a little engine brake. I am still experimenting.
5. No decent mirrors as accessories
6. Handlebars are too low for standup. Like most sleds you need to add a riser. I have started with a 2" rox riser as this is the most you can add without putting a longer throttle cable on. Have not tried yet.
7. quick engagement of clutch. This is the best overall clutch set-up I have seen, but you have to pay attention when doing low speed manouvers. I felt like a kid just learning to ride a manual car or motorbike.
8. No Storage. The amount provided is a joke.
What I like;
1. The engine sound (except the drone at around 6000 - 6500rpm). Sweet at idle.
2. The torque. WOW is all I can say. It is available at anytime, any rpm and any speed.
3. Light steering. Thanks to EPS
4. The feeling that I am going to return from a trip with the engine still in one piece.
5. The fuel guage seems to be accurate and you can actually look into the gas tank and see if you have gas (BRP riders will understand this).
6. Fit and finish. Far and above the best of the rest. The red colour is beautiful.
LBD
The renegade is slightly better in the bumps at speed and off trail. the apex xtx is not an off trail machine but probably the best trail machine (properly set up) I weigh about 200. Throttle response is amazing. If you come across a rise or bump at any speed you just give the throttle a shot and the machine just flys over. At 25mph hitting the throttle on a bump will lift the front end as high as you want.
I would compare this sled to a formula race car. refined, high reving, and nimble. I only notice the weight difference (renegade to apex) if you have to manhandle the sled. I can pick the front end of a renegade with ease and almost broke my back on the apex. easily 150 to 200 lbs heavier. At the end of a couple 150 mile days I was not tired at all on the apex, although I do get tired of the constant engine drone. I will fix that with my ipod.
I just had first service (500 miles) and the cost was $300 (yikes). They want $150 just for an oil change that I will do myself now on. The other issue was studding the track. With everything I read on totally yamaha I had a prestudded track installed (ice ripper xt). this is the same as a 1.25 ripsaw but with about 300 studs embedded in the track lugs. I am sure regular studs would be fine but went with prestudded. the cost was about $250 more but worth it not to worry about damaging the expensive exhaust system.
So why did a buy an apex xtx
1. reliability (the engine on my 800R blew within 1000 miles - no reason. I have friends that are always worrying or repairs their 2 stroke engines)
2. power steering which has proved it to be amazing. Better feedback with the simmons skis on.
3. most powerful normally asperated 4 stroke. I did look at the AC's z1 turbo but there were just too many issues to me (not to mention the new f series is just fugly)
4. reliabilty. Did I already list this. Really, first tune-up at 40000 kms.
What I don't like
1. where they put the oil filter. I guess there is a kit to make it more accessable, but why didn't they just include this.
2. Crappy skis (no surprises there from what I have heard)
3. Engine drone. AC/DC will fix that.
4. Engine braking elimination. I have ridden older apexes and I like the engine braking. You don't want engine braking? don't let the throttle off completely! I seem to use the brakes constantly on this sled. The renegade had more engine braking. If you let the gas off completely when decending a steep hill the sled actually feels like hitting the brakes on glare ice in a car. I found if I keep the drive clutch engaged that this helps and provides a little engine brake. I am still experimenting.
5. No decent mirrors as accessories
6. Handlebars are too low for standup. Like most sleds you need to add a riser. I have started with a 2" rox riser as this is the most you can add without putting a longer throttle cable on. Have not tried yet.
7. quick engagement of clutch. This is the best overall clutch set-up I have seen, but you have to pay attention when doing low speed manouvers. I felt like a kid just learning to ride a manual car or motorbike.
8. No Storage. The amount provided is a joke.
What I like;
1. The engine sound (except the drone at around 6000 - 6500rpm). Sweet at idle.
2. The torque. WOW is all I can say. It is available at anytime, any rpm and any speed.
3. Light steering. Thanks to EPS
4. The feeling that I am going to return from a trip with the engine still in one piece.
5. The fuel guage seems to be accurate and you can actually look into the gas tank and see if you have gas (BRP riders will understand this).
6. Fit and finish. Far and above the best of the rest. The red colour is beautiful.
LBD
PS where is your location?
