2017 Apex review

[Comak]

Hi all,
looking for reviews on 2017 Apex and what I can expect in a 2018.
Went from a 2003 RX-1 to a 2008 Apex LTX and the ride and handling were a huge improvement.
Waited for a 50'th anniversary upgrade and do not want a turbo. Wife and son ride 2016 vipers, which I cannot get comfortable on.
I'm hoping to hear from those that have moved from pre power steering, exup,seating position, etc to the 2017 with all the changes including the skid.
My biggest concern really is the single shot skid and the shock within. Also wrestling with track length as I don't want a 1.75
The scheduled VIP tour I was booked on was cancelled and my local dealer didn't have a demo Apex.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Henry

 

[UP Michigan rider]

In its basic form, its the same sled since 2012.

 

[thor452]

In its basic form, its the same sled since 2012.

well 2011 is when the went to exup and PS. I would not say same with the flat rail SS air shock rear skid VS. tipped up rail CK dual shock with coil over and torsion springs or the mono II fox mega float that many could not get dialed in of the early years. VS. 2018 with updated rear shock that is supposed to work and upgraded front shock set up and changed sway bar there is allot of difference in the years you just grouped together. I have no seat time as most on the 50th anniversary edition 2018 apex but excluding that model I would not buy a SS rear skid sled but I would buy any year XTX with the tipped up rails and will be planning to go to see Kip at Pats and test drive the 2018 to see if it works good enough to upgrade before they nix the apex all together.

 

[Tazmnaz]

I can say I went from a 2009 apex to a 2015 apex xtx and I am still smiling every ride! Not sure if I would want the new skid.

 

[thor452]

yes I agree the 2011- 2015 are amazing love my XTX and I came off a 07 GT way more machine love my sled.

 

[evil eagle]

If Yamaha put the new shock on the single shot in the first place, no one would have complained about it be rough or worse or better ride than the mono. I don't know what the 146 rides or handles compared to my 129. likely the 146 would show understeer.
There are 2 things that it does better then the mono. 1 it transfers weight better it, it launches hard without a lot of ski lift. 2 it goes through deep snow better, it don't seem to trench s bad as my old 07 with a 136. It looks like it has a shallower approach angle.

 

[Comak]

If Yamaha put the new shock on the single shot in the first place, no one would have complained about it be rough or worse or better ride than the mono. I don't know what the 146 rides or handles compared to my 129. likely the 146 would show understeer.
There are 2 things that it does better then the mono. 1 it transfers weight better it, it launches hard without a lot of ski lift. 2 it goes through deep snow better, it don't seem to trench s bad as my old 07 with a 136. It looks like it has a shallower approach angle.

So, you went from a 136 to a 129 and like it?
I'm leaning that way myself
thanks

 

[Apex2007]

I have a 2016 apex xtx with 1.75 track with single shot now that I have the updated airshock in it I like it a lot and think it making me want to snow check an 2018

 

[evil eagle]

So, you went from a 136 to a 129 and like it?
I'm leaning that way myself
thanks

I do like the machine now, at first with the #*$&@ shock I didn't want to drive it until the trails were groomed perfect. Maybe there is a difference in floatation with and extra 3.5 inches of track on the ground, but I don't notice it.

 

[greatwhite89]

I have a 2016 apex xtx with 1.75 track with single shot now that I have the updated airshock in it I like it a lot and think it making me want to snow check an 2018

Ditto.

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[Comak]

With the 1,75 , what is slider wear like on a hard packed trail?

 

[greatwhite89]

With the 1,75 , what is slider wear like on a hard packed trail?

I have 2,000 miles on my slides this year with no issues. I did add an extra wheel kit, but I think the new skid did address the slide wear issues from past years. Haven't needed to run scratchers either.

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[Comak]

Can the 1.75 be studded?

 

[greatwhite89]

Can the 1.75 be studded?

Not sure if there would be enough clearance.

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[20/80]

With the 1,75 , what is slider wear like on a hard packed trail?

I upgraded to DuPont slides and the 135mm up from factory 130mm wheels before I took mine home from the dealer, just because of past issues with slider wear on my other Yamahas, this combo rolls along nice with no sliders burning up in the hard pack, works very well for me and glad I did it.