2018 Sidewinder first 330 miles

[s-moe]

So finally I got a couple days to get up to Maine and try out my new 2018 STX-DX 146. I came off a 2011 Apex SE (129") and I will be completely honest I was nervous when I dropped my Apex off last year. So I start up the new sled with 0 miles and head out to follow the break-in procedure per Yamaha (I know there are varying opinions on this) and I am cruising around Rangeley Lake staying within my parameters (under 6000 rpm for 100 miles) and I am a little anxious about the weight of the steering and the ski performance, but I continue on knowing I have my brand new pilot 6.9s and Travis' MPS kit waiting for a future install.

Day 1 is ending closing in on 100 miles it is bitter cold and I am calling it a day. Day 2; I get out and get to use up to 8000 rpms. HOLY CRAP! what a different sled. Even with the Tuners I am getting a better feel from the sled because I can use the power to work through some of the ski issues. This thing soaks up bumps that used to give me the dreaded slam on the Apex (and I don't even have the nice Fox shocks). The longer track bridges more of the rumbles and hooks up great on the trail. Bottom line even with only limited time on this sled and crappy skis I would blow by my old self on the Apex without a problem. (don't get me wrong I am no "expert" rider but I try to move along)

Looking forward to the pilots and the MPS kit going on separately so I can enjoy and assess each of the upgrades. If this sled can get better with those upgrades and maybe some fancy shocks down the road I will be in heaven. Already it has more than impressed me.

Some minor things to note:

I miss our old grip/thumb warmer adjustment but these bars do get hot and the weather we had (-10 down to -18 without wind) proves it.

I love the new high beam switch.

The LED headlights rock at night. (I probably put on 100 miles at night)

Fuel consumption seems to be in the 14-15 mpg which is great too.

I love my trunk and added fuel capacity. For the riding I do this sled is absolutely perfect. And to think I could add a 2 up seat with heated grips and tote my now 20 month old around (when she is 3-5) on a 204 hp 2-up and then rip the seat off and go blast solo again. Best of both worlds for the "family guy"

Not thrilled with the SD-26 code the last night I rode but I am confident we will work through it. (maybe the cold on the relay/sensor, maybe a loose clamp)

Long story short I realize everyone in this section loves this machine and Yamaha. Most of you guys are running 129s & 137s so I wanted anyone who might be looking at the STX-DX 146 to know that this too is a great sled. It is a bit of a sleeper with the plain black and utility looking trunk, but I love that too because when my LED headlight is attached to the POO or DOO rear bumper in front of me they will be wondering what the hell that black sled is.

Here's to a great winter and Happy New Year to all.

 

[Hammer70]

Congrats on your new purchase and happy new year to you as well

 

[Doc Harley]

I never seen anything like it. Looks like a four up sled seat.

That's awesome!

 

[s-moe]

Ha ha, I never thought of that, it kinda does look like a 4 up or at least a 3 up. Maybe I could just keep adding seats out back for my kids.

 

[formdog]

Congrats on your new winder I have the same sled and love it

 

[SumpBuster]

Congrats on the sled and feedback! I have 103 miles on our 1+ mile test loop, but really pushing it hard now, and the heavy steering is gone over 80, in fact, I prefer it, as its just winding up. Only minor corrections going at warp anyway, so it's not bad. Curves with slim jims, and they will steer. Headlight is awesome! But...the dimmer switch on the sw is like off a tonka toy...the 06 apex switch is lexuslike, as if its in fluid...Lol! But it works so that's all that matters.

 

[XP123]

Congrats on the sled and feedback! I have 103 miles on our 1+ mile test loop, but really pushing it hard now, and the heavy steering is gone over 80, in fact, I prefer it, as its just winding up. Only minor corrections going at warp anyway, so it's not bad. Curves with slim jims, and they will steer. Headlight is awesome! But...the dimmer switch on the sw is like off a tonka toy...the 06 apex switch is lexuslike, as if its in fluid...Lol! But it works so that's all that matters.

I almost didn't buy my Sidewinder because of that dimmer switch.

 

[bobmnh]

I have an Apex SE parked in the garage next to the 2018 STX-DX, just in case. Steering is heavier than the Apex, but not enough to change anything yet. I only have 130 miles on mine, but I installed Pilot 6.9's after 40 miles. Big improvement with handling, it didn't push at all. I'm sure it will in the right conditions. It's nice to get back to the electronic reverse. It's early, but my biggest complaint is the lack of a good shock package. I figured it wouldn't be the best, but expected more. The 146" track and the front end geometry handles the bumps well but not great. The headlights are cool looking, but they need to be adjusted. The throttle is different, not ready to change that yet neither. I saw another one on the trail this weekend, they do look different. The power is impressive, definitely enjoy that.

I call mine a "TT', Turbo Tractor....lol

 

[YukonMP]

Never mind 'looks like a four up', it looks like a station wagon. I think it looks great and goes better. Congrats!

 

[s-moe]

Sumpbuster:
I know what you mean about the quality of the switch and the feel, but I like this big lever for when I am wearing the bulky gloves on the -10 days.

bobmnh:
To be honest I really didn't notice the throttle, but it has been 9 months or so since I was on the Apex. The electronic reverse is sweet, so much easier for turning around.

Did you really feel as though the Apex could handle bumps better than the TT?
I feel like this thing soaks them way better than my apex without that heavy drop feel in the bigger holes. At this point I figure I could add some high end shocks (big $$ of course) and be riding on a cloud in comparison. My Apex used to whoop my arse when the trails were chopped in the evening on our way home from long rides.

I loved my Apex and I know it was a really well built machine and super dependable, but I love this more.

Hopefully I can rack up some big trouble free miles this winter and finish with a glowing review.

 

[bobmnh]

Sumpbuster:

To be honest I really didn't notice the throttle, but it has been 9 months or so since I was on the Apex. The electronic reverse is sweet, so much easier for turning around.

Did you really feel as though the Apex could handle bumps better than the TT?
I feel like this thing soaks them way better than my apex without that heavy drop feel in the bigger holes. At this point I figure I could add some high end shocks (big $$ of course) and be riding on a cloud in comparison. My Apex used to whoop my arse when the trails were chopped in the evening on our way home from long rides.

I loved my Apex and I know it was a really well built machine and super dependable, but I love this more.

Hopefully I can rack up some big trouble free miles this winter and finish with a glowing review.

When I went out for the first time I was impressed with how it handled the bumps. As I got used to it and went around 40 to 50 MPH it didn't do as well. The rear actually bounces. But I only have 130 miles on it, I'm not giving up. I am comparing it to the APEX SE which has FOX air shocks (problem free with 10,574 miles) which rode better than TT. Let's hope that we both have a safe and high mileage winter. Keep us informed on your changes.

 

[SumpBuster]

I almost didn't buy my Sidewinder because of that dimmer switch.

LOL!
I had to overcome that it's half cat...!!