APEX LTX-GT Spring Change....anyone?

[SIMMER]

I'm picking up a 2008 Apex LTX GT and I'm wondering if the stock spring will be ok.

I'm about 235Lbs before gear and saddlebags. Does the LTX-GT have enough for me in stock form or should I just upgrade to a stiffer spring?

Not sure on the Ohlins skid set-up as I've been on an 05 for 3 seasons.

Thanks.

 

[LJ 452]

You will need the stiffer spring. Not sure on part # but there is a chart for selection based on weight.

 

[onlyblue]

They say the 08 was better than the 07, i go 250 and have not changed my spring, moved the clip and it was pretty good, but i think i will this year.... i am going to send my monoshock into hygear for a rebuild/revalve/spring job.

 

[LJ 452]

Yes, on the std.'s you can move the spring clip to the second or third position. On the GT, no can do, as the Olins does not have a spring clip, just a thread ring, which makes it nice for changing out a spring. No special tools needed, just loosen till it's out. Again I would recomend the heavier sping, it really won't effect the ride as you can run it with less preload. Also I believe they only changed the valving in the shock from 06' to 07' and 07' to 08' which helps bottoming but will not effect set-in. Which is another thing, make sure you adjust your set-in correctly, read the manual, as the std.'s are different than the GT's.

 

[MrSled]

with an 08 I dont think you will need a spring change... I would drive it 1st.

 

[BOUNTYHUNTER]

with an 08 I dont think you will need a spring change... I would drive it 1st.

I AGREE as mine is just fine as it is

 

[apltx08]

Yes the '08 w/OHLINS electronic shock got upgraded on valving and spring...I have the base '08 model w/KYB shock which is the same as '07 set-up.

Like MR SLED said ride it 1st and then tune her to your likings...you should be fine, I rode 1 for 1/2 a day and I'm 220# before gear and it rode very nice.

 

[THKSNOW]

You will need the stiffer spring. Not sure on part # but there is a chart for selection based on weight.

I have to disagree here. I'm on an 06 Attak with some adjustments made and the stock spring. I go 250 plus gear and have NO problem.

Before you spend the $'s adjust it, ride it, then decide if you need it...

That would be MHO

 

[LJ 452]

Generally, I agree with, ride it first then change as needed. I guess I should've added if you use saddle bags and or ride agressively I would highly recomend just putting it in. His "dry" weight and the addition of saddle bags is what made me think, heavy spring. If they have increased the stock spring then it may not be neccessary. At the very least put all your garb on, load up the saddle bags and try to adjust your set-in before the season. If you can get it with a little to spare you might be ok, if not big boy spring it is. I just feel that $90.00 for a spring that may help reduce chance of a bad first ride is worth it, more so if it's a long trip. If you can play around at home, or close to it, by all means have at it. I reallize that the valving is most important to the shock performance and it seems like Yamaha has continually improved th Apex line year after year. However most "Large Framed People" who have rode any Apex aggressively will admit, the suspension needs to be modified. And yes, thats just my opinion take it for the $0.02 that it's worth. Which in this economy is next to nothing, in fact, I may now owe you $0.02. In all seriousness, check your set-in before and see if you need it. Hopefully you won't.

 

[ahicks]

<<<In all seriousness, check your set-in before and see if you need it.>>>

That's the bottom line. If it's got any chance of working right, it'll have to be able to carry the weight. Measuring ride height/sag is how you're going to find out if it can or not. Don't forget there's going to be another 50lbs+ of snow/ice hanging from it by time you get home, so close is just not good enough. It has to carry your weight easily!

 

[LJ 452]

Don't forget there's going to be another 50lbs+ of snow/ice hanging from it by time you get home, so close is just not good enough. It has to carry your weight easily!

Good point; I forgot about the additional weight of the snow/ice.
Its been warm for too long!!!

 

[apltx08]

Don't forget there's going to be another 50lbs+ of snow/ice hanging from it by time you get home, so close is just not good enough. It has to carry your weight easily!

This is why I'm removing my TUNNEL PROTECTORS, if your not studded you can remove them it realy cuts down on any ICE and SNOW build-up...

 

[dilligaf52]

I would get the heavy spring - I am a big heavier fully geared up and the stock spring at its max checked out ok (just) but the ride was not very good - with the 7.1 (I can't remember for sure) it was far from maxed out and rides great. Set it as per the manual and fine tune on the go.

 

[WeSled2]

I would get the heavy spring - I am a big heavier fully geared up and the stock spring at its max checked out ok (just) but the ride was not very good - with the 7.1 (I can't remember for sure) it was far from maxed out and rides great. Set it as per the manual and fine tune on the go.

That is the best way to approach it!

 

[Alatalo]

Be prepared to get a stiffer spring. From my own experience, you will get away with 70-75 N/mm for "normal" trail riding on groomed trails, but you will for sure need 75-80 N/mm for aggressive trail riding on rough trails.
However, like couple of people already said, it is never a bad idea to ride it before tuning it...