apex owners...

[Tork]

The 4 strokes have a very complicated steering column, unique in that it jogs around the engine like it does. Considering all those pivot points I think they are pretty tight myself

 

[rightarm]

The steering assembly has changed from previous models and the amount of play is no different from past models,excellent point T.

 

[y_guy]

I just can't see how the amount of play that i have is acceptable. As soon as i noticed it i went over to my viper and my SXr and niether of those had the front to back play. I agree, side to side isn't a concern, but front to back? you can't tell me that riding hard isn't going to wear that out. the constant front to back movement is really going to put some stress on something. As i mentioned, i have about 1/8" of play front to back. Just doesnt' seem right.

 

[LJ 452]

Handle bar free-play is something that drives me crazy. Because of the fact you are always being reminded of it as you ride. Also when your buddies come over to look at your new machine the first thing there going to do is sit on it and grab the bars and give them a shake as if they were riding. If the bars flop around you can see the look of "man this thing is kinda cheap"; of course they will continue to rattle the bars until you say somthing; driving you further to insanity.
However, remember that you have a bar riser and any "free-play" will be magnified at the handle bars because of the extended moment. If you were to use a dial indicator at the same point, say the neck, and compare your old sled to your RTX you will (should) find similair readings. Yes I'm an engineer and I know it sounds a little extreme, but it will likely prove the point. If not you have physical evidence of a problem rather than "it feels worse than a sled that has a completly different steering system." Like I said I understand and agree that there should be very little to no free-play, at least when new. I'm still waiting for my RTX to arrive. As soon as it comes in I'll be checking the free-play on the bars and let you know.


WHERE IS MY SLED???

 

[YammiMoose]

Handle bar free-play is something that drives me crazy. Because of the fact you are always being reminded of it as you ride. Also when your buddies come over to look at your new machine the first thing there going to do is sit on it and grab the bars and give them a shake as if they were riding. If the bars flop around you can see the look of "man this thing is kinda cheap"; of course they will continue to rattle the bars until you say somthing; driving you further to insanity.
However, remember that you have a bar riser and any "free-play" will be magnified at the handle bars because of the extended moment. If you were to use a dial indicator at the same point, say the neck, and compare your old sled to your RTX you will (should) find similair readings. Yes I'm an engineer and I know it sounds a little extreme, but it will likely prove the point. If not you have physical evidence of a problem rather than "it feels worse than a sled that has a completly different steering system." Like I said I understand and agree that there should be very little to no free-play, at least when new. I'm still waiting for my RTX to arrive. As soon as it comes in I'll be checking the free-play on the bars and let you know.


WHERE IS MY SLED???

Have you ever grabbed the handle bars of a Cat? Man, those have a lot of play even when they are brand new. My viper with over 10,000 miles has less play than on them.

You shouldn't let this bother you....... :ORC

-J