Apex throttle response...tune it down a bit?

[seabeeman]

08 Apex LTX GT 40th

I know, I know, why have an Apex if you want to slow it down a bit. I haven't had a chance to ride it much yet but it is a serious jump from my late 90's touring sleds I've had for the last decade. I'm struggling to get used to the throttle response and how feel like it is all or nothing, not the best thing for trail riding that I normally do. I have a seat jack on it and usually ride two up with my kids or wife.

Is there any way to take out some of the insane throttle response this thing has, or do I just need to get used to it? Ideally I'd trade it for a Venture.

 

[RobX-1]

I would contact Travis at Barn of Parts (site sponsor) as he has soft engagement kit for the Apex that might be of interest to you. Here is a link to his website and the kit:
https://www.barnofparts.com/apps/webstore/products/show/7079922

 

[lochrtj]

Just put a softer spring in the primary. Worked for me.

 

[Viper_Dave]

Stock clutching or an aftermarket setup? This is likely your issue. Most aftermarket kits are setup for aggressive corner to corner acceleration or for more top speed. Stock clutching with a BOP soft start spring will take care of most of your issues. The other issue is engine braking. Smooth on and off the throttle is key to avoiding jerky movement. With a little practice you'll get used to it.

 

[seabeeman]

Talked with the previous owner and he thought it might have been clutched. I've never been in a snowmobile clutch before, is there a walk-through on here and how can I identify stock springs and weights vs upgraded?

I ordered a soft spring from BOP, but I probably don't want to throw that on top of a performance clutch, right?

 

[YukonMP]

Talked with the previous owner and he thought it might have been clutched. I've never been in a snowmobile clutch before, is there a walk-through on here and how can I identify stock springs and weights vs upgraded?

I ordered a soft spring from BOP, but I probably don't want to throw that on top of a performance clutch, right?

I bet there are some guys on here that could answer some of your questions if you posted a couple pictures.

 

[Stubbs]

Talked with the previous owner and he thought it might have been clutched. I've never been in a snowmobile clutch before, is there a walk-through on here and how can I identify stock springs and weights vs upgraded?

I ordered a soft spring from BOP, but I probably don't want to throw that on top of a performance clutch, right?

Have a look in the faq section. Mr. Sled has a great video on installing a clutch kit in an Apex. That should answer any of your questions. If you disassemble the clutch and post pics of the cam arms/flyweights and helix I’m sure we can identify who’s kit it may be.

 

[seabeeman]

I just went and looked, but didn't take anything apart...it's 20 below right now with wind chills heading to -50 tonight.

I'm color blind but with the help of my daughter, I'm pretty sure I have the yellow-silver-yellow spring in the primary. Based on this chart, my only option for yellow - ________ - yellow are silver, pink, yellow, blue and gold.

https://totallyamaha.com/snowmobiles/aaTECH/Clutchparts/clutch springs.jpg

I'll check out the helix tomorrow and the weights in the next few days and hopefully we can get an idea of what's in there. It looks like this might already have an extremely stiff spring in it.

 

[steiner]

Post a pic of the secondary as well.

 

[seabeeman]

White mark on the secondary spring, 8BVFA on the helix. Is this still a stock setup or is it looking like it's been clutched?

If it has had work done, what else do I need to do to match up the BOP soft start spring that is on it's way?

 

[sideshowBob]

For a 2008 Apex LTX GT the springs in the picture are stock
White Secondary spring at 60 wrap 3/3
Yellow Silver Yellow primary spring
8BVFA is stock helix as well
From your pics I would say the clutching is completely stock and looks like they have not even been appart...for quite a while anyway
BOP soft start spring should work good for you

If it were me...I would clean and inspect those clutches for wear ect
Worn and dirty clutches can stick and create performance and drivability issues that just changing springs won't cure

 

[74Nitro]

I see some nasty rust on the primary shaft. Get that cleaned up as it has damaging effects on the cover fiber bushing and also the inner metal Teflon coated bushing.

 

[seabeeman]

Will do.

 

[o's srx]

I see some nasty rust on the primary shaft. Get that cleaned up as it has damaging effects on the cover fiber bushing and also the inner metal Teflon coated bushing.

It also looks like there's a bit of scoring on the Primary Clutch shaft as well (unless its just the way the picture turned out), possibly the cover bushing is done... If you're able to get the cover off, with the spring removed, install the cover back on it and slide the outer sheave in and out to see if it picks up (sticky). Another thing is to slide the outer sheave all the way in, without the cover on, then slide the cover on by itself, and see how much play just the cover has on the shaft. It should have VERY LITTLE if any wobble or clearance to the shaft.
I've put these clutch covers on all the Yamaha sleds I've got/had after the OEM cover bushing is worn out and never had another problem after. https://thunderproductsclutching.com/product/911-response-clutch-cover/