Apex zx2

[subaru2006]

So here is what i'm thinking. I mostly ride here in Illinois with a few trips every year to UP MI. I like the MONO after riding it this year in the UP. But its just not for the deeper snow or jumping. So would it be worth going to the ZX2 skid with the 144 and a 1.5 lug track such as the ripsaw. Or replace it with a ZX2 121 with something like the 1.325 cobra. Would I need different clutching / drivers / top gear to 23? I know this is a vast reference but im trying to make it float better in the deep stuff yet still very good in the twisty trails of Michigan so I can have some fun off trail riding. Or is there another better option out there (skid wise).
Thanks

Subaru2006

 

[tkuss]

I have the ZX-2 in the apex and plan on going to 144" over the summer with either 1.5" or 1.75" lug.

For you it kind of sounds like going 136" with a cobra track would be a better all around setup. It probably would for me as well, first I am going to see how my sled does with the hyfax on the trails with the bigger lug track.

 

[subaru2006]

Whats really odd I dont have that many miles on my sled but the slides went fast but then just pretty much stopped with what looks like 25% of them left. Iam at 650 miles. Why are you planning on going 144?

Subaru20006

 

[sneakattak88]

go with a 136" and re clutch and go to a 23 gear,,for jumping you might notice the front end dives in , it wont with the zx2 ,,the transfer is way way awsome, it felt like i was ridding my old ZR 900 in the trails pulling skis from corner to corner. hehe

 

[subaru2006]

Sneakattak How does yours handle off trail with the 136? What track do you have? In your pictures it looks like the 1.25 ripsaw? Is that correct.

Subaru2006

 

[sneakattak88]

handles great!! yes it is a 1.25 rip saw, dont forget I have a turbo , so i launch out of holes

 

[tkuss]

"Why are you planning on going 144?"




I figure if I extend the track, I mine as well go big. Plus I just kind of always wanted a 144". Really if you think about it, with a 144 you have only 3-4 more inches of track on the ground as compared to a 136. My riding style is also changing over time to more of a boondocking/exploring the back country style in which I think I will appreciate the longer track. I also got a deal on brand new 144" rail extensions from a guy who never used them, so really I saved about 100 bucks going 144 instead of 136.

I Just bought a 144"x2" lug track that I plan on trimming down to 1.75" to start out with. I got 8 tooth extrovert drivers, to give a bit more room in the tunnel and to also slightly gear me down. All I need to get now is the tunnel extension and I will be good to go.

Some advice I have is to keep your eyes open for parts on these and other forums. I was able to buy my suspension as well as the parts that I need to extend it(drivers, track, rail extensions), for about 1000$ total cost to me after I sold my monoshock. Many of the parts I got were brand new as well. When I priced everything out if I was going to buy new, the total price would have been about 2500-3000$. So I saved myself quite a bit of money, which I am pretty proud of.

 

[subaru2006]

Iam in the same boat as you tkuss, Which I would like to do more off trail except everyone I ride with still has the 121 short tracks. So thats why Iam trying to compromise and get something that still handles the corners nicely. Because they like the twisty trails more then off trail. I also know there is no way to make a perfect crossover sled. But I wouldnt mind the little fun I can have while playing off trail.

Subaru2006

 

[kinger]

You should look into the predator 6 pitch design, its older then the new ones but the pitches basically mean the distance between the lugs in the center. There is a ton of area in between the lugs allowing it to grab loose snow vs just push it behind you and trench like the ripsaw. My 121" does really good in the powder. In fact it performs better then a 136" ripsaw as I rode with a vector LTX a few weeks ago in the UP and I was getting through stuff just as easily as he was. Niether got stuck but mine acted like a 136.

On the outside of the predator the lugs are closer together and really grip especially around corners where the most pressure is on the lugs.

Take the 1.25" predator stud it down the center and its probably the best compromise for a crossover. The rubber is harder durometer so durability and top speed is better over a ripsaw.

Myself my ratio of trail vs off trail riding is increasing and I may go 136" predator 1.25" with studs, probably go through the snow like a 144 and still take nice twight twisties.

Tracks usa has the predator:
http://www.tracksusa.com/predator.html

 

[subaru2006]

So far we can agree a 136 would be more respectable. Now the question is would the zx2 be worth the purchase or.... Ive heard many good things about the predator track, so Ill look more into that track by searching on here... The reason im looking at the zx2 is because it seems easier to install and seems to out way all the bad stuff ive heard.

Another quick one. Whats the best lug size with no studs. Not sure if iam willing to stud a track.

Subaru2006

 

[kinger]

The ZX2 flat out rocks. How many miles do you ride a year? I dont think you can ride hard enough to damage the suspension, most of the issues you see on here are from crazy guys doing 5000-7000 miles a year or guys riding on low snow. On mine with only 2800 miles in 2 years I finally had a bolt come out that is it. My hyfax is still in good shape, and it looks new. I was searching over at snow west looking at fragile moutain suspensions and they ar still within 10lbs of weight and I guarentee wont take the abuse like the ZX2 does.
My only grip is the stutter bumps on flat straight trails like up in the UP if MI, but someone one here posted a new valve stack to make it ride like a mono and not lose the big bump capability so in the off season I will revalve them and it will be the best skid for weight, strength, durability, and performance....hands down. The other skid manufactures better beware.

 

[quebecmoutainrider]

wife had a 136 attack...

my wifes machine had a 136..yamie attack ..and then i went to a 144..got the trak free...and its a ripsaw...1-and 3 quarter....it suchs..its just too heavy...what really made the difference is the skis..the track just does not shoot enough snow out the back..i had a summit and it was a 144..and i think they were 2 and a quarter inches...it was much better than the attack..i mean her machine will do powder...but the foot print is just not enough for the weight..and because a sled on powder is like a jet ski..its the snow, shooting out that makes you move....i think that any yamaha..you want to ride in the snow..you need padles..its just too heavy..i am looking to sell it and get a nytro with a 144..padles...you need them..ride my 162 mountain..yammie..and its great..just if i ride on trails i use my scratchers...and get rid of the slides...the slides from yamie are only good for 400 degrees...the hyfax are twice that..and make sure you heat them right ..like in snow..and every 5-8 kl.. stop and let them cool..for the first 50kl..i do this and they are great...and all i lose riding my mountain on trails is..no slide in the conners..and its better on the bumpy trails....people say it must be ruff...its like winter tiers on a truck..you feel them ..but they dont bother you..and if the trail has good snow..there is nothing..but thats what i have learned..well like anyhow..good luck...

 

[subaru2006]

Ok when going from 121 to 136, will I need tunnel extensions also? How about drivers? Also is the track clearence changed much with this setup?
If you run with under 1.5 tracks will you need to remove protectors?

Subaru2006

 

[tkuss]

Yes you will need tunnel extensions, extrovert drivers are not needed, but probably a good idea, you can just use the stockers though. You will either need to notch the track a little where the protectors are, or you just remove the protectors for track cleareance.

read this post as well for a bit of info about track clearence if you havent already
http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=56504

 

[subaru2006]

hey tkuss what size was the skid in this post you made awhile back. Bacause of extending it to 136 or 144, Iam just kinda thinking I wont be doing really to much powder riding. Even tho my dreams are to go out west in the future. Might just have to buy a different sled for that reason alone and keep the 121 apex gt..



http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=64912

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Subaru2006