Back to the Apex

[20/80]

Fact is the Apex or Vector is or was a great sled. Price and reliability is why I drove 3500 miles RT to get a new XTX Vector for $8500

You got yourself one great sled at a good price, enjoy years of reliability and good fuel economy, I believe yours is the updated engine with different performance modes, got to love pure Yamaha DNA.

 

[CaptCaper]

You got yourself one great sled at a good price, enjoy years of reliability and good fuel economy, I believe yours is the updated engine with different performance modes, got to love pure Yamaha DNA.

Yea it is. 2016 they did that. I did put in the Hygear Single Rear coil over due to my size and the amount of extra stuff I carry. The should was easy to put in and awesome solution.

 

[03RX1-ER-LE]

This is why I purchased an 2011 Apex SE with only 1600 miles, I will enjoy many years of reliability, comfort and handling. Sure the Sidewinder looks cool but how much power do you need if your just riding groomed trails. The only place to open the sidewinder up is on a lake racing. The Apex has plenty of power and great handling for the type of trails I ride. Sure its older technology but its reliable and still has great looks. Plus I was able to buy my Apex for $5900 which was a great deal I couldn't pass up. I already installed new donuts made from brass so they will never wear out. Marginal snow wheels on the front of skid. Bar risers are next along with new taller seat.

That is why I bought my 11 XTX, (October 2018 for $5,600 with 775 miles) will more than likely be the last sled I buy unless Yamaha comes up with a Apex replacement without AC DNA

 

[STAIN]

While I dont agree the Apex is a better sled than the Sidewinder, who cares? Ride what you want. As long as your out riding and are happy who gives a rats hairy #*$&@?

 

[NorthernEdge]

While I dont agree the Apex is a better sled than the Sidewinder, who cares? Ride what you want. As long as your out riding and are happy who gives a rats hairy #*$&@?

Do you think the SW is or will be as reliable as the Apex? That was my reason for getting back to the Apex I just dont see it holding up. I loved the sled, the power was ridiculous and the riding position was great but it all ended there.
I'm going to try to bring the seat height up a couple inches on the XTX and hopefully that helps but if not I'll be fine with it.

 

[NorthernEdge]

That is why I bought my 11 XTX, (October 2018 for $5,600 with 775 miles) will more than likely be the last sled I buy unless Yamaha comes up with a Apex replacement without AC DNA

Same here man. I think ill get out of the sport before I buy anything other than a Yamaha.

 

[STAIN]

NorthernEdge, post: 1490942, member: 18168"]Do you think the SW is or will be as reliable as the Apex?

So far for me, yes. 5k trouble free miles. I have owned both the Apex and SW. I get the chance to swap out every now and then also.
For me, the Apex was not an enjoyable ride anymore.. Noise, handling, riding position and fuel range where no longer acceptable TO ME. If they are for you, rock on.
It was far from trouble free also. Sweet engine though.......

 

[STAIN]

Same here man. I think ill get out of the sport before I buy anything other than a Yamaha.

NOT an option for me. Snowmobiling is my favorite activity, also the one I have been doing the longest in my life.
Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Golf, it has all come and in some cases gone, but snowmobiling has been the one constant since I was 10.
I am not so loyal to one brand that I could quit the sport altogether. Unthinkable.....

 

[03RX1-ER-LE]

While I dont agree the Apex is a better sled than the Sidewinder, who cares? Ride what you want. As long as your out riding and are happy who gives a rats hairy #*$&@?

Not saying better, feel more reliable in the long run. Of course we have to see how the SW does 10k miles away/10 years from now.

 

[NorthernEdge]

NorthernEdge, post: 1490942, member: 18168"]Do you think the SW is or will be as reliable as the Apex?

So far for me, yes. 5k trouble free miles. I have owned both the Apex and SW. I get the chance to swap out every now and then also.
For me, the Apex was not an enjoyable ride anymore.. Noise, handling, riding position and fuel range where no longer acceptable TO ME. If they are for you, rock on.
It was far from trouble free also. Sweet engine though.......

Did you get better mileage/range on your SW? I do t recall what I got on mine but it was considerably less than my Apex LTX.
If they made the Viper 100% yamaha with the Apex engine I'd jump on it.
I just feel like Yamaha took a step back by building with AC.

 

[03RX1-ER-LE]

NOT an option for me. Snowmobiling is my favorite activity, also the one I have been doing the longest in my life.
Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Golf, it has all come and in some cases gone, but snowmobiling has been the one constant since I was 10.
I am not so loyal to one brand that I could quit the sport altogether. Unthinkable.....

So I will be 60 in October, I see maybe 10 years left in me for sledding, will see what the future brings.

 

[STAIN]

I just feel like Yamaha took a step back by building with AC.

They were in a tough spot. A spot they put themselves in.
The quality of build is down.
The ride and handling are up.
They each have their own issues.
As long as you are happy with what you ride, then go ride!!!!!!!!!!

 

[STAIN]

So I will be 60 in October, I see maybe 10 years left in me for sledding, will see what the future brings.

I am 51. I see no end in sight.............

 

[NorthernEdge]

They were in a tough spot. A spot they put themselves in.
The quality of build is down.
The ride and handling are up.
They each have their own issues.
As long as you are happy with what you ride, then go ride!!!!!!!!!!

I'm sure there's a lot more to it than what the normal consumer see's or hears.
I love the sport and have also been doing it since I was ten. It seems that every year I get more and more into it and every year I put more and more miles on and I dont out nearly as much as I'd like.
I'm probably exaggerating by saying I'll get out of the sport before I go to another make but I've been a die hard Yamaha guy going all the way back to the phazer in the 80's.

 

[20/80]

Yea it is. 2016 they did that. I did put in the Hygear Single Rear coil over due to my size and the amount of extra stuff I carry. The should was easy to put in and awesome solution.

I looked at the Hygear shock and also Elka shock for the single shot suspension, I found Hygear a very nice shock upgrade but pricey, Elka was a bit cheaper but I opted for the updated fox shock which was free, I got to keep the factory shock my Apex came with also as a back up, the updated shock really rides better than the factory shock, lots of adjustments which is great, so far so good.