ER or GT?

[snerkman]

Sorry for asking a lot of basic questions, but I'm about to spend way more than a should for a sled. Is the difference between the ER and GT really worth nearly a grand? I'm only 165lbs and ride only groomed trails. I've never owned - or even ridden - a sled with clickers or fancy shocks of any kind. Would I really feel I was missing out if I went with the ER? That $900-$1k would pay for a lot of riding!

 

[Floridasnowmobiler]

I had 2006 ER before I bought a 2007 GT. My wife had an RX 1 which she really did not like. So, she tried my ER and liked it. She felt she much more control over it. So, I bought the GT for myself. There is a marked difference between the two. Like I said before,my wife is really happy with the ER - we finally got the suspension dialed in for her. It has the mono shock suspension which you cannot change on "the fly". She is not an aggressive rider and does not change the settings. SHE IS VERY HAPPY WITH THE MACHINE. So when I was looking for a new machine I heard about the GT and took one for a ride. The difference was unbelievable. I especially like the idea of changing the firmness of the ride while you are riding (stutter bumps,rollers, etc.). If you could afford, I think it is worth the money. If you could, take both for a ride - don't just go a smooth trails - go over one that has a lot of bumps.

 

[snerkman]

If you could afford, I think it is worth the money. If you could, take both for a ride - don't just go a smooth trails - go over one that has a lot of bumps.

Because of our work schedules, my riding buddies and I are always able to ride during the week. Trails are usually freshly groomed and very little traffic. In the last 5000 miles of riding, I can count on one hand the days we encountered really bumpy trails. My current sled is a '99 XLT with the stock Xtra 12 suspension. This sled rides better than anything I've owned before and has been plenty comfortable (handling isn't the greatest, but acceptable.) I've gotta believe that anything new will be even better and that's why I'm thinking the ER would be more than good enough. BTW, I won't be able to ride either before I buy unfortunately.

 

[BigMac]

.... the ER - we finally got the suspension dialed in for her. It has the mono shock suspension which you cannot change on "the fly". She is not an aggressive rider and does not change the settings. SHE IS VERY HAPPY WITH THE MACHINE. So when I was looking for a new machine I heard about the GT and took one for a ride. The difference was unbelievable. I especially like the idea of changing the firmness of the ride while you are riding (stutter bumps,rollers, etc.). If you could afford, I think it is worth the money. If you could, take both for a ride - don't just go a smooth trails - go over one that has a lot of bumps.

I agree completely. Changing the damping on the fly to accommodate differences in trail grooming is very effective.

 

[nate007]

Look at what they are selling for used as well. I think the GT's hold up better in that category.
I think the others are right, in that you'll be happier in the long run with the GT.

 

[Floridasnowmobiler]

I know in Old Forge the dealer here has brand new 2007 Apex GT for $8500. I read that Yamaha will give you $2000 on a brand new sled (excluding 09's) so that is $6500. So for $6500 you can get a new sled. I don't know what you can get one used for. Go to the Yamaha site for details on the $2000

 

[yamadoo]

florida I think that price includes the 2 grand to the dealer. If I am wrong I want one now.

I have the GT, the shocks are not a NEED, but they are nice. A sled set up to your wt and style be it GT or ER will be great to ride. THe GT gives you more adjustability on the fly and more BLING. Cut the cost in half as you will get some back as GT's are worth more than the ER at resale.

You can not go wrong with an APEX unless you are a ditch and bump pounding rider. TRAILS they are fantastic.

Yamadoo

 

[Mighty]

yamadoo you are correct, that $8,500 price reflects the rebate.

To answer the question; I have probably owned more of the Yamaha 4-strokes than anyone on here and can say if in your shoe's I would go with the ER. Better yet, make it the 136 LTX. I can confirm the GT's do ride better (marginally), but the standards will still ride better than what your are use too. You can do alot of things with the $1,000 saved.

 

[Racy2]

Er is really all you will need for trail riding once you have it set up the way you want it.

 

[apltx08]

I would go with the ER. Better yet, make it the 136 LTX. You can do alot of things with the $1,000 saved.

(x2) I came from a '05 RX1 121" "ER" shorty and now riding a '08 APEX L-TX 136" w/basic shocks once you get her dialed in your all set and you can adjust rebound on the tunnel almost as quick as you can on your handle bars (GT) do youself a favor and buy a 136", I will never go back to 121"...I got HOT deal on a set of GYTR clickers for my front shocks this year, just keep checking post's on here and someone will have a set up for sale an you can upgrade.

Good Luck

 

[cat hunter]

My chum has the ER and I have the GT and they are not even in the same ballpark when it comes to cornering and stability.By moving the top clicker 2-4 clicks on the front shock makes so much diffence.The front shocks after 8600 miles still work like new.This alone is worth the extra $$$ By the way my chum is looking for a set of GT shocks!!!

 

[whitedust1]

You have the best engine why not the best shocks? I like changing rear shock on the fly & can find sweet spot that feels oh so good just by pushing EC button. Well worth the money when you butt is getting sore on those 300+miles days.

 

[wigman1]

I would save the $1000 bucks and get the ER - plenty of suspension for anyone that rides groomed trails. I'm 300lbs, got my suspension adjusted for my weight and my ER rides like a Caddy and doesn't bottom out at all. Very comfortable sled. My buddy has a GT and I think it rides a little too harsh, probably better if you are a rough trail rider, but for the good trails, stick with the ER, simpler and cheaper with the same motor and drive train. Can't go wrong. Wig

 

[Yamadogger]

I have both sleds in question - '06 GT and '06 ER. My wife's is the ER. I've wondered many times if my extra grand for my GT was well spent and my advice would be to go with the ER. Having said that, I love my GT and the shock package is sweet, so if you have the extra cash - go for it. Coming from what you're currently riding, could you really tell much difference between the two? Probably not much. Either is going to feel like a thousand percent improvement in ride. I had to ride my wife's sled last year when mine had some track clip issues. A pal & I went from Escanaba to Houghton & back (426 miles) in one day and at the end of the day I had a tough time convincing myself the extra bucks for the GT was really worth it. Buy the ER and pocket the extra cash. You certainly will be a happy person once you squeeze that throttle. Read some of the posts on here on how to set it up and you won't be able to wipe the smile from your face.

 

[Super Sled]

They are both awesome and you'll love either. Definately recommend an Attak ('06 or '07) or LTx ('08 or newer) to get the longer track. Although $1,000 more, the Ohlins are simply superb. And its idiot proof -- even my mechanically-inept wife can easily click the button and adjust the suspension. To me, it would be worth the extra money for convenience, and because I think Ohlins makes the best suspensions.