First ride on my 2011 Apex XTX.

[1FastStang]

Was finally able to get up to the UP with the used 2011 Apex XTX I bought last spring! I bought another Yamaha cause they just run! Never blew a motor, clutch, or even a belt on my Yamahas through the years. It handles like it was on rails! It has a stock track studded down the middle with 3 studs per row, a Star suspension kit in rear, Front Fox Float 3s up front, C &As Razor skis, and Snow stud dually 10 inch carbides. It handled the bumpy trails quite well actually and felt plusher than my brother 17 Assualt. I think we just need to soften up his springs a bit though. My back did thank me after riding an 02 Viper since 02! Made me realize how bad the pro action suspension is on those. We swapped sleds and they are both great sleds. The Assault is defiantly lighter in the front and loves to wheelie. Power wise very comparable but totally different feeling. Assault is so comfortable to stand on. The best part of the Apex is the motor! That sound!!! Simple, fast, and reliable. Sidewinder yet to be determined! I was a auto tech for 27 yrs and do not like my own stuff to break. I am sure the Sidewinder has awesome power and is gonna be reliable but there is just more things to break! More sensors, plumbing, and wires. Probably if I drove a Sidewinder I would change my mind though. Back to the Apex vs the Assault. The Apex and the Assault are two very differant animals? Which on is better??? Tough question because each has strengths that the other is missing! I like the fact that the Apex should run forever. Polaris does make great sleds though. Just remember it not what kind of sled u ride, it's the memories u make with great friends and family!

 

[CaptCaper]

Great to hear..I wish I could get EPS thou being I have bad arthritis in my body.. I'm stuck on an Apex/Attak..Never failed to bring me home from the boondocks.. I mean this is my 2nd one.. first one had 10,000 miles when I sold it.. this one had 800 miles when I bought it and now has 7700 miles.. all trouble free.. except wheel upgrades to eliminate any bearing failure and Exhaust Ypipe..common for that year.. simple to fix and wouldn't let you down..

Enjoy it.. you would of had issues for the same mileage with the Sidewinder etc.. in the long run.

 

[1FastStang]

Great to hear..I wish I could get EPS thou being I have bad arthritis in my body.. I'm stuck on an Apex/Attak..Never failed to bring me home from the boondocks.. I mean this is my 2nd one.. first one had 10,000 miles when I sold it.. this one had 800 miles when I bought it and now has 7700 miles.. all trouble free.. except wheel upgrades to eliminate any bearing failure and Exhaust Ypipe..common for that year.. simple to fix and wouldn't let you down..

Enjoy it.. you would of had issues for the same mileage with the Sidewinder etc.. in the long run.

EPS is nice! You put in a lot of miles. How long do your belts last?

 

[CaptCaper]

EPS is nice! You put in a lot of miles. How long do your belts last?

Never had an issue with a belt.. only.. when I burnt a flat spot on it from a frozen track and trying to go..etc.. but never had one fail ..

 

[coolio]

Don't try to run through much water with your xtx. Water will get on the clutches and you'll come to a stop. Belts last forever (nearly). It's a great sled.

 

[CaptCaper]

I can tell you I've been in tons of deep powder for long periods and never an issue... never water....really.. just the occasional water bars,etc.

 

[sgauthier]

Glad you like your Apex.

LOL, it's not a jet ski so i don't run mine across water. I've never had a problem with belts or anything else. just need to do regular maintenance especially checking the exhaust gaskets and Exup.

 

[coolio]

We run lakes a lot and when it warms up and rains there is water on the ice, sometimes 6 inches or so and slushy snow/water even deeper. My 14 xtx will not go through this water. Water will flood the clutches and stop me dead. It's done it several times and I've tried it fast and slow, no difference. I believe it builds up in the tunnel and floods through around the exhaust. It's scary to think I need to get across an open hole and it won't make it. Great sled except for this.

 

[02ViperMody44]

Don't try to run through much water with your xtx. Water will get on the clutches and you'll come to a stop. Belts last forever (nearly). It's a great sled.

I have been reading these posts lately about the water skipping with an Apex. I have gone across easily 200' of open water on my Apex '13 XTX. Approach speed at 95mph and hit the other side at 92. I have no reservations going across open water and I have not done anything special to seal my compartment. I do have Curve Skis and maybe they give me better "float", but never felt nor experienced the sensation that my tank was going to go through. I wouldn't launch from the shore and try to pick up speed crossing water, but once you are cruising, she just cruises along. Just hit it with speed and hammer down!!

 

[coolio]

I run C&A pro skis which are 6 inches wide. Last Sat I had to run 20 miles of water on a lake to get home and it was a major problem. I came to a belt screeching halt many times and I had to wait for the water to drain out. I had already caulked up the see panel. We even duct taped all the hood vents but it still did it.

 

[02ViperMody44]

I run C&A pro skis which are 6 inches wide. Last Sat I had to run 20 miles of water on a lake to get home and it was a major problem. I came to a belt screeching halt many times and I had to wait for the water to drain out. I had already caulked up the see panel. We even duct taped all the hood vents but it still did it.

20 MILES of water on a lake? I guess that falls under..."It is what it is...!!!" But hardly wouldn't blame the sled. Just my $.02
I guess I wouldn't have attempted that ride! LOL!