First ride on my GT

[NY_SXR700]

Well, I got a chance to ride my Apex-GT tonight. Put a whole 12 miles on it and here is my real off the cuff impressions of it in crappy conditions (soft ground, 8” of snow and a loose track). I have read so many posts about “where did Yamaha hide the weight” I can tell you they hide the weight in the sled, someplace. It’s heavy no doubt about it. I have always loaded my sleds into my truck on a set of ramps, the Apex wants to drive right through the ramps. The sled has more ski pressure than I am used to so I might have to work on that ( I really want a 4 place enclosed). It is FAST no question about it. 4-5 sled lengths over my buds 04’ F7 carb in 600’. I then ran it through some MX style whoops/moguls and it kicked like a mule…. That was at 50 mph. I then remembered I had electric shocks!!!! I have never had adjustable shocks in my life on anything so I was very skeptical about this ”electric” shock. I set it to a softer setting and I ran over the same ¼ mile of bumps in the orchard 5+ times. Dam!!! It was like night and day and it was incredible. I ran over 85mph in 1-2’ bumps and it was like I was not hitting them. I am so used to my SXR kicking my #*$&@ it was awesome. Set the shock to stiff and it kicked like a mule again. So, it’s a sweet adjustment. I also ran on a bunch of flat straights and in 600 or so feet I was able to see 96mph on my speedo. I did not have my GPS on board with me today. Anyway, yes it’s heavy and you can feel it. Yes, it’s the fastest thing on snow I have hit in a long time (the 780 SRX might have been faster). It’s smooth and hits bumps like nothing ever could. I like the fact I have a 145hp SXR-700 and a 150hp Apex. It’s the best of both worlds. But the Apex-GT is one heavy mutha, no question about it.

stills http://www.sohonetworkx.com/Apex-GT_F7.htm

Video one http://www.sohonetworkx.com/video/100_2946.MOV

Video two http://www.sohonetworkx.com/video/100_2944.MOV

doug

 

[Swiss Sledder]

Good report and cool videos. I really liked the sound of the new engine. Looking like Nos-Pro when you did that wheelie!

You can also tell that you just came off a two-stroke the way you use the throttle.

 

[actionjack]

4-5 lengths over an F7 in 600'. Might be a lot of unhappy F7 owners this winter.

 

[NY_SXR700]

His F-7 was running like crap. It did not want to run well below 4000RPM's so his hole shot was crap. But, even at 60moh and we both hit it.... the Apex just keeps on pulling untill you run out of orchard. I also could not mash the flipper off the line either because my track was ratcheting real bad. That is why I did the wheelie off the curb. You can hear the track ratchet in that video. I think this is the cruiser of the year sled no question about it. I just hope I NEVER get it stuck. Doug

 

[NY_SXR700]

Good report and cool videos. I really liked the sound of the new engine. Looking like Nos-Pro when you did that wheelie!

You can also tell that you just came off a two-stroke the way you use the throttle.

I watched the vids again and I hear that 2-stroke braping like you say. This sled is hard to drive slow. When you are manuvering around it jumps or lurches forward. It has so much front ski pressure that when you let off the gas it stops like the E-brake is on. It even chipped my garage floor because of so much ski pressure. I don't think I am going to touch a thing for now because it's so sweet in the bumps I rode in. I am going to get 500 miles on it before I do any wrenching, other than tightning the track today. Doug

 

[Buster696]

Doug, great chatting with you last night... Looks like you like the sled...

As for steering hard, wait until we have some a good snow base (looks like you were on some snow/grass mix), it will steer a little easier for ya...

--Buster696--

 

[sstickler]

NY,

Judging from your comments, this is your first Y 4 stroke...I went from 2 stroke Polaris ditchbangers to the 03 RX1 LE and have never looked back(04 Warrior & 05 RX1 ER)...granted, I spend little time off trail, but on trail you will be very happy with the handling characteristics of this sled and not notice the weight...

Take a look at the new Supertrax and the dry & wet weights...you will see that Y has closed the gap on weight in the hi-perf class...if the weight is centered you shouldn't notice...how much do you notice your sled's handling when the gas tank is full compared to empty? There's a 70 lb. PLUS difference in weight regardless of the sled...

After more trail riding, you will not be talking about weight...just using the words LOVE IT!

I cant help but mention that the Supertrax boys even mention in one of the last pro's and con's in their "No Bull" section..."we're worried about losing our reputation about being jerks to Yamaha"...

My GT comes in Monday...woohoo!!

 

[wolfie]

I would have to mirror those comments. I know alot of the boys are excited at getting their first miles, but it's usually in loose snow, with no base. Not the best evaluation of how a sled really handles. Get that sled in its element, and I think its gonna prove to be the finest all around sled made this winter. No, I'm not saying it's the fastest, or will win a sno-x race. But for strapping on the saddlebags, and putting 300 miles on, I can't think of a better sled to be on.

 

[Swiss Sledder]

Just giving you a hard time on the braaaap throttle.

Regarding the engine braking, it is something you have to get use to. After an hour on the trail, you will fall in love with it. But warn your buddies because you don't use the brakes with the engine breaking. People too often key on your brake lights, which is bad thing when following a 4 stroke.

 

[Tork]

Think of a throttle as just that.
On a 2 stroke, which the majority of us came from, riding the tight twisties the throttle could be used as an on/off switch.
here on a 4 stroke I find it works better for me to modulate the throttle a lot. In other words I can come out of a corner better if I am squeezing the throttle on more slowly instead of immediate WOT. And going into a corner my thumb usually isn't entirely off either, it is modulating.

 

[srx70024]

Do these sleds sound awesome or what ??!!! That's some great stuff. Can't wait to get some snow here in Mass.

Great info and vids.

Thanks

 

[JONMIG]

Thanks for the report!! Can't get over how great that machine sounds!

 

[welterracer]

I agree with wolfee.. once you get in on real trails with real snow.. it will handle awsome..

Hell ive got 8 inch carbides on mine and i thought it steered easy compared to my rx warrior..

This is by far the FINEST yamaha sled built to date!

 

[YAMMIEGOD3:16]

DOUG, NICE SHOTS, LETS HOOK UP THIS WINTER AT WEIDMANS. 3:16 (tony)

 

[sx-r mark]

Who is the skinny dude...on that ugly green thing?