First Time Buyer - What To Look For?

krwyellowz28

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Hi all, I am new to the site and have been looking at options to upgrade from my '00 700XC and the Attak seems to be a good possibility. I've had my fair share of Yamaha crotch rockets, and know the reliability of the engines (32k on a '99 R6, 38k on a '00 R1, etc), but my only experience with a 4 stroke Yami sled was a friend's '03 RX-1. I was very impressed with the power, but i didn't even want to ride it unless we were on a lake because of how awful it cornered.

I've been lurking on the site a lot lately trying to educate myself on the Apex/Attak, but I am wondering what I should be looking for in particular when shopping for a used Attak. I can't swing the money for a new sled, so I'll be looking at mainly '06 sleds with about 1k-3k miles in the $5,000-6,000 price range.

A few particular questions are:

1. What items should I pay close attention to that generally break/wear out first (looks like the W-arm is a consistent problem).

2. What are some of the "must do" upgrades? i.e. front end bushing kit, hand warmer fix, extra bogie wheels, etc.

3. What are some of the best bang-for-the-buck upgrades for a completely stock sled for overall reliability, rideability/cornering, and power? (Clutch kit like Ulmer Stg2, suspension upgrades, etc)

4. Any other tips for a newb like myself? I've been on Polaris sleds since I can remember, but the Yamaha/4-stroke scene is all new to me. My other options as of now are an '06ish 800 Rev, '00-03 XCR800 (oddball of the group), or 05-06 800 Switchback. My brother is on an '07 FST Switchback and I love the reliability and power that 4 stroke has. Thanks for your input! :rocks:

-Kyle
 
Yup, I can tell by what you wrote you have been reading alot. Most of the problems with the yamaha apex/attack center around the rear suspension. Look it over closely and see if there are any cracks in the W arm or the slide rails. Look at the wheels and make sure they all are in good shape and all the bearings are good. Look at the rear shock mount and make sure the track/ studs havn't worn through it.

When you first start the sled cold, listen carefully for a slight tick. It may indicate bad exhaust gaskets or Y pipes.

ask the previous owner if they have ever greased or replaced the jackshaft and drive shaft bearings on the clutch side. They need greased about every season or they will need replaced.

these are the worst issues with a used apex/attack IMO. Some others may offer other suggestions but there is only so much you can look at. If it looks like its been cared for. Buy it, They are a great sled...
 
Thanks for the replies and input. I have seen the ad for that Attak, and its actually one I had in mind when making this post. What are some of the Attak's shortcomings in performance? Can anyone here offer an honest, unbiased comparison between the power, handling, and reliability between the Yami, 800 Rev, and 800 IQ chassis... i realize this is probably not the best forum to ask that... lol. I'm hoping I can get some seat time on one soon to make my own conclusions, but it'll take a lot to impress me over the corner carving abilities of the Rev.
 
You wont carve corners on the attack like you will on the rev. Thats just my opinion. The attack is a different type of ride, you just have to ride on for a while...
 
The first question you need to answer is your riding location and what type of riding you do. On/ Off trail, when you see 1ft+ moguls on the trail do you slow down or pin it. Long sweeping curves or tight twisty trails. The Apex/Attack is not an easy sled to man handle all day long. Now if you prefer to cruise trails, then open her up on lakes and rails, then the Apex is tough to beat. I had an 06' RTX and enjoyed the sled very much, the motor is unlike anything else. The suspension (rear) was lacking big time, after throwing a bag of money at it it was great, but still not a big bump sled which the Apex simply can't be, something will break no matter what reinforcement you put on. If you need a big bump sled I would say either look for an 08' updated Nytro or get a Rev. I would avoid the 800's though.
 
That's pretty much the answer I figured I would get. We tend to ride pretty aggressive and don't really slow down for much. I'm in central IL, and most of the trail riding is done in middle and upper WI, so there is a good mix of tight trails and opening it up on the lakes. Are there any budget oriented options for replacing the rear skid? I saw where one guy swapped in a Polaris Edge rear setup... is that very common?
 
I've read some things on just about every skid out there going into the Apex. From stock mods to ZX2 and even putting in an SC4 from Doo. Not sure how any of them actually ride but do some searching and I'm sure you'll find good info on it.
 


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