Front suspension damage...after market front end kit?

[Grimm]

So after a great weekend of riding and looking forward to my week off on holidays, I ended my run abrubtly today while doing a little road running. I tagged a rail line at about 40 km/hr. I took a tumble and am a little banged up...probably be sore tomorrow.

My Apex didn't fare too well, bending the A arms, which will definitely need replacing. It doesn't look like I damaged the bulkhead, nor the shock or spindle, but I won't know until I tear it down to survey the damage and if I will need more parts to rebuild it.

With the price of Yamaha parts as they are, replacement parts are costly and I am considering getting an aftermarket front end kit vs stock for a few bucks more for improved handling, strength or weight savings.

Which kit seems to be the better option? Timbersled's Barkbuster or Mountain Performance's front end kit? Are there others? Pros and cons? What does everyone think should be the best option? Hopefully I can get an idea tomorrow on the full damage...hoping that I can just get away with replacing just the A arms and be up and running by the end of the week, but we'll see. Some vacation.

 

[Grimm]

Acouple of pics.

 

[steiner]

Get a hold of one of the TY advertisers here and pick up some good used replacement parts.

 

[Redbeard]

Most important thing is you were able to walk away! Glad you're ok!
I smacked a rock hidden under the snow a year ago on my Apex. Tore up the left front suspension pretty bad. It only had 700 miles on it...made me sick.
I tore it down and never did find any apparent transfer damage to the bulkhead. New arms, spindle/housing and bushings got 'er running again. Hopefully you'll come out of it easy like I did.
All I can say is these Delta box sleds are tough.

 

[apex55]

My right side has been jynxed. Had to replace once from an encounter with a water hole in Quebec that was big enough to swallow a car and a trail side obstacle in Vermont that also broke my bulk head. The second one I straightened out the a-arms.

 

[actionjack]

I've wanted a Timbersled kit on my sled for a while but most of my miles are done 700 miles away in Quebec and I would be SOL trying to find replacement parts during a trip.

I'll bet you have some spindle damage.

Good thing you're OK.

 

[sheetwright]

I had the timber sled on my 06, and I think it was a to weak for trail idi g bumps etc. the him joint broke twice. Once on a landing smashing my face into the handle bars. Not fun when you break a brand new bv2s helmet and have to ride 80 miles back to camp with a open sore face. Their bushings are weak uhmw also. I would suggest these. Lighter, beefier, and the price is right. http://www.alternativeimpact.com/yamaha ... a-arms.htm had them on my 08 nytro and man they held up great. Also I believe they more or less copy the yamaha design. Allowing you to add a stock arm if in a pinch (need to verify) hope this helps

 

[Grimm]

Thanks for the tips guys. I will have to replace the A arms and the spindle. Again, the bulkhead looks fine, no cracks. I can't tell whether I'll need a new spindle housing or not...it looks good though, just don't know if it's bent/twisted/tweaked in any manner. The lower A arm mount bolt to the spindle housing is pretty bent. I'll see if I can cut it out of there.

It's looking more than likely that my season is over as shipping times for aftermarket parts, especially from the States, will take some time to get to me, same with parted out sled parts and used parts. I think I want to do this right once and not twice because of taking a shortcut.

Notice the pic below...the bolt for the lower A arm mount on the spindle is bent twice...never seen that happen before.

 

[Redbeard]

Grimm, my arms looked the same way! Take a real good look at the housing from the side shown in the picture. The casting line should be straight. I thought mine was ok at first, but it was bent and needed replaced. If there's any doubt with that cast aluminum, toss it!

 

[Grimm]

Well, with all the snow in the forecast, I bit the bullet and bought OEM parts to replace my bent A arms and affected bushings. Hopefully, it will go back together smoothly and I won't need that spindle housing. It looks pretty darn straight to me.

If all goes well, I could very well be back on the trails Friday!

Thanks for the help/info guys.

 

[Redbeard]

It looks pretty darn straight to me.

 

[Malibu]

Got a set from Alternative Impact today.They have chrome moly and TITAN!!!!!!!!

 

[JROCK]

Well, with all the snow in the forecast, I bit the bullet and bought OEM parts to replace my bent A arms and affected bushings. Hopefully, it will go back together smoothly and I won't need that spindle housing. It looks pretty darn straight to me.

If all goes well, I could very well be back on the trails Friday!

Thanks for the help/info guys.

Irv how are the front end bushings in the newer models. Stay tight? Now would be a good time throw in some oilites but your right snow is coming where we riding? I want to try that ps lol

 

[Grimm]

Looks like south of Ottawa is gonna be hit harder...I'll probably head that way this weekend if the sled will pass it's test after being put together.

I am very surprised at how well the bushings are after nearly 9000km on the machine. The grease zerks are working and I make sure to keep things lubed up regularly. I was going to buy the oilites, but again, I wanted to be back on the trails this weekend, not in 2 or 3 weeks.

My Kimpex Arrow skis are trashed...looks like the stock skis are going back on...yeesh!

 

[SumpBuster]

Glad you're ok...and be thankful!! I remember buying the first two rx1's in these parts, way back in 02, rolled the blue one and grazed a log with the black one and took out the sump cover and the engine seized!!
Not a good way to start the 4 stroke era for me, but that's how you learn!! LOL...skid plates and any armor stuff is worth it, imo.