High Mileage Apex - What to watch for?

[Jack_Shaft]

20+ years ago I had a 2003 RX1 and joined this forum. It was a great sled and a great experience. Family happened and the RX1 had to go as I moved into more family-oriented snowmobiling activities.

Now that I'm old LOL, I'd love to have an Apex in the fleet to enjoy on Sunday rides from time to time. Maybe for nostalgia, maybe because it's just a great, reliable sled that makes 150hp without any kind of SC or TC. There's value in that.

I know back in the RX1 days, we had to watch out for the jshaft brg and use some ring free to keep them from burning oil, the front torque arm in the rear suspension had a tendency to crack, and the exhaust flex joints and heat shields often worked loose and rattled your brains out.

The Apex seems to be more solid in these areas, but the stator is maybe a little weak and prone to early failure? Lots of these on eBay for sale so not a big deal I suppose.

Any insight as to what else I should watch out for? There are a couple of ones near me for sale at great prices that are in excellent condition but have 10000-20000kms on them.

 

[biffdotorg]

You pretty much nailed them. The arm in the skid is solid on newer gen Apex, 2011+ also addressed the donuts. Not eliminated the problem, but you were not replacing them every 4000 miles like clockwork.

Normal wear and tear parts. Burning oil is not as much of an issue as the oil tank seeping or leaking. Usually can be welded, JB-weld or replaced with a new or refurbished oil tank.

Slop in the steering can be fixed with replacement bushings from the handlebars to the spindles. EXUP valves should be inspected as cables stick or wear.

Good luck in your search, there are some cherries out there to be had.

 

[Jack_Shaft]

You pretty much nailed them. The arm in the skid is solid on newer gen Apex, 2011+ also addressed the donuts. Not eliminated the problem, but you were not replacing them every 4000 miles like clockwork.

Normal wear and tear parts. Burning oil is not as much of an issue as the oil tank seeping or leaking. Usually can be welded, JB-weld or replaced with a new or refurbished oil tank.

Slop in the steering can be fixed with replacement bushings from the handlebars to the spindles. EXUP valves should be inspected as cables stick or wear.

Good luck in your search, there are some cherries out there to be had.

Thank you very much. I will watch for those items in my search.

 

[pdiddy]

And if you're in reverse, don't bump into the throttle!

 

[maim]

biffdotorg covered it pretty well. there are a few things to watch for even higher milage ones. as my 11 has 39000 km there are a few things to watch for.

anything over 30000 km on a 11-18 or 20000 km on a 06-10 apex is the tunnel to bulkhead rivits come loose and need to be re done.

keep the air shock in good shape on the 11-18 or replace with coil over aftermarket as there have been a few issues with them over the years.

other than battery and having to clean the thumb warmer switch on my 11, all other isuues where caused by the dummy that owns the sled.

you will love having an apex.

 

[Jack_Shaft]

And if you're in reverse, don't bump into the throttle!

LOL I'm not sure I catch that one, is this common or something?

 

[pdiddy]

They're just really responsive! (You'll love it.)

 

[03RX1-ER-LE]

I have an 09 8,474 miles and a 11xtx 14,800 miles so far. Great sleds, seems like engine will run forever, many homebuilt airplanes use the Apex engine. Last sleds I will buy, long live the Apex!

 

[theCATman]

Last of the true Blues. As long as it's been well maintained, I wouldn't be afraid of one with 10,000+ miles.

That said, I'm spoiled by the pair of 11 XTX'S I have with sub 3,000 on them. Found a pair from an older couple with 2100 & 2200 on them respectively.

I upgraded both with star kits & BRP center spring. Greatly improved ride.

 

[Jack_Shaft]

Last of the true Blues. As long as it's been well maintained, I wouldn't be afraid of one with 10,000+ miles.

That said, I'm spoiled by the pair of 11 XTX'S I have with sub 3,000 on them. Found a pair from an older couple with 2100 & 2200 on them respectively.

I upgraded both with star kits & BRP center spring. Greatly improved ride.

Would you be willing to offer the Coles notes version of the BRP center spring you are using (P/N) and what is a Star kit?

 

[bzktm8]

20+ years ago I had a 2003 RX1 and joined this forum. It was a great sled and a great experience. Family happened and the RX1 had to go as I moved into more family-oriented snowmobiling activities.

Now that I'm old LOL, I'd love to have an Apex in the fleet to enjoy on Sunday rides from time to time. Maybe for nostalgia, maybe because it's just a great, reliable sled that makes 150hp without any kind of SC or TC. There's value in that.

I know back in the RX1 days, we had to watch out for the jshaft brg and use some ring free to keep them from burning oil, the front torque arm in the rear suspension had a tendency to crack, and the exhaust flex joints and heat shields often worked loose and rattled your brains out.

The Apex seems to be more solid in these areas, but the stator is maybe a little weak and prone to early failure? Lots of these on eBay for sale so not a big deal I suppose.

Any insight as to what else I should watch out for? There are a couple of ones near me for sale at great prices that are in excellent condition but have 10000-20000kms on them.

 

[bzktm8]

I have an RX-1 with over 14k..still love it. I believe the Apex had the same issue with exhaust doughnuts - 4 of those dang things that are a pain to access.

 

[maim]

Would you be willing to offer the Coles notes version of the BRP center spring you are using (P/N) and what is a Star kit.

they replace the centre shock spring and un couple the 11-15 apex xtx rear suspension to make it ride more plush. company out of quebec makes the kit and does the nessasary shock mods if you do not have acess to a local shock guy that can do it. never rode a sled with it on it personally as i have my 11 set exactly how i want it to ride without it.

 

[theCATman]

Would you be willing to offer the Coles notes version of the BRP center spring you are using (P/N) and what is a Star kit?

503192217 is the spring P/N

And as the other guy said the kit is from a Canadian company called STAR Suspension

 

[Teamblue4]

I put the Hygear dual rate spring in My 12 and 14 XTX's ! Best ride on the market!