I REALLY don't get it.

[dirkdiggler]

Everyone wants:

More technology
More horsepower
More traction
Better handling
New this
New that

Yet when a company delivers, it's not good enough, or too expensive. REALLY?

What technology? Power Steering? They took that from there Quad lineup.

More HP ? it's still rated at 150HP it's the same motor with a 2007 R1 head plus the power valve in the Exhaust. They didn't invest anything in engineering in that motor

Better Traction really? Last time I check they've been building a 136 version of this sled since 2006

Better handling? from all reports I've read it still have inside ski lift.


This might be the best Apex ever but it's not better then what Doo has going right now. I love Yamaha, I rode Yamaha when they were last in sales becuase I loved the quality. If Yamaha wants to act like they are the leader then they need top build the best sled on the market. all Yamaha has right now is the best motors. The Quality has gone down since I had my first SRX, The handling has never been good in any of the A Arm chassis Yamaha's, These sleds are also 50 to 100 pounds to heavy.

 

[AttakSnow2]

I have to agree with Drifter, he hit it on the head.

At least Yamaha is at least doing something... How many other brands are listening to its riders like Yamaha is? With this site, be actually have an opinion to them. They might not do it as fast as some of us would like, but like Yamaha said, they have been working on the EPS for 3 years. I would rather them take there time and release it when it is a bullet proof system instead of releasing it and having it fall apart. Anybody remember the Polaris Fuzion?

I think the turbo will come in time, but al least Yamaha is moving in the right direction. (Except for the Price)

 

[Boomer]

I guess a lot of people don't realize what the global economy is actually doing right now!

I think Yamaha did exactly what they should have done...right now. They addressed alot of the things everyone has been bitching about and then some and are doing it one model at a time. If this was 10 years ago I'd bet we would be seeing much more being delivered, but not now, that's for sure!!!!!!!!!!!

To think that they are going to give us every little (and big) change and deliver it on every possible platform is just insane. I think we are damn lucky that there are still 4 major manufacturers still in existence. It makes no sense to think they are going to re-tool and completely revamp the portfolio in these times is wishful thinking. The cost is so prohibitive and would probably put them on a pretty fast track to becoming obsolete as a brand.

We gotta remember that this is still a "Made in Japan" brand and that along with currency exchange, transportation halfway around the world is always going to make Yamaha's more expensive. At least we still have the best re-sale and value retention compared to the others still going for us.

But, then the vocal minority are always the loudest. Everyone is certainly allowed their opinion, but an awful lot of you sound alot like spoiled 6 year olds at the supermarket, cause Mommy didn't buy you the cereal you wanted. If you hate Yamaha soooo much, go ahead and jump ship, I'll still be here in a year or 3 when you come back telling us how much S,P or AC suck because of XYZ problems and how much better Yamaha really is in the end. Especially when they all cost over $12-15K and you have no money left to fix it when it breaks. Yamaha will always win the cost of ownership standard.

 

[drifter]

 

[drifter]

One thing I know you will not see again in the near future, or maybe ever, is a total new line-up in one year. It is more cost effective to release a new or improved model each year, and it keeps the consumer content. How mad were people in the past when they bought the latest and greatest sled, only to have it be obsolete the next year.

 

[dirkdiggler]

I have to agree with Drifter, he hit it on the head.

At least Yamaha is at least doing something... How many other brands are listening to its riders like Yamaha is? With this site, be actually have an opinion to them. They might not do it as fast as some of us would like, but like Yamaha said, they have been working on the EPS for 3 years. I would rather them take there time and release it when it is a bullet proof system instead of releasing it and having it fall apart. Anybody remember the Polaris Fuzion?

I think the turbo will come in time, but al least Yamaha is moving in the right direction. (Except for the Price)

How can you say at least Yamaha is listening???

People want more power "still 150hp"

People say they want light weight "Sled is still heavy"

People asked for a ski replacement since teh Pro Action chassis Days. It only took 14 model years for that change.

People complained for 5 years about hand warmers and Yamaha did NOTHING. As a matter of Fact the problem had to be addressed by a TY member "Yamaheaters"

People complain about Exhaust Donuts Yamaha calls it a wear item.

I had to put Oil light bushings in my Nytro because the factory bushing are a joke. I'm sure I'll need to change the ball joints here soon as well. the 2008 Nytro's were so bad on Bushings and Ball joints guys wore them out in one season.


You guys act like Yamaha spent money to make these changes to the 2011 Apex. They took the Motor and exhaust technology from the Bike. They took the Power steering from the quad. There are Zero R&D dollars spent on these items. Then they slap a 15000.00 Price tag on it.

To me it seems like Yamaha doesn't care about Snowmobiles.

 

[Riceburner]

Everyone wants:

More technology
More horsepower
More traction
Better handling
New this
New that

Yet when a company delivers, it's not good enough, or too expensive. REALLY? Do these things come free or do you get money back if you add them? No. Yet people cry FOUL!

You say "not in this economy". REALLY? How do think the manufacturers are fairing in "this" economy? Sales are down 35%-50% in the industry. Lower sales mean lower earnings. So price increases, especially for new technology are unavoidable.

When you compare the two Apex's side by side, there is no comparison. More changed than just adding power steering. You have, without question, the most technologically advance snowmobile in the world...bar none.

Plus, when you compare a 2011 Apex to a 2010 Arctic Cat Z1 turbo, there is less than a $500 difference. With the performance improvements, 10% torque, 5% horsepower and the tech imporvements, exup variable exhaust, more aggressive skis, EPS, just to name a few, you have nearly 160 normally aspirated horsepower in a sled that previously did respectably well aganst the 170hp Z1 in performance, yet handled much better. Now with all the improvements, the bar has been raised even further. I would rather have no turbo in the same hp range personally. Plus with the handling improvements, this sled is the premium sled in it's class. Technology comes with a price.

Alot of the blame also lies on the U.S. Government. This global warming scam has cost the American tax payer billions of wasted dollars. That is reflected in what you pay for every consumable and non-consumable product, including your snowmobile.

A half ton pickup for $40 grand??? REALLY?

X 2 , Very well put Drifter.

I'm in assuming the demo ride goes well.

Just not sure about the Fox shocks. Last Fox's I had required a lot more rebuilds than Ohlin's, Kayabas or GYTR's.

US $ sucks relative to the world thats why the Yanks get the price increase. Canadians actually got a decrease on models that did not change.

 

[DoktorC]

How can you say at least Yamaha is listening???

People want more power "still 150hp"

People say they want light weight "Sled is still heavy"

People asked for a ski replacement since teh Pro Action chassis Days. It only took 14 model years for that change.

People complained for 5 years about hand warmers and Yamaha did NOTHING. As a matter of Fact the problem had to be addressed by a TY member "Yamaheaters"

People complain about Exhaust Donuts Yamaha calls it a wear item.

I had to put Oil light bushings in my Nytro because the factory bushing are a joke. I'm sure I'll need to change the ball joints here soon as well. the 2008 Nytro's were so bad on Bushings and Ball joints guys wore them out in one season.


You guys act like Yamaha spent money to make these changes to the 2011 Apex. They took the Motor and exhaust technology from the Bike. They took the Power steering from the quad. There are Zero R&D dollars spent on these items. Then they slap a 15000.00 Price tag on it.

To me it seems like Yamaha doesn't care about Snowmobiles.

What does it matter how they arrived at the new sled...the point is there are NEW features and benefits...it's better. When things get better they cost more...this shouldn't be a new concept for you. An 02 SRX was more money then a 98...same deal only here there actually has been some change.

I've heard this same rant from you for YEARS...get over it. Ride one and judge it on it's merits...if you still think it's a POS then it's not for you but otherwise I don't need you trying to save me from the evil R&D department at YMC......

 

[SharkAttak]

I have to agree with Drifter, he hit it on the head.

At least Yamaha is at least doing something... How many other brands are listening to its riders like Yamaha is? With this site, be actually have an opinion to them. They might not do it as fast as some of us would like, but like Yamaha said, they have been working on the EPS for 3 years. I would rather them take there time and release it when it is a bullet proof system instead of releasing it and having it fall apart. Anybody remember the Polaris Fuzion?

I think the turbo will come in time, but al least Yamaha is moving in the right direction. (Except for the Price)

WELL PUT


How can you say at least Yamaha is listening???

People want more power "still 150hp"

People say they want light weight "Sled is still heavy"

People asked for a ski replacement since teh Pro Action chassis Days. It only took 14 model years for that change.

People complained for 5 years about hand warmers and Yamaha did NOTHING. As a matter of Fact the problem had to be addressed by a TY member "Yamaheaters"

People complain about Exhaust Donuts Yamaha calls it a wear item.

I had to put Oil light bushings in my Nytro because the factory bushing are a joke. I'm sure I'll need to change the ball joints here soon as well. the 2008 Nytro's were so bad on Bushings and Ball joints guys wore them out in one season.


You guys act like Yamaha spent money to make these changes to the 2011 Apex. They took the Motor and exhaust technology from the Bike. They took the Power steering from the quad. There are Zero R&D dollars spent on these items. Then they slap a 15000.00 Price tag on it.

To me it seems like Yamaha doesn't care about Snowmobiles.

 

[MadMax]

This sled is the caddy of sleds........... Ride,best features,eps etc. Air ride,better skis (finally) nicer seat better mpg. Speaking of caddy, the last time I looked at a caddy they were heavy.. Something about weight and smoooth ride go together... This is without a dought the best trail sled out there........................................................................................................................................................"PERIOD".. If ya don't like it after riding it. Buy a doo, and make sure the dealer is close....

Speaking of ps........ When was the last time a car company made a car without it???????????????? 2 years and doo will be stealing this idea also. MM.

 

[drifter]

I have to agree with Drifter, he hit it on the head.

At least Yamaha is at least doing something... How many other brands are listening to its riders like Yamaha is? With this site, be actually have an opinion to them. They might not do it as fast as some of us would like, but like Yamaha said, they have been working on the EPS for 3 years. I would rather them take there time and release it when it is a bullet proof system instead of releasing it and having it fall apart. Anybody remember the Polaris Fuzion?

I think the turbo will come in time, but al least Yamaha is moving in the right direction. (Except for the Price)

How can you say at least Yamaha is listening???

People want more power "still 150hp"

People say they want light weight "Sled is still heavy"

People asked for a ski replacement since teh Pro Action chassis Days. It only took 14 model years for that change.

People complained for 5 years about hand warmers and Yamaha did NOTHING. As a matter of Fact the problem had to be addressed by a TY member "Yamaheaters"

People complain about Exhaust Donuts Yamaha calls it a wear item.

I had to put Oil light bushings in my Nytro because the factory bushing are a joke. I'm sure I'll need to change the ball joints here soon as well. the 2008 Nytro's were so bad on Bushings and Ball joints guys wore them out in one season.


You guys act like Yamaha spent money to make these changes to the 2011 Apex. They took the Motor and exhaust technology from the Bike. They took the Power steering from the quad. There are Zero R&D dollars spent on these items. Then they slap a 15000.00 Price tag on it.

To me it seems like Yamaha doesn't care about Snowmobiles.

5% increase in hp puts it at approximately 160ish. You want more power yet You don't want to pay for it.

People said they wanted a lighter feeling sled, they got it. The Apex is not for the ditch banging crowd, the Nytro and the Phazer are.

Skis are cheap, that could be said of any brand.

Yamaha did address the hand warmer issue, and with most 2010 models you have to turn them down.

The exhaust donuts are updated along with the header pipes if you need to replace them.

Bushings and bearings are a wear item in every sled. REALLY?

It's one thing to critique a sled, but you obviously have a chip on your shoulder. Ride your Doo and be happy, we heard you and it's all good. Move on. Be sure to drive a new Apex though, so your opinions about the Apex that you haven't even ridden yet can be validated.

You want so much more yet you don't want to pay for it. Wierd.

 

[cutlass7]

I just can't believe this thing would cost OVER $19,000 with tax!!!! If I was going to buy the "Caddy of sleds" it would be a 1200 GSX, air ride suspension, heated seat, standard tunnel bag, smooth 4 stroke power, etc...15hp less but at least 4 grand less too!!

 

[drifter]

I just can't believe this thing would cost OVER $19,000 with tax!!!! If I was going to buy the "Caddy of sleds" it would be a 1200 GSX, air ride suspension, heated seat, standard tunnel bag, smooth 4 stroke power, etc...15hp less but at least 4 grand less too!!

And with the lighter, cheaper construction also comes lower re-sale value.

 

[AttakSnow2]

I have to agree with Drifter, he hit it on the head.

At least Yamaha is at least doing something... How many other brands are listening to its riders like Yamaha is? With this site, be actually have an opinion to them. They might not do it as fast as some of us would like, but like Yamaha said, they have been working on the EPS for 3 years. I would rather them take there time and release it when it is a bullet proof system instead of releasing it and having it fall apart. Anybody remember the Polaris Fuzion?

I think the turbo will come in time, but al least Yamaha is moving in the right direction. (Except for the Price)

How can you say at least Yamaha is listening???

People want more power "still 150hp"

People say they want light weight "Sled is still heavy"

People asked for a ski replacement since teh Pro Action chassis Days. It only took 14 model years for that change.

People complained for 5 years about hand warmers and Yamaha did NOTHING. As a matter of Fact the problem had to be addressed by a TY member "Yamaheaters"

People complain about Exhaust Donuts Yamaha calls it a wear item.

I had to put Oil light bushings in my Nytro because the factory bushing are a joke. I'm sure I'll need to change the ball joints here soon as well. the 2008 Nytro's were so bad on Bushings and Ball joints guys wore them out in one season.


You guys act like Yamaha spent money to make these changes to the 2011 Apex. They took the Motor and exhaust technology from the Bike. They took the Power steering from the quad. There are Zero R&D dollars spent on these items. Then they slap a 15000.00 Price tag on it.

To me it seems like Yamaha doesn't care about Snowmobiles.

I am glad Yamaha is going in the right direction.

I have not always gotten everything I ever wanted like some people, so I am happy about what they did change.

And as for the price, has anyone seen what the 2011's in other brands are going to cost? We are all bitching about the price, wait till the other brands come out. I know the 4 stroke Cat was already at the $14,500 mark for this year, just wait till next......

 

[XIpyretta]

In my opinion this will be an excellent upgrade for many people, I myself loved my 06 apex, but love the riding style more of my Nytro XTX (I really miss the 150hp though).

As for the guys i ride with and my father, the style that they ride (Quebec trips) this is the sled for them. Anything that will make a sled rail around corners but turn as easy as pie is a huge plus.

The price does suck but every year it seems to go up a grand or so...then again these 4-strokes last forever....never have we had any major problems with ours. Gas and Go....hammer down....just ride.

The specs on the HP haven't come out yet but Maxximumsled.com said in their article that its at least 160hp. If the trend continued with this apex that has been happening with yamahas other HP claims then this sled should at least be around 158hp. ( Nytro 135hp class comes in around 140hp-ish, Vector claimed is 125hp but has been seen around low 130's hp)

Another point to look at is that the claim that the torque has increased, that's the great arm-stretching feel....you know the one that knocks you in your stomach?! As of right now i can keep up with an attack on my XTX up till around 70-80, i feel most of it is because of torque and traction....That new Apex XTX will have INSANE traction....i'm excited to see what she does. And just wait, their will be a yamacharger and other aftermarket goodies for the 2011's soon enough.....