If you are thinking about upgrading your older apex/attak/ltx to a newer apex...

[Heritage]

DO IT!!!! I now have just over 500 miles on my XTX....and can't stop smiling....don't listen to the critics, IMO..the 2011 or newer Apex's are MUCH better machines than the 06-2010 apex's...they handle flatter, corner with ease (EPS is awesome)...and ride better. Engine wise...the new ones are definately quicker through the mid range...I know this XTX would spank my attak (and it was no slouch). Fuel economy has ranged from 13.1 to a little over 15..almost the same as my attak. The engine breaking is less pronounced on the newer apex's...makes it easier to control. The clutching and engine feel smoother too...The new seat is very nice, and comfy...and does make it easier to go from sitting to standing....and...the handwarmers actually work...and work well (had yamaheaters on my attak).

The only nit picks I have are:
The rear skid on the XTX is stiff...more of a sno pro or x package type ride....if you are used to the plush mono ride...you will think it's rather stiff/harsh....I am still playing with mine, getting my preferences dialed in...but I can tell you this...I can attack bumps much faster with this sled, than I could with my old attak..it stays flatter, and straighter...doesn't pitch, or sway...and doesn't bang or bottom hard (like the mono used to)...the more I ride it...the more I like this stiff set-up, and am getting used to it...I no longer grit my teeth through two foot rollers...the stutter bumps do bite you a bit...but otherwise...it works well

The only other minor issue I have is...the ski's had woody's dually's on them when I bought it...it tracks straight with little darting...but they push in the corners (especially in loose snow)....many people like the snow trackers, or triple points...I plan on trying deuce bars next season...a couple of my friends have them and like them better than the dually's....I know a few guys put the dual tuners on and like them as well...to me it's more of a personal preference thing, than something that is wrong with the sled.

Like a lot of you I read the magazines, and the sled reviews...and I just shake my head at their bias..what's sad is how many people read this crap, and believe it, and worse repeat it on the internet..Yamaha, and 4 strokes in particular...are not well liked by the ricky racer, magazine guys....I actually started to believe some of the negative yamaha reviews, and got them stuck in my head...and while I really liked my attak...it had high miles, and needed a few things done to make it great again..it also would wear me out on rough, long rides..I thought maybe I should try something else...so I traded it in...I tried a Cat F1000 for a season and a half....it had a decent ride, and handled good too...but it vibrated, smoked...sucked gas and oil (10-11 MPG)...it then seized on me on a trip to the U.P (with only 2,300 miles on it)....then it left me stranded this year in pike lake (30 miles from where I was staying)..this time electrical issue. I traded it in on this XTX, and could not be happier....I ride with two 2014 Polaris's, a 2014 vector, a 2015Xys, a 2015 GSX 1200, and a 2013 switchback rush....all nice sleds...but everyone of them like this XTX...the new 800's are quick, but the apex will blow by all of them on top, and fuel mileage is really close....one of my friends told me flat out...he thought the EPS was a joke until he rode mine, ( and he rode the vector)..he now says he wishes his sled had it (and he has a new 800 two stroke).

I read alot of the comments on the 2016's...it sure seems like we have alot of trolls on this site bad mouthing yamaha...the apexes are not perfect..and there are a few things yamaha could do better...but I really don't care if yamaha comes out with a new apex or not...this one suits me to a tee, and I will be riding it for the next 4 winters (at least)...the make a "lightweight, same as the two stroke 800's" comments are rediculous!!

I wanted to post this to let guys know if they are on the fence (like I was)...don't jump ship...the 2011 and newer apexes are that much better...if I knew what I know now...I would have bought an XTX , 2 years ago.
If you really like your older style apex...you will love the new ones. Try one out if you can.
Sorry for this long winded post...lol

 

[Soldier'spapa]

Nice write-up!

After the suspension upgrades I made for this season to my SE, I too will be riding this for years to come unless something really dramatic comes from team blue.

I have had some seat time on a couple new Cats and Doos this season and on each all I want to do is climb back aboard my Apex.

 

[snobill]

I've been kicking around the idea of an newer apex xtx but I have my attak set up good and it's paid for. The snow conditions suck here and it's hard to make payments on something you barely drive. But good read makes me want to get one ! Maybe if I find a screeming deal I will !

 

[whitedust1]

Those of us that bought Apex XTXs like them...some think they are ruff riders & skid adjustability could be easier. EPS is the real deal & engine braking reduction works well too. The Apex Se is more nimble sits lower but nice sled too. My buds worry what we going to do if we can't buy Apex XTXs or SEs? To us Yamaha is not far off from the perfect trail sled... Sure they can improve the XTX rear skid use better shocks front & rear, lose a few pounds & jack the seat up slightly but all together a darn good sled.

 

[canadian nytro]

Agreed with everything said above! My biggest fear is that Yamaha will forget this trail rocket and push everything into that cat chassis

 

[Heritage]

I sure hope not...I was really interested in the viper when it came out...it's not a bad machine...but it's no apex...and the cat quality control has reared it's ugly head...with the recall this fall and numerous other minor but annoying issues...having owned cats...I want nothing to do with them...no offense to the happy viper owners...but I do not want an apex motor in that chassis. ...I want a 100 percent new yamaha, with a new chassis, and new suspensions...built in japan...it doesn't really matter to me what comes out this year..as I plan on riding this apex for the next several seasons....if yamaha goes all cat...I will be disappointed....yamaha quality is tough to beat..and so far cat just doesn't have it (yet)

 

[Sasquatch]

Just rode with a couple 800 2015 Doo's today. Matched them for gas mileage so as they are the golden standard to live by per the magazines the Apex is doing just fine. The rear skid in the XTX is a bit rough but trust me when I say it will pound foot high rock hard sharp edged frozen drifts on the lake at 70 to 80 mph that the competition cringes at. I just put the Star kit in mine and it rides way more supple then before. Doesn't want to buck me off in the small chop anymore and that was my biggest complaint with the XTX.

I installed Snowtrackers and all I can say is that they work, they don't dart they turn easy and grip great! In soft fresh snow they push a bit but if I'm pushing so is everyone else complaining of push with a mildred of other setups.

Snowtrackers and Star Kit only mods I have made and I think the only mods it will ever get. Well except for the bling lights! My sister is still shaking her head!

P.S. Did I mention the XTX is fast!

 

[whitedust1]

The improvement of the star should be 1st thng Yamaha looks at with new Apex XTX & might lose a few pounds with new skid as well other than that not far off for pure Yamaha sled.

 

[icebreaker]

I sure hope not...I was really interested in the viper when it came out...it's not a bad machine...but it's no apex...and the cat quality control has reared it's ugly head...with the recall this fall and numerous other minor but annoying issues...having owned cats...I want nothing to do with them...no offense to the happy viper owners...but I do not want an apex motor in that chassis. ...I want a 100 percent new yamaha, with a new chassis, and new suspensions...built in japan...it doesn't really matter to me what comes out this year..as I plan on riding this apex for the next several seasons....if yamaha goes all cat...I will be disappointed....yamaha quality is tough to beat..and so far cat just doesn't have it (yet)

X2 There is no new machine that compares!!!!!!!! Like I always say they can have there lightweight junk, its not for me. I have to own it a while to justify having it.

 

[Winder_506]

i have a 2013 xtx and love this sled, i need to install tuner skis for some better handeling but besides that, with the woodys power up kit installed from woodys performance, is a rocket. Run ski to ski with a well dialed in and clutched 2013 800r etech with a 120" track. I find the xtx to ride awsome for me at 6'4" and 290lbs with gear on. Anyone know if the factory tuner ski off a '15 viper will work on my apex? have a chance to pick a set up off my riding buddy any ifo is great thanks.

 

[whitedust1]

i have a 2013 xtx and love this sled, i need to install tuner skis for some better handeling but besides that, with the woodys power up kit installed from woodys performance, is a rocket. Run ski to ski with a well dialed in and clutched 2013 800r etech with a 120" track. I find the xtx to ride awsome for me at 6'4" and 290lbs with gear on. Anyone know if the factory tuner ski off a '15 viper will work on my apex? have a chance to pick a set up off my riding buddy any ifo is great thanks.

Best bet is stock ski & Snow trackers with eps ...opinions all over the place on tuners ...I would not go that way learned what is best by comparison & buds comparos on XTXs. We have tried tuners ,Bergstrom triple points, aggressive snowtrackers , woody's duallies & studboy dueces. STs come out on top by along shot set up properly.

 

[Teamblue4]

Opinions,Opinions,Opinions is all you get. I have a 12 XTX came with Tuners 4 and 6 carbides, I wanted to try the Snowtrackers out because of all the opinions so I bought a set of ST and a set of skis made all the adjustment pre instructions and tried them one weekend 562 miles. I am back to the Tuners now because that's my Opinion. My wife loves triple points on her 13 Apex and that's her opinion. I say spend the money and do the testing, after all it's your money spend it how you want and get your own opinion.

 

[sledheadgeorge]

Apex XTX by far the best Apex. X2 on all the good comments above, P.S., handling, ride, comfort etc. Only changes I would make are the seat height and skis. But thats a personal preference.

 

[Smokum]

DO IT!!!! I now have just over 500 miles on my XTX....and can't stop smiling....don't listen to the critics, IMO..the 2011 or newer Apex's are MUCH better machines than the 06-2010 apex's...they handle flatter, corner with ease (EPS is awesome)...and ride better. Engine wise...the new ones are definately quicker through the mid range...I know this XTX would spank my attak (and it was no slouch). Fuel economy has ranged from 13.1 to a little over 15..almost the same as my attak. The engine breaking is less pronounced on the newer apex's...makes it easier to control. The clutching and engine feel smoother too...The new seat is very nice, and comfy...and does make it easier to go from sitting to standing....and...the handwarmers actually work...and work well (had yamaheaters on my attak).

The only nit picks I have are:
The rear skid on the XTX is stiff...more of a sno pro or x package type ride....if you are used to the plush mono ride...you will think it's rather stiff/harsh....I am still playing with mine, getting my preferences dialed in...but I can tell you this...I can attack bumps much faster with this sled, than I could with my old attak..it stays flatter, and straighter...doesn't pitch, or sway...and doesn't bang or bottom hard (like the mono used to)...the more I ride it...the more I like this stiff set-up, and am getting used to it...I no longer grit my teeth through two foot rollers...the stutter bumps do bite you a bit...but otherwise...it works well

The only other minor issue I have is...the ski's had woody's dually's on them when I bought it...it tracks straight with little darting...but they push in the corners (especially in loose snow)....many people like the snow trackers, or triple points...I plan on trying deuce bars next season...a couple of my friends have them and like them better than the dually's....I know a few guys put the dual tuners on and like them as well...to me it's more of a personal preference thing, than something that is wrong with the sled.

Like a lot of you I read the magazines, and the sled reviews...and I just shake my head at their bias..what's sad is how many people read this crap, and believe it, and worse repeat it on the internet..Yamaha, and 4 strokes in particular...are not well liked by the ricky racer, magazine guys....I actually started to believe some of the negative yamaha reviews, and got them stuck in my head...and while I really liked my attak...it had high miles, and needed a few things done to make it great again..it also would wear me out on rough, long rides..I thought maybe I should try something else...so I traded it in...I tried a Cat F1000 for a season and a half....it had a decent ride, and handled good too...but it vibrated, smoked...sucked gas and oil (10-11 MPG)...it then seized on me on a trip to the U.P (with only 2,300 miles on it)....then it left me stranded this year in pike lake (30 miles from where I was staying)..this time electrical issue. I traded it in on this XTX, and could not be happier....I ride with two 2014 Polaris's, a 2014 vector, a 2015Xys, a 2015 GSX 1200, and a 2013 switchback rush....all nice sleds...but everyone of them like this XTX...the new 800's are quick, but the apex will blow by all of them on top, and fuel mileage is really close....one of my friends told me flat out...he thought the EPS was a joke until he rode mine, ( and he rode the vector)..he now says he wishes his sled had it (and he has a new 800 two stroke).

I read alot of the comments on the 2016's...it sure seems like we have alot of trolls on this site bad mouthing yamaha...the apexes are not perfect..and there are a few things yamaha could do better...but I really don't care if yamaha comes out with a new apex or not...this one suits me to a tee, and I will be riding it for the next 4 winters (at least)...the make a "lightweight, same as the two stroke 800's" comments are rediculous!!

I wanted to post this to let guys know if they are on the fence (like I was)...don't jump ship...the 2011 and newer apexes are that much better...if I knew what I know now...I would have bought an XTX , 2 years ago.
If you really like your older style apex...you will love the new ones. Try one out if you can.
Sorry for this long winded post...lol

I bought a 2014 XF9000 Limited 137" this year after coming off an 03RX-1 MTN. I really like the rider forward seating position and that is what pushed me to a Cat as I didn't like the seating position on my wife's '06 RTX and I still wanted good out of the box power. After putting 650 miles on the Cat, I miss the hell out of the sound of my Yamaha's, the instant snappy power, and the reliability as I've had problems with the Cat. I never gave a newer XTX a thought as I figured the seating position would be the same as the old ones. So my question is how does it compare to the Cat you had as I assume that was rider forward? The rider forward is super nice, but I'll take reliability back until Yamaha builds their own chassis sled. I am really glad I kept my RX-1, as I will most likely be selling my Cat, as the sled is greener on the other side, but the grass certainly is not.

 

[sledheadgeorge]

I bought a 2014 XF9000 Limited 137" this year after coming off an 03RX-1 MTN. I really like the rider forward seating position and that is what pushed me to a Cat as I didn't like the seating position on my wife's '06 RTX and I still wanted good out of the box power. After putting 650 miles on the Cat, I miss the hell out of the sound of my Yamaha's, the instant snappy power, and the reliability as I've had problems with the Cat. I never gave a newer XTX a thought as I figured the seating position would be the same as the old ones. So my question is how does it compare to the Cat you had as I assume that was rider forward? The rider forward is super nice, but I'll take reliability back until Yamaha builds their own chassis sled. I am really glad I kept my RX-1, as I will most likely be selling my Cat, as the sled is greener on the other side, but the grass certainly is not.

I have a friend who has the Cat and we switched sleds to compare. Cat is definitely more rider forward and you sit higher. Thats why I will have my seat modified to add couple more inches of height to the seat. It will be just high enough to keep my knees lower than my hips by just a bit.
There are advantages of rider forward. However I like the lower COG on the Apex compared to the Cat Chassis. Sled can rail much better at speed. Its all a personal preference.