Keep running an Attak with 17,000 miles or buy new???

[Budweiser]

The genesis 998cc will easily run 30,000 miles before needing a rebuild. I have seen these and other liter bike engines torn down at 20,000 track-miles (hard), where these engines are taken to 12,500 rpm repeatedly, and they always still have the cross hatching in the cylinder walls. At 30k though, you're looking at pistons, rings, valves and valve guides.

For your mileage, I would just consider looking at the cam chain this summer, because you may hit 20k before next summer and the cam chain generally needs replacing at that mark. You should also check valve clearance now.

For the other points you make, I would go so far as to say that your sled has a better chance at additional trouble free miles than another new sled, perhaps even a new Yamaha, because it has survived the 'infant mortality' period, but not yet stepped into the 'useful life' ramp down.

Cam chain adjuster on the 4 cylinder? I thought that was only an issue on some 3 cylinders?

 

[berge75]

I would get a new stator if you haven't replaced it already. A stator is about the only thing that has commonly went bad with milage that would leave you stranded. New stators cost $238 (sports plaza). The rest of the stuff are wear items that you can replace as you go.

 

[09nytro]

I have been useing babbits online same price and been getting stuff in no more then 7 days

 

[Budweiser]

Great info! That's what I'm looking for! If I keep, I'll look into one. I've heard rumblings of those going at higher mileage...

 

[mr.pitstop]

Its a tough call when you want a reliable sled. The reason I switched to yamaha was because I frequently ride alone, sometimes late at night and a long ways back in the woods. If my sled shits out on me Im stuck (and I have broken into a camp and stayed the night once due to a polaris piston coming apart)

I was considering a new sled this year and I was seriously considering an AC Z1turbo. Its a 4 stroke and has a turbo stock..... BUT... I love my apex, Its the best sled I've ever owned in my 20 years riding.. I know my sled inside and out, I don't even know how to get the body pannels off an AC.... So I scrapped the idea of a cat and decided I'd either keep my apex or buy a new yammi... Well, since my sled runs so good, and I've updated all the common parts that go bad (suspension arms, bushings, exhaust donuts, etc...) So I figure im best off keeping my sled for another season or two.. If I were you, with those miles and knowing your sled inside and out. I'd keep it for another season... I'd start planning now for your next new one and plan on buying it after this season... By then your sled will be at 20k+ and it will probably be time for something new... I'd seriously consider a new apex though, you can buy a left over 2011 for $11,500 and get a better sled that you know more about than the doo... good luck..

 

[MT.man]

I went from a 06 apex to a new 2011 apex and all I can say is it looks alot like the 06 but is so much better to ride you think its a whole new design. You should try to get a good test ride on one before you jump ship. I try not to bash ski-doo but if I am planing a 3 or 4 day ride away from home (northern maine) I am hesitant to invite any one with a ski-doo as they seem the most likely to wreck the trip. Just my opinion.

 

[crazyyamaha]

I have almost 35,000 miles on my rx1 you will need to adjust the valves at 20,000 miles it calls for it at 25,000 miles . Don't worry about the timing chain or tensioner If oil was changed regularly They don't wear out that quick . I have had no problems with the stator either I wouldn't buy one just to have on hand. The biggest thing that happens at that kind of millage is loose rivets if you catch it soon enough just replace them if the holes get wallowed out then just use a nice looking stainless machine screw and nut , muffler will probably crack were it y's out and the mono shock rails will crack at about 20,000 miles but they are cheap compared to a new sled. If the oil in the chain case was changed every 3000 miles and you used good oil there will be no wear on the chain either. And no I don't baby my sled it gets rode pretty hard. Your drive axle may or may not break mine broke at about 20,000 miles not much warning either just a slight vibration before it broke. And of course you will have your normal wear items that wear out. I do plan on keeping mine for another five years and I usually put on between 3500 -- 5000 miles a year. Hope this helps with your decision.

 

[kyzer]

Keep it ! New sleds can break down just as easy. Sounds like you have done proper maintenance, so you know how well the sled is going to perform.

 

[Budweiser]

I have almost 35,000 miles on my rx1 you will need to adjust the valves at 20,000 miles it calls for it at 25,000 miles . Don't worry about the timing chain or tensioner If oil was changed regularly They don't wear out that quick . I have had no problems with the stator either I wouldn't buy one just to have on hand. The biggest thing that happens at that kind of millage is loose rivets if you catch it soon enough just replace them if the holes get wallowed out then just use a nice looking stainless machine screw and nut , muffler will probably crack were it y's out and the mono shock rails will crack at about 20,000 miles but they are cheap compared to a new sled. If the oil in the chain case was changed every 3000 miles and you used good oil there will be no wear on the chain either. And no I don't baby my sled it gets rode pretty hard. Your drive axle may or may not break mine broke at about 20,000 miles not much warning either just a slight vibration before it broke. And of course you will have your normal wear items that wear out. I do plan on keeping mine for another five years and I usually put on between 3500 -- 5000 miles a year. Hope this helps with your decision.

Holy crap! 35,000 miles!! That's great!

Muffler cracked this season at 16,500 miles at the Y, got it welded and all good. My drive axle broke at 12,000. The only thing that has ever stopped me on the trail. Got towed by a Ski Doo!!! My rails looks good so far. They are a concern but hopefully I'll be able to see it before it really lets go.

What about the 'W' arm? Mine is updated to the newer 08 style. Are they failing also after a certain # of miles?

 

[crazyyamaha]

Boy did I call the failures right . I would just replace the rails at that mileage and sell the old ones on Ebay if they don,t have cracks in them while they are still worth some money. My w arm is reinforced like Weltracer does if you look up his post you will see what he has done to reinforce them you won't have any problems with that if the one you have looks like that.

 

[Ronder]

Man... I am so glad I snow checked Yamaha. The post here are very positive about the reliability!

PS... My 2005 500 Classic has 8700 miles and this past season I broke the Arm on the skid... Only problem I had on it.

 

[spike337]

Man... I am so glad I snow checked Yamaha. The post here are very positive about the reliability!

PS... My 2005 500 Classic has 8700 miles and this past season I broke the Arm on the skid... Only problem I had on it.

I know you were looking Ronder, but what did you end up getting?

 

[Ronder]

Vector RS... Candy Apple Red

 

[spike337]

Sweet. My buddy came off his Polaris after all those years and bought one too back in 2007. He said he has no interest in a new one, this one does everything he wants it to do. He also is handicapped with a prostetic leg, and working nights, rides early am by himself, so a bullet proof, dependable sled was a must!
Congrats.
Sorry about the hyjack Budweiser.
Carry on.

 

[Ding]

Buy the new and have two!!!

You are not going to get that much out of your current one anyway.