Model year improvements

[capt937]

Hi,
I currently have a 2006 Rage, and would like to upgrade. I like the rider forward position of my friends Polaris Pro-r. I just drove a new Viper with the 137" track. I didnt care for it. It didnt turn (plowed) and power was lacking. Also didn't like the sound of the motor. My 06 Rage seemed faster. There is a 2007 apex for sale near me. My question is, is the seat higher on that and rider moved forward on that compared to mine? What improvements have that made since 07 to apex besides power steering?

 

[Winderallday!]

I came off a 05 Vector on to a 06 Apex some time ago, and hands down the seating/riding position is much better in my opinion, would never go back. Yes it is higher and rider forward, but not extreme, really helps you connect with the sled.
2011+ has a firmer seat with sculpted sides, and of course it has an EXUP exhaust valve which adds a few ponies. Hand warmers work better than 06-10 models, but would still add Yamaheaters. The 128" track helps with hook up as well unless you want to go XTX route at 144"
I had an 08 Apex LTX 136" as well, it has the upgraded beefier suspension swing arm, and additional support for the exhaust/muffler stability. I would totally recommend the 08 Apex LTX if you are not able to swing the 2011+
Cheers and good luck with your search

 

[capt937]

I came off a 05 Vector on to a 06 Apex some time ago, and hands down the seating/riding position is much better in my opinion, would never go back. Yes it is higher and rider forward, but not extreme, really helps you connect with the sled.
2011+ has a firmer seat with sculpted sides, and of course it has an EXUP exhaust valve which adds a few ponies. Hand warmers work better than 06-10 models, but would still add Yamaheaters. The 128" track helps with hook up as well unless you want to go XTX route at 144"
I had an 08 Apex LTX 136" as well, it has the upgraded beefier suspension swing arm, and additional support for the exhaust/muffler stability. I would totally recommend the 08 Apex LTX if you are not able to swing the 2011+
Cheers and good luck with your search

Thanks for the info Apexallday. My Rage is a 136, so I'm not crazy about going back to a 121" unless the cornering is that much better. I think the XTX with the 144" with the swept up rails would be awesome. Do the swept up rails make a big difference? Does the 2011 and newer seat make you sit a touch higher because of the firmness?

 

[Metallicat]

I have a 2008 Vector and do not like the seating position, nor the foam. I'll upgrade my sled with a wrp seat soon. The newer sleds are sooo much more comfortable IMHO. I like my Vec for about 5 hours on the seat, then I am ready to get off of it. I'm 5'9", 180 lbs. After 8 hours I don't even want to sit down on a chair, something about the foam density and lack of height makes my tail sore. I can't believe your sled feels quicker than a Viper!

 

[Winderallday!]

Thanks for the info Apexallday. My Rage is a 136, so I'm not crazy about going back to a 121" unless the cornering is that much better. I think the XTX with the 144" with the swept up rails would be awesome. Do the swept up rails make a big difference? Does the 2011 and newer seat make you sit a touch higher because of the firmness?

The 128" on the 11+ standard length track works better than 121" for sure, I run a Ripsaw 2 now and it works even better. The seat is firmer/higher than 06-10 imo, but I find I would like to have additional foam density and/or maybe a touch higher. The side sculpted shape makes the top of the seat narrow and easier to slide your butt side to side if you like to ride that way. You ride more forward with this seat design. Great reviews on the WRP seat mod from those that have gone that way.
From reading on TY the tip up rails work good from handling standpoint in the tight trails, not much different than the shorter track. The XTX suspension for most riders needs a Star Suspension upgrade and/or a shock re-valve to make it work properly, it is a dual shock suspension with torsion springs, so most have found it has a harsh ride in stock form.
If you haven't ridden an Apex, you will be blown away at the power difference and ballz compared to the Rage.

 

[capt937]

I have a 2008 Vector and do not like the seating position, nor the foam. I'll upgrade my sled with a wrp seat soon. The newer sleds are sooo much more comfortable IMHO. I like my Vec for about 5 hours on the seat, then I am ready to get off of it. I'm 5'9", 180 lbs. After 8 hours I don't even want to sit down on a chair, something about the foam density and lack of height makes my tail sore. I can't believe your sled feels quicker than a Viper!

I should clarify, the viper felt a little snappier, better throttle response, but had less top end than my Rage. I plan on upgrading to a Apex 136 or 144 or switching to Polaris 800 switchback.

 

[maim]

Why not put the wrp or apex seat and a riser on your rage? Makes it more rider forward and like an apex.

 

[capt937]

I thought about putting taller seat and riser on my Rage. I would like the power of an Apex, but probably don't need it. If I put a riser on, do I need longer cables?

 

[maim]

if you go over 2" of rise, you need longer cables. I think the vector mtx model cables work on yours if going 4" or more on the riser. usually with the apex seat you need at least 2" of rise.

 

[Heritage]

I had two 07 Attaks....I currently own a 2011 XTX, and I'd NEVER go back....the XTX addressed all of the issues I had with the 07's...the power steering is slick...makes it feel a lot lighter (no more heavy steering)...the anti engine braking feature is excellent, and is probably the feature I like most...on the 07, if you let off the gas quickly...in certain conditions...it would almost put you over the handle bars..I run dually and or Deuce bars on my XTX ...I mostly trail ride, so anti darting is more important to me than aggressive corning...IMO...they are a must for any four stroke..Apexes can dart badly in certain conditions, and on the 07's without the anti engine braking feature, it is magnified in certain conditions, and can turn a weekend ride into a real chore...Dually carbide runners are a must on older apexes...Fuel economy wise I averaged 13.5 to 15 on my 07's, and my 2011 is about the same...Throttle response is better on the XTX...it's smoother, and pulls harder through the mid range...though my old attak GT may have been faster on top...don't know for sure...that 07 was FAST (had an ulmer stage two clutch kit in it).

The only negative about my XTX is the rear skid...it's not bad, and actually can handle rougher trails better than most of the mono equipped sleds...but it is a rather stiff suspension, and isn't as good through the stutters. I have zero issue with my hand warmers on this sled...they work excellent...I had yamaheaters on my 07s (the stock warmers suck). IMO go 2011 or newer...they addressed almost all of the issues of the older apexes...I love my XTX and wouldn't trade it.

 

[capt937]

I had two 07 Attaks....I currently own a 2011 XTX, and I'd NEVER go back....the XTX addressed all of the issues I had with the 07's...the power steering is slick...makes it feel a lot lighter (no more heavy steering)...the anti engine braking feature is excellent, and is probably the feature I like most...on the 07, if you let off the gas quickly...in certain conditions...it would almost put you over the handle bars..I run dually and or Deuce bars on my XTX ...I mostly trail ride, so anti darting is more important to me than aggressive corning...IMO...they are a must for any four stroke..Apexes can dart badly in certain conditions, and on the 07's without the anti engine braking feature, it is magnified in certain conditions, and can turn a weekend ride into a real chore...Dually carbide runners are a must on older apexes...Fuel economy wise I averaged 13.5 to 15 on my 07's, and my 2011 is about the same...Throttle response is better on the XTX...it's smoother, and pulls harder through the mid range...though my old attak GT may have been faster on top...don't know for sure...that 07 was FAST (had an ulmer stage two clutch kit in it).

The only negative about my XTX is the rear skid...it's not bad, and actually can handle rougher trails better than most of the mono equipped sleds...but it is a rather stiff suspension, and isn't as good through the stutters. I have zero issue with my hand warmers on this sled...they work excellent...I had yamaheaters on my 07s (the stock warmers suck). IMO go 2011 or newer...they addressed almost all of the issues of the older apexes...I love my XTX and wouldn't trade it.

Thanks for your thoughts on this. I run duallys on my Rage. I have absolutely no darting on it. I don't know if there engine breaking is higher on the apex vs the Rage, but I like the engine breaking on mine. I only have to brake when waiting at stop sign. So your XTX turns as well or better than the Attack did? I worry the longer track would make it plow worse than the 136.

 

[gytr done]

Get the new Pol 800, great review on supertaxmag.com. Lighter, better handle, better lighting, available gps and more hp than the Apex.sad but true.

 

[ranger1]

Get the new Pol 800, great review on supertaxmag.com. Lighter, better handle, better lighting, available gps and more hp than the Apex.sad but true.

If we wanted A "POO' we would be on the Polaris site! I personally don't care what supertrax has to say as I have had many Polaris & their 2 smoke engines are, shall we say, "disposable", just like ALL 700+ 2 stroke snowmobile motors, any make & any model! This is one of the main reasons I continually stay with the 4 stroke Yammy....some of us need a potent high mileage sled

 

[dmaxx]

I believe the 2010 models had several improvements like monoshock 2. Not sure what else, if anyone wants to add to this.

 

[CaptCaper]

My wife has a 2010 ltx and I must say they have done alot of improvements since my 07.....I believe they have the larger drive axle and extroverts as well that year.. That's why we bought that sled for her... I didn't have to upgrade the skid,coolers,etc... I did her exhust donuts recently at 6k miles..but she rides easy..little ole lady. Ha.