New guy looking for advice on purchase

[s-moe]

So I have determined from reading hundreds of posts on this site that I am going to get an Apex for next season. Currently I have been enjoying some trail riding in Maine on a borrowed Polaris 2-up. I am ready for 4 stroke and my own sled. What I cannot decide is which model of Apex if I do have the choice.

There are a few leftover Apexes at the New England dealers so would it make much of a difference to me a rookie, really green, rider if I get a regular Apex, an SE or an XTX? If I had the choice for basic trail riding in Northern Maine Rangeley Lakes region which sled would fit me the best? I might not have a choice and I may grab the best deal on a new apex but would the XTX be too much track for me or will I hardly notice the difference?

Any and all opinions/ suggestions are welcome thank you in advance. I am excited to go Yamaha.

 

[buddah]

Other info such as rider weight (with gear on), height, preferred style of riding (i.e. aggressive trail vs. cruising vs. ???) would help people make better suggestions.

That said given your own statement that this will be your first 4-stroke I'll throw out the idea of a Vector (same body style and ergonomics as Apex) or even a Nytro/Viper (really more crossover oriented) as a "first" 4 stroke sled. The 4 cylinder can be a "handful" for new riders.......weight & power wise.

Good Luck.

 

[s-moe]

I would probably tip in with gear around 205-215 at 6 feet tall. I go from semi-aggressive to laid back cruising depending on my mood and trail/traffic conditions, but I am by no means a wild animal out there. I have ridden trail bikes and ATVs my whole life and I thought about the vector but I am worried I will regret it later as I get comfortable with the machine and search for more power. I made this mistake with a four-stroke sport ATV once, went with a 300cc and was ready for the 700cc about a month later. I run heavy equipment for a living so for me finesse and control are my first priority. The old slow is smooth and smooth is fast theory. So I think the Vector might be great but I only want to buy one sled and hold onto it for 6-8 years so I am trying to look long-term. Although I could give it to my girlfriend and get an Apex later.

 

[s-moe]

One other quick note that might rule the Vector out: need to go 2012 on Vector for EPS and a 2012 Vector is more money than a 2011 Apex and only 200 cheaper than a 2011 Apex SE. ( at least at one of the dealers websites that I am looking at right now)

 

[TRUE BLUE SINCE 1980]

You should not need the XTX for regular trail riding. Some of the guys don't think the shocks on the SE are worth the extra money. But it all depends on what you come across. If you go the Vector route, Go with the LTX, its a great trail sled. It does all things better than the Apex Except top speed.

 

[Sasquatch]

So I have determined from reading hundreds of posts on this site that I am going to get an Apex for next season. Currently I have been enjoying some trail riding in Maine on a borrowed Polaris 2-up. I am ready for 4 stroke and my own sled. What I cannot decide is which model of Apex if I do have the choice.

There are a few leftover Apexes at the New England dealers so would it make much of a difference to me a rookie, really green, rider if I get a regular Apex, an SE or an XTX? If I had the choice for basic trail riding in Northern Maine Rangeley Lakes region which sled would fit me the best? I might not have a choice and I may grab the best deal on a new apex but would the XTX be too much track for me or will I hardly notice the difference?

Any and all opinions/ suggestions are welcome thank you in advance. I am excited to go Yamaha.

The XTX has a tipped rail so it handles more like a short track but bridges the bumps better. On the lakes if the snow is deep the 144 floats better as well. I'm love my XTX on trail and off. You have no worries about the extra length!

A Vector will stay with the Apex XTX till about 75mph then the Apex says Bye Bye! The XTX launches harder as well!

 

[s-moe]

So I guess I will just hunt for the best deal on a leftover APEX whether it is a standard, an SE or a XTX it sounds like I will enjoy it. I was worried that the XTX would be difficult for trail but I guess I have survived this long riding a 2-up on 136 which is really only a 4 inch track to surface difference from the 144.

Thanks guys I will update you on my progress for my new APEX

 

[buddah]

The ride won't be quite as good on the XTX as the SE. The XTX was really designed for some light cross-country and for bigger guys.......i.e. 250+ etc. It has an entirely different suspension than the standard or the SE and tends to be quite a bit more firm.......too firm for many people's liking. Good Luck.

 

[Preacher]

Maine trails tend to be very fast trails that most years have tons of powder so I think you will love the apex. I have an Attak but I just snochecked an Apex XTX and I think this sled will be awesome on the Maine trails. There are some great deals on leftover Apexes . Good luck , I think you will really enjoy your Yamaha 4 stroke .

 

[gun nut]

Get a regular Apex.

I've got 16,000 trouble free on my 06

 

[Redbeard]

Get a regular Apex.

I've got 16,000 trouble free on my 06

X2. If you're dead set on the Apex, get the standard or SE; wish now I would have.

 

[rx1fastervmax4]

x3.... Test rode 2013 apex se and xtx to me no comparsion the se with out a dought.... just my two cents worth.

 

[s-moe]

So this will be the first winter that I will actually look forward to, assuming I land an apex by then. I missed the good rebates that ended April 30th so I might wait until the factory rebates kick up a notch. Hoping to land an SE for around 11k on a leftover. I could have if I acted before the 30th. Dam

 

[Sasquatch]

Some argue the XTX rides and handles better then the SE.

 

[MrSled]

Some argue the XTX rides and handles better then the SE.

There may be some but most will go back to the SE once they have drove the XTX on 20 miles of stutters bumps. Hands down best trail sled is a standard Apex before an SE.