New to me 2006 Apex RTX

[kinger]

Holy cow, you may have just built the ultimate cruiser! Your very humble about your lack of experience on these things but I think you nailed it! I was going to say snowtrackers and 13mm bar but try the stock first now that you rebuilt it. The 13mm corners flatter but it also sends uneven trail chatter through the bars more. If you want a fun experiment unhook the sway bar on one side and let the suspension be fully independent, just don't go hard in a corner. All you should need now is small tweaks and maintenance to keep her dependable until you hit 25,000 miles (then check valve clearances). Enjoy the best engine on snow!

 

[2006Apexed]

Thanks, I've got alot of experience over the last couple decades doing similar projects with Adventure motorcycles. The internet and forums have been a great tool with projects like this, and here is a major shout out to this forum. I've been on many, and this is one of the best, great community.

 

[Carbide]

Mmmmm that seat.

 

[kinger]

Try it out first then if you want easier steering yet try the barn of parts MPS for easier steering. I haven't needed that yet but if I ever wanted power steering it looks to be a relatively cheap way to get almost the same ease. Combined with snow trackers you should be set!

 

[stevewithOCD]

The SnoTrackers on a stock sled will work well as long as you take some ski pressure off.
With the M20 i'm not sure you'll be able to since it loads the front anyways due to sitting up higher.
They make take some tuning to get right. If even possible.

I think REDBEARD runs M10's & 20's in his Apex's. He may have some input on ski's.

 

[2006Apexed]

My Snowtrackers arrived early and I installed them yesterday...to bad no good snow around me to test them out. I will be headed north next week. My M20 has an adjustable front limiter strap that I let out to increase front skid pressure and hopefully decreasing front ski pressure. I can also decrease the primary air pressure in the front Fox Floats but increase the secondary pressure to prevent bottoming.
I’m thinking/hoping there’s enough adjustments in my suspension setup to be able to get all dynamics working together properly.

 

[2006Apexed]

The SnoTrackers on a stock sled will work well as long as you take some ski pressure off.
With the M20 i'm not sure you'll be able to since it loads the front anyways due to sitting up higher.
They make take some tuning to get right. If even possible.

I think REDBEARD runs M10's & 20's in his Apex's. He may have some input on ski's.

Thanks for the heads up. I traveled an hour north to a frozen, snow covered lake and gave them a try. I Did Not Like Them!
I could at first tell the machine was dragging and had lost its glide. I adjusted both ends of the suspension with minimal success. I believe if I were to soften the front further and lengthen the strap I would put so much pressure on the front of the hyfax they would be gone in a hundred miles. Steering felt way to critical for me, I guess I like a looser feeling sled??? The m20 does give a taller stance and along with my taller seat give a very tippy feeling. I get inside ski lift even with copious body English.
Bottom line is the old runners are going back on.

 

[2006Apexed]

Round bar carbide runners are back on, but no testing as my area is mud, not snow. I just ordered a 13mm sway bar from BOP, I don’t think I’ll even get to try it out this season. I will be on one last weekend ride in a few days. The future forecast is for an early spring even up in Tomahawk, WI.

 

[2006Apexed]

Looking at the we forecast I was able to make it up north a day early. Even then the trails were in rough shape with lots of whoops, frozen ruts in the early part of the day and slush later as it warmed. I was still able to find some very good sections to be able to evaluate my setup.

First off, the Seat Concepts seat is phenomenal and my knees thank me for it. It also enables me to stand or crouch easier over the really rough stuff.

Next, my rebuild of the stock sway arm took out the chatter and slip and keeps the skis more planted. The 13mm I ordered will have to be tested next season.

In keeping with the standard runner carbides the machine handles great for me. Steering is less darty with rebuilding the shocks, sway arm, and adjusting ski alignment. I may play with the limiter strap to get a little more pressure off the skis...but all in all the sled is running and handling great and I am very happy with my investment. This off season will be maintenance and polishing...and waiting for next season.

 

[2006Apexed]

 

[Macheater]

I would be VERY interested in any additional thoughts you have on the M20. I'm seriously thinking about hanging on to my APE for 1 more season. My biggest complaint of the sled in its current setup is the rear suspension. I'm strongly considering swapping it out, and the M20 is on the short list of replacements.

BTW, mainly looking for bump compliance. Don't really care about transfer, provided it hooks up OK.

 

[2006Apexed]

Before my mods, mainly the M20 and the Ulmers clutch kit my Apex was very disappointing. The power hit way too abruptly and the track felt as if it was just spinning. The engine braking was way too much and the sled would not glide. The stock rear suspension would G out and bottom in the woops at slower speeds and would hammer if the pace was picked up, also the sled felt at times it wanted to pitch sideways. Now this is with a worn out 14 yo suspension. Despite it all, I could tell this was an awesome motor.

The M20 improved low speed whoops, but while you fall into them, the suspension action is not harsh. If attacking the rough stuff aggressively at speed they disappear. It’s scary how fast you can go over this stuff and still feel in control. The clutching is vastly better and the power take up and let off allows for very smooth riding in the tight twisty stuff.

Here’s the thing. On an Apex adding a $2000 rear suspension will give you an awesome sled. Now if you sell that sled even for a price which recovers that investment, now you may have to spend $$$$ on a new sled that hopefully gives you the power and suspension of your Apex.

The only way I would part with my Apex is if I absolutely needed a lighter sled in both feel and actual weight. The Apex is a heavier luxury cruiser /tourer once set up right. If a needed a lighter, more nimble day ride sled, I would add a nice, used later model Phazer and have two sleds.

 

[2006Apexed]

While my Apex project has been very rewarding and is near perfect in feel and handling for me, I still have some mods I want to perform. I am installing a 13mm front sway bar and a set of Woodys 8” dualys to the stock skis. I am sooooo tempted to do it in the off season...but the sled was so nice that I remember from last season. I’m doing everything to hold off till I can get her back on the snow so I can judge with recent experience how each mod feels. C’mon snow!!!

 

[RobX-1]

With my RX-1, I tried the 12mm and then finally went with the 13mm sway bar as well as longer links; 03 RX-1 had short links. When I got the 08 Apex, I added the 13mm sway bar right off the bat as I knew how much it helped with the RX-1. Haven't done anything with the 18 Apex since it has the YRSS. The larger sway bar does help with staying flat when cornering and helps eliminate the inside ski lift. If you've experienced any of that with your 06 Apex, you will be very happy with your upgraded sway bar.