New to sleds/Apex

[Jo-eL]

Hi all, looking at buying my first sled, always been a yammi fan and I like the way the apex looks. I found a local 2008 lx gt 40th, he's asking $4000, miles seem high coming in at 9879... Should I look for something with lower miles? Any thing in particular I should pay attention to when checking it out?

 

[RobX-1]

Check to see if the electronic shock works and when was the last time it was rebuilt. Same for the front Ohlins. When I surpassed 10,000 miles on my LTX GT, I replaced the track and all of the drive line bearings. If track looks good, check to see if the drive axle, jack shaft and chain case bearings have been serviced. Also inspect suspension W-shaped pivot arm for any cracks. Also check where W-arm connects to suspension rail for cracks in rail.

 

[maim]

that engine is just broken in. will probably need a shock service/refresh for your weight anyways. things to check are, a arm bushings, idler wheels/bearings, w arm for cracks and do the rag test for the exh dounuts.

my 11 apex has 27500 km (17000 mi) and is still going strong. seen an old rx here in town with 50000 km and still going.

 

[Jo-eL]

I'm happy to hear that about the engine, I'm assuming it's the same engine as in the r1? I had a 2007 R1, ran awesome. Here is a list of parts that were recently replaced, looks like a lot of bearings were done. From what I read online, 08's are decent but 09 would be better? Is it worth waiting for an 09 to come up?

 

[maim]

that looks like a chaincase rebuild/refresh to me because of all the seals with both the bearing behind the secondary and speedo without punching in part #. still a good thing as i did the 11 at 11000 mi when i lost the speedo bearing after repacking it annually until that point.

 

[snobill]

Technically if you want better you should get a 11 and up a lot changed on the 11 apex

 

[74Nitro]

I'm happy to hear that about the engine, I'm assuming it's the same engine as in the r1? I had a 2007 R1, ran awesome. Here is a list of parts that were recently replaced, looks like a lot of bearings were done. From what I read online, 08's are decent but 09 would be better? Is it worth waiting for an 09 to come up?

Yes, 09 better

 

[Jo-eL]

I know I can always get something better but honestly, don't even know if I'll like the sport (I probably will). For that reason, I don't want to spend too much on a first sled. I'm more or less wondering if $4000 is a good deal for an 08, I can get and 09 for $4800, worth the upgrade? I can't spend more than $5000.

 

[wantsnow]

I have an 08 and absolutely love it. It’s by far the most reliable sled I’ve ever owned. Oil filter changes are the only thing that were a bit of a pain to learn but even that becomes easy after you have done it once before. Freshen up the suspension and you will have a good sled for years to come. I just had my mono shock rebuilt by Hygear and wow it rides like a new sled. I can’t justify buying a new sled with the prices as high as they are and limited riding season. Buy the Apex and enjoy the sport!

 

[maim]

that is a pretty good deal for the 08. as the recipt makes it look like all parts he put on where oe. get it and we can walk you through any issues that pop up. they are great sleds.

 

[Carbide]

I have an 08 and absolutely love it. It’s by far the most reliable sled I’ve ever owned. Oil filter changes are the only thing that were a bit of a pain to learn but even that becomes easy after you have done it once before. Freshen up the suspension and you will have a good sled for years to come. I just had my mono shock rebuilt by Hygear and wow it rides like a new sled. I can’t justify buying a new sled with the prices as high as they are and limited riding season. Buy the Apex and enjoy the sport!

I think Yamaha buried the filter because after the first change at 500 miles Yamaha says it doesn't need to be changed again until 12k miles or so.

 

[steiner]

I know I can always get something better but honestly, don't even know if I'll like the sport (I probably will). For that reason, I don't want to spend too much on a first sled. I'm more or less wondering if $4000 is a good deal for an 08, I can get and 09 for $4800, worth the upgrade? I can't spend more than $5000.

That's a good deal for a well maintained Apex with Ohlins. '08 is good as the W arm was beefed up compared to the '06 and '07.

 

[74Nitro]

09 had the better driveshaft, but the 10 is better yet because it had the two-bolt idler wheel mounts that don't shift.
Plenty of 06-08 with broken driveshafts.
Be patient and find a 10

 

[rustinpeace]

if your just starting out get a fan cooled sled and see how you like it. they are lighter and way less maint to perform. do a search on upgrades for an older apex and your head and wallet will explode. 4K is ok price if everything has already been repaired,updated,upgraded.etc

 

[steiner]

I know I can always get something better but honestly, don't even know if I'll like the sport (I probably will). For that reason, I don't want to spend too much on a first sled. I'm more or less wondering if $4000 is a good deal for an 08, I can get and 09 for $4800, worth the upgrade? I can't spend more than $5000.

If your budget is $5000 get a sled for $4000 or less. Anything out there is goin to need some work done to it unless you were lucky enough to get my buddy's old Apex. We had every short fall and known issue dealt with. Some one got a "gas and go" sled that day.
Once you find out if you like the sport then dig in and spend the cash. The $4000 Apex resale value holds around that mark it seems now. High mile ones (over 20k miles) are selling at $3000-$3500.