Possibly buying my first Apex

[Rymol]

Been out of sledding for a while now but lately all of my buddies have them and I keep on hearing about the "awesome" rides and all the fun they have. Had a couple 700 tripples in the past and they were great but its time to step into a 4 stroke. Anyways I have found and 06 GT in great shape with 4k miles on it for $4000. Someone told me the 08 and up are a lot better but they are also a lot more money. Any info on the 06 models would be great. I know that first year machines can have some teething problems but as long as they are not too serious I can live with it.

 

[theCATman]

I have an '06 & LOVE IT!!

The issues....

1. Stock idler wheels had non-replacable/greasable bearings.

2. Came from factory with pure anti-freeze. Many had overheating issues. The cure if not already: drain some of it out, and add pure water to dilute the mix to more of a 60/40

3. "W" arm on rear suspension can crack if ridden hard (see ABUSED definition in dictionary)

4. Electric adjust wire going to shock is prone to breaking (this is with all years though not just 06)

5. Handwarmers SUCK BALLS!! Either use gauntlets or hotwire the grips.

6. Rear shock valving is a bit soft for heavy riders. Many have had the shock revalved or a Big-Boy spring put on.

7. At 4k miles to front end bushings are probably getting loose. That's about a $200 fix if you do it yourself. Ask if they have been replaced. If not, use that as a tool to get the price lower.

Ask if the exhaust donuts (graphite/mesh gaskets between the headers & the tailpipes) have been replaced. At 4k miles they are junk, and if never been changed, the headers are probably cracked now too. That's an expensive fix if so.

Otherwise $4000 is a great price.

 

[actionjack]

$4000 is a fine price. theCatman covered most of it well.

The big differences are power steering and EXUP. You can leve without both. 08 and later got beefier rear suspension arms - you can have that done by Half-Baked for $215. The 06 is still a great groomed trail missile. Make sure the front end is not banged up.

When running you should be able to press the MODE button on the speedo to get the shock icon to come up for adjusting by the handwarmer control. If the shock doesn't show up on the speedo that indicates an issue with the shock,wire,fuse. Also reach under and turn the black clicker on the monoshock, it should have 30 clicks - no clicks or less than 30 the shock needs service. I weigh 180 and I think the stock suspension is soft. The charts say you're OK if you are up to 230 (I think), then you need the stiffer spring (the Big Boy as its called here - also there are more than one so you'll need to research). My mono is beefed up and I have the Hygear Twisted Spring upgrade - still dialing that in a little.

Whoops.
As for the handwarmers, if it doesn't already have it, get a Yamaheater with Boost. Can't believe I rode all those years until I put it on this year.

 

[yamahahaapex]

trust me w-arm cracks with no abuse other than riding a bumpy trail.

 

[Rymol]

I talked to the guy about the exhaust donuts and front end bushings and he just said "the sled only has 4100 miles, there would be nothing wrong with those." I'm going to have a look in the next day or two. How exactly do I check the exhaust gasgets? Is it where the header goes in the motor? Can I even see it underneth the hood? I know I sound like a complete rookie here but I've just never been around any 4 strokes.

 

[gmdoctor]

I talked to the guy about the exhaust donuts and front end bushings and he just said "the sled only has 4100 miles, there would be nothing wrong with those." I'm going to have a look in the next day or two. How exactly do I check the exhaust gasgets? Is it where the header goes in the motor? Can I even see it underneth the hood? I know I sound like a complete rookie here but I've just never been around any 4 strokes.

There is lots of info on here about checking donuts, but basically with the engine running, plug the tailpipes, if it stalls they are good, if it keeps running the exhaust is leaking and needs donuts and probably headers.

 

[DigitalFusion]

hmm, I'd be learly of someone who said "the sled only has 4100 miles, there would be nothing wrong with those." in regards to the exhaust donuts.

Having said that, theCATman covered it pretty well, except I would second yamahahapex's comment that the W arm can crack without being abused, and add that the driveshaft can let go around the 8000 mile mark.

4K is a great price! I paid more than that for mine with double the miles.


Also, please add your location to your profile, its a site requirement.

 

[Murse]

http://www.ty4stroke.com/viewtopic.php?t=52520

VERY helpful check the donuts unless you want to spend $. My donuts were shot since I bought it and I didn't even know... I do now after checking and the headers are gone I ordered stainless OEM and copper exhaust donuts from SLEDTOYZ. Well worth checking and getting the proper stuff. The dealer told me they do not sell titanium header anymore. Those are the only issues I see handling is fixed with snow trackers whatever type and the exhaust thing is the only issue I've had. Make sure the battery is good if it shows any sign of weakness replace it you would hate to be stuck with a sled that won't start related to a dead battery. Run regular it runs better and much cheaper I used 91 switched to Regular recently and I like it much better. Oil change with new filter at the end of the season before storage, I will be ordering a Yamaheater soon the grips are cold on cold days. When you store it make sure the track is suspended off of the ground ( prevents sagging )

 

[DigitalFusion]

Make sure the battery is good if it shows any sign of weakness replace it you would hate to be stuck with a sled that won't start related to a dead battery.

I carry a cheap set of thin gauge jumper cables in the nose of the sled, just in case. I've never had to use them, and hope not to!

 

[Murse]

That's not a bad idea but I'd hate to have to use them in front of my doo buddies....already giving me a hard enough time about exhaust leak LOL

 

[Rymol]

Thanks a lot guys. I will keep you posted on the sled if I decide to buy it. That was a great write up on the exhaust donuts. BTW I updated my location. The Apex is for sale in Maine.

 

[theCATman]

I talked to the guy about the exhaust donuts and front end bushings and he just said "the sled only has 4100 miles, there would be nothing wrong with those." I'm going to have a look in the next day or two. How exactly do I check the exhaust gasgets? Is it where the header goes in the motor? Can I even see it underneth the hood? I know I sound like a complete rookie here but I've just never been around any 4 strokes.

HAHAHHA!! The seller is an idiot.

At 4000 miles both are junk if still stock pieces. They front-end bushings may not be totally shot, but there will be plenty of play & in the next 500 miles they will be shot.

The donuts usually go in the 3-4000 mile range.

Like others said, with it warmed up idling low, (with gloves on) put your palms tightly over each exhaust hole & if the engine stalls or trys to stall within 3-4 seconds they are OK (FOR NOW!) but even if they check out OK now, they aren't long for this world.

 

[DigitalFusion]

if you do end up picking it up, and the donuts need to be done, go with the copper donuts. If the bushings are getting loose, get the oilite kit from ulmer racing, dont bother with OEM replacements for either of them!

Donuts:
http://sledtoyz.com/component/virtuemar ... duct_id=96

Bushing Kit:
http://www.ulmerracing.com/ - under accessories