Quick question on 2008-2010 and 2011 Apex's

[chrishall]

I've been away from Yamaha for some time now. Last Yamaha I had was a 2005 RX1ER. I got tired of the bumps on the sled, and switched to a 2009 MXZ. (Don't be too mad at me. ) There's lots of things I miss about the RX1, but the bumps isn't one of them. I notice that the 2010 SE has an air shock. Is this new to the 2011 model? Was there any improvement over the 2008-2010 APEX Gt rear suspension? Or is the Air Shock in the 2011 SE the biggest improvement over the years?

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Super Sled]

I've been away from Yamaha for some time now. Last Yamaha I had was a 2005 RX1ER. I got tired of the bumps on the sled, and switched to a 2009 MXZ. (Don't be too mad at me. ) There's lots of things I miss about the RX1, but the bumps isn't one of them. I notice that the 2010 SE has an air shock. Is this new to the 2011 model? Was there any improvement over the 2008-2010 APEX Gt rear suspension? Or is the Air Shock in the 2011 SE the biggest improvement over the years?

Cheers,
Chris

The Fox Float Mega shock is new this year. Yamaha has had Fox Float and Float 2's on all SE models and many RTX models for front shocks for several years. But for the rear Mono shock skid, this year is the first for an air shock, and Fox made a special Mega Float shock specifically for the Mono skid just this year.



I believe this past spring during demo rides (which I could not attend, due to wife having surgery ) ,including the 2011 Apex was first time the public ever rode or even saw the new Mega Float. And I think during those demos the focus was on the new power steering of the sled, so the Mega Float public intro was to some degree obscured.



But I believe the Mega Float will be a real seller for them, but that's just me. From the people I've spoken to and heard from on this forum and others, the ride of the rear skid was very fantastic. I also heard Yamaha had those rear skids dialed in for tight cornering, with limiter straps and transfer rods set for minimal/ no transfer, if that changes your thoughts at all, which it does not for me but just saying.......




I'm sure others will have more detailed thoughts.








Mike

 

[LJ 452]

If the 05' Mono in your RX1 left you with a sour taste. I would certainly not consider the 11' Mono to be the same. They have been improving it every year since. Reinforcing, adding thrust bearings, better wheels/bearings, etc. I prefer a Dual Shock as I see 3-4 footer and just laugh my way through. But the smoothness of the Mono I do miss, that skid just soaked up the normal trail chatter. With the addition of a float I think it will now be more capable in the larger stuff as well. The the falling rate of the suspension geometry should mate well with the rising rate of a Float. Just remember the sled hasn't gotten much lighter so look at the whole package before jumping in.

 

[Super Sled]

Ya, i was going to ask whether the Author's 2005 RX1 ER had the Mono skid or Pro Action. I believe that sled had either, but not sure......




Mike

 

[chrishall]

In 2005, the RX1 had the mono shock with the adjuster on the side of the tunnel. I had troubles with the A-arm and rails but the upgrades were covered under warranty.

Did the rear suspension change any from the 2008 to 2010 Apex GT?

I see there is a post on changing the valves on the shocks. Was this only for the RTX?

I miss the quietness and warmth of the RX1, but won't come back till the studder and big bump issues are handled like my current sled. The stuuders is why I sold my RX1. I did like it for 4 years till I tried my brothers sled.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[LJ 452]

As far as the stutters are concerned my 06' Mono I thought was about the smoothest out there. The problem was that the mid to big stuff would slam the suspension to death (Stock Form). What seems to have happened over the coarse of the Mono life, is that as they get the shock valving dialed better for all around, the durability is requires improvement. I think the 10's were quite an improvement over 08' and 09'. They really addressed a lot of issues that were being fixed on here but not from the factory. Now, with the Float going in the rear, I wouldn't be surprised if the suspension arms see another revision, unless they have already done that. Good news is that you would pretty much know within a year and that SHOULD be covered under the short-term warranty let alone YES. Again if you have an X' Package Doo and like to hit the big stuff hard. Probably not your sled, go for a Nytro if you want a Yam.

 

[chrishall]

Thanks for all the info. With only 2 seasons on my current sled, I think I will wait one more year to come back. I'm sure there will be discussions on here about the new suspension and I will watch and wait. At $15,500 + tax, I want to be sure I'm making the right decision.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[Bigblue1]

Chris,

I still have my 05. Ride like a banshee on anything. I'm 285 with gear too!. I re-valved the shock and put a fat boy spring on it and it made a huge difference. I ride about 2,500 miles a year so she's getting up there. For me, I would have to do the same to any 06-10 GT. As far as the new SE I will be taking the plunge but I hope the Mega Fox can be set to handle like the re-valved monoshock. It would be a lot of coin to have to put more into the suspension.

 

[chrishall]

Hi Big Blue,

Yes. I too had the fat boy spring installed. While i believe it helped some, it certainly is not as good as the suspension I 'm on now. I didn't have the shock revalved, maybe that would have made a big change. Not sure. Can't wait for the snow to fall so I can hear from people who are on this new SE sled. I believe people from this website more that I do from magazines or Yamaha it self.

Cheers,
Chris