Studding the 2011 Apex

[NH_Sledder]

Yes they are (as I described in the first sentence of the instructions in my second post). I will be keeping an eye on things to see if I have to extend the extension further back. I don't think this will be an issue. If it is, another small strip (also cut at a 45 degree angle, but flipped upside down) will mate up nicely.

 

[Banks93]

I went and looked and the 128" sled is tighter than the 144 xtx. We looked at last years 136" vector and it was just as tight as the 128" so I think everyone will be fine. I am going with 171 picks in the xtx it doesn't look like there will be a problem.

 

[NH_Sledder]

Since I was under the sled taking pics of my aux fuel mount, I took more under the tunnel that show the clearance issues. Of all the posts on this issue, I am the only one that actually has studs installed. In the top pic notice that the EXUP control mounting brackets on the left hang below the top of the tunnel protector by almost 1/4". My studs will stick up 1/4" above the bottom of the tunnel protector when the track lugs are up against the protector. Given that the protector is 1 inch tall, there is ~1/2 inch clearance to play with. I don't know if I would call this "plenty" of clearance.
In the second picture I wanted to show that my center pipe also hangs slightly below the top of the tunnel protector. This is right in the sweet spot for the studs so if there is any track flex at speed there is potential for a problen here also.
Keep in mind that the pictures here already have my tunnel protector extensions that give me an extra 1/4 inch clearance.

 

[SledFreak]

Here's a pic:

All models may not have the same clearance from the factory. Mine was too close to call. To each his own whether any modifications are necessary. Good luck!

One more thing, I wasn't trying to show clearance in the pic, just the new extensions.

I think I would have went to the end of the protector with the 1/4 flat bar. On my 06 Apex GT, I added 1/8" flat bar and went right to the end of the protector (snow flap end) and I had no issues running 1.450 studs.

 

[Srxspec]

I have run not a huge amount of miles by any means, but so far with 1.375" studs in the stock track on an Apex SE there has not been any clearance issues. Be sure to keep your track in the proper tension as well or you will have issues if you run it too loose.

 

[NH_Sledder]

TTT. I'm bringing this thread back now that it has been "officially" recognized that stud clearance is a problem that needs to be addressed. I hope the info here helps.

 

[Banks93]

TTT. I'm bringing this thread back now that it has been "officially" recognized that stud clearance is a problem that needs to be addressed. I hope the info here helps.

SE or XTX? I have only seen issues with the SE nobody with the XTX said anything yet.

Can someone confirm?

 

[Mighty]

Anyone running 1.325's without additional protection?

 

[RtxViper]

Ive got 3000 miles on my xtx and only have a couple light scratches on my exhaust and that is only due to my track being super loose. As long as your track is adjusted properly you will never have an issue with 1.325 studs

 

[Mighty]

Thanks RtxViper. The clearance is so little between the track and protector I really don't want to add anything that could create drag

 

[Riceburner]

Anyone running 1.325's without additional protection?

Yes 4,200 miles. No issues with 1.325 Woody's Megabytes on my SE stocker..

I am careful not to come on the brakes too hard at high speed where there is good traction is all.

I run the track on the loose side of Spec.

I have had the sled up over 112 MPH numerous times

BTW, Original slides still fine after the usual early give up.