The Right Choice?

[Augie]

Hello, I'm in the market for a used sled. Had 5 brand new Yamaha's back in the 80's and life took me out of the sport for years. Picked up a nice low mile 700 XTC deluxe 2 years ago and revived my passion to ride again. Being in my mid 50's and after all those years it was awesome to appreciate the smooth power of that 700 redhead but obviously my body (mostly my thighs) were terribly sore.
I KNOW ANY newer sled will be light years ahead in rider positioning to help with rider fatigue and being somewhat partial to Yamaha Ive been leaning towards an Apex (because of the motor you all love)
My concerns are I drove a friends 600 Indy And that's what convinced me I needed to upgrade to a newer chassis but im wondering if the Apex will be as PLAY FULL
I don't want this to turn into a 4 stroke vs a 2 stroke or durability debate and my budget rules out a used Viper. I only expect to ride maybe 3-5 hundred miles a year and the Key word here is a playful (power and transfer) and comfortable sled! Having said all this im not a ditch banger but I don't want to struggle through the twisties. Your input will be appreciated.

 

[Winderallday!]

Augie: I came off 90's era Phazer and V-Max chassis back in the day, went to 05 Vector, and now have been on Apex chassis for four model years. I am about your age and the Apex is my sled of choice for all the reasons you outline. Although not as rider forward as Viper or similar style sleds, it is head and shoulders better than V-Max you are coming off of, it does everything well and is comfortable to ride when set up properly, no shortage of power for agressive trail riding.
If you can swing it, would recomend a 2011+ Apex for the EPS and other refinements over earlier models.
Good luck with your search for the right sled for you.
Cheers; Apexallday!

 

[thor452]

an 06-10 apex will make you smile every time you squeeze the trigger. In the tight trails of Wisconsin you feel the weight in the twisties it is a whole new machine from what you are used to. set up properly and with good carbides I recommend snow trackers as they make the sled feel allot lighter almost like power steering it is manageable. and when you get on a lake or are ridding up in the up you will be in love with it. I upgraded to a 2012 apex XTX and I think it is the greatest sled to ever touch the snow. I have not yet rode the sidewinder or the 2018 apex mainly because I don't want to buy one and if they make my sled seem less than perfect I will. I was happy with my 07 but always felt like it could be better in the tight trails so my advise would be to spend a little more get the 2011 or newer and get the XTX and then still put snow trackers carbides on it and keep it for 20,000 miles and the little extra you spend will seem like pennies. Or get the 06-10 one and then save to trade up and you will see why the 11 and up are so much better.

 

[steiner]

If your long term intent is running only 3-500 miles per year you might be better off renting/borrowing a sled.

 

[trosell14843]

My progression has been 92 Polaris 500 Indy, 2001 800 xc, 03 700xc, 05 vector and then to a 13 apex se. Loved it. Bought my son a 07 Apex used under 3000 miles $3000. He would love a playful powder player like an Indy 600 but I am happy he's on the apex. I have ridden my buddies 2014 zr7000 (in essence viper). Though I like his suspension I like my power delivery and live with the bumps just hate the moguls that develope without groomers. Love the power steering and seating position, you can tell after a 100+ mile day. I am 49. Hope that helps

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[03RX1-ER-LE]

When I moved from my 2003Viper to a 2003 RX1 loved that RX1 100x more. Since moving to an 09 Apex last year, I love that Apex 100x more then my RX1. On a side note my buddy picked up a 2016 Viper DX last year, I have rode that and still love my Apex 100x more then 2016 Viper. Of course this is just my opinion

 

[whitedust1]

If your long term intent is running only 3-500 miles per year you might be better off renting/borrowing a sled.

X2 very low milage for a 4s and if you want a playful Yamaha 4s and you are talking Nytro or Phaser. Apex in any vintage is not playful more of a power cruiser for big mile riders. Hate to say it but you are better off with 2s for such low milage no ROI to change 4s oil an filter at dealer in such low milage useage. I'm committed to 4s never will go back to 2s but I ride on average 3ooo miles a season.

 

[Augie]

My progression has been 92 Polaris 500 Indy, 2001 800 xc, 03 700xc, 05 vector and then to a 13 apex se. Loved it. Bought my son a 07 Apex used under 3000 miles $3000. He would love a playful powder player like an Indy 600 but I am happy he's on the apex. I have ridden my buddies 2014 zr7000 (in essence viper). Though I like his suspension I like my power delivery and live with the bumps just hate the moguls that develope without groomers. Love the power steering and seating position, you can tell after a 100+ mile day. I am 49. Hope that helps

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under 3000 miles for 3k? I'd love that!!!

 

[trosell14843]

Bonus: open two place salt shield trailer!!!

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[Augie]

If your long term intent is running only 3-500 miles per year you might be better off renting/borrowing a sled.

I'm basing my mileage on the last 2 crap winters we had. 300-500 miles is our annual trip but i live a block of the trail if they'd ever open so no on the rental

 

[Augie]

When I moved from my 2003Viper to a 2003 RX1 loved that RX1 100x more. Since moving to an 09 Apex last year, I love that Apex 100x more then my RX1. On a side note my buddy picked up a 2016 Viper DX last year, I have rode that and still love my Apex 100x more then 2016 Viper. Of course this is just my opinion

Its the power of the apex that makes you like it right?

 

[whitedust1]

Augie if you want to enjoy twistys with an Apex you will need EPS so 2011 and above Apex all have eps. Otherwise look at Nytro lots of snap and easy to stand up on will tear up the twistys no problem and geared to do just that and price should be right for you. Same with Phaser but a lot less hp.. Both playful twisty friendly sleds.... Non eps Apex much better for wide sweeping trails, FRs or grades. Nytro has plenty of engine with rear exhaust.... Try a Nytro you will prolly luv it very playful sled.

 

[03RX1-ER-LE]

Its the power of the apex that makes you like it right?

The Fuel Injection HP increase in the motor along with the higher/forward seating position. The Sled is a BEAST!

 

[SXRider7Hundo]

I went from an 02 Viper ER to an 07 RS Nytro and just loved it. Still have it. Take the time to set it up right and you'll be happy.