What Apex model?

So the only two long tracks I have ridden was my wife's 98 Venture, which we did not like at all, heavy steering and turned and rode like crap however sleds have come a long way since then. And then my buddies 16 Viper LTX DX which felt tippy and darted all over, however it was brand new and no studs. I do not do any off trail and really love my 09 Apex shorty, and the three 03 RX1 we have owned. Have been looking for a 11 or new XTX and so far nothing close to me yet, however I have found a 2015 Viper RTX SE. I know there is a lot of guys out there that own several different models so personal opinions would help. Viper for a different feel or stay with an Apex and a shorty or XTX? As I have said when the wife comes she will ride new to us sled, then I will ride it.
 
After I extended my 03 RX-1 w/ Expert-X suspension from a 121" to a 136", I haven't looked back and have no regrets. Although I still have the RX-1, when it was a time for an upgrade I stuck with the Apex but went with the 136" LTX model and then last year added a 146" XTX. I really like how the longer track bridges the bumps and also feel the torque of the Apex motor benefits more from the longer track too.

Btw, when I posted that link to the one Port Yamaha was selling, I thought it was an XTX as that was my search criteria and when I came across their link, I did not pay close attention to the exact model. As much as you enjoy the shorty Apex, I feel you will absolutely love the longer track models like the LTX and XTX
 
Saw Pat’s sell a nice Blue apex xtx yesterday like I said always cherries moving thru Pat’s. Worth the drive plus bonus LES mini blizzard yesterday. Lol
 
How are Kip and the boys doing? Great service up there.
Jerry went home with Stomach flu but Kip, Paul and Todd doing well as usual. Kip now has a White American Husky pup in the shop very cute and frisky. Service excellent as usual plenty of new Sidewinders, Vipers and SRX on the floor a bunch used outside too. They will sell down to zero always do. Coats,bibs,helmets gloves being stocked to the max nice to see the shop ready for sleddin!
 
So quick poll, I do zero off trail and own an 09 Apex SE and very happy with sled. I am buying a 2011 or newer Apex for the wife, do we really need an XTX or will a shorty be just fine?
 
Shorty will be just fine, that's why they still sell them. I honestly would have bought a shorty when I bought my XTX, but the deal was so good I gambled and bought it. I am very glad I did, as the XTX rides so much better, but that could be a number of things.

I would bet many would agree, that if your wife is not over 200lbs, the XTX may be a stiff ride unless you do some shock work or ad a Star kit. For me at 240lb, it's perfect stock. I really got lucky.
 
The SE is much more nimble and cushy than the xtx as said. Air shocks are a pita but you can get the hang of it with a good pump.

Se not good for the deep but if on groomed hard pak she should be ok. I had to always break trail in soft stuff with my xtx while my buddy followed on his Se.

144 kicks like a mule and why the star is popular Se does not.
 
Shorty will be just fine, that's why they still sell them. I honestly would have bought a shorty when I bought my XTX, but the deal was so good I gambled and bought it. I am very glad I did, as the XTX rides so much better, but that could be a number of things.

I would bet many would agree, that if your wife is not over 200lbs, the XTX may be a stiff ride unless you do some shock work or ad a Star kit. For me at 240lb, it's perfect stock. I really got lucky.
What is a star kit? Never seen referenced yet on the forums.
 
The Star kit allows the xtx to better progress thru the 10 inch rear suspension travel eliminates some of the kick and also includes shock revalving. Riders that have it swear by it for cushy xtx ride quality. Stock xtx is a banger and imo would be better if the rear shock had rebound adjustment to eliminate some of the kick. The one good thing is you won’t bottom stock xtx rear suspension. Lol
 
So quick poll, I do zero off trail and own an 09 Apex SE and very happy with sled. I am buying a 2011 or newer Apex for the wife, do we really need an XTX or will a shorty be just fine?
All depends on riding style, a 128 Apex is good for smooth and no bump trails, XTX will bridge the bumps and give her a smoother ride.
 
As many Star suspension kits this site could be credited with selling I'm surprised they're not a sponsor. I'd love to have tried a Star suspension on my Nytro XTX, but am quite happy with the ride of my Apex LTX
 
What is a star kit? Never seen referenced yet on the forums.

That's why other forums will never replace Totally Yamaha! (smile) This kit has been well talked about here. I'm amazed at how many Yamaha facebook groups reference discussions here these days. So many un educated owners on FB, just need to be lead in the right direction (here) and then their credit cards can be maxed out too!

I have never tried one myself, as I am happy with it stock. But most guys don't have 240lb wives. HA!
 
Personally for groomed trail riding, I have yet to find a better riding skid than the mono shock. The xtx skids will work better when it gets a little rougher, but a mono shock is such a smooth plush ride over small studders. Many lighter riders on the xtx complain about harshness and need to run lighter springs. Long track isn't just for flotation, as on trails they bridge bumps much better to provide a smoother rider.

Another thought for you....I'm soon ready to release my MPS kit for the deltabox 03-10 sleds that did not have EPS. Spent whole afternoon yesterday bending up different tie rods and cycling suspension and bars to ensure everything clears. The MPS concept was released last year for the Sidewinder/Viper chassis and was a great success. I'm expanding the concept to other models now.
 
Personally for groomed trail riding, I have yet to find a better riding skid than the mono shock. The xtx skids will work better when it gets a little rougher, but a mono shock is such a smooth plush ride over small studders. Many lighter riders on the xtx complain about harshness and need to run lighter springs. Long track isn't just for flotation, as on trails they bridge bumps much better to provide a smoother rider.

Another thought for you....I'm soon ready to release my MPS kit for the deltabox 03-10 sleds that did not have EPS. Spent whole afternoon yesterday bending up different tie rods and cycling suspension and bars to ensure everything clears. The MPS concept was released last year for the Sidewinder/Viper chassis and was a great success. I'm expanding the concept to other models now.
So I really do love my 09 and wanted to get another one in blue (can see why in my avatar) which is replacing the 2 RX1s (hers and my sons who no longer rides) that I just sold, maybe I am overthinking my choices.

Was looking for a 2011 or newer blue/black XTX with around 5k miles and have a max budget of 5500.

So maybe I go with a 08 or newer blue shorty and use your MPS hmmmm

Since getting my Apex two seasons ago when she goes she made me ride her RX1 so that was the reason I sold them, everyone wants the Apex rider position.

 
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