WHat to order? 128=>136=>144

[yamadoo]

I was all set on ordering 128 and Ice ripper XT for my 06 Apex. Then I have read more, thought my self into a 'state of confusion'!

What would you recommend?

I ride 90+ % trails, run lakes for fun do not radar or speed run them any more. I rarely go off trail. Were I ride the snow is not consistantly deep enough to bury the stumps or rocks out of harms way. Bent trailing arms and spindles to prove that over the years.

I like to do LONG days of 200 + and a couple of 300 milers now and then.

Costs are not that different.

128 and 136 are the same $ for track and extensions but the 136 needs the tunnel extended (labor ? me v. $) and 110 or so in parts + paint and labor.

144 tip up per Tracks USA with 1 inch hack saw is ~100 more with out the studs - more $ and labor.

My thoughts are I love my Apex at 121 so will save the $ and go 128 no tunnel changes and have some ? most of the 136 benefit - traction / bridge more bumps. Hey Yamaha must like 128 as all new Apex's are 128.

I don't know if for a trail rider happy at 121 if I will see much benefit of 136 or tip up 144.

It feels like summer here 80f yesterday geeze. So of course thinking snowmobiling LOL and want your experienced oppinions.

Yamadoo

 

[Agman 57]

I would go long, with the tipped-up rails. I have had 2 XTX/s and loved them, Have a new Apex XTX on the way. I have rode all the new 2011 sleds and in my opinion, there is no way I would go back to a 128 or even 136. With the tipped up rails on the trail you will think it is a 121, but soon as you get off the trail or in some deep stuff you will be glad you got the extra length.

 

[buddah]

Agman,

Notice the part where he says "I rarely go off trail". The 144" options would be of little benefit for him, especially the tipped up rails since that part really only comes into play off trail. Plus he's a large guy.........not as large as some of us .......... but imposing none the less.

As I mentioned to you before (you meaning Yamadoo), if you're insistent upon changing something I would think the 136" would be the better option. I noticed little change in steering effort when I lengthened my 06 Nytro to 136" but all the ride/bridging benefits. There's just not enough difference between 121" and 128" to justify the expense, at least to my mind.

Of course if you insist on changing something you could always spring for the new SE and be done with it..........

 

[yamadoo]

Agman thanks for the reply and I do see the logic of going long but then I need to stud as they do not make an Iceripper XT in 144. Like Buddah says I rarely go off trail and OH I wish deep snow was a problem more often.

Buddah I was talking to the USA tracks people and they surprised me with their support of the 128. In short he stated with the 4.5 inch extension for 128 you get just shy of 2 more bars or pitches on the snow, with the 7 inch extension for the 136 you get just less than 3 . So he stated that is why the manufacturers and riders get more from the 128 length then they expect.

I think in light of that logic and the fact that I am not crazy about the tunnel extensions, -move the heat exchanger, paint the tunnel extension, sled has 10000 miles and will likely soon become the 'wifes' sled or at least 2nd sled in my arsenal..........yada yada. I am thinking this two much.

Jim you and Verna have a great Easter.


Yamadoo

 

[rrxx-1]

One of the first things I did to my last Apex and now my Nytro is extend them to 128". One reason is a used studded tracks from AC sleds, those guys seem to sell there parts cheap, lol. I like the way a 128" rides. My brother bought a Nytro rode it one weekend, and I got him to stretch his to 128" the following weekend. I might have went 136" but the same as you I didn't want to hack up a new sled, this way also I can put it back to stock and sell it if I desire. I had a few F7's and loved the way they rode with the 128". I may put a expert x or M-20 airwave suspension in my Nytro this offseason, and keep the sled a few more years. I most likely will stay 128", it just works..............Brian

 

[yamadoo]

Thanks RRXX-1 thats what I like to hear! Yamadoo

 

[Agman 57]

The only point I was trying to make is that with the 144 with the tip-up rails, will ride trail ride just like the 121, but soon as you get into some bumps or off trail you have the float of the long track. I have had 2 Nytro XTX's and love the way they handle all situations. That's why I'm getting the Apex XTX for the wife next year. The short track you are talking about will not do anything any better that the 144 XTX will. It does anything you ask it to do. IMO

 

[sherlock29]

go long... the ride quality is soooo much better... next for me is 144... 136 should be the new short track!!!

 

[Nordik]

how will perform the dual shock suspension on xtx apex, compared to the mono shock on a 136 apex gt? (trail conditions)

 

[Agman 57]

I didn't see any big difference's between my Apex LTX GT and the Nytro XTX as far as trail riding