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Yamaha Apex LTX GTWhile Yamaha puts this sled in its "Trail Versatility" category, it's still an extended track sled and the only one with the horsepower to truly compete with the new 2-stroke 800s. Yamaha has only one sled that it deems a true crossover sled, the 144-in. Nytro XTX. With 138 hp the Nytro XTX is slightly lacking in power compared to the new 800 2-strokes. It really best competes with 700cc 2-strokes.
The Apex LTX GT is a 136-in. trail tamer with enough engine and enough extension in the caboose to bridge the moguls on the trail and is better than the short-track Apex once you get off-trail. This sled was in our test fleet last year and you can see our comments about how it performed in the Dec. '08 issue, p. 17.
There are few changes to this sled for 2009, and our feelings on it remain unchanged. It's a Cadillac on the trails, and the 4-cylinder, 149-hp, fuel-injected, dual-exhaust 4-stroker is fast and smooth. It was faster on the top-end in our Real World Shoot-Out than either the MXZ X Renegade 800R or the standard Switchback 800.
However, it's not a true boondocking sled. It remains a bit heavy for serious off-trail excursions and you do not want to try to dig this one out by yourself. It's also the most expensive of the bunch at $11,999. If you're a Yamaha fan and really want a trail sled AND off-trail romper, we'd direct you to the new 144-in., tipped up rail, Nytro XTX at a more affordable $10,549.