2022 Yamaha Snowmobile Lineup
The 2022 Yamaha snowmobile lineup has expanded to include powerful touring models, and the Viper family has been updated. In addition, Yamaha announced measures to support dealers.
The Sidewinder M-TX will be discontinued in 2022, and Yamaha currently has no models in the mountain sled segment. But the Japanese company’s model range has expanded in the segments of sports, tourism and universal models.
Yamaha is also helping dealers clear out sales floors and sell off legacy models to make way for new, powerful sleds designed to meet today's market needs.
The current line of Yamaha snowmobiles is divided into 4 categories: SRX, LE, GT and SE.
SRX snowmobiles are fast, low-slung and powerful. We can say that this is the very top of the line.
snowmobile Yamaha Sidewinder L TX LE 2020
LE snowmobiles are Limited Edition, and under this index there are premium models - in terms of performance, handling, finishing, equipment, and so on. These include L-TX, X-TX and B-TX. The S-RX also essentially fits this definition, but Yamaha positions them separately.
Snowmobiles GT - traditionally stands for Grand Tourer. These models are suitable for long trips, including multi-day trips, alone or together, on any winter surface. This includes the SR Viper and Sidewinder models.
SE snowmobiles are Special Edition. These are bait models that can attract newcomers to the market, or great weekend sleds that won't get ridden too much. In general, these are the models that you don’t mind paying their price for and that you don’t mind parting with when your needs increase. The SE category according to Yamaha's classification is a powerful model that is not equipped with premium components available in more expensive configurations, such as LE.
Let's take a closer look:
Yamaha SRX 2022 Snowmobile
Snowmobile Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE 2020
The SRX sled returns for 2022 in Midnight Black with Liquid Silver. The last time this color combination was popular was in the 80s. The Yamaha SRX LE features a new Advanced Roll Center Suspension (ARCS), paired with new high-strength forged spindles and updated lightweight upper A-arms. The ARCS suspension provides the SRX with optimized geometry, lowering the body position compared to the 2022 model and improving handling.
The 2022 SRX tunnel features new high-gloss Lexan decals with improved quality and durability, and a new heated seat features SRX badging. The Yamaha SRX features a 137-inch long, 15-inch wide Camso Ripsaw track with 2.86-inch window spacing, 1-inch-high hooks and clips in each window.
The front suspension with ARCS is 42 inches wide. Its stroke is smoothed by Fox IQS shock absorbers with external springs with variable coil pitch. The rear suspension features a 1.5-inch (3.81 cm) HPG monoshock up front with external variable-pitch springs, and a 2-inch (5 cm) Fox IQS monoshock at the rear with low-preload torsion springs.
Oil selection and change
It is recommended to use Motul oil for two-stroke engines, and Snow Power SAE OW-40 for four-stroke engines.
In order to change the oil on a snowmobile, you must:
- Warm up the power unit to operating temperature.
- Remove the rear side part.
- Raise the front of the vehicle using a jack.
- Unscrew the screws under the hexagon.
- Remove the battery, air filter element and battery bracket.
- Visually inspect the O-ring for damage and wear. If necessary, replace the part with a new one.
- Drain the old oil fluid.
- Drain the transmission oil.
- Install a new filter and screw it to the engine.
- Add oil.
- Screw on the lid.
- Install all mechanisms in place.
Yamaha LE 2022 snowmobile
Snowmobile Yamaha Sidewinder L TX LE 2020
The L-TX LE is positioned by the company as a snowmobile designed for complete domination on the race track. The 2022 Yamaha L-TX LE is equipped with ARCS suspension, like the SRX, which increases ground clearance, which plays a vital role when riding on bumpy areas, clearly holding the trajectory. Being part of the LE category, this sled model comes in a stunning Jet Stream Blue paint job.
The Camso Ripsaw II's L-TX LE track is 137 inches long with 1.25-inch lugs. Shock absorbers and front suspension width are identical to the SRX model.
Yamaha Sidewinder X TX LE 2020
The X-TX LE marks the beginning of Yamaha's line of crossover snowmobiles. The X-TX LE has grown slightly, from 141 to 146 inches, and for the first time in 2022 has acquired the exclusive VERSATTAK crossover single rear suspension , which features a torsion spring. According to Yamaha, the new rear suspension improves weight distribution and increases the sled's versatility, allowing it to ride equally well on and off the trail. The X-TX LE is designed for those consumers who value the ability of a snowmobile to go on unprepared terrain, as well as the sporty capabilities of a groomed trail. This model features a 42-inch ARCS front suspension with 6.5-inch wide crossover single keel skis.
Yamaha Sidewinder BTX LE 2020
Another crossover snowmobile from Yamaha, designed for deep, loose snow, is the B-TX, and in particular its LE version. The 2022 Yamaha B-TX LE is built for deep, powdery backcountry riding with a 153-inch PowerClaw track with 2.25-inch lugs. The track width of this model is 40 inches. The single mountain rear suspension features high quality QS3 shock absorbers. The LE version will be available in Jet Stream Blue.
Progress of the M series
Over the past three years, mountain snowmobiles have gradually improved. And so, in the 2022 model year, the “mountainers” lost from 4.5 to 7 kg of weight (depending on the model). Let's list the modifications that made it possible to reduce weight:
- The body panels are 7.5 cm narrower (450 grams of weight savings).
- Hollow driven shaft (1.5 kg savings).
- Lightweight aluminum drive shaft (1 kg savings).
- The fuel tank is 2.25 kg lighter.
- The lightweight brake system saved another 450 grams.
Now about the modifications that did not affect the weight, but are no less important:
— The driveshaft was placed 2.5 cm lower and shifted 1.9 cm back. This travel makes it possible to use a three-inch lug track as well as an 8-tooth sprocket. The result is better stability and faster climbing on snowy slopes.
— The footpegs are 2.5 cm narrower, which gives more room for maneuver when turning.
— The revised shape of the footpegs allows the rider to move their legs 5 cm forward.
The Mounting Cat was the lightest M-Series sled for 2022 and sheds another 7.5kg in 2022.
Over the past few years, the Americans from Arctic Cat have managed to make progress. According to media reviews of the M 8000 SNO PRO, which went on sale in February, these mountain snowmobiles are definitely no worse and even better than any other mountain snowmobiles. The M-Series mountain sleds now weigh the same as BRP's Summit Series and are just a few pounds heavier than Polaris' RMK sleds, yet they don't break apart on hard landings or in contact with trees.
Yamaha GT 2022 Snowmobile
Snowmobile Yamaha Viper L TX GT 2020
The GT category is Yamaha's strong move for the 2022 model year. The GT family of snowmobiles is aimed at consumers who value high-quality and powerful models equipped with top-end shock absorbers, comfort options, excellent handling and wind protection. The GT family is an even better and more efficient replacement for last year's DX family.
The Yamaha L-TX GT snowmobile is designed for long and difficult solo trips, which require power, well-coordinated operation of all elements, ergonomics and a large volume of luggage compartments for travel equipment. The model is equipped with a 137-inch track and ARCS front suspension.
The S-TX GT is similar in many ways to the L-TX GT, except it's designed for two-person riding. The S-TX GT features QS3 front suspension and a 146-inch track length. The rear suspension has an anti-overload spring, the seat is heated for both passengers, and the driver has access to heated steering wheel grips. In addition to all this, the model is equipped with a Sidewinder engine with a power of 180 hp. with turbocharging.
Snowmobile Yamaha Viper S TX GT 2020
The 2022 SR Viper L-TX GT snowmobile will receive QS3 shock absorbers, a tall windshield and tunnel bags. This model will also receive a new “Gen-2” hood with quick-release panels, an updated front grille and a new fuse box location. In addition, the engine will be made more lively by the new ECU firmware. This model is a single-seat long-travel sled with a 137-inch Camso Ripsaw track with 1.25-inch toe height. The front suspension is 42-inch wide ARCS.
New TEAM Rapid Response II ADAPT drive system
This system first appeared on the 2017 9000 Series snowmobiles. In the new model year, this design will become familiar to almost all models.
The new system does not require belt adjustment due to wear; it does this automatically. In addition, the new CVT provides a smoother start and less belt wear.
The ADAPT drive system will be available on 2022 6000/7000/8000/9000 series snowmobiles excluding the Bearcat 7000 XT.
Snowmobile Yamaha SE 2022
Snowmobile Yamaha Sidewinder X TX SE 2020
The SE category includes the L-TX (turbocharged 137) and X-TX (turbocharged 146), as well as the SR Viper L-TX (non-turbo 137). Turbocharged models are similar in configuration to the LE models, but are equipped with simpler shock absorbers. However, they are still high quality and powerful models.
The Yamaha SR Viper L-TX snowmobile has a 137-inch track and is largely identical to the turbocharged L-TX LE.
The X-TX SE shares the same 146-inch track as the LE, but comes with a more affordable shock package and a less comprehensive array of comfort options, such as no heated seats.
There are no plans to release the B-TX SE in 2022, so the B-TX LE will stand alone.
Updated body design
Yes, this is great, because the new body looks even more interesting and beautiful. But the real beauty lies in the quick and easy access to the side panels and hood, and the improved airflow. These are the details that are usually unnoticeable, but they make the snowmobile much better.
The new body will be standard on all 6000/8000/9000 series models.
Snowmobile Yamaha Transporter 2022
Snowmobile Yamaha Transporter 600 2020
And finally, the new Yamaha Transporter 600 is a utilitarian, two-seat, two-stroke, 600cc snowmobile. The Transporter features a lightweight utility chassis, a 153-inch Power Claw track with 2.25-inch articulated lugs and a 38-inch track width.
New RR: feel like a real racer
Do you want a real racing snowmobile, not a replica? For the 2018 model year, the ZR 6000R XC racer is available to us mere mortals. This is the kind of snowmobile that the invincible Zach Herfindahl rides in the USXC cross-country championship.
Features include FOX ZERO QS3 shock absorbers with Kashima coating, 7-position rear suspension, LED headlight, Cobra track and a reinforced chassis.