Yamaha Snowmobiles Go Out With A Bang…
Related: Buying A New Sled
Introducing New Snowmobile Technology & Performance Posts!
Great news for snowmobilers! I’m pleased to announce the world premiere of new content about snowmobile technology and performance. Followers of my website know that my posts centre around my area of expertise. That’s info, tips and products related to trail riding, touring and destinations – and they will remain my focus.
But now you’ll also be able to check out what’s new about the sleds we ride, thanks to my longtime friend and media colleague, Michel (Micky) Garneau. Micky’s the Editor-in Chief of Motoneige Quebec, the official magazine of La Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ), the world’s foremost Francophone snowmobile magazine.
Among his many other achievements, Micky writes the snowmobile technology and performance content for Motoneige Quebec. He’s earned the respect of Quebec snowmobilers for his expert sled tech observations and insightful opinion, much to their advantage and riding benefit.
And now for the first time anywhere, Anglophone snowmobilers will be able to discover what they’ve been missing. Micky has generously agreed to translate some of his articles for posting on my Intrepid Snowmobiler website. Let’s get started with several posts looking at What’s New from each manufacturer for model year 2025.
Yamaha Snowmobiles MY25: What’s New
It’s fitting that Micky’s first post features Yamaha Snowmobiles 2025 Final Edition models. Their faithful, and indeed, the entire snowmobile community, is biding them a fond farewell this season after 57 years of much-needed innovation and competition in our industry. Yamaha will be missed.
Final Edition Badge
A special badge marking Yamaha snowmobiles final year in the industry will adorn every 2025 model.
For the SRX, Yamaha is producing only 998 individually numbered units (corresponding to the displacement of its powerful three-cylinder engine). Photo courtesy of Motoneige Québec/Sledmagazine.com
Yamaha Snowmobiles – TRAIL
Sidewinder X-TX LE (see header photo)
Electric Power Steering: Buyers of this last edition of the Sidewinder X-TX LE will benefit from the addition of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Introduced on certain Sidewinder models in 2022, this technology has since found its way onto more of their sleds. Now, for 2025, it’s the X-TX LE’s turn to be equipped with EPS. This system modulates steering assistance according to vehicle speed and engine rpm.
Buyers of the Sidewinder X-TX LE will appreciate the natural feel of the EPS. Photo courtesy of Yamaha
Adjustable Handlebar Riser: The position of the handlebars is a very personal element, since it determines the riding position of a snowmobile. To allow customization of this element and add versatility to the overall package, Yamaha is offering a new adjustable handlebar riser on the Sidewinder SRX LE, L-TX LE and L-TX GT models for 2025. Measuring 4.5″ in height, the new riser adjusts fore and aft over a total of five positions, all without the need for tools, simply by pulling the pin on the left-hand side.
Robust and beautifully machined, the SRX’s block is blue, whereas other models are black. Photo courtesy of Yamaha
Yamaha Snowmobiles – Mountain
Sidewinder M-TX LE
Sidewinder M-TX LE photo courtesy of Yamaha
Engine: Absent from the Yamaha line-up since its disappearance after the 2019 model year, the Sidewinder M-TX LE returns for its manufacturer’s swan song. It includes the same list of standard equipment as its last appearance in the Yamaha line-up in 2019. The M-TX LE engine differs from the version found in trail models. Its Engine Braking Reduction System (EBRS) is uniquely calibrated and optimized for mountain riding. Note that this mountain sled, the only one on the market with a turbocharged four-stroke engine, is available in very limited quantities.
Suspension: Meanwhile, the SRV-M front suspension offers 7″ of travel. This is controlled by Fox 1.5 Float QS3 air shocks with remote reservoir and three-position (low-speed) compression adjustment.
The MTX carves the powder on Yamaha’s mountain skis, set at an adjustable stance centered at 36″. Photo courtesy Yamaha Snowmobiles.
At the rear, the uncoupled twin-rail suspension – formerly known as the Dual Shock SR 153 – does its job with a Float QS3 shock absorber in the centre. At the other end is a lockable QSL (Quick Switch Lock-out) version. The track is a Power Claw measuring 15 x 153 x 3.0 in with a 3″ pitch. Ice scratchers are standard.
The ability to limit the compression of the rear shock absorber helps control weight transfer during acceleration, preventing excessive ski lift. Photo courtesy Yamaha Snowmobiles
My Last Word
I hope you enjoyed our first sled tech post by Michel Garneau. The format and layout is a work in progress – and there’s more coming from Micky soon!
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The tips and advice in this blog are the opinions of the author, may not work in every situation and are intended only for the convenience and interest of the reader, who has the personal responsibility to confirm the validity, accuracy and relevancy of this information prior to putting it to their own use.