A few days ago, we came into possession of the 2017 Yamaha Sidewinder B-TX SE 153. We are going to run a long-term trial of this snowmobile within the partnership between Yamaha Canada and the web magazine SledMagazine.com .
Last spring, Yamaha drew attention by announcing the brand new Sidewinder lineup. Rumors were already spreading since many years about the introduction of a Yamaha turbo engine. Some people thought that a turbo would be added to the triple engine that already equips the SRViper models. So, Yamaha surprised everyone with the announcement of a brand new tri-cylinder turbo engine of more than 180 HP. Some say it could even reach 200 HP according to tests ran on dynamometer. This engine becomes the most powerful of the industry and sets a new category, the 180 HP and over.
More innovation? The 2017 Yamaha Sidewinder B-TX SE 153 is not only part of the new Sidewinder lineup, but the name B-TX is also new at the japanese manufacturer’s. Everybody knows the hybrid snowmobile category that lets us ride on trail and off trail with the same snowmobile. At each end, you have the trail snowmobile and the mountain snowmobile. At Yamaha’s, the B-TX is rather in a new category between hybrid and mountain machines. Many of its characteristics make us believe that it will perform pretty well in deep snow while others think it is a rather efficient trail snowmobile. So, what could be better than a long-term trial to check out its promises!!!
Engine
As said earlier, the 2017 Yamaha Sidewinder B-TX SE 153 is equipped with the brand new Genesis triple turbo injection engine of 998 cc that develops over 180 HP. In the past, we have been used in the motorized sport industry to the addition of a turbo to an existing engine for more power.
For this engine, Yamaha used a quite different approach. Effectively, they designed this new engine taking into consideration right from the start that it would be turbocompressed. Everything has been thought in that respect, giving a truly impressive result. Once again, Yamaha proves its motorist qualities and once again, Yamaha sets new performance standards.
Future will tell us if the manufacturer succeeded once again to maintain the quality, durability and reliability standards that made Yamaha famous over the years. For the moment, nothing indicates otherwise. We will also be able to measure the fuel consumption and to compare it with other manufacturer’s engines.
Clutches
It is great to have such power under the hood, but yet, it has to be transfered with efficiency to the track. According to Yamaha, “ The new YSRC primary clutch is designed for high horsepower with greater strength, improved efficiency and enhanced cooling ability. ”
About the YSRC roller secondary clutch, “ The new reverse cam secondary clutch features roller cam followers to reduce friction and special high efficiency casting designs to improve aerodynamic power loss and reduce temperature. Sheave casting strength is improved to handle the higher horsepower. ”
This snowmobile is equipped with the Hayes braking system. We are eager to test its efficiency that combines a large rotor of 20 cm mounted low on the drive shaft with a track of 153 in. / 388,6 cm.
Chassis and suspensions
As said above, the 2017 Yamaha Sidewinder B-TX SE 153 has some characteristics that distinguish it from other hybrid Sidewinder models. It has the SRV-M chassis that equips Yamaha mountain snowmobiles. According to Yamaha, 60 % of the weight is in the triangulated structure. Thus, it offers excellent centralization of mass.
The SRV-M mid-stance adjustable front suspension allows a ski stance easily adjustable to the pilot’s preferences, mountain or trail. This suspension is equipped with FOX Float 3 lightweight and progressive shocks. These air sprung shocks offer a wide range of settings to choose depending on the type of trail, by simply adjusting air pressure.
Our trial snowmobile is equipped with the SRV-M rear suspension. This pneumatic uncoupled suspension with two Dual Shock SR 153 shocks is calibrated to offer excellent transfer and deep snow floatation. It takes advantage of the FOX Float 3 shocks.
The Sidewinder B-TX SE 153 is equipped with new Yamaha mountain skis, designed for optimal handiness in deep snow. They should reduce steering effort on trails as well as off trails. The pilot can adjust the ski stance simply by replacing the left ski rubber by the right one, and vice-versa, to increase or decrease the ski stance easily.
For off-trail efficiency and to suit the tall and forward riding position, this model is equipped with the standard tall hooked mountain handlebar.
As you can see, the 2017 Yamaha Sidewinder B-TX SE 153 offers characteristics that distinguish it from other Sidewinder hybrid models. One of the most obvious is its track. Effectively, it is the only model with a Camoplast BackCountry X track of 153 in.x15 in.x1.75 in. / 388,6 x 38,1 x 4,45 cm that suggests an excellent off-trail flotation and good performances on trail. This is the longest track on the market in the hybrid category.
Gauge
We have the same digital gauge than the SRViper lineup. Fully equipped and easy to read, the digital indicator screen displays in a glance all data required by the pilot.
Controls on the handlebar also remain similar to the SRViper controls. They are practical and well located. We would have appreciated a hand warmer control with many intensity levels instead of the disappointing usual Hi-Low control that goes between too warm and too cold.
The mountain seat is tall and narrow, which should improve the pilot’s mobility.
In matter of fuel tank, we hear some contradictory numbers, 37 liters versus 33 liters. We will check it out to report the right capacity. Sometimes, 4 liters are enough to save us from trouble!
An important innovation on all the Sidewinder models is the new LED headlight with accent lighting. This very white lighting should be very efficient during our evening rides and it should make us more visible in the daytime.
We will also test some Yamaha accessories such as the rack base for jerry can and a storage bag that are fixed quickly on the tunnel with the included hardware.
And, in matter of style, the 2017 Yamaha Sidewinder B-TX SE 153 makes head turn with its orange accents, a color not often seen at Yamaha’s that matches the black and grey colors.
Finally, I can’t wait to present my first impressions of this model in a next article to be published soon. We are going to analyze its performance on trail and off trail in different snow conditions and this, all season long.
Special thanks to our partner Yamaha Canada and to the Yamaha Platinum dealer P. Labonté & Fils in Mont-Joli. www.plabonte.com .
All season long, you will be able to follow our analyze of this snowmobile on SledMagazine.com and on our Facebook page. In my next report to be published soon, I will present my first impressions.
