What a great week I spent testing the 2020 Yamaha Sidewinder LTX-GT thanks to Moto Thibault Marine, a Yamaha dealer in Sherbrooke! This snowmobile is designed for experienced riders only, as it is brimming with power. It’s a high-performance snowmobile. Here are my comments on this trial:
Engine
The turbocharged 998 cc Genesis engine has an impeccable reputation. It is reliable and can allow you to travel several miles a day. It is not too greedy on petrol despite its 200 HP, but only consumes super petrol.
Steering
The steering is precise, and you don’t feel the weight of the machine on the handlebars. You don’t get tired even after hundreds of miles. Yamaha redesigned the front suspension, which I think makes a significant difference in the handling. The snowmobile doesn’t wobble, and the skis stay on the ground, and the Fox® QS3 shocks can be adjusted easily.
Rear Suspension and Track
The suspension is comfortable but firm. With my 235 lbs, I never touched the bottom of the suspension and it was adjusted to its minimum firmness. The track is a Camso® Ripsaw II Caterpillar (15" x 137" x 1.25"), and it does the job well.
Comfort and Security
Several elements contribute to the comfort of this mount, including a heated visor socket as well as a socket for charging or powering accessories, a dual-intensity heated seat, full digital gauges, push-button reverse, push-button electric start (finally), a windshield to protect the driver from the wind and finally a tunnel bag under the seat in the back to keep our things dry. For our safety, a contact breaker has been added to be attached to the driver so that if the driver is ejected, the snowmobile will stop.
What I liked
Driving this ride impressed me a lot. I expected to be tired after a 200-mile day, but no, not at all. The work that was done on the front suspension to increase driving pleasure is remarkable. Then, I liked the addition of a push-button to start the snowmobile (finally). You don’t have to take off your glove or mitten to start your snowmobile. Finally, the large windshield that protects us from the wind is another element that I really appreciated.
What Needs to Be Improved
Configure a location on the snowmobile so that the mirrors can be installed to provide a direct view in the rear-view mirror. At the moment, the driver has to look under his hands because the rear-view mirror is positioned at the bottom of them. He must then relinquish his vision on the path, which is not safe.
Due to its classification (high-performance snowmobile), the track should be studded. On hardened trails or ice, it would be safer.
With its flamboyant two-tone red, it is sublime on snow. Yamaha has really built THE trail snowmobile this year. Because of its reliability, manoeuvrability, comfort and complete accessories, I recommend this snowmobile to anyone who wants to go for a great ride.
I want to thank Moto Thibault Marine of Sherbrooke for allowing me to do this trial. I invite you to visit them and continue to follow us on Sledmagazine.com for more information.
