We all know that this year the delays in delivery from the manufacturers are affecting all the dealerships due to the supply of various components. When I received an email from my partner Moto Thibault Marine of Sherbrooke telling me that I would be able to test ride a 2022 Yamaha Sidewinder SRX LE, I was excited and happy to be able to do so. I gave them a few days to prepare the brand new machine and I took possession of it for a whole week. The snow being limited in my region (Eastern Townships), I decide, with some friends, to go ride the trails of Lanaudière and Mauricie.
The appearance
With its white and red colors and gold lettering, it turns heads. In addition to being powerful, the LED lights look great. The athletic look is complemented by a great low-profile windshield, but trust me, it’s just for looks. The instrumentation is complete and easy to use, the thumb buttons and heated grips are easy to operate with gloves on, but I find the ignition key more difficult to use. To add to our comfort, the SRX is equipped with a heated seat with two levels of intensity to help us face the cold days.
Suspension
For those of you wondering if this snowmobile is comfortable, the answer is YES. Equipped with IQS intelligent shock absorbers on the front and rear arms, it adjusts instantly at the touch of a button on the left handle. There are three choices of comfort: soft, medium and firm. Yamaha tells us that as soon as the request is sent, the system adjusts the shocks in a fraction of a second and indicates it on the left side of the dashboard. With the IQS suspension, you can ride for hundreds of miles without getting tired.
Performance
The Sidewinder SRX LE is powered by the famous Genesis 998cc turbo engine. With 200 hp, it is still the fastest production snowmobile in the world. What’s amazing about this machine is the perfect engine/clutch calibration. It’s very smooth if you press gently on the throttle, but as soon as you are aggressive on it…OUF… hold on, the acceleration is lightning fast.
What I liked
- Its appearance: Its color, its LED lights and its muscular look make this snowmobile one of the most beautiful on the market.
- Comfort : With its smooth ride, heated seat and precise handling, it allows us to cover hundreds of kilometers in a day without getting tired.
- Reliability: Yamaha has been building very reliable snowmobiles for many years. The Sidewinder SRX LE has an excellent reputation in this regard.
What I would like
- A better positioned ignition key : Turning the key to start or stop the snowmobile becomes difficult with gloves or mittens, especially when it’s very cold and they are stiff.
- Track: I understand why this type of track is installed on the SRX. However, this is a trail sled and for me, safety must take priority over speed. On the trail, the snowmobile skids easily and when you brake, it feels like there is a crazy carpet under the snowmobile, it slides a lot. An adaptation period is necessary to control the sled.
Conclusion
During one week, I rode 1,184 kilometers, which allowed me to get used to the 2022 Yamaha SRX LE and to feel very comfortable on it. It is a very comfortable and smooth riding trail sled. Under the hood is a monster of power that just wants to get out of the way as soon as you ask it to, to give you a good dose of adrenaline.
Incredible. I would like to thank Moto Thibault Marine of Sherbrooke for their collaboration in allowing me to do this test. I had a great week behind the handlebars of the 2022 Yamaha SRX LE and I even allowed myself a little detour to Valcourt to take a picture of the snowmobile in front of the garage, which is the birthplace of snowmobiling. I invite you to continue reading my fellow enthusiasts and me on Motoneiges.ca
