New features and caution for Yamaha in 2020
Yamaha is concluding the round of the 2020 announcements from the four manufacturers. While Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat, and Polaris have already made their announcement, all eyes are now on the Japanese manufacturer’s.
In fact, of the four major snowmobile manufacturers, Yamaha is often the one that makes people talk a lot. Moreover, our article ''What does Yamaha have in mind for 2020?'' has been very popular over the past two months. That being said, let’s now look at the 2020 Yamaha snowmobile line-up.
Yamaha’s Cautious Renewal
While we might have expected a strong return of Yamaha after its strategic repositioning year in 2019 (Read: YAMAHA 2019 – MEANER & LEANER). The 2019 strategy has allowed the manufacturer to reach its objectives in the United States and they are almost there in Canada.
It is therefore with a little caution that Yamaha is starting this new decade by increasing the number of models available from 13 in 2019 to 16 by 2020. Among the 16 models, there are four models available only in spring, three models 100% Yamaha, 9 SideWinder, 2 Viper, two models for children/adolescents and a new 2-stroke utility.
Comparison of Yamaha’s 2019 and 2020 line-up
End of the DX package and arrival of the GT package
Within its line-up, Yamaha has used us to 3 or 4 different packages of options or accessories that define the specific character of each model. Thus, for 2020, we have the following packages:
SE Package: Special Edition
- For snowmobilers aged 30 to 45 who are looking for a hybrid that allows them to drive sporty in trails and explore off-trail territories. Seeks performance.
GT Package: Grand Touring
- For lovers of long trail rides who are looking for performance and comfort. The target clientele is between 45 and 60 years.
LE Package: “Super Premium”
- For snowmobilers aged between 35 and 50 who like to show off their snowmobiles and their performance. They want to adopt a younger style and adopt a more aggressive driving style.
S-RX Package: Coureur
- For people who want to be the fastest and hate to be second. They are between 40 and 55 years. They are often driving on lakes or acceleration racetracks.
In the past, we could get lost with the name like the R-TX, L-TX, X-TX… All this combined with the sets of accessories and options SE, LE, DX. To simplify all this, each of the Viper and Sidewinder sets now has their unique colors. (See below)
Yamaha 2020 Snowmobile line-up
Before going through all the models, take note that there is on all Sidewinders and Vipers:
- ARCS (Advanced Roll Center Suspension)
- Start switch on the handlebar
- Tether switch
Changes to the front suspension bring the centers of gravity and roll closer together, improving snowmobile stability.
Spring Models (LE)
SRX LE
New colors for the Sidewinder SRX LE 2020
The SRX is back in 2020 with a coloration that no SRX had adopted since 1980: black. The Midnight Black and Liquid Silver combination give the SRX a darker look. We find on this model:
The new geometry combined with the lowered snowmobile suspension increases the ease of operation of the SRX.
- Ripsaw track 137 x 15 x 15 x 1.0 inches
- Fox IQS 1.5’ front shock absorbers with dual rate spring
- 1.5” HGP shock absorber combination (with dual rate spring) in the center and 2.0” Fox IQS in the rear.
- Customized heated seat SRX
- Heated visor socket
- 20-inch tunnel bag
- Glasses bag
Sidewinder L-TX LE
Yamaha Sidewinder L-TX LE 2020
The Sidewinder L-TX LE is back for spring orders. We find on this model:
- One of the benefits of the ARCS suspension is increased ground clearance. This makes it possible to deal with the most challenging conditions while keeping full control of the snowmobile.
- Ripsaw II track 137 x 15 x 15 x 1.25 inches
- Fox IQS 1.5” front shock absorbers with single rate spring
- Combination of 1.5” HGP shock absorber in the center and 2.0” Fox IQS shock absorber in the rear.
- Heated seat with embossing
- Heated visor socket
- 20-inch tunnel bag
- Glasses bag
Sidewinder X-TX LE
Yamaha Sidewinder X-TX LE 2020
The Sidewinder X-TX LE is back for spring orders, but with a 146” track compared to 141” before. There are on this model:
- New Versattak decoupled rear suspension. This suspension improves transfers and off-trail skills.
- This snowmobile is designed for off-trail and trail enthusiasts.
- 6.5” single keel skis.
- Cobra track 2 ply 146 x 15 x 15 x 1.6 inches
- Fox QS3 1.5” front shock absorbers
- Combination of 1.5-inch HGP shock absorber in the center and 2.0-inch Fox QS3 at the rear.
- Heated seat with embossing
- 20-inch tunnel bag
- Glasses bag
- Ice scratchers
- Racing type running boards
Yamaha Sidewinder X-TX LE 2020
Sidewinder B-TX LE
Yamaha Sidewinder B-TX LE 2020
The Sidewinder B-TX LE is also back for spring orders. We find on this model:
- 153” decoupled suspension with mountain-type light rails
- 40-inch ski spacing
- Powerclaw track 153 x 15 x 15 x 2.25 inches
- Fox QS3 1.5” front shocks with curved mountain struts
- Fox QS3 1.5” center shock absorber combination and Fox QS3 2.0” rear shock absorber combination.
- Mountain seat
- 20-inch tunnel bag
- Glasses bag
- Air inlet with Frogzskin prefilter
GT Models (New)
By introducing the GT package to its line-up, Yamaha wanted to satisfy snowmobilers who bought the LE models but did not find the features they were looking for. They had to make some modifications to adapt their snowmobiles to their real needs and preferences.
These riders wanted the shock absorber options found on the LE package but had to add options found on the DX package such as the windshield and the tunnel bag.
Sidewinder L-TX GT
Yamaha Sidewinder L-TX GT 2020
Sidewinder L-TX GT
The Sidewinder L-TX GT is designed for the rider who drives long distances daily and who is looking for performance, comfort and more options.
We find on this model:
- One of the benefits of the ARCS suspension is improved ground clearance. This allows you to negotiate the most challenging trails while maintaining full control of the snowmobile.
- Ripsaw II track 137 x 15 x 15 x 1.25 inches
- Fox QS3 1.5” front shock absorbers
- Combination of HGP 1.5” shock absorber in the center and Fox QS3 2.0” at the rear.
- Heated seat
- Heated visor socket
- 20-inch tunnel bag
- Glasses bag
- High windshield
Sidewinder S-TX GT
Yamaha Sidewinder S-TX GT 2020
This model includes:
- Ripsaw track I 146 x 15 x 15 x 1.25 inches
- Fox QS3 1.5” front shock absorbers
- Combination of 1.5-inch HGP shock absorbers in the center and rear
- Additional load spring
- Heated seat with embossing (Driver and passenger)
- Hard saddlebags
- Heated visor socket (driver and passenger)
- Rigid rear storage
- Auxiliary fuel tank
- Glasses bag
- High windshield
Yamaha Sidewinder S-TX GT 2020
Viper L-TX GT
Yamaha SRViper L-TX GT 2020
The L-TX GT Viper is offered in 2020 with a variety of improvements including QS3 shock absorbers, tunnel bag, high windshield and much more.
Indeed, the SR Viper has the Gen-2 panels that are easy to remove and replace. Moreover, the fusible box was repositioned to be more accessible. The SR Viper GT is also the only Viper to have the new LED headlight.
Finally, this snowmobile has a new programming, new controls, and new cooling system.
There are on this model:
- One of the benefits of the ARCS suspension is improved ground clearance. This allows you to negotiate the most challenging trails while maintaining full control of the snowmobile.
- Ripsaw II track 137 x 15 x 15 x 1.25 inches
- Fox QS3 1.5” front shock absorbers
- Combination of 1.5” HGP shock absorber in the center (with double rate spring) and 2.0” Fox QS3 shock absorber in the rear.
- Heated seat
- Heated visor socket
- 20-inch tunnel bag
- Glasses bag
- High windshield
SE Models
Yamaha Sidewinder L-TX SE 2020
Sidewinder L-TX SE
- The Sidewinder L-TX SE is back in 2020
- We find on this model:
- One of the benefits of the ARCS suspension is improved ground clearance. This allows you to negotiate the most challenging trails while maintaining full control of the snowmobile.
- Ripsaw II track 137 x 15 x 15 x 1.25 inches
- Fox RC front shock absorbers 1.5in
- Combination of 1.5” HGP shock absorber in the center and 2.0” HPG shock absorber in the rear.
- Hayes brakes with shortened lever
- 20-inch tunnel bag
Sidewinder X-TX SE
Yamaha Sidewinder X-TX SE 2020
The Sidewinder X-TX SE is also back in 2020, but with the new Versattak suspension and 146-inch track. This extended platform will allow it to improve its off-trail floatability and its traction on trails.
This model includes:
- New Versattak decoupled rear suspension. This suspension improves transfers and off-trail skills.
- This snowmobile is designed for off-trail and trail lovers.
- Yamaha MTN skis
- Camso track 146 x 15 x 15 x 2 inches
- 40-inch ski spacing
- Mountain suspension legs (Curved)
- Fox QS3 1.5” front shock absorbers
- Combination of 1.5-inch HGP shock absorber in the center and 2.0-inch Fox QS3 at the rear.
- Mountain seat
- Tunnel bag
- Ice scrapers
- Racing type step edges
Viper L-TX SE
The SR Viper L-TX SE is presented to us in 2020 as the most affordable option among the sporty line of Yamaha snowmobiles.
This includes a variety of improvements, including Gen-2 panels that are easy to remove and replace. Moreover, the fuse box has been repositioned to be more accessible.
Finally, this snowmobile has a new programming, new Stealth controls, and an improved cooling system.
This model includes:
- One of the benefits of the ARCS suspension is improved ground clearance. This allows you to negotiate the most challenging trails while maintaining full control of the snowmobile.
- Ripsaw II track 137 x 15 x 15 x 1.25 inches
- Front shock absorbers HPG 1.5in
- Combination of 1.5” HGP shock absorber in the center and 1.5” HPG shock absorber in the rear.
- Tunnel bag
New 2-stroke utility
Transport 600
Yamaha has a new model in its utility snowmobiles, the Transporter 600. This model is also the first two-stroke model to enter the Yamaha line-up in over ten years. Arctic Cat manufactures the 600 cc engine.
This model includes:
- Powerclaw track 153 x 15 x 15 x 2.25 inches
- 38-inch ski spacing
- Front shock absorbers HPG 1.5in
- Combination of 1.5-inch HGP shock absorber in the center and 1.5-inch HPG at the rear.
- Mountain seat
- Mountain skis
- Medium windshield
- 153” articulated suspension
- Stealth Controls
- Electric and manual starter
- Cargo space and sled hitch.
To conclude
Although we were expecting a big comeback for Yamaha in 2020, the manufacturer has still made several improvements to the existing models and has introduced six new models.
We invite you to visit SledMagazine.com in the next few days to read our first impressions of some models in the Yamaha 2020 line-up.
