In spring of 2013, Yamaha made the commitment to snowmobilers to offer each year at least one new model and at least two new engines at the latest on the introduction of their 2018 lineup. Thus, 2016 is the third year of this commitment and we were eagerly waiting for the reveiling of their new fleet.

Before talking about the models in detail, let’s take a look at the new technologies presented by Yamaha for 2016.

New engine for the Vector and Venture models

The 3-cylinder Genesis engine of 1049cc of the RS Vector and Venture models has received a lot of attention from Yamaha engineers. The goal was to develop and improve the suppleness of this engine. Also, Yamaha wanted it to be more versatile in order to adjust it to the type of pilot.

To do so, the engine keeps the same dimensions and displacement, but it has a new crankshaft, new pistons, new piston rods and new materials and mouldings. Furthermore, it includes two new systems, the Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) and D-Mode.

YCC-T

The YCC-T controls air flow. With sensor and throttle position, it optimizes the engine air intake.

D-Mode

The D-Mode controls fuel flow. According to the position of the throttle, the air intake and the RPM, it adjusts the optimal amount of fuel. The pilot can select any of the three modes according to his preferences.

Here are the modes :

Entry Mode (Novice)

This mode stops sudden and aggressive response of the engine all while limiting top speed of the vehicle, thus optimizing fuel consumption.

Touring Mode

In low to midrange RPM, this mode makes the engine smoothly deliver power and throttle responses. At high RPM, the engine delivers its full power. This mode improves the riding experience mostly when the engine is in its midrange speed. So, there is less fatigue for the pilot and the passenger on a touring type of riding or on long-distance rides. The fuel consumption is also improved since accelerations are less aggressive.

Sport Mode

This mode is designed for optimum overall performance of the engine. Accelerations and throttle responses are sharper for a more aggressive type of riding. The full potential of the engine is provided.

Lightweight SingleShot new rear suspension

For 2016, Yamaha introduces a brand new rear suspension. The Lightweight SingleShot suspension is available in two editions, 129 in. and 146 in. As its name indicates, Yamaha wanted to offer a lighter suspension without compromizing on comfort. Effectively, the 129" edition of the SingleShot is 10 lbs lighter (4,54 kg) than the Mono-Shock II RA of 128" and the SingleShot of 146" is 9 lbs lighter (4,1 kg) than the Mono-Shock II RA of 136".

New front suspension for the M-TX models

For 2016, the Mountain Performance models will be equipped with the new SRV-M front suspension for an increased off-trail maneuverability. The control arm of the ski has been redesigned. Its rounder and inner shape increases clearance in deep snow, which highly decreases drag in deep snow.

According to the length of the track, the SRV-M suspension will be available in two editions :

SRViper M-TX 153 and 162
These models are equipped with a ski stance of 36 in. (914 mm). The front suspension is not equipped with a sway bar in order to optimize the agility of the snowmobile. The ski design allows an increased stance of 38 in. (965 mm) if desired.

SRViper M-TX 141
The suspension of the 141" models has a  40" ski stance and is equipped with a sway bar. So, we can guess a more hybrid feature in these snowmobiles because they will offer both a good on-trail performance and a good off-trail maneuverability. The ski design allows an increased stance of 42 in. (1067 mm) if desired.

The ski stance remains the same on all other 2016 SRViper models.

2016 lineup

Now, let’s see the new models of the 2016 Yamaha snowmobiles lineup.

Trail category

In this category, two new models only offered during Spring Power Surge are added to the lineup.

RS Vector LE

This new model is equipped with the new Genesis engine of 1049cc and with the YCC-T system. The package is complemented with Lightweight SingleShot 129 suspension,  Performance Damper, EPS (Electric Power Steering), Fox Float 3 shocks at front, Fox Float 3 XV at rear, RipSaw II track of 1.25" and Tuner skis.

Apex LE

The Apex LE is equipped with Lightweight SingleShot 129 suspension, Performance Damper, EPS system (Electric Power Steering), Fox Float 3 XV shock at rear and  Tuner skis.

Cross Country category

Sales of hybrid snowmobiles have highly increased during the last years and manufacturers are dedicated to provide snowmobilers with a wide variety of models to fullfil their specific needs. Yamaha is no exception and presents 6 new models in this category, among which 3 will be available on Spring Power Surge only.

RS Vector X-TX 1.75 LE

This new model is equipped with the new Genesis engine of 1049cc and the YCC-T system. The package is complemented with Lightweight SingleShot 146 suspension,  Performance Damper, EPS (Electric Power Steering), Fox Float 3 shocks at front, Fox Float 3 XV at rear, Backcountry II track of 1.75" and Tuner skis.

RS Vector X-TX 1.75

The RS Vector L-TX 1.75 is equipped with the new Genesis engine of 1049cc and the YCC-T system. The package is complemented with Lightweight SingleShot 146 suspension,  EPS (Electric Power Steering), Fox Float 3 XV at rear, Backcountry II track of 1.75" and  Tuner skis.

SRViper S-TX 146 DX

The SRViper S-TX 146 DX is the extended edition of the S-TX introduced in 2015. It has the same features except for the Dual Shock rear suspension of 146", a large trunk enclosure with 4-gal auxiliary fuel tank and RipSaw II track of 1.25" instead of the Cobra track of 1.352".

SRViper S-TX 137 DX

The SRViper S-TX 137 DX is a shorter edition of the S-TX introduced in 2015. It is equipped with the Dual Shock SR 137 rear suspension, a Cobra track of 1.6", semi-rigid  saddlebags and a goggle bag. It has HPG (High Pressure Gas) shocks so there is no Fox Float at rear. Heated seat and tall windshield are also standard features.

Apex X-TX 1.75 LE

The Apex X-TX 1.75 LE is equipped with Lightweight SingleShot 146 suspension, Performance Damper, EPS (Electric Power Steering), Fox Float 3 XV shock at rear, Fox Float 3 shocks at front, Backcountry track of 1.75" and Tuner skis.

Apex X-TX 1.75

The Apex X-TX 1.75 is introduced to the 2016 lineup equipped with Lightweight SingleShot 146 suspension, EPS (Electric Power Steering), Fox Float 3 XV shock at rear, Backcountry track of 1.75" and Tuner skis.

Mountain Performance category

Manufacturers are currently increasing their offer in the Mountain Performance category. Last year, Yamaha replaced the Nytro M-TX models by 5 SRViper M-TX models. For 2016, 2 new models are offered for more variety. All SRViper M-TX models are now equipped with the SRV-M front suspension. Here are these new models :

SRViper M-TX 162

As just said, this model is equipped with the new SRV-M suspension at front with a ski stance of 36", with the Dual Shock SR 162 rear suspension, HPG shocks at front and at rear, Power Claw track of 2.6", mountain skis and mountain exclusive sculpted seat.

SRViper M-TX 141

This is the first SRViper M-TX snowmobile with a 141 bridge. It is equipped with the new SRV-M front suspension with 40" ski width, with the Dual Shock SR 141 rear suspension, Fox Float 3 shocks at front and a combination of HPG (centre) and Fox Float 3 shocks at rear, Power Claw track of 2.25", mountain skis and mountain exclusive sculpted seat.

Multi-Purpose category

Yamaha engineers gave a lot of attention to this category and they present two new models for 2016.

VK Professionnal II

This edition replaces the VK Professionnal offered until last year. It is equipped with a Genesis engine of 1049cc with fuel injection. In the past, the model had a carburetor. Among the modifications, there is its new look, a new windshield, new mirrors, new gauge, new fuel tank, new seat and new cargo rack.

RS Venture TF LE 151 in.

This new model is equipped with the new Genesis engine of 1049cc and the YCC-T system. The package is complemented with Performance Damper, EPS system (Electric Power Steering), RipSaw II track of 1.25" and Tuner skis. The 151 flip-up rear tail lets the snowmobile go reverse more easily in deep snow.

Improved models

Not less than 12 models have also been improved. Here is a short list of these improvements.

Apex

• Lightweight SingleShot 129 Suspension
• Fox Float 3 XV shock at rear

Apex X-TX

• Lightweight SingleShot 146 Suspension
• Fox Float 3 XV shock at rear

SRViper L-TX LE

• Performance Damper
• Front shocks : Fox PB (Coil)
• Rear shocks : HPG (centre), PB/CK Fox 
• Rear storage bag
• Heated seat

SRViper R-TX LE

• Performance Damper
• Rear shocks : Fox Zero X (centre), Zero X PB
• Super short windshield
• Heated seat

SRViper R-TX SE

• Front shocks : Fox PB Coil
• Rear shock : Fox PB

SRViper X-TX LE

• Performance Damper
• Front shocks : Fox Float 3 Evol
• Rear shocks : Fox Float 3 Evol (centre), Evol R
• Super short windshield
• Rear storage bag
• Heated seat
• Cobra track of 1.6"

RS Vector

• New Genesis engine of 1049cc and YCC-T system
• Lightweight SingleShot 129 Suspension
• Fox Float 3 XV rear shock

SRViper M-TX 162 LE

• SRV-M front suspension with ski stance of 36"
• Front shocks : Fox Float 3 Evol
• Rear shocks : Fox Float 3 Evol (centre), Evol R
• Super short windshield
• Goggle bag
• Mountain heated seat
• Power Claw track of 3"
• New mountain skis

SRViper M-TX 153, SRViper M-TX 153 SE and SRViper M-TX 162 SE

• SRV-M front suspension with ski stance of 36"
• New mountain skis
• RS Venture TF 151"
• New Genesis engine of 1049cc and YCC-T system

Conclusion

Snowmobilers expect a lot from Yamaha mostly in terms of chassis and engine. Even if at first sight, some could still ask for more when looking at the 2016 Yamaha lineup, we must emphasize that the Genesis engine in the Vector and Venture models has been largely redesigned and now offers three riding modes to fullfil snowmobilers’ specific needs according to their type of riding or the type of rides they prefer.

Also, there are many new models in the popular Cross Country and Mountain Performance categories in order to meet snowmobilers’ needs and preferences.

And what now?

Of course, team members of your web magazine Motoneiges.ca can’t wait to try out these new technologies and to share with you their first impressions. Six of our test pilots will travel to Montana next week and put to the test the 2016 Yamaha snowmobiles.