Yes, you read it right, Yamaha gives a place of choice to the 2-stroke engine in its snowmobile range for 2021. Two new 2-stroke engines, six new models, and the comeback of two names from the past: the SXVenom and the Mountain Max!
Two years ago, many observers had doubts about Yamaha’s snowmobile future. It’s important to remember that in 2019, Yamaha had drastically reduced its line-up to only 12 models. In 2021, the Japanese manufacturer will maintain its place in the snowmobile industry more than ever, with 20 different models in all categories of the market.
For 2021, Yamaha offers no less than 7 out of 20 models equipped with 2-stroke engines, which represents 35% of the line-up. This shift, which began in 2020 with the introduction of the Transporter 600, was welcomed by customers. This success has encouraged Yamaha to continue this momentum for 2021. Here are the new features that Yamaha has announced for 2021.
The Return of the SXVenom
The return of the SXVenom name in a brand new model is one of the great surprises Yamaha had for us for 2021. The SXVenom was a trendy name among Yamaha snowmobile enthusiasts in the mid-2000s. It’s coming back in an all-new lightweight chassis of intermediate size. Targeting a young or less experienced clientele, this entry-level model would be offered at a more affordable price. Taking the space left by the disappearance of the Phaser and Venture Lite several years ago at Yamaha. Equipped with an all-new 400 cc, 2-stroke, single-cylinder engine with electronic fuel injection and a respectable 65 hp, the SXVenom comes in 3 distinct versions.
The first version is called the SXVenom, and it’s the trail version. Offered in blue, it features a 14x121x1 track, an electric starter, push-button reverse, and a digital indicator panel. The rear suspension offers a respectable 10.7'' of travel and 7.2'' for the front.
The SXVenom MTN is the mountain version. With a 153x15x2.25 track, it is also equipped with the single track rear suspension for improved mountain performance.
Finally, to complete the line, there is also a utility version called Transporter Lite. It comes with a 146x16x1.6 track, an articulated rear suspension, mountain skis, and a rear luggage rack.
The venerable name Mountain Max is coming back from the past…
Beside the SXVenom, another name with a glorious past is back for 202, the Mountain Max. It also announces that Yamaha is back in a significant way in the mountain snowmobile market. The Mountain Max 800 comes in 2 versions, with a length of 154 or 165 inches. It is equipped with a 794 cc C-TEC 2-stroke, a two-cylinder engine from the partnership with Arctic Cat. The engine has proved its worth and should please Yamaha’s mountain enthusiasts who, it must be said, have been neglected in the past few years. Also, the Mountain Max comes equipped with a single-rail rear suspension specially designed for mountain riding. The Mountain Max 800 165 is equipped with the 165x16x3 Camso Powerclaw while Yamaha chose the Camso Powerclaw of 154x16x2.6 for the Mountain Max 800 154. In both cases, it is the Team clutch that will have the mission to transmit this power to the ground. Regarding the suspension, the famous Fox QS3 are standard front and rear. Reinforced running boards, an electric starter, and Yamaha mountain skis complete the package.
The Transporter is getting stronger
The Transporter 600 introduced last year in the utility category is back for 2021, but this time with the powerful 794 cc C-TEC2 2-stroke twin-cylinder engine. The Transporter 800 offers a 165 hp engine paired with a 153x16x2.25 Camso Powerclaw track. Combining lightness and power, this snowmobile is in the trend for high-powered utility vehicles, a category where Yamaha was absent. It comes standard with skis and a mountain seat as well as a rear luggage rack.
Continuity of trail snowmobiles
Trail snowmobile line-up remains unchanged for 2021. Aside from the disappearance of the SRViper L-TX SE, the Sidewinder remains the center of Yamaha’s trail snowmobile line-up. Attractive new colors and the arrival of the new Stryke skis are new this year in all declinations: SRX, LE, SE, and GT. So Yamaha hasn’t changed its winning combination of SRV chassis and powerful Genesis turbocharged engine.
For those who were waiting for 2-stroke engines in the trail snowmobiles, they will have to wait a little longer. Yamaha, therefore, reaffirms this year that 4-stroke remains its trail priority.
New Stryke skis
Yamaha introduces for 2021 new skis called Stryke. These single-keel skis will improve control in tight turns. One of its features is the ability to adjust chocks at both the front and back of the ski to increase or decrease ground pressure depending on snow conditions.
Finally, as you can see, Yamaha is trying to make a big move for 2021. They want mountain snowmobile customers to come back home with the Mountain Max, and they’re taking on the next generation by introducing three entry-level models with the SXVenom, the Transporter Lite, and the SXVenom Mountain. New colors and new skis for the Sidewinder line should also please the Yamaha fans. We invite you to drop by your Yamaha dealer to place your spring order.
