Snowmobiles are an indispensable form of personal transport in the northern regions. Sometimes they are the only personal means of transportation that can be used when crossing snowy plains, mountainous areas and forests covered with snow.
Snowmobiles can be used for different needs: as a working machine for traveling or transporting goods, for tourism purposes, for sports competitions. One of the leading manufacturers of snowmobiles is the Japanese one.
Yamaha RX-1 M-TX
Yamaha RX-1 M-TX
Yamaha RX-1 M-TX
Due to the fact that Yamaha’s snowmobile classification is more than extensive, a testing program was organized to match. There is a cross-country section, full of jumps and sharp turns, and a high-speed track with fast turns and long straights for “annealing”, and waist-deep virgin soil, and multi-meter ravines... In short, there is a place to evaluate the capabilities of the equipment.
Bearcat XT
For the 2021 model year, Arctic Cat has expanded its utility sled lineup with the Bearcat XT, which is essentially a rebranded Yamaha Viking:
- 540 cc 2-cylinder carburetor engine.
- High/low gears, reverse.
- 156-inch Cobra track.
- Electric starter.
- Luggage compartment under the seat.
- 400 W output.
Yamaha Venture MP
Yamaha Venture MP
Yamaha Venture MP
The production range of Yamaha snowmobiles includes five areas: purely cross-country machines, sports-universal, sports for deep snow, touring and utilitarian-multi-purpose. By the way, Yamaha is the only snowmobile manufacturer that has practically abandoned two-stroke engines. There are only two of these in the company’s model line and, oddly enough, these are purely utilitarian models.
The company's flagship is the Yamaha FX Nytro R-TX SE, a representative of a purely cross-country direction. It is easy to identify him in a motley crowd of his comrades by the protective shields on the handlebars and the front adjustable gas-filled shock absorbers of the FOX Float X backpack type (this is a joint development of Yamaha and FOX, tested by the factory sports team). The rear shock absorbers are of our own design, but no less sophisticated: with a reinforced body and with adjustments for rebound damping (low and high speed!) and compression. And this is not the only change in the rear suspension. New track support wheels allow track bearings to be replaced, reducing maintenance costs. And new track drive gears eliminate track slippage.
The designers and heated handles have been improved. Now the heating element is isolated from the steering wheel, which reduces heat loss. Indeed, the handles began to warm up faster.
Driving the R-TX SE, you understand that only the cross-country track is the true haven of the athlete. A narrow track, anti-roll bar in the front suspension, new shock absorbers, and a low center of gravity make it a real sports equipment on a prepared track, ready to go straight from the store to professional competitions. The device handles like a sportbike on a track, and the energy intensity of the suspensions is admirable.
Pros and cons, possible malfunctions of snowmobiles
The main advantage of the cars that became the topic of our conversation will be the highest level of comfort when driving in the snow. Of no small importance is high speed, maneuverability, ease of control and overall ease of use - with the help of this vehicle you can easily get to places where other vehicles cannot go.
As for the disadvantages, there are not so many of them, in particular, the high level of exhaust gases and considerable weight - if the device gets stuck in the snow, it will not be easy to pull it out.
Important
If we talk about the most common malfunctions, they mostly concern equipment that was purchased used.
Speaking about typical malfunctions, first of all, we note the fact that in models with a 2-stroke engine, spark plugs often fail - they become damp at low engine speeds. For this reason, experts advise buying high-quality components and under no circumstances trying to install automotive parts on a snowmobile.
If you use your machine too much on ice, the plastic track guides can wear out prematurely. 4-stroke engines are afraid of overheating - this must be taken into account during operation of the equipment.
Yamaha RS Venture GT
Yamaha RS Venture GT
Yamaha RS Venture GT
The sports-universal direction is represented by two models: RX Warrior GT and FX Nytro X-TX. Frankly, at first it seemed strange that the Warrior received a “sports category”: the hood protruding forward, the low steering wheel and the entire down-to-earth silhouette do not give it away as an athlete. But the fact that the device starts moving at four thousand revolutions was even more surprising. And when one hundred and fifty horses instantly rushed me off into the snowy distance, all doubts were immediately dispelled, and it became clear that such a formidable name was given to the snowmobile for a reason.
Sport is sport: the developers equipped the model with fully adjustable suspension. Moreover, it is convenient to adjust the compression and rebound parameters even while wearing gloves. The rear suspension of the Ohlins Mono Shock EC 136 is equipped with one (as the name suggests) shock absorber of the famous brand. Moreover, to set it up you don’t even have to get up from the seat - the adjustment is electronic.
Yamaha Nytro X-TX
Yamaha Nytro X-TX
Yamaha Nytro X-TX
After test rides on the Warrior, I discovered two shortcomings - a low handlebar and small hooks on the track. Drivers over 175 cm tall will have to change the steering wheel or buy spacers, otherwise active driving will not be enjoyable. With the caterpillar, not everything is so simple. The engine’s power and speed are enough to “push” on almost any surface, and “under gas” the track works quite satisfactorily, and taking corners with a skid is a pleasure. But when it comes to braking, you feel the lack of a couple of centimeters on the holds with every muscle of the fifth point of support.
Nytro X-TX is “sportier” than Warrior. In fact, this is a “civilian” version of the R-TX SE. The Dual Shock CK 144 rear suspension, modified compared to the R-TX, allows you to fool around not only on the cross-country track, but also beyond it, and there is a whole bunch of natural obstacles - both shallow virgin soil and ravines. This is much more interesting than just sports equipment.
Like the R-TX, both utility sleds feature rollers with replaceable bearings and upgraded heated grips.
Yamaha Nytro X-TX VK 540 III EU (Limited Edition)
Yamaha Nytro X-TX VK 540 III EU (Limited Edition)
Yamaha Nytro X-TX VK 540 III EU (Limited Edition)
The second largest group of sports equipment for deep snow is opened by the lightest four-stroke Phazer MTX. Compared to last year's model, the rear suspension has mainly been changed: in addition to a radically modernized central link, the entire Pro Mountain structure has been strengthened. The front suspension is now equipped with shock absorbers that are more resistant to breakdowns. And orange appeared in the color scheme.
With minimal upgrades, the new RX-1 MTX arrives in 2010 with wider skis. The changes boil down to new tracks with replaceable bearings, a strap on the handlebars, new heated grips and a new coloring.
But the new FX Nytro M-TX SE 162 is of much greater interest. Compared to the SE153, there are innovations in almost every component and assembly. The tunnel was lightened and narrowed, giving it platforms with large openings for snow evacuation. Now it’s much more convenient to “sand” along the side of a mountain or ravine! The FXG2 front suspension now features a new geometry based on deep snow and mountain use. Widened track, lack of anti-roll bar - about ten changes can be found in its front part. After all the modifications, the front end “lost” more than one and a half kilograms. The new FOX Float 2 shock absorbers are designed specifically for this model. They are also 1.36kg lighter than those found on the predecessor SE153. In addition, they now have a larger air chamber and aluminum pistons.
New RR: feel like a real racer
Do you want a real racing snowmobile, not a replica? For the 2018 model year, the ZR 6000R XC racer is available to us mere mortals. This is the kind of snowmobile that the invincible Zach Herfindahl rides in the USXC cross-country championship.
Features include FOX ZERO QS3 shock absorbers with Kashima coating, 7-position rear suspension, LED headlight, Cobra track and a reinforced chassis.
Yamaha FX Nytro R-TX
Yamaha FX Nytro R-TX
Yamaha FX Nytro R-TX
The Pro Mountain Air rear suspension has also undergone no less changes. It has been redesigned taking into account the fact that the snowmobile will be used in deep snow, mountains and on slopes. The angle of attack* has been reduced from 24º to 18º, and the overall design has been lighter by more than 6 kg. Together with the FOX company, the Japanese concern has developed new shock absorbers - these are Float 2, which is installed instead of the previous central one, and Float 2 XV instead of the rear one.
The pride of Yamaha is the new Camoplast Maverick track used on the M-TX SE 162. Its peculiarity is that it is solid. At the same time, the strength of the new single layer is the same as that of the three previous ones! The height of the hooks is also shocking: 76.2 mm. As is the length of the track - over four meters! And what’s most interesting is that with such an increase in size compared to the track from last year’s model (it is 23 cm shorter), the new one is not an ounce heavier. So high-tech!
What did all these innovations lead to in practice? Thanks to the new front suspension geometry, the snowmobile performs amazingly in deep snow. It is now very stable on bumpy and uneven roads and in corners, and “burning for all your money” on it is simply an indescribable pleasure - the device is stable even at high speeds. Thanks to the new rear suspension and track - it’s almost impossible to get buried in deep snow. Compared to last year’s model, the new “one hundred and sixty-two” has shed almost ten kilograms with a much larger track area. According to the creators, when driving up a steep mountain, the new M-TX climbs 10–12 lengths higher than its predecessor.
Progress of the M series
Over the past three years, mountain snowmobiles have gradually improved. And so, in the 2021 model year, the “mountainers” lost from 4.5 to 7 kg of weight (depending on the model). Let's list the modifications that made it possible to reduce weight:
- The body panels are 7.5 cm narrower (450 grams of weight savings).
- Hollow driven shaft (1.5 kg savings).
- Lightweight aluminum drive shaft (1 kg savings).
- The fuel tank is 2.25 kg lighter.
- The lightweight brake system saved another 450 grams.
Now about the modifications that did not affect the weight, but are no less important:
— The driveshaft was placed 2.5 cm lower and shifted 1.9 cm back. This travel makes it possible to use a three-inch lug track as well as an 8-tooth sprocket. The result is better stability and faster climbing on snowy slopes.
— The footpegs are 2.5 cm narrower, which gives more room for maneuver when turning.
— The revised shape of the footpegs allows the rider to move their legs 5 cm forward.
The Mounting Cat was the lightest M Series sled for 2021 and sheds another 7.5kg in 2021.
Over the past few years, the Americans from Arctic Cat have managed to make progress. According to media reviews of the M 8000 SNO PRO, which went on sale in February, these mountain snowmobiles are definitely no worse and even better than any other mountain snowmobiles. The M-Series mountain sleds now weigh the same as BRP's Summit Series and are just a few pounds heavier than Polaris' RMK sleds, yet they don't break apart on hard landings or in contact with trees.
Yamaha Phazer M-TX
Yamaha Phazer M-TX
Yamaha Phazer M-TX
Touring snowmobiles are represented by two modifications of the Venture model. Both are equipped with a 120-horsepower Genesis 120FI engine. The TF version differs from the sportier GT by having a “breakable” suspension, which gives an advantage on deep snow and uneven tracks. Powerful, comfortable, roomy - all these qualities invite you to strap down your luggage, seat a passenger and rush somewhere closer to nature, away from the bustle of the city. Behind the wide and high windshield, it’s like hiding behind a stone wall from the cold wind that cuts through. This is a real GoldWing among the presented models. It’s just that you have to be extremely careful when turning on the Venture—due to its high center of gravity, it tends to tip outward.
The galaxy of utilitarian and multi-purpose snowmobiles is crowned by the RS Viking Professional. This is a luxury tractor, equipped with a powerful and very reliable carburetor engine. The transmission has a reduction gear, and the “breakable” rear suspension with a wide track will pull you out of any snow.
Next in the range is Venture MP (from the phrase Multi Purpose - multi-purpose). Equipped with a simple, economical and reliable engine, a high windshield, a removable passenger seat and a large trunk. A good recreational snowmobile that will help with housework if necessary. It differs from the previous model in the updated design of the rear suspension, in particular, its central link has been strengthened.
Pantera 6000
In the 2021 model year, Americans expanded the Pantera family of touring snowmobiles with the 6000 C-TEC2 engine. Let us remember that previously this line included models 3000 and 7000.
We also note that the Pantera 6000 is equipped with a removable passenger seat with backrest adjustment and heated grips, a massive rear luggage compartment, LED headlights and an efficient windshield. This snowmobile will be just right for those who find the Pantera 7000 XT Limited too big. Engine 125 hp will allow you to move quickly, and a bunch of additional comfort options will make any journey not tiresome.
Yamaha BR250T
Yamaha BR250T
Yamaha BR250T
This concludes the range of four-stroke snowmobiles from Yamaha. The honor of two-strokes is defended by the outrageously simple BR250T. When you look at it, a kind smile naturally arises: does it really even drive? But somehow, having got behind the wheel (with a height of 184 cm, this is not so easy), I was convinced that he was driving, and very well. Thanks to its low weight, low center of gravity and long track, the “baby” climbs decently on virgin soil, while surprising with its maneuverability - you just need to hang down more. Equipped with a large trunk and a tow hook, the BR will also be useful on the farm.
The best-selling snowmobile in Russia, the VK 540 III, comes to the aid of the “four” in the fight for honor. This model incorporates many incompatible qualities. It is equally suitable for work, for entertainment, for hunting and fishing, and for transporting goods. The snowmobile is equipped with a simple and unpretentious two-stroke engine and a reliable two-speed transmission tuned for traction. And for very reasonable money. The popularity of this time-tested device is not surprising.
Having sat behind the wheel of the “Viking”, as it is called (by the way, this is not easy with my height, although it is much easier than on the 250), I was surprised by its all-accessibility. Emboldened by the capabilities of the technology and the space around me, I didn’t just climb onto the virgin soil, which reached a depth “waist-deep”, but drove, so to speak, “by compass”, not embarrassed by the bushes sticking out from under the snow and driving around only trees. The Vi-Kay's cross-country ability in fresh snow is simply amazing - like a tank.
Not only is the VK 540 III the most popular model in Russia, our country is the main market for this model. And especially for the Russian market, Yamaha has prepared a version with the EU index (Limited Edition). “Ours” differs from the publicly available one in its coloring: except for the lower part of the hood and the front part of the seat, the entire snowmobile is painted white. In addition, it is equipped with mirrors, a tachometer and a towbar. I am sure that due to its invisibility in the winter forest, this version will become popular among hunters, gamekeepers and, unfortunately, poachers.
Updated body design
Yes, this is great, because the new body looks even more interesting and beautiful. But the real beauty lies in the quick and easy access to the side panels and hood, and the improved airflow. These are the details that are usually unnoticeable, but they make the snowmobile much better.
The new body will be standard on all 6000/8000/9000 series models.
Yamaha
After a full day on various snowmobiles, it seemed to me that Yamaha was preparing not only for the new snow season, but also for the ice age that, according to the movie “The Day After Tomorrow,” will definitely come as a result of global warming.
Thank you for your help in organizing and conducting tests.
*Recommended retail price as of early October 2009.
Heading North: Yamaha Snowmobile Lineup
C-TEC2 8000
In a preliminary announcement for the 2021 model year, Arctic Cat has already talked about its new engine. The 8000 series engines were developed by Americans and will be produced in the cats’ own production. The engine with two-stage injection replaced the power unit from Suzuki.
According to Arctic Cat, the new engine provides better mid- and low-speed performance and also has lower oil consumption. Here's the data for those who like hard numbers: the new engine showed a 36 percent increase in torque at low speeds (less than 5,000 rpm), an 18 percent increase in the mid-range (5,000-6,000 rpm) and a 30 percent reduction in oil consumption at rpm below 7000.
