Could we call it a return to the track?! Many people were wondering about the year 2019 at Yamaha: very few models, few new products. It was a year of transition, which will certainly have allowed many dealers to sell off their inventory of models from previous years. In any case, Yamaha is coming back in 2020 with a few new models, some of which were expected, but also a big surprise…
Transporter 600
What a great surprise for the new season! A new hybrid model between work and ride, but most surprisingly, a return to the two-stroke… The complicity with the Arctic Cat company continues; this new engine is actually the 600 CC C-TEC2, which has been on the market since 2014. This engine has the intake and exhaust on the same side, which allows it to be as close to the center of the snowmobile as possible. The engine design was developed with longevity in mind; the entire lubrication system is optimized to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining an excellent level of protection. At the intake, there are 47 mm throttle bodies, followed by V-Force intake valves.
On the lubrication side, a very precise electronic oil pump that optimizes consumption according to the revolution, about 150 per 1 at idle, and 50 per 1 at full throttle, for an average of about 80 per 1. Another surprise is the Team clutch pulley, the Rapid Response II on the primary (clutch) side, with a ball bearing on the shaft that keeps the belt tight for easy starts, and the Rapid Reaction BOSS on the driven pulley side, with no deflection adjustment, for easier starts and longer belt life. Designed for a mix of powder, touring and work, standard features include: mountain seat and handlebars, handlebar storage bag, luggage rack, high windshield and a 51.9 liter fuel tank.
The GT models, performance touring!
Three versions will be available for 2020, two solo models, and one two-seater! On the solo side, there are two versions: the Sidewinder L-TX GT and the SRViper L-TX GT, with only one difference between the two: the engine. On the Sidewinder side, we find, as usual, the high-performance turbocharged 998 CC that easily offers more than 200 horsepower, while the SRViper is equipped with the Genesis 1049 CC three-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. The latter benefits from a small change in the calibration of the control module, which manages fuel intake and ignition timing. According to Yamaha’s engineers, this increases power at mid and high rpm. In addition, both versions benefit from the new ARCS front suspension, discussed later in this article. The best news certainly comes from the Sidewinder S-TX GT, which has been given a two-seater touring vocation! We’ve been asking for it for a long time, a true two-seater snowmobile with the powerful 998 turbo, well equipped for two-up touring. Designed for long distance riding, it features a two-seater seat with hand guards and heated passenger handles, a windshield offering good protection, a large waterproof rear storage box, and heated rider and passenger seats with a switch on the dashboard for the rider and on one of the passenger seat handles for the passenger. Well adapted to today’s reality, we find an electric visor plug combined with a second plug for accessories, all at the passenger seat handles. We thought long ride, adding an additional 15 liters fuel tank that increases the total capacity to almost 50 liters!
Suspension avant ARCS (Advance Roll Center Suspension)
With a completely redesigned suspension, there is a new forged pivot arm, which is higher than the previous version and stronger. The lower suspension arm has been raised to the pivot arm by 1.5 inches, providing more clearance and less restriction on the snow. This change increases the pressure of the skis on the ground, which gives it more bite in turns. The upper A-arm is now adjustable to change the camber angle and is thinner. This new geometry, which brings the center of gravity closer to the center of roll, aims to optimize performance and stability in turns.
SRViper Panels and Hood
The entire SRVipers range is migrating to the new Gen 2 skin, introduced in 2017 on the Sidewinder. Sleeker lines, and most importantly much easier to use, who hasn’t said a few swear words while reassembling the old panels…? Thank you!
SRViper handlebar and brake controls
As expected, the SRVipers get the new control buttons for 2020. Expected by some, the new heated grip and thumb buttons allow for more adjustability, as well as a new emergency stop button and a much easier to use reverse button. Continuing the legacy of the Sidewinders, the 2020 SRViper series now features the new Stealth brake master cylinder, which is more ergonomic and requires less effort from the rider.
Reinforced footboards
The Sidewinder X-TX are equipped with reinforced running boards, with an additional external section that also offers a better grip to the rider.
New Versattak suspension
Yamaha introduces a new suspension in the hybrid class, the 146-inch Versattak! The front arm is inspired by mountain suspensions, while the rear uses a longer QS3 shock and a traction rod parallel to the lighter single shock. There is a new shock pivot paired with the front arm to allow for a smooth weight transfer. In case of lack of snow or icy conditions, snow scrapers are standard to keep the slides well lubricated and cool.
Back in the lineup
Deux joueurs importants sont de retour dans l’alignement de Yamaha pour 2020, la bête de travail VK Professionnel II EPS revient avec le moteur Genesis à 4 temps, la servodirection électrique, des rétroviseurs de série et un grand porte-bagage.
For the two-up trail, the RS Venture TF makes its return in 2020. Genesis 1049 CC four-stroke engine, electronic throttle control system with three riding modes, S (Sport), T (Touring) and the third E (Entry) that limits acceleration and top speed.
While Yamaha remains conservative, 2020 will see the return of a two-stroke engine, and the creation of a high-performance two-seater in the Sidewinder X-TX GT. Is the transitional year that Yamaha experienced in 2019 now a thing of the past? We hope so!
