As usual, Yamaha continues to be conservative in its approach, but we have to admit that they are revising their vision in the face of the market evolution… 2021 Yamaha New Products. The year 2021 concretizes more than ever the partnership agreement with Arctic Cat, where we can perceive more and more the American touch in their products and the opposite is also true…
It’s hard to describe the 2021 Yamaha range, it always seems to be the same thing year after year, we’re moving forward, but at a snail’s pace. The last big novelty at Yamaha goes back to the release of the 1000 cc turbo compressor. We hope for another big hit in 2022…
In the meantime, what’s in store for 2021 at Yamaha? Some segments are affected by nice novelties, off-road enthusiasts and young fans will be pampered ! Yes, Yamaha is coming back with two-stroke engines, but it’s worth mentioning that the Japanese company didn’t completely eliminate two-strokes from its lineup. The VK540, for example, is still powered by a two-stroke engine, as is the Transporter 600, introduced two years ago. A snowmobile produced by Arctic Cat with Yamaha specifications including a stamped two-stroke engine made in the USA.
For the new season, Yamaha is offering its customers six new two-stroke models, all with Arctic Cat engine, suspension, chassis, clutch and calibration. Previously, Yamaha kept the calibration and clutch part, but now, all two-strokes are equipped with the same clutches and calibrations, from Minnesota… However, the construction remains according to Japanese specifications.
Mountain
Here is the interesting part for off-trail enthusiasts who have a blue heart… An off-trail snowmobile should have in its pedigree power and lightness. For a few years now, there has been no doubt about the power, it was there. The turbocharged 1000cc produced over 200 horsepower, but the maneuverability suffered greatly because of the higher weight of a four-stroke engine.
Yamaha’s snowmobile division is very small compared to all the other products the company sells. And for the past few years, Yamaha has been using their engines in several markets, whether it be motorcycles, personal watercraft, etc. Their four-stroke engines can be found in many disciplines. What is worth thinking about is certainly the development costs up to the production of one or two two-stroke engines for a small quantity sold… It is certainly more economical to go with a product that is ready, whose proof is no longer to be made… And this is the direction that Yamaha has chosen: here is the Mountain Max LE 2021 range!
Mountain Max LE
800 CC two-stroke
A partnership with Arctic Cat, the mountain workhorse is powered by a U.S.-built, semi-direct-injected 800 CC two-stroke. This engine, which has been proven for a few years, has an intake and exhaust configuration on the same side, which allows it to be positioned lower and further back in the chassis, resulting in a better center of gravity. The injection system is called semi-direct, which means that the injector is positioned directly in the cylinder transfer port or channel and not in the base of the engine like a traditional fuel injection system. Such a system provides a more precise air/fuel mixture for faster throttle response and more accurate injection. The air intake of this engine is more conventional and takes place in the base of the engine via VForce style poppet valves. Oil is also injected into the base of the engine to ensure proper lubrication of the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons.
Single Beam Suspension
The mountain suspension, renamed Single Beam Suspension introduced this year, is actually the Alpha One suspension found at AC. The shocks are Fox Premium 1.5 Zero QS3 front and center, while the rear shock is the same version, but lockable, the QS3L. These quick and easy to adjust shocks have three positions that allow for varying resistance to sag. Two versions are available, 154″ or 165″, both with a 15″ wide track. The 154 version features a 2.60 inch track stud height while the 165 version will offer superior traction with 3 inch studs.
Beginner and teenager… Venom!
Yamaha has always been a pioneer in the children’s category to introduce our young people to snowmobiling. Remember the Snow-Scoot in 1988, which delighted thousands of young enthusiasts? The Venom is a snowmobile designed for our teenagers or those who are new to the sport. The engine is a 400 CC two-stroke single-cylinder, equipped with an exhaust valve and a poppet valve intake. This engine, signed Arctic Cat, is equipped with a balancer on the crankshaft to reduce vibration, and an injector directly in the cylinder transfer port. Oil is injected directly into the base of the engine to lubricate the crankshaft and connecting rod bearings. This newcomer develops 65 horsepower with a calibrated pipe equipped with a sensor to perfect the calibration of the injection. The clutch pulleys are made by CVTech, a Quebec company! Three entry-level models will be available for 2021: SX Venom, Transporter Lite and SX VENOM Mountain.
SX Venom
The SX Venom is the entry-level trail sled! It has all the attributes of a full-size snowmobile, with full equipment for great riding. Standard features include heated grips and thumb, electric start, electronic reverse, 14″ wide by 121″ long Hacksaw track with 1″ studs. The front suspension features wishbones with hydraulic shocks and 7.2 inches of travel. In the rear, the Dual Shock SX 121 offers 10.7 inches of travel, and comfort is provided by two twin-tube hydraulic shocks. The Venom’s ride is handled by single-keel skis with a single rail. This is definitely a point of improvement, because with this kind of rail, there is a lot of wobble, which is unsafe for novice riders.
Transporter Lite
Here is certainly a vehicle that will attract the curiosity of those who do a little work with their snowmobiles. The Transport Lite is equipped with a good Challenger track of 15 x 144 with 2 inch studs. With its light weight, this snowmobile will be of great service on the farm or ranch. The Flip-up rear suspension provides plenty of traction when needed, or less for more agility on the trail. With its luggage rack and high windshield, it becomes an indispensable tool for both work and play!
SX VENOM Mountain
It’s hard to find an entry-level snowmobile in the snowmobile world, but now you can with the Sx Venom Mountain. It’s the same size as its two siblings, but it really has all the attributes of a full-size off-road snowmobile. Up front are Yamaha mountain skis with wishbone suspension, and in back is the mountain monorail with dual hydraulic shocks for a total of 12 inches of travel. When you think of mountains, you think of a lot of traction on the track. This part is provided by Camoplast with its 15 X 144 Chalenger with 2 inches of studs. Designed specifically to be used with the monorail, the openings are placed in the center of the track, allowing the cooling of the slides.
