When you need to prioritize first tracks in fresh backcountry snow, you need the 2021 Yamaha Sidewinder B-TX-LE. Armed with a 153-inch Power Claw track with 2.25-inch lugs, and Yamaha-branded mountain skis spaced 40 inches apart, the B-TX LE is just the thing to make your way through the deep snow. The top-of-the-line Fox® Zero QS3 amortos adjust easily and efficiently to conquer the roughest terrain. The brake cylinder and brake lever – both Stealth-branded – take care of slowing down the horses of the fearsome turbo engine with all the authority you need.
HIGHLIGHTS
The new one-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine is unmatched when it comes to the insane power delivery combined with the refined elements and quality you’ve come to expect from Yamaha. Built on an advanced turbocharged engine, every component of this engine – from its intake to its exhaust – is perfected to deliver performance without compromise. This Yamaha turbo has proven itself, earned the respect of the industry, and has a reputation as the best engine in the business. You’ll agree… the Sidewinder’s bite really does inject a powerful venom!
The limited-production B-TX gets a full set of premium Fox QS3 amortos. The front suspension houses two QS3 amortos wrapped in a coil spring, paired with a detached reservoir and featuring QS3 three-way damping adjusters. The front arm of the suspension frame has a 1.5-inch body QS3 shock, while the rear arm has a beefier 2-inch body shock and also a detached reservoir and QS3 damping adjuster to match the front. These shocks all boast FOX’s exclusive FIST (FOX Ice Scraper Technology) de-icing technology, speed sensitive damping and premium hard chrome coated rods with a T6 aluminum alloy body.
The 40-inch spread of the skis strikes the right balance between stability on the trail with virtuoso turning prowess, and off-piste maneuverability to carve your way through deep snow, allowing for quick lateral transitions at all times. These Yamaha-branded mountain skis are wide and uniquely keeled, and combine with the narrow spread to provide great off-trail agility and confidence on the trail.
The Rocky Mountain-born PowerClaw track, studded with 2.25-inch bars, offers the ultimate in off-road traction. This 153-inch-long track offers plenty of lift and ski lift to keep you going, but it’s not so long that it gets in the way of your maneuvering in rough, narrow terrain.
One of the switches on the left side of the dash allows you to change the heat intensity of the heated grips and the thumb warmer “on the fly”. A convenient rocker switch is used to select information on the dashboard, and the push-button reverse switch, also integrated into the left-hand grip, can be selected just as easily. On the right, the bald handle includes the ergonomic throttle and the self-contained emergency engine cut-off. The Hayes “Stealth” brake cylinder is paired with the composite brake lever to provide excellent modulation, feel and braking power.
PERFORMANCE
The caliper’s two pistons exert their braking force directly on the driveshaft and work in concert with the lightweight, open-worked brake disc with a corrugated rim. This brake disc, exclusive to the LE model, offloads 454 grams (1 pound) of centrifugal mass from the vehicle’s drivetrain, helping to transmit all of the Sidewinder’s available power to the snow. The Stealth master cylinder is paired with the Stealth composite shifter to provide excellent modulation, feel and ergonomic fingering.
The nickel alloy turbine housing is extremely strong and precise, well able to withstand high temperatures. The turbine’s Iconel® blades are supported by high quality ceramic ball bearings and are very light and strong. This results in a low moment of inertia, which in turn results in lightning-fast responses to exhaust gas data capture. Three inlet housings are used exclusively to further accelerate the delivery of compressed air from the turbine to the inlet valves.
The Mitsubishi MCE, developed by Yamaha, uses nine (9) sensors to collect data on operating conditions, using a predetermined memory configuration. Armed with this data, MCE adjusts ignition timing, fuel injection, intake manifold air pressure, and turbo boost pressure to reliably maximize engine performance under any circumstances.
Yamaha wanted an exceptionally responsive engine with little or no lag (lag is common in conventional turbo engines). Among the ways to achieve their goal was the development of an intake system with three separate throttle bodies positioned near the intake valves, rather than a single throttle body feeding long intake runners – this innovative design is unheard of anywhere else on the planet, and is a first for Yamaha with its Genesis turbo engine!
Unlike traditional pressure relief valves, the Yamaha Air Bypass Valve redirects air pressure to the “intake” side of the compressor to prevent pressure surges and maintain turbine speed, allowing the engine to be ready to respond brilliantly to the next acceleration and deliver sustained power.
Coolant is circulated through the turbocharger to control the temperature under the hood and help cool the intake air. Once the turbo engine is shut down, the convective energy from the superheated coolant in its cylinder head continues to flow without the need for the coolant pump to operate. This eliminates the need for a turbo engine cooling cycle, and ensures the durability of its components.
MANIABILITY
The long, specialized steering column is ergonomically ideal for standing up and running. The 5.5-inch lift flange combines with the wide, molded handlebars with curved tips for mountain riding and the integrated climbing strap to give you the leverage you need for off-road fun. The steering can be adjusted to fine-tune the steering and steering angles so you can maintain your ideal riding position.
The YSRC primary and secondary roller pulleys were designed with durability and light operation in mind. They efficiently transmit the impressive torque produced by the Genesis turbo engine to the track with minimal drive belt wear. The primary pulley engages aggressively to utilize the full power available, while the second roller pulley reacts quickly to downshifting and provides extra ratio through its large pulleys to continue accelerating long after the others have dropped out.
In deep snow, the streamlined, ultra-compact SRV-M front suspension reduces annoying drag from spindles and suspension components. Narrow ski spacing allows for extreme maneuvers and bold lean angles so daredevil snowmobilers can push their limits on cross-country and powder turns. Lightweight, forged-aluminum stub axles combine with generously curved upper and lower delta arms to provide a wide casting angle that’s ideal for sidecountry riding and easy steering. The narrow ski spacing and lack of sway bars greatly enhance the snowmobile’s agility in deep snow.
The SRV-M chassis uses a triangulated support structure and lightweight aluminum to create a snowmobile that can maintain a neutral balance centered on the rider. The pyramid-shaped top of the frame gives the chassis strength without making it heavy.
CONFORT
The Sidewinder’s two-piece mountain track housing is very durable for long rides, and its tapered shape is ideal for enhancing leg comfort and improving overall riding position. Sharp serrations are cut into the reinforced footboards to keep snow out and the rider’s feet planted firmly and confidently.
Lightweight and with a high yet narrow profile, the B-TX mountain seat is shorter and more tapered in the front than our standard trail seat. It makes it easier for the rider to move sideways and improves the ergonomics of stand-up riding.
The myriad of easy-to-read digital gauges display a variety of critical information. Speed, fuel level, distance traveled, tachometer data, altitude, temperatures and more are just a glance away. Switching functions is now a breeze using the controls on the left handle. There’s even a clock so you can extend the fun to the last minute!
Switching from forward to reverse? Child’s play with the convenient thumb switch. A servomotor shifts the transmission into reverse simply and consistently. A buzzer sounds as a reminder that reverse gear is engaged.
A handy bag under the seat provides additional storage. Semi-rigid, easy to access and water resistant, it keeps your essentials safe and dry. Easy-to-release quarter-turn fasteners make it easy to remove.
Find out more about these models by visiting Yamaha-motor.ca
